Trojanman

No matter who the new coach is, I think you guys really need to keep the Green Team thing going. Everyone is always looking for a tradition they can call their own. I think you guys found it.

Wow, what a day for my Mean Green friends. I know several of you guys have wanted this for a while so congrats to you. I think speculation on "who's going to be the next coach" is about the most fun and exciting time on any message board (except for maybe signing day for recruits). Just to get your wheels turning, here's my theory on hiring coaches for D1A schools. To me, there's only one big rule for us "mid-major" programs: Hire a coach that is coaching or has coached in Division 1A. Doesn't have to have been a head coach. No high school guys, no lower divsion folks, no NFL types (Pete Carrol, Charlie Weiss, Dave Wannstead, Nick Sabein, etc ain't comin.) To me, there are 3 choices. Go Young, Go Old, or Go Ugly. Go Young: Look for an up and coming co-ordinator or posistion coach at a current "power six" conference school. Focus equally on who his head coaches were and how the group he is in charge of is producing. Also, take a look at the list of the players that he personally has recruited/developed. Rewards: He's in the game. He could bring a recuit or two with him. He will bring enthusiasm and new ideas to the program. Will relate well to recruits. Risks: If he's good, he could be snatched up by a bigger program long before you're ready to let him go. He could flop, there maybe a reason he doesn't have a head coaching job. You have no record to go on as a head coach. A huge gamble, but if it pays off, your AD looks like a genius. If it doesn't, then you drop him in a couple of years and start over. Possible names: I haven't done much research on this one, but I'm sure you guys could come up with some young up and comers to give their first HC job to. My choice for UNT: Tyrone Nix, DC at South Carolina. Firey, great recruiter, and I'm sure he picked up SOMETHING for Jeff Bower and Steve Spurrier that he could bring to UNT. Go Old: An older, proven coach in retirement or semi-retirement that just can't stay away. It's just in their blood and they need one last challenge. We have an example of this in our own conference with Schnelly. UNLV did it with Robinson. You may have to dig a little and the offer would have to be just right (they'd probably want a lot of control and leeway). But you might snag one of the legends. Rewards: Proven track record. You know what you'll be getting. Instant respect and lots of free PR. Will probably turn the heads of some recruits' fathers who weren't considering UNT before, but because the recognize the name, they might give it a second look. These guys also know how to raise funds and deal with alumni. They can stare down their detractors and can get away with saying most anything to anyone. Risks: Their career is going to be a short one (4 to 5 years max) going in, but could be cut shorter by health risks or just plain giving it up. The game may have "passed them by" in some phases. They also are probably not going to want to go out and recruit very much. In all likelihood, they would intimidate school officials. Possible names: Someone mentioned R.C. Slocumb earlier and that is right on track with this category. Other names that may not be as far off as you think might include: Jim Donnan, Lou Holtz, Bill Curry, and Jackie Sherrell (although he might fall into the next category). I'm sure you guys could come up with several more. My choice: Gene Stallings. Former Alabama and Arizona Cardinal head coach. I hear him on the radio every week and he sounds like he still has the fire. Stallings is very intelligent and he is still very into the college game. If I'm not mistaken, I think he has some Texas ties as well. I could be totally off base, but I think he might be up for giving it one more run. Before Shula was hired at Bama, Stallings' name was seriously being considered. Go Ugly: I think you guys all know where I'm heading here. Good coaches with either shady pasts or who fell into some hard times at their last school. Of course we all know about Mike Price, but there are many, many examples of coaches who were at major programs who ended up at non-BCS schools (Frank Solich, Larry Eustache, George O'Leary etc...). Not just guys who made mistakes, but also guys who had a losing record for a year or two and got fired maybe a little too early. Rewards: Proven track record. You know the guy can win and recruit. He's been a head coach and he knows what to do. He's going to be extra hungry to win to show the people who let him go that they made a mistake. Instant name recognition. Also, it's highly likely that their contract was bought out for a significant amount of money so they may actually be in your price range. Risks: Could have some negative publicity surrounding him. There's always the chance that he could do again whatever it was that got him fired the first time. If he does have success, he could be looking to take the first train out to get back to "the big leagues". Possible names: I saw you guys mention Rick Neuhausel earlier in this thread and that's exactly the kind of guy you want to look for when going ugly. Not too many other ones have made off the field mistakes to get fired this year, but there are plenty of coaches who have had success who will probably get canned. Larry Coker, John Bunting, Chuck Amato, John L. Smith (at Louisville, not MSU), Mike Shula (probably next year on that one), Dennis Franchonie, The Iowa State coach who just quit today, etc. My choice for UNT: Another former Colorado coach: Gary Barnett. This guy was Big 10 and Big 12 coach of the year. Sure, he ran a wild zoo up there in Colorado and there maybe a few things that follow him around from that, but the man can coach. Why not take a gamble on this cat? Anyway, thanks for allowing me to post. Good luck on the coach search. The Belt isn't as fun when you guys are winning and posting happy thoughts. See you guys in basketball if we can get enough of our players healthy/elegible to make a team.

Troy goes down 35-20. 14-14 going into the 4th quarter. We just couldn't keep up. We had nothing left. And had two costly INTS which they scored on quick that made the difference. No answer for the mobile QB who kept putting daggers in our heart all game long. We never gave up, we just gave out.

GaTech scores again. up 28-14 about 9 mins left in game. Troy offense can't put 2 good plays together and move chains and Troy Defense is gased. Nothing left in the tank. Troy just doesn't have the depth to finish off these tough teams.

Troy gets screwed on replay. GaTech threw TD pass on 4th and goal that receiver may not have caught. Reviewed and "no indisputable evidence that he didn't catch it". Which means he may not have, but we don't have enough to overturn our buddies call on the field so we'll take the easy way out.

14-14 going into the 4th, but GaTech has ball on Troy 15, threatining to score. 2nd down. GTech QB Ball keeps moving the chains with his running ability. That's the only thing Troy hasn't found an answer for yet. Starting Linebacker and WR went down early in game for Troy. Going to miss rest of game. Playing lots of freshmen and rotating several players in and out to try to keep from wearing out and have something left in the tank. 4th and goal on the 1 for GaTech.

Troy takes opening kickoff of the second half, marches 80 yards and scores TD. 14-14 Troy/GTech

No! No! NO! He's ours! First we get Willie Williams and then Bomar. He's part of our package deal. You can't have him. We want him! Oh wait, Tennesee kicked some tight end off the team, we gotta go get him first, then we'll come back for Bomar. Stay away! We've got a good peanut field in Troy he can work at for $500 an hour.

Remember this guy? Share your thoughts Greenies... pros/cons? Canes LB Williams considers transfer to Troy University BY BARRY JACKSON bjackson@MiamiHerald.com Linebacker Willie Williams is in discussions with Troy University in Alabama about possibly transferring there after receiving permission from the University of Miami to do so, a Troy official said Friday night. Ricky Hazel, the sports information director for Troy, said the school is interested in Williams and that UM on Thursday told Troy it would release Williams from his Miami scholarship to play there. Hazel said Troy defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell has spoken with Williams and those discussions will continue. ''We're working on it,'' Hazel said. UM spokesman Rick Korch said Williams has not told UM where he will transfer, but that he has been given permission to transfer to Troy, which could give Williams a scholarship. Williams, who attended Miami Carol City High, could not be reached, but an associate said he has strong interest in transferring to Troy, barring a change of heart. He would be required to sit out this season, but would be eligible to play in 2007 and 2008. The NCAA has said Williams would need to apply for a waiver to play in 2009. Players typically must complete four seasons in five years, but because Williams missed the 2004 season with a knee injury, he would be permitted to apply for a waiver for 2009, the NCAA said. Williams still is on probation for 2004 charges that included setting off hotel fire extinguishers in Gainesville. He would need approval from a judge to transfer his probation to another jurisdiction. His attorney, Paul Lazarus, said last month that ``is usually a matter of routine.'' Troy (4-7 last season) plays in the Sun Belt Conference, which also includes Florida International and Florida Atlantic. Troy's schedule in 2007 includes a home game against Oklahoma State and road games at Georgia, Florida and LSU. UM would not permit Williams to transfer to any school on Miami's schedule in the next four years. That eliminated Louisville, which made an initial inquiry to UM. Williams also had interest in Fresno State, which said it is not interested. Williams, the nation's No. 1 linebacker recruit in 2004, wants to transfer for more playing time. Miami Herald sportswriter Susan Miller Degnan contributed to this report

Dodd (the writer) takes shots at the Sunbelt and it's schools all the time. This is nothing new for him. He often gets facts and figures wrong, especially when it's concerning anyone not in a power conference or Notre Dame. He represents the big guys and what is wrong with them in every single way. Dodd is a tool.

Oh yeah, and on the QB front... just wait til you get a load of Omar. Maybe not this year... but next year... oh boy.

Cattouse is actually listed as Troy's 4th string running back. A converted wide receiver (Josh Allen) is listed as first string. Sean Dawkins, last year's full back, will probably get most of the carries. RB in our new chuck and duck needs to be able to protect the QB first, catch second, and run third. Kenny has all that kind of backwards. He's a good back with some nice speed and did well in the spring game, but he has had trouble picking up the blitz and his hands are not the best. I apologize for the Troy homers for voting for "The Moose". But then again, maybe he'll be a pleasant surprise and have the breakout year we've been hoping he'd have since he was a freshman. Again MT folks, why no kick/punt returner spot on the poll? Could you UNT fans bring yourself not to vote for Quin and put the votes to Leodis (from Troy) or someone else?

Maybe I'm just a bit biased, but I still love the Troy play against Mizzou where the big lineman gets the ball and runs for the TD.

The entire upper deck of Legion Field has been condemed. The acutal capacity now is probably closer to 50K or less (I'm sure some derranged UAB fan will come on here and correct me if it's more, not like they'd ever use any more than the first 10K seats or so...) All efforts so far to build a dome or new stadium have met political roadblocks. The city has pretty much decided not to sink another dime into Legion Field (that was the last word on it). Birmingham just lost the World Cup Soccer event that it used to hold as well. To top it off, Legion field is in one of the most run-down and dangerous neighborhoods of any big city in America. Bham topped the century mark in murders last year and they are on pace to break that record. Nonetheless, I will strap on my bullet proof vest and go root for the Trojans when we play the University of Assault and Battery later on this Fall. Just like last time, Trojan fans will out number UAB fans, and just like last time in Bham, we'll win. I'll be happy to give a full report on the condition of the field. It's not safe to go down there without all of the lights on and several law enforcement around. I'm not kidding. I think I'll break off pieces of the stadium and sell them on E-Bay. Shouldn't be too hard. People will buy anything. Buy one piece of "historic" Legion Field and get a geniune bullet casing for free.

Funny how they forgot to mention a very easy solution to avoiding the high payouts: Play the smaller schools at their place for coming to your place! Just doesn't even seem to be an option for the Big East clowns, does it? I think all of us, "mid-majors" should take that stance. If we play at "insert big school here" with no return game, then it's minimum 2 mil. If we play 3 for 1, then the price drops to 1.5 mil, 2 for 1 is 1 mil and one for one, just cover travel expenses. Makes me sick. Ring em up!

Troy's spring practice starts Saturday, March the 4th and the T-Day game will be the next Saturday March the 11th. I assume they'll have practice time still remaining and will use it after the spring game. Blakeney likes to have the game early so he can have the rest of the practice time to work on stuff from the game. Good luck this year my Green friends. Let's all win some OOC games before we beat up on one another.

Actually, Troy and UALR share the mascot of "Trojans", so if the Indian names would have stayed the same and both of the Aggies would still be in the Belt, you'd have 6 teams with only three different mascots. In the SEC, Georgia and Miss State are both Bulldogs and LSU and Auburn are both Tigers. It happens. If you only have a year left to live, go to Monroe, LA because every day there is like an eternity.

Doo bee doo bee doo....

Needless to say, we're pumped. Lots of benefits with these two hires. No matter what happens, our offense can't be any worse than the last few years. Troy fans got a big Christmas present early. We're hoping to get a few more with some of the JUCO players we have hanging on. By the way, Happy Holidays to all of you guys (and gals) and your families. Here's to 2006 washing away all of the heartaches of last year.

Troy fires OC and O-Line coach... film at 11 http://www.troytrojans.com/index.php?s=&ur...hange_well_id=2

The "if we have 8 teams then the number 9 team will be upset because they didn't get in theory" doesn't hold much water with me. If you're the number 9 team then that means you've lost at least one and maybe two games. If you want to be in the playoffs, then don't lose. If you put yourself in a posisition to be screwed and then you get screwed, then ultimately, it is your own fault. I could really sympathize with Auburn and Utah last year. They did everything they were supposed to do, they beat everyone they played, but still had no shot at a national championship. That's where the only real unfairness of the whole BCS mess comes into play. When a team does all it can, but still doesn't get a chance to play for a championship, that's when you know you have a broken system. A lot of people are whining about Oregon not getting in. They had a chance. Just beat USC (if I recall, they were leading that game at one point). I don't feel sorry for any BCS that controls its own destiny and then gets hosed by the very system it created. As far as us "mid-majors" go, we'd have a set of criteria for making the playoffs as well, even if it's harder to get in than the BCS schools. Just make sure they set them ahead of time and don't change them. If they say you have to win all of your games and beat at least two teams in BCS conferences in the year, then so be it. We know what we have to do. But they darn well better not try to exclude us if we do what they requested. A chance, even though it is a small one, is all that people are asking for.

How about: Trojans can't stop the spread of Mean Green! if North Texas wins or: Mean Green stopped by Trojans if Troy wins Or Troy QB not sacked, Trojans give great protection against Mean Green. or Mean Green blitz too much for Trojan protection

Do you really think Latex would slow us Trojans down?

Oh, I almost forgot! To add insult to injury, SC put in the old dude (Frisby) at the end of the game and he caught a pass on us. He got in the game against us last year for the first (and only) time and this year he caught his first pass. Oldest college player to ever catch a pass or whatever. At least we'll forever be the answer to a trivia question.

Don't be mislead by the raw numbers my green friends. One of the touchdowns we had was courtesy of a 100 yard kick return by McKelvin (you know, the guy who keeps winning Sunbelt Special teams player of the week). The other TD and a good chunk of the yardage was against SC 2nd and third string late in the game. What is misleading with the final score is that SC scored 31 of their 45 points off of Troy turnovers. Troy lost 4 fumbles and had an INT. One of the fumbles was scooped up and returned directly for a TD. Another happened on their own 17 and was ran in for an SC TD. Two more turnovers happened in the SC red zone after Troy had long drives. The last TD SC had was on a 3rd and 18 hail mary from midfield where the Carolina receiver jumped over the Troy DB and came down with the ball. Their second string QB threw that one. We knocked Mitchell out of the game midway through the third. Troy closed the score to 24-13 in the middle of the third, got the ball back and drove and then had the two fumbles (one of them being the one that was returned for TD) and that was all she wrote. Until the middle of the third, our kick returner had outgained our offense like 100 and something yards to 80 something. Our game may be the weirdest one in college football history. Basically, we'll try to score by running back kickoffs and punts and we'll let you guys score by running back fumbles and INTs. Should be a barn burner. I'm taking the under.