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Post by lemboforprez on Sept 8, 2015 18:48:45 GMT -6
Ah, we were at that bowl game. Brother and I were the first ones to the tailgate lot. Seeing them put together an amazing season tempered that loss, that and the fun atmosphere of that town. Pic of my wife and I in front of our hotel imgur.com/TR0cEfz
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Post by rmcalhoun on Sept 8, 2015 21:03:49 GMT -6
They always so you improve the most week 1 to week 2 but Im throwing this game out. More interested to see what we look like at eastern
prediction A%M as much as they want BSU 10
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Post by Alan on Sept 9, 2015 8:12:51 GMT -6
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Post by Bigfoot on Sept 9, 2015 8:39:24 GMT -6
Saturdays game is a great opportunity for the team, program and Ball State University as a whole.
Great opportunity has its risks and we all know what a blow out on national TV could do to our image - enough said. I view this game as a "golden opportunity" where Ball State University can win either on the field of play and/or the realm of public opinion/national image.
I think we will put our "best foot" forward and that will earn us respect and if the ball bounces our way and we play to our utmost capability maybe even a victory!
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Post by lemboforprez on Sept 9, 2015 10:00:53 GMT -6
If we walk away from this game without a 50-0 blow out and instead keep it competitive, clean and leave healthy this game will do more for BSU's image than the rest of our season (with the exception of NW). ESPN has Texas A&M on the highest of pedestals, due to their ability to sack QBs. In this match up I can't put into words how glad I am we'll have a veteran O-line out there, we'll need it.
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Post by cardfan on Sept 9, 2015 10:25:15 GMT -6
We'll need to run a lot of counters and delays to slow down their rush, but I'm not sure those are in our playbook
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Post by Alan on Sept 9, 2015 11:30:33 GMT -6
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nufan
Cardinal Recruit
Posts: 36
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Post by nufan on Sept 9, 2015 14:34:06 GMT -6
I have concerns about this game. My main concern is for the health of the team. Texas A&M and teams at this elite level have position players that physically challenge ( to say the least) our guys. I fear us losing players/ starters to injury, that will jeopardize our season. I understand the thrill of the challenge playing an elite team etc., the exposure, the money but it could come at a price. I don't think this game is as meaningful as playing NW or similar teams. Playing NW, we have a chance to win. We still get plenty of exposure particularly in the midwest where it counts. We recruit the midwest and Chicago area heavily. We don't recruit Texas. We can still be on network TV and cash a check. I hate to say it but we have almost zero chance of winning this game. There is a chance it could ultimately affect our bowl chances. Too many negatives for. That said, I hope we play great, show well and come out of this healthy. Wish I could be there.
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Post by cardfan on Sept 9, 2015 14:49:12 GMT -6
Agree with all that. I can see them not using d green much given his size vs A$M's. We got pummeled by Oklahoma physically and emotionally. Result was a humiliating score, several injuries, and a horrible effort the next week against Temple. We can't afford to go up to emu beaten up and dispirited.
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Post by Bigfoot on Sept 9, 2015 20:15:35 GMT -6
If we can't relish games like this and folks are worrying about getting hurt then we should drop down to a lower level. Don't be so quick to sell our guys short on their physical prowess. You could have said the same thing about Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska, Virginia, Iowa, Clemson games etc. etc.!
Injuries happen and can come when least expected, like coming out onto the field which happened to us before, in practice or in the dorm or apartment.
Athletes we recruit came here in part for these opportunities to play in a tough conference and also play some of the nations perennial powers.
I can tell you, our guys aren't thinking this way and those that went before them did not either. We are a "major college" football team and that is where we should have our mind set.
Did any of you watch Oklahoma State vs CMU or better yet WMU vs #5 Michigan State last week? Both those games were very competitive and barring an out of character rash of penalties and turnovers we will be competitive as well. Look who our MAC brethren are playing out of conference this week and next. This game is definitely "in line" with who we should schedule collectively as a league and what other G5 schools are doing as well.
"RESPECT ALL BUT FEAR NONE"
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Post by rmcalhoun on Sept 9, 2015 20:27:00 GMT -6
Bigfoot I hope everything your saying is spot on and we go out there and play with them the whole game. I just can see it happening with this team at this point in time.
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Post by Bigfoot on Sept 9, 2015 20:49:03 GMT -6
Bigfoot I hope everything your saying is spot on and we go out there and play with them the whole game. I just can see it happening with this team at this point in time. It is why games are played and not decided any other way. I am not saying we may not get our butts kicked but many a team over the years with as much or even considerably more talent than we might have at this moment have gotten their butts kicked as well. It happens and not just to G5 teams (remember ND vs Alabama for the national title among many others). Regardless of the outcome of this game the season lies ahead of us and EMU is next up after Texas A&M and we will be ready for the Eagles! Playing smart, error free and fundamentally sound football is a significant equalizer when facing an athletically advantaged opponent. Make the Aggies earn every point, avoid explosive plays against us and bring our "A" game and these Cardinals will make us proud. We have done it many times before and can do it again. I have great faith in our veteran O-Line and that is where it all starts in my opinion!
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Post by rmcalhoun on Sept 9, 2015 21:29:18 GMT -6
Like I said I hope your right and Yea we have all seen our share of upsets it happens every week. Anything is possible and you have listed what needs to happen for us to have a chance and your correct. I just think we could still play a perfect game and lose by 20 the matchups just are not there. Our O line is a strength of this team but they are lining up against an All American d linemen who could be the overall number 1 pick in next years draft. A ranked Arizona State tried to double him and that let the other end rack up 4 sacks last week. One thing we have going for us is A&m's pass defense was not good last year but if we try to continually throw 10 yard passes and rely on our receivers to do the rest A&M has the speed to take that away. We are going to have find a way to get the ball downfield to loosen them up. Hopefully Im wrong but all I want to see is us get out of there without any major injuries and get up to eastern and kick the crap out of them
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86bvag
Cardinal Recruit
Posts: 2
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Post by 86bvag on Sept 10, 2015 11:38:37 GMT -6
Howdy Ball State fans! Greetings from the Lone Star State and Aggieland...Home of the 12th Man. Lots of festivities this weekend...starting Friday afternoon and running all the way through Sunday. Free concert, tours of newly renovated Kyle Field...the largest college stadium now in Texas. Yell Practice...Northgate...fireworks display friendly fans...large tailgate scene...wear your colors and folks will treat you well. Enjoy all you can..you might want to visit the A&M athletic website for official info...12thman.com Our gameday experience is 2nd to none. Enjoy your stay...bring ponchos as umbrellas not allowed in the stadium...as it may rain. New food...more concessions...better cellphone coverage...more ladies restrooms...the new stadium should be a nice experience for you. Gig 'em Aggies. Welcome to Ball State fans again....and Howdy again.
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Post by cardfan on Sept 10, 2015 11:46:29 GMT -6
You guys really know how to do football down there!
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