Let's talk OSU football

[cannon_fodder]

I know more than most about college football, last year Troy lost to Florida state, Georgia Tech, nebraska, uab, and Arkansas State.  They beat Bama State, UL Monroe, North Texas, Fl- Atlantic, UL Lafayette, Mid Tenn state, Fl International and Rice.

Basically, they beat 6 or the 10 worst teams in Division I and a D-IAA school.  The teams they beat went 21/48 in Division 1.  

There was little indication that Troy would be good or that Okie State would be this bad.

[MichaelC]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

I know more than most about college football, last year Troy lost to Florida state, Georgia Tech, nebraska, uab, and Arkansas State.  They beat Bama State, UL Monroe, North Texas, Fl- Atlantic, UL Lafayette, Mid Tenn state, Fl International and Rice.

Basically, they beat 6 or the 10 worst teams in Division I and a D-IAA school.  The teams they beat went 21/48 in Division 1.  

There was little indication that Troy would be good or that Okie State would be this bad.

And yet, I, before they played OSU, threw up the warning flags.  You can't know what you don't know.  I knew, doesn't mean you did.

Troy is, and always has been, since they became division I, a potential giant killer.  They play a "tough by design" schedule to make more money.  Like UAB, or UCF, or USF, or even Fresno State.  These are lower tier schools that play the big boys, usually play them tough, and sometimes win.  

They gave Arkansas a hell of run, even though the score didn't reflect it much.  I was at that game, the only game I saw that day.  

The next week, Florida, big bad Florida, had Troy down 49-7 at half.  Game ended 59-31.

You want to watch a perennial underdog that has the potential to hang with and knock off the big guys, watch Troy.  They play hard, they play to the best of their abilities and their coaching, and they occassionally win.

And there was every indication that OSU was ripe for this one.  Especially with Reid injured against FAU, and their questionable at best defense (versus a freakish Troy offense).  Oh yes, OSU is in trouble, especially now.  

But then again, just because I knew, doesn't mean you did.

[cannon_fodder]

Anytime a school wins by 20+ I generally write off the final score.  It shows Troy can hang with their secondary that they came back in the second half.  Sorry if that fails to impress me and yes Troy plays a damn tough "pay the bills" schedule.

And while Troy looks to be a good football team, labeling them a giant killer after knocking off over hyped Okie State is probably a little much.  By the end of the season we will know if Troy is good, or Okie state is as bad as I fear.

and I'd also like to point out that most people share my reaction.  Generally being "wow, Oklahoma state sucks" as opposed to wow - Troy is amazing.  Perhaps they are all wrong, but to claim anyone who thinks otherwise is a "poser" and knows little about football is a bit of a stretch.  Perhaps they (we) do not know enough about Troy.

Anyway, Troy should skate for the next few weeks.  I did not realize you were a Trojan - best of luck in the Sun Belt.

[MichaelC]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

And while Troy looks to be a good football team, labeling them a giant killer after knocking off over hyped Okie State is probably a little much.  By the end of the season we will know if Troy is good, or Okie state is as bad as I fear.

There's no "after" about it.  I said that BEFORE  the damn game was played.  In this very thread.

And just because they can slay Goliath, doesn't mean they're any good otherwise.  Sad story, but true.  Happens all the time.  Which you would know, if you followed college football, instead of spewing stats.  

But, I follow way more teams than anyone I know.  I love college football, and all that entails.  Most people that claim to be college football fans, don't know Troy.  Most of them are like the OU fans that thought it would be a cakewalk playing Boise State.  

This week, Tulsa is a potential giant killer.  They may not beat OU, but they're capable of it.

[MichaelC]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Anyway, Troy should skate for the next few weeks.  I did not realize you were a Trojan - best of luck in the Sun Belt.

I'm not a Trojan, just happened to luck into something and be available.

Part of me wanted to see them upset Arkansas, part of me wanted them to be terrible since I knew OSU had them coming up.

Troy's been in my college football vocabulary since they became D-I (7 or 8 years ago I think).  I think the very first year in the league, they played Nebraska and they played them tough through the first half.  Nebraska was pretty good back then.  But ever since then, Troy has won some of those games against tougher opponents.  And Troy's not the only one, there are a few others that have that "upset" potential with them all the time.

[MichaelC]

OSU is in trouble. They can beat Tech, but they have a lot of problems that have to be resolved, especially on defense. Tech's offense will be harder on them than Troy. OSU could squeak out a win if they get some of this together, if not, Tech will destroy them. There's the potential for this game to be very ugly.

[cannon_fodder]

Well, I disagree.  From what I have seen of Troy they are a good Sun Belt team but nothing more.  I do not see them upping it to be a TCU, a Boise State or anything like that.  I have nothing against them if they want to do so great.

But please stop insinuating that I am a football retard because I disagree with your assessment of a team that you have chosen to follow closely.  Most people do not follow the little guys nearly as close as I, let alone specifically key in on Troy.  Perhaps that explains the difference of opinion, instead of lack of paying attention (unless everyone else in the football world is an idiot, but for yourself and other Troy followers).

[MichaelC]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

But please stop insinuating that I am a football retard because I disagree with your assessment of a team that you have chosen to follow closely.  Most people do not follow the little guys nearly as close as I, let alone specifically key in on Troy.  Perhaps that explains the difference of opinion, instead of lack of paying attention (unless everyone else in the football world is an idiot, but for yourself and other Troy followers).

It doesn't take a football retard to not know Troy, or UCF, or UAB, or MTSU, or any of the other really good "upset" squads.  Doesn't take a genious to know them either, just a college football fan.

But you are a poser.  Just know what you know and get over it.  Poser.

[cannon_fodder]

[}:)] I think most people would agree with you on UAB and UCF... but most would disagree with Troy and Middle Tenn.  While CUSA gets little respect, the SunBelt GETS EVEN LESS - deserved or not (see bottom of page).

But I guess if not liking Troy makes people non-fans, then you are among an elite group.  Just Rivals, CFN, the message boards, Vegas, ESPN, and SI are equally oblivious.    Hell, even my acquaintances at Monroe were surprised.  Being the only person I have heard of to call that upset or even express a lack of suprise, you must truly be a football god.

Me and my pesky knowledge about statistics, constant reading, message board participation, football watching, season ticket holding, revolving betting account (4th year on same funds, woot!), bowl game going sorry self clearly knows nothing about college football nor even really follows the game.  I simply pretend to enjoy the game and thus only pose as a fan.  Absolutely right.

Clearly, I have posed as a college football fan who does not think Troy is the next big thing and was surprised by their UPSET of Oklahoma State. Wonder why its called an upset...

hey... also take note that I acknowledged not knowing much about Troy and that they look to be a good football team.  I did not resort to telling you that you know nothing about college football because your opinion was different than mine.  Nor did I repeatedly call you names.  I find it a bit amusing that you stoop to such things in a football discussion about Oklahoma State.  Perhaps this discussion would be better served at Troy message boards...
http://www.gotroytrojans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=8

Best of luck to Troy in all their future games (except against ULM).
- - - -

and for more pesky statistics...
The Sunbelt conference has 8 teams.  Six of them are currently ranked among the 10 worst teams in college football.  Troy leads the pack posting a best ranking of 77 (F_A is also outside the bottom 10 at # 84).

as ranked both by both CFN 119 and CollegeBCS.com

I cheer for the little guy, but when they have people insulting you its makes it hard.

[MichaelC]

It's not about liking, it's about proper respect for your opponent.  And knowing what you're talking about.  Can I possibly be surprised, if I mentioned it beforehand?  How the hell did I do that?  Knowledge, proper respect.  Poser []

My favorite team is OSU, with TU a close second, and I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it.  After FAU, I had the Troy game at 50/50.

Like MTSU hanging with Louisville, Troy is dangerous.  And TU, just a few year ago was a crap team.  Not even worthy of the class that these two Sunbelt teams are in now.  You can crap all over the Sunbelt, it probably deserves it.  But that doesn't mean they'll be there forever, and that doesn't meant they can't upset somebody.  For OSU, the heavens were aligned.

And it was an upset, there is no doubt.  I would be very surprised if OSU wasn't favored in that game, but I didn't check.  Troy has the tendency to hang tough for a while, but not the entire game.  With a few exceptions.  This was one of them.

[cannon_fodder]

OSU was favored heavily, -22 if I remember correctly.  I did not take the line because I was afraid OSU was over hyped, but I did not expect a loss.

and very true, Tulsa was 3 years away from totally losing its D-I(I refer to use the BCS subdivision BS) football program.  Troy is a good program, as I have stated before.  But it is hard to step up to D-I and they have yet to really make their mark.  

Lets hope Tulsa can continue its upward trend and really make a mark again.

[MichaelC]

Two or three years ago Troy knocked off Missouri, who at the time was ranked in the 20s.  Troy is almost to the level of Southern Miss several years ago.  Southern Miss couldn't be counted on if they were playing someone crappy, but ever other year they'd knock off a bigger name.

OSU is in trouble.  BUT, there is one anomaly in their season so far that tells me; it's not over yet.  They can beat Tech, I don't think they will.  But even if Tech destroys OSU and sends State to 1-3, it wouldn't be over.  It's about schemes.  Troy's offense, was brought over from a former Tech coach.  

But if I'm right about this "anomaly" thing, their odds are actually 50/50 against Tech.  Very odd.  Depends on which OSU shows up.

[MichaelC]

OSU gets a shot at the inside track on the BigXII South this week.  It's a long shot, the have to topple A&M at Kyle Field.  I'd give OSU about a 30% chance of pulling off a victory.  Of course, I only gave Colorado 20% odds last week.

A&M's depth is questionable.  But their defense has the tendency to be pretty strong at home.  OSU always has trouble with A&M, especially at College Station.  OSU needs to put the pressure on early and often.

[cannon_fodder]

OSU has plenty of athletes, if the coaches could teach them how to play football...

But seriously, I think their athletic talent makes them a dangerous team.  Coaches should be able to turn it around with the talent they are recruiting.

[Breadburner]

I had a late lunch today....While I was eating a couple of guys came in and sat near me...One was none other than Barry Sanders....I didn't speak to him but I did pay for their lunch before I left.....He can put away some food....Looks like he could still play the game......