In football news, I heard we had a scrimmage...

[engie]

Here's my question going into the Okie state game. Let's say we look good moving the ball on the ground and some of the short stuff. But TR is taking a few sacks and the intermediate routes just aren't working. So we basically look like we did in the bowl game - do we insert Dak and just see what happens?

If the ground game and some short stuff is working, why do we need to make a change? The only reason we needed to pull Tyler in the Gator Bowl was his mistakes -- not because he was failing to move the ball.

It's actually ideal for us to grind the pace of the game way down and keep their offense off the field. If our ground game is working like it should, and the short stuff is working, we'll play action them to death before when it gets late with that #112 pass defense...

[codeDawg]

Don't forget that Malcolm was out, as was Fred Ross, which I think will be two important parts of our offense this year if healthy. Joe Morrow better step his shit up, because apparently injury is the only thing that is going to keep Ross from stealing PT if he doesn't rise up

How long is Ross out? Doesn't he have a broken wrist? I'm no ortho, but that sounds awful.

I'm just hopeful our run blocking improves 20x over last year. There is nothing we can do about inexperience at WR, but the OL should be healthy and know what they are doing. Last year the injuries showed up in the running game.

The running game is going to have to create opportunities in the passing game, and the young guys are going to have to shine when it's time.

I am very happy with the reports about the D though. We should be able to hang around with anybody if these reports are accurate.

[engie]

I thought it was Fred Brown that was out with the wrist -- not Fred Ross... Am I wrong?

[CadaverDawg]

How long is Ross out? Doesn't he have a broken wrist? I'm no ortho, but that sounds awful.

I'm just hopeful our run blocking improves 20x over last year. There is nothing we can do about inexperience at WR, but the OL should be healthy and know what they are doing. Last year the injuries showed up in the running game.

The running game is going to have to create opportunities in the passing game, and the young guys are going to have to shine when it's time.

I am very happy with the reports about the D though. We should be able to hang around with anybody if these reports are accurate.

Fred Brown broke his wrist. I think Ross's injury was minor...a groin or something.

And yes, I agree about the Oline....unfortunately I think our running issues had more to do wi scheme than anything. When you run a spread option run, and your QB is no threat to run, it's pretty easy to key in on a 190 LB RB and take him down. Hopefully our changes like the under center look, will help the run game.

[Coach34]

our running game issues were more scheme related than OL-related.

[maroonmania]

I told you, Morrow is most likely the latest Great MSU Hype Machine Bust. He's tall and fast, but that's it. I haven't seen anything from him to make me think he's a football player.

The last time we signed a tall, rangy, athletic WR from the MS Gulf Coast it didn't go so well. Was hoping this time would be different but I'm getting the sinking feeling that maybe it won't be. Will reserve judgement though until I see what happens this year, he is still only a Sophomore.

[Ronny]

...every college football team in the nation claims their defense is ahead of the offense. And it's not bullshit; it's true.

Put it this way: What if you played defense & were tasked with learning around 12 defensive schemes, compared to an offensive player who is tasked with learning around 50 brand new plays? As well as having to polish up & remember all the old plays?

Which side do you think would be the side that can afford to go full bore every scrimmage & not worry about mistakes?

[War Machine Dawg]

I think so too, and I really hope so because he has the size to be a force. I also think the young guys competing for PT will really force Morrow to step up his game. I just haven't seen that aggressiveness from him the few times I've seen him. If you are that big, you have to go after the football like it's yours and nobody else's, but he plays a soft brand of WR from what I've seen so far.

You're seeing exactly what I am, Cadaver. Unless Gonzalez can fix Morrow's head, he'll never make an impact. He just doesn't fight for the ball or even acts like he wants it. No one denies the physical skills. But soft WRs don't make it in this league, and Morrow is soft.

[ShotgunDawg]

You're seeing exactly what I am, Cadaver. Unless Gonzalez can fix Morrow's head, he'll never make an impact. He just doesn't fight for the ball or even acts like he wants it. No one denies the physical skills. But soft WRs don't make it in this league, and Morrow is soft.

This is why I am excited about Wilson. Basketball players usually have the ability to go up and get the ball because they are so used to rebounding and rebounding and catching jump ball are very similar.

[Dawg61]

Somewhere Fred Ross doesn't appreciate you calling his groin "minor"**

[EnterpriseDawg]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Didn't Morrow come from a high school that mostly runs? So right there he is already at a disadvantage behind other WRs out of high school. Not to mention he hasn't had one position coach for more than one year. It's just taken him longer than most to find his way, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel. Also not sure how one bust of a receiver and one struggling receiver have anything to do with an entire area of the state?

[camsu]

I think Wilson will redshirt so Morrow has to step up. I think Billy will get it done with him, "glass half full" but with Lewis and Chappelle taking a lot of pressure off him he will see the light. It also seems like Russell worked with him all summer, so just surving that 1st hit in the OKS game and hanging onto the ball he moves forward

[HIGHDOG]

if ross doesn't get well soon, he's destined for a RS....1st post - nice board!!...tom

[Homedawg]

if ross doesn't get well soon, he's destined for a RS....1st post - nice board!!...tom

I don't think Ross has much of a chance to rs. Unless his injury lingers for 7-8 games. I think he and probably Wilson will play and the rest rs.

[bocfarm]

I'm just not sure on Morrow...everyone keeps saying "the light bulb just hasn't come one yet"

Beginning to wonder if there's one up there, we'll know early this season

[jumbo]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Didn't Morrow come from a high school that mostly runs? So right there he is already at a disadvantage behind other WRs out of high school. Not to mention he hasn't had one position coach for more than one year. It's just taken him longer than most to find his way, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel. Also not sure how one bust of a receiver and one struggling receiver have anything to do with an entire area of the state?

yes...his HS ran the wing T if I remember correctly

[Bothrops]

Ross should be good to go by the 31st. I think Wilson will play this year. I was looking forward to seeing Fred Brown. Does anyone know how long he may be out?

[Coach34]

Brown could be back by Auburn last I heard