Quote Originally Posted by Todd4State View Post
I believe that they do value hard work and will reward that over a guy that is a hard worker over a guy that is more talented that doesn't work as hard. And it is a very difficult situation for them when they have something like Perkins and Robinson. If that is "playing favorites" then yeah I think they do in certain cases. I do not believe that they do anything that they intend to not work or hurt the program.

As far as Cohen- I've pretty much railed Butch over the handing of the pitching staff- which was the downfall of our season IMO. I've also been critical of Cohen on some things as well- Frost, not recruiting power hitters that weren't draft risks, too many JUCO's etc.

At the same time, if Ben Howland doesn't start Malik Newman, are we just going to go along with that too? Or he is above questioning as well? Just give me a heads up. Since Malik doesn't have any college experience as well.

How many posters on here post information about things that they have heard through the grapevine or whatever? Do you really think that everyone that doles out info is hanging out with the coaches every day? Some sure, but probably most don't. So now all of a sudden I have to have a massive amount of information to have an opinion on something for it to be accepted?

I believe that I should be able to have an opinion and not be told that I have to be a coach at practice to validate that opinion.
It's not about you not having an opinion because you don't have coaching sources it's questioning how can you possibly make any type of an informed opinion without seeing them play at this level. Especially the freshman you are touting. We play freshman and at times play freshman significant minutes since Dan has been here. Do some programs play freshman more? Sure but some of that has to do with the raw product we bring in more so than other programs. Some of that does have to do with what is required for playing time. I hate to bring this up again but is almost the same issue brought up about Evans and James when they came in. A segment of the fan base kept hammering for not playing these talented players. And those fans were ignorant then and dead wrong. Saban plays freshman but he is also getting the cream of the polished crop as well. But when he had the #1 rated LB, Foster, and needed LB help he didn't play him significantly because he hadn't gotten it yet. The player had talent and talent over other guys but he sucked as a player until he grasped more things. Being talented and being a football player are different things. And most have been saying that even by the end of the year Peters or McLaurin or both very well may be playing significant minutes. Heck maybe we are saving them for LSU (doubt that seriously) but don't get upset when people call you out on an uninformed opinion when after 6 years Mullen's track record has proved that he is actually more correct that what the fans think about personnel.

I know you have hit on Cohen some but for a fair perspective from others, if you were nearly as critical of Cohen as you are of Mullen, then you very well be ready to search for a new coach. The rope you give Cohen is a good bit longer than you do for Mullen.

As far as Howland, first with his accomplishments if for what ever reason he comes out and Newman doesn't play I'll support that decision until proven wrong. But really basketball and football is totally different especially in personnel and being ready to play at this level much sooner. Not to mention the game itself can lead to playing a guy a lot on pure talent even if their basketball IQ is low. Safety, LB and OL don't necessarily lend themselves to just being able to play on pure talent. Corner, RB, WR are much easier positions that freshman can come in and be impactful.