James Franklin's Resilience A Key To Mizzou's 2011 Success
by Bill C. on Nov 29, 2011 9:00 AM CST
in Mizzou Football 2011
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I'm serious … watching James Franklin in the first half of Missouri's win over Kansas was like watching me play tennis in high school. Once the wind got in my head, I was through. With the wind, I would take too much off the ball; against the wind, I wouldn't put enough on it. I would over-compensate, under-compensate, etc.
The same thing happened to Franklin. Against the wind, he was throwing even dump-offs behind running backs and T.J. Moe, and his first interception was a bomb knocked down by an invisible hand. On his third interception, with the wind, he had Michael Egnew breaking free toward the corner, only he overcompensated and threw the ball far too lightly. (His second pick, as far as I could tell, was just a terrible read and a pass thrown into triple coverage.)
Kansas deserves credit for reading the ball, securing the picks and, in the case of Bradley McDougald on the third pick, making a lovely return for Kansas' only touchdown. Still, the announcer cliches were flowing freely and driving me crazy, suggesting that "effort" was responsible for KU's early lead, and that "relentless pressure" was causing the picks instead of just awful throws. There was no pressure that I can remember on the first pick, and only marginal pressure on the third. Crediting effort completely ignored the fact that Mizzou's defense allowed 60 yards and two first downs in the first half. Franklin had a horrible half, and the Kansas defensive line was indeed having a bit too much success against the Mizzou offensive line, but the advantage went to Mizzou in most of the other unit battles.
Credit goes to Franklin, then, for sucking it up in the second half and figuring out how to adjust. On Mizzou's second touchdown drive, he made a tough pass to Jerrell Jackson (one that had me holding my breath until it reached its target), then he made an absolutely gorgeous toss to Wes Kemp for the go-ahead touchdown. In the fourth quarter, he put the game away with one of his best long balls of the season, the 53-yarder to Marcus Lucas. (That was an absolutely perfect play-call, by the way -- it was the first play of the fourth quarter, and Mizzou immediately attempted to take advantage of once again having the wind at their back.)
Franklin has shown a staggering level of resilience this season. Mizzou came from 14 down to tie Arizona State, from 21 down to get within seven points of Kansas State, from 11 down to beat Texas A&M, from 18 down to within three points of Baylor, from 14 down to beat Texas Tech and from 10 down to beat Kansas.
The next step in Franklin's development is quite obvious: don't fall behind in the first place. Start more consistently, play with more early urgency, etc. Mizzou had lovely starts against teams like Oklahoma and Iowa State, but early lulls still hurt them quite a bit over the course of the 2011 season. Still, the poise and composure that potentially hurt Franklin's and Mizzou's cause early in games, usually bailed them out later on. The next two years are going to be a lot of fun.
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I started off sitting on the east side of the stadium above the Mizzou band
and we moved to the west side of the stadium close to the Kansas band because of the strong cold wind being in our face. On the west side the wind would have been at our backs but we were shielded by the stadium behind us. The pass to Lucas would have been into the wind unless for some reason the wind changed direction 180 degrees at ground level. For the most part though, the flags on the West goalposts were hardly blowing and we felt no wind at all in our seats. The wind that day and night was moving from the NW to the SE and was much more pronounced on the east side.
That's why I love this place.
Hands down the most in-depth wind analysis of any Missouri-dedicated sports blog.
:)
Next year even the wind will have SSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCC speed
That's right Ice Man. I am dangerous
Pie Forever!
it was shifting. You could tell by the kick-offs.
It would swoop in from above and then come back off the stadium the other way. That’s why Barrow’s kickoffs toward the kU band were going deep into the end zone and kickoffs toward the MU band were generally the high short kicks. I don’t think Barrow has the leg to drive the ball through that wind and deep into the end zone.
Busting Bill C since September 19, 2011 10:19 CST, 8:19 PDT.
We could not figure the wind out at any point
We also ended up sitting by the kU band to get away from the wind, but we could not figure out the wind on any of the kickofffs or throws. We just knew it was there and never seemed to make any sense
Advocating for the "Spreadbone" since 2010
Rock M Nation
I was laughing at the flags..
On the same goalpost one flag would be standing almost straight up and the other flag wouldn’t be moving
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 10:29 AM CST up reply actions
one of those flags was stuck somehow. it didn't move the whole game.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 10:39 AM CST up reply actions
That makes it less funny
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 10:40 AM CST up reply actions
maybe a prankster glued it.
/still not funny
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 10:43 AM CST up reply actions
it was probably frozen
Like my arse was to the seat
by McZou on Nov 29, 2011 1:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
^^^BAD FAN THAT DOESN'T STAND DURING GAMES!
RABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLERABBLE
by ZouDave on Nov 29, 2011 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I was holding my grandson, trying to keep him warm whie he slept the 1st half
(That’s my excuse anyways). I did stand, yell and screamed through the second half while antagonizing the few ku fans around us.
by McZou on Nov 29, 2011 2:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
At one point
when the KU band was playing, they had flag girls on each 30 yard line, and the flags were stark straight in complete opposite directions. 40 yards apart.
by Professor Chaos on Nov 29, 2011 4:40 PM CST up reply actions
Part of the magic of Arrowhead
The wind at Arrowhead can make a QB go crazy. Due to the completely closed bowl nature of the stadium, the wind on the field can change directions at almost any moment. You get a circular flow effect as the wind bounces off of the inside of the bowl which is why the flags on top of the stadium blow one direction and the goalpost flags blow the opposite way. For someone who has never played in a stadium like that, it takes a bit to adjust, I’m just glad Franklin (and the coaches for that matter) figured it out in the second half.
I would like to hear some thoughts about next year's starting QB.
What do you guys think?
I love the idea of having James Franklin with a year of experience under his belt. But I’m intrigued with the possibility of Maty Mauk coming into the program with experience running the spread in high school, much like Chase Daniel. Sounds like Mauk may be a better passer than J Frank. What are the chances of Berkstresser competing for the starting job as a redshirt freshman? We all saw what happens when you have a QB with little college experience, AND we’ll be in the SEC.
All that being said, what becomes of Berkstresser if he doesn’t get the starting job this year or next? Do you redshirt Mauk, play Franklin as an experienced Junior and have Berkstresser as a capable back up next year? And then have a 3 way QB competition in 2 years? I get the feeling that Berkstresser will be the odd man out, and may transfer. He had quite a bit of promise coming out of high school, and may not want to be a career back up.
Thoughts?
in my opinion,
franklin has improved drastically from az st to now. no competition, he is the man. we got him broke in this year, next year we get to watch him flourish. it’s the way mizzou football go.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
agreed
Franklin played extremely well this year. If you look at his numbers and compare it to the competition he had to face, it’s really impressive. He led us to our first road win against a ranked opponent in a while, beat Texas, led the comeback against Texas Tech and came out in the 2nd half of that rivalry game firing on all cylinders.
If Mauk or Berkstresser is good enough to beat him out, then they are probably Heisman candidates for next year.
Busting Bill C since September 19, 2011 10:19 CST, 8:19 PDT.
by mizzou2396 on Nov 29, 2011 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Thinking Mauk redshirts next year
and then becomes the backup for Franklin’s senior year. that could make Mauk a 3 year starter after Franklin is done
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 10:13 AM CST up reply actions
I agree this is the way to go.
Again, it makes me think that Berkstresser will be the odd man out. Wonder if he sticks around?
still think berkstresser will beat out mauk.
If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
John Wooden
by lost..in the woods on Nov 29, 2011 10:25 AM CST up reply actions
obviously have no stats to make any argument at this point
If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
John Wooden
by lost..in the woods on Nov 29, 2011 10:29 AM CST up reply actions
There will be no competition next year.
Chase Daniel (2006): 287-for-452 (64%), 3,527 yards (7.8 per pass), 28 TD, 10 INT, 379 rushing yards, 4 TD
James Franklin (2010): 223-for-353 (63%), 2,733 yards (7.7 per pass), 20 TD, 10 INT, 839 rushing yards, 13 TD
If they both stick around, Berkstresser and Mauk will fight for the starting job beginning in 2014. Barring injury, James Franklin will be the starting quarterback in 2012 and 2013, and it isn’t close.
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by Bill C. on Nov 29, 2011 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
If my math is correct (It usually isn't)
Chase Daniel (2006) 3906 total yards 32 touchdowns
James Franklin (2011) 3572 total yards 33 touchdowns (Much tougher schedule)
"Let schoolmasters puzzle their brain, With grammar, and nonsense, and learning; Good liquor, I stoutly maintain, Gives genius a better discerning." – Oliver Goldsmith
by 1Believer on Nov 29, 2011 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I think the argument could be made that Daniel had the better receiving corp
although it would be an argument.
That's right Ice Man. I am dangerous
Pie Forever!
Also add to that arguement that defenses were still figuring out the spread
And have since caught up to it a little bit…I just think Daniel had more guys that could take a 5 yard gain and turn it into a TD or long run.
I’m excited for some of the receivers for next year. Lucas and Washington are going to be pretty good
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
and that this year has been more of a run-first offense than any of daniel's teams were.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 10:40 AM CST up reply actions
Is this really even an argument?
In 2006 Daniel had Rucker(Jr.), Coffman(Fr.), Will Franklin (Jr.), and a freshman Perry
I don’t think Egnew is as good as Rucker or Coffman (still good, just not that good). I don’t think Moe is as good as Franklin.
Now, maybe we’ll find out that Lucas is the next Danario (certainly looked like it at times),but I think the 2006 receiving corps is definitely a better group than we had this year.
"I have CDO. It's like OCD, but the letters are in alphabetical order. Like they should be."
by BigMOman on Nov 29, 2011 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
2006 Coffman was a Soph
and definitely don’t forget about Danario in 2006 (though I think his only real big play came in the bowl game against Oregon State). Also, Ekwerekwu in 2006 was pretty decent as was the emerging Tommy Saunders who was every bit of Wes Kemp.
I think our running backs this year were definitely better than 2006, though. Josey > Temple, Lawrence > Jackson, Moore > Woods.
by ZouDave on Nov 29, 2011 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, it was a perfect storm of awesome
We had a great offensive coordinator in Christenson, the PERFECT QB for that team in Daniel, and every kind of player you could want catching the ball. Need a big play? Go to Maclin. Need tough yards? Go to Rucker. Need a 3rd down catch for a first down or TD? Go to Rucker. Need a catch to keep the chains moving? Go to Saunders. Just want to throw to someone who is open and will be dangerous? That guy’s name is Franklin. Oh nobody else is open? Throw it to Perry or Ekwerekwu. And just for shits and grins, let’s throw a deep ball to Bracey the track star.
If Danario had been healthy for a full season with Daniel…there’s no telling what could have happened.
by ZouDave on Nov 29, 2011 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
The man 6'6" TE who could leap out of the stadium to catch a pass ...
… or could leap over an unsuspecting defender to keep moving downfield. I’ll never TO THE DAY I DIE understand how he can’t hold a job in the league.
I’m known as a bit of a dreamer!
by MizzouRah04 on Nov 29, 2011 2:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah, it simply doesn't make sense.
After watching him excel for 4 years at Mizzou, I refuse to believe he has an attitude problem. I refuse to believe he can’t block (blocking for a TE comes down to strength, intensity and desire…three things you’d use to describe Chase Coffman). I absolutely KNOW it’s not a pass-catching issue.
I think he got railroaded by some coaches at Cincinnati and the league moved on without him. Here’s hoping he emerges somewhere soon, because his window is closing fast if it’s not already shut.
I was under the impression that his foot problems were chronic
The Cincinnati coaches LOVED Chase. He just couldn’t stay healthy enough to really get on the field for any length of time.
AND, they drafted our old friend Jermaine Gresham.
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
TO THE DAY I DIE understand how he can’t hold a job in the league
I completely agree.
Especially seeing the Patriots use of two TE’s that don’t really block, and how the Saints use Graham again, not blocking on all the plays.
Everyone I’ve talked to who follow the NFL more than I do keep saying the NFL needs “blocking” TE’s because the defenese are better, then I counter with NEs and NOs use of TE’s then they say it’s because college offenses can’t work in the NFL. In the last five weeks I’ve countered with the Broncos…
It will never make sense to me why either Rucker or Coffman can’t be beasts in the National Football League.
by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on Nov 29, 2011 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
maybe it's the injury-prone perception with coffman?
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 3:40 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe. Even with all that the arguments that people throw out about him ...
I’d have to believe there would be a sport for the all time leading pass catching tight end in NCAA history. MVP, you’re right about T-Rucker also. That man was a MONSTER at the college level. Maybe it’s just that I don’t understand the NFL. I am MUCH more of a college football fan than the pros, but I just don’t get it.
I’m known as a bit of a dreamer!
Franklin also had less weapons imo..
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
Did this include the Bowl game against Oregon State?
"Let schoolmasters puzzle their brain, With grammar, and nonsense, and learning; Good liquor, I stoutly maintain, Gives genius a better discerning." – Oliver Goldsmith
Looked it up myself
Daniel’s record included the Sun Bowl. Franklin has another game to play to get his totals for the year vs Daniel.
"Let schoolmasters puzzle their brain, With grammar, and nonsense, and learning; Good liquor, I stoutly maintain, Gives genius a better discerning." – Oliver Goldsmith
Everything I have heard/read
about Berkstresser seems to be that he is a Missouri guy thru and thru. I get the opinion that he will be someone like Chase Patton – good enough to play in the system, but possibly beat out by a better QB, however still remain with the team because of a love for Mizzou. That might be just wishful thinking or reading too much into some stuff.
by tigers-royals on Nov 29, 2011 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
Some were very high on him
Certainly if he wants to start making a move towards playing time at some point, that will need to start with the bowl practices in a couple of weeks. Hopefully his year was spent learning the system and getting his body into “college” shape and he can start to shine in these practices.
Advocating for the "Spreadbone" since 2010
Rock M Nation
I agree
I was really big on Berkstresser coming out of high school and believe this will be a great QB battle between him and Mauk.
I’m also with Bill that neither one of them will pass up Franklin barring injury.
by tigers-royals on Nov 29, 2011 12:04 PM CST up reply actions
I hope kU gets one thing right going forward...
Put the names back on the jerseys. My g/f and her family are all beakers and when I’m stuck having to watch them play I would like to know the players names w/out having to ask or look up a roster.
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 10:23 AM CST reply actions
I would be suprised if most ku fans know who is who without a roster.
That's right Ice Man. I am dangerous
Pie Forever!
This is true
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 10:26 AM CST up reply actions
I thought that was one of the selling points for kU football.
Playing in relative anonymity.
“No, mom, that wasn’t ME playing for kU yesterday. I swear…”
Top Heavy Beer Drinker
by DnrW on Nov 29, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 11 recs
the ultimate witness protection program.
though i’d still rather be a mob-hit victim.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
To put a name on a ku jersey would be cruel.
It would require ku fans, players and coaches to be literate.
by McZou on Nov 29, 2011 2:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I can read minds, but it's pointless 'cause I'm illiterate.
I’d know what you were thinking, if I could read…
by Damnatio Memoriae on Nov 29, 2011 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
No offense to your gf and her family, of course
As she was obviously smart to have a Mizzou fan for her man.
by McZou on Nov 29, 2011 2:48 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Dating a beaker comes w/one perk which is about to end...
I get a free ticket to the MU/kU bball game in Lawrence
You can't be fat and fast, too; so lift, run, diet and work.
Hank Stram
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by 65 Toss Power Trap83 on Nov 29, 2011 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
Hey Bill
I was just wondering about your thoughts on Franklin’s throwing motion. To me it looks like he is using his torso to torque back, drops his hip, then shot puts the ball by dropping his shoulder and then shot putting the ball. It doesn’t look very conventional, but it works for him. I watched his high school recruit video and it has actually improved by leaps and bounds since then. Do you think the motion why he doesn’t have the arm strength we are used to seeing (even though we have been spoiled by 2 NFL QBs) or am I reading too much into it? Do you think he continues to improve the motion, or does he just max out the ability he has and we work around it, like Tebow?
I too am curious about his arm strength
We all got spoiled last year obviously by Gabbert, and while Daniel never had a big arm, his money was made on his timing (much like a Kurt Warner in a way). I think Franklin probably has a decent arm, but I think you are right and it did not avail itself that way for much of the season
Advocating for the "Spreadbone" since 2010
Rock M Nation
And I love him as our QB, I just want him to be his best, I want him to lead this team for the next two years.
I am just more curious than trying to be critical
by MizzouRugby on Nov 29, 2011 11:34 AM CST up reply actions
I don't know about his mechanics but the ball seems to come out wierd.
On short passes the lead point of the ball seems pointed toward the ground.
"Let schoolmasters puzzle their brain, With grammar, and nonsense, and learning; Good liquor, I stoutly maintain, Gives genius a better discerning." – Oliver Goldsmith
He seems to have two different throwing motions...
…one for quick releases, and another, more overhead motion when he needs to put some zip into it. You’re right that his quick release is oddly torso-based, but most of the time that makes him pretty accurate. It apparently does not in the wind.
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Do you think the coaches will try to fix/polish the quick release motion?
I haven’t been around long enough to see how past QB’s have developed. I know they are all different, but did Smith/Daniel/Gabbert become better passers in a physical sense, throwing, strength, accuracy, as they got to be upperclassmen? Franklin obviously has all the intangibles, but his game could be stepped up to a ridiculous level if he could polish his passing game. I know every QB obviously has to improve from a high school level to college level but two(three kinda) NFL QB’s in a row has to speak volumes for the quarterback coaching right?
The way I see it, a coaching staff will only change a QB's throwing motion if it truly helps them improve themselves as passers.
I can’t imagine the staff would do too much to change Franklin’s mechanics if it made him uncomfortable when he was throwing. I don’t agree with changing a QB’s mechanics for the sake of teaching fundamentals, at this level you have to work to the strengths of the players you bring in. Franklin may need to figure out a way to get the nose of the ball up a little more on his shorter throws to get a little more zip on them, but that can be fixed with footwork a lot of the time.
I completely agree
I love how Tebow plays. I could care less if he is the prettiest passer, as long as Franklin wins, I don’t care. But….Some of his passes are dangerous and could get better if he just threw it the right way. I wonder if the footwork is the thing maybe? I love how cool he is in the pocket, but throwing flat-footed is proven not to help, and he does that on occasion. But I fully trust the coaches will work on that. He has been so good, and clutch in so many situations, he has proven a lot of people wrong, including me. I like the way he plays, he way more mature than I’ve ever seen someone my own age. I just want him to get a bit more polished and when he does that, the sky is the limit.
When you talk about Tebow, I must add this statement.
Someone opined (maybe on NBC Sunday night) that Tebow would be more accurate if “they” hadn’t messed with his throwing motion. Not sure, as I am not anything near a QB guru. It doesn’t matter anyway, when it’s the 4th quarter, like Tebow, Mizzou finds a way to come back and win.
"When among evil companions, try to fit in." - Wild Bill Donovan
Rocky Balboa once told me, "Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are."
brad smith was never asked to do much passing
until his senior year. he subsequently struggled mightily.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
reply fail.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
It was his junior year, actually
Although I do not know that “mightil;y” is a fair description. The issue with 2004. I think was not his passing per se (as the stats show) but the fact that he ran for far fewer yards (553, vs. 1000+ all other years) because there was a focus on keeping him in the pocket.
SMITH CAREER PASSING STATISTICS
G-GS Co.-Att. Pct. Yds. TDs INTs Rating
2002 12-12 196-366 53.6% 2,333 15 6 117.34
2003 13-13 211-350 60.3% 1,977 11 7 114.11
2004 11-11 191-369 51.8% 2,185 17 11 110.74
2005 12-12 237-399 59.4% 2,304 13 9 114.14
Totals 48-48 835-1,484 56.3% 8,799 56 33 114.10
Here are the rushing stats.
2004 sticks out like a sore thumb:
SMITH CAREER RUSHING STATISTICS
Att. Yds. Avg. TD Long
2002 193 1,029 5.3 7 75
2003 212 1,406 6.6 18 64
2004 165 553 3.4 4 36
2005 229 1,301 5.7 16 79
Totals 799 4,289 5.4 45 79
That junior year killed the team, too.
I think this staff knows it was a big mistake. Smith would have put the career rushing record for QB’s way out of reach if he had “regular” numbers (which seems to be about 900 more yards).
"When among evil companions, try to fit in." - Wild Bill Donovan
Rocky Balboa once told me, "Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are."
sorry if i had the year wrong,
but i’d be willing to wager that anyone who watched him try to be a pocket passer wouldn’t discount someone’s opinion if that opinion was that he struggled “mightily”. it’s just not what he’s good at. i’ll never understand why the staff decided to go away from brad’s strength.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions
What if I watched him?
Pocket passing was not Brad’s strength. I agree with you there. But he did not totally suck at it. A career rating of 114 is nothing to sneeze at. He’d never have taken a snap at QB in the League if stunk at throwing.
I think people were so frustrated with the coaching move and collapse of the 2004 team that they overstate how bad Brad was at passing. He was ok at passing. Not Chase, not Blaine, but ok. He just was not nearly as good when he was unleashed out of the pocket. That’s one of the reasons why Pinkel rightly calls 2004 his worst coaching job.
i disagree, but ok. i thought he stunk at it.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
it's one thing to take snaps at qb (wildcat).
it’s another to actually attempt a pass.
’07-1 pass attempt
’08-2 pass attempts
’11-1 pass attempt
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 3:39 PM CST up reply actions
ha. i love to watch him run, even to this day.
he’s a thing of beauty in the open field.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 3:53 PM CST up reply actions
I think I had season tickets in '04.
It was an obvious step back for Smith. Watching him stick in the pocket, totally ignorant of what Daniel and the spread would do for the team, we kept asking ourselves why Pinkel was trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
When he finally decided to scramble, it was wonderful as always, but it didn’t seem to happen nearly often enough.
Maybe it helped the team get ready for the spread, but it certainly wasn’t fun to watch in ’04.
Actually, I do not think 2004 was an attempt to run the spread
As I recall, the srpead was installed for 2005. I think the thoery of 2004 was that teams were going to sell out to keep Smith contained, and that if he could develop a good touch inthe pocket we would have guys wide open in the secondary. The problem was that Brad could not really be contained, and that his passing was merely adequate and certainly was not great.
DAngit, i dont have a power mizzou subscription
whos the other big recruit coming to town that Pete is talking about on twitter?
I make bad decisions and people think my roller skating is hot.
not fat, just luxurious.
#OccupyTheNorthPole
by BillSelfsToupee on Nov 29, 2011 3:44 PM CST reply actions
yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I make bad decisions and people think my roller skating is hot.
not fat, just luxurious.
#OccupyTheNorthPole
by BillSelfsToupee on Nov 29, 2011 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
David Perkins, a WR from South Bend, IN
He’s also visiting Oregon. LSU is looking at him too.
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
So that's payback for DJ Hord?
Heh. ND is so last century and they don’t even know it. Better cue up Rudy again, Coach Kelly, and hope you can sucker a few kids.
"When among evil companions, try to fit in." - Wild Bill Donovan
Rocky Balboa once told me, "Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are."
Speaking of LSU...
I was looking at the new updated rivals rankings and it seemed like every 5th kid there was a LSU commit, they are stacked. People say rivals rankings dont matter, but there is a reason these teams find themselves in the national title game so often.
by Tigersintheheart on Nov 29, 2011 6:39 PM CST up reply actions
Sounds like a good xmas gift you could ask for...
Annoying You Since 1986
I don't know about Franklin- he really scares the shit out of me somtimes.
He stands flat footed with a jacked up throwing motion and shows no emotion at all. I would really like to see him get pumped up every once and a while. Maybe show that he really cares. I guess we will find out alot about him in the SEC
can't we just pave over kansas?
...on the flip side of that showing no emotion...
means he’s calculating and ice smooth. So, to an extent you may want him to show emotion and that’s fair, but putting together come from behind victories, and playing great when “stuff” hits the fan takes a very calm, and calculating demenor.
by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on Nov 29, 2011 7:47 PM CST up reply actions
Re: emotion
The mark of a leader is not trying to camouflage his personality in adverse circumstances. From the perspective of needing someone to command respect in the huddle, I can’t imagine a personality trait more destructive than being disingenuous. If he’s measured, calculated and under control, then he should be as measured, calculated and under control as humanly possible. But acting fiery for the sake of acting fiery accomplishes nothing if it’s neither believable nor moving.
RockMNation.com (@rockmnation)
Fighting mob mentality since 2007
by RPT on Nov 29, 2011 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
you're probably a little young, but did you write the book of Proverbs?
that was absolutely terrific.
In love with the new Gaknar avatar.
by threadkiller on Nov 29, 2011 7:57 PM CST up reply actions
Couldn't agree more.
The mark of a good football player is not his ability to get fired up, it is his ability to do his job as effectively as possible under any circumstance. Being as cool and collected as Franklin in my opinion is a fantastic trait. If he can keep a cool head even after throwing three TERRIBLE interceptions against the worst defense in college football, he can keep a cool head in any situation. As long as you’re doing your job, you don’t need to worry about getting everyone else pumped up.
For the record, I've met James multiple times, had lunch with him at Plaza quite a few times his freshman year when he didn't know anybody.
That dude cares about football as much as anybody I’ve ever talked to. He chose Mizzou because we’d let him be a QB, chose us over schools like Texas, A&M, Oregon, etc. Wouldn’t question that aspect of his game.
Was Gabbert also too detached and cool?
I like having the defensive guys do all the whooping and such. Ice Tank behind the wheel is fine by me.
Never Forget Wolf Island, or pie. #AHAMF, it's vaguely sordid.
by Spider_Monkey on Nov 29, 2011 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
James reflects the emotion of his coach.
I know Pinkel models himself after Don James, but I remember ‘ol Bud Grant of the Vikings – “Stone Face”. Perhaps, like Brad, James lets other players get all fired up. I prefer his demeanor and imagine if he ever does get in someone’s face, it’s going to REALLY make an impression. He’s only going to get better.
"When among evil companions, try to fit in." - Wild Bill Donovan
Rocky Balboa once told me, "Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are."
Exactly. For a kid my age, I cannot believe how mature and what natual leader he is.
There are many different types of leadership, and a good leader utilizes their strengths. With his strong faith and maturity and calm personality, getting fired up just doesn’t suit him. He has teammates like Moe and J.Jackson and Egnew to set the emotional tone. But when things are going bad, as MVP said, you need either a rock in the middle of the storm to turn to, like Franklin, or someone who takes the negative energy and turns it into positive furry-like a Ray Lewis or Rex Ryan. It may have been more fun to see Daniel celebrate and ride the emotion of the game, but Franklin is just a different sort of person, and we shouldn’t ever question the kid’s heart because he plays the game differently than others. Let’s start thinking of him as an Assassin rather than Rocky. He’s gonna keep his calm and beat you by not making mistakes, not punch his way out situations.
by MizzouRugby on Nov 29, 2011 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Ray Lewis is a furry?
GO GO FIGHTING METH AGGIES!
by Gaknar on Nov 29, 2011 10:50 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, you need a guy who is firey and not afraid to show a lot of emotion
Ryan Leaf types. Those guys care.
Busting Bill C since September 19, 2011 10:19 CST, 8:19 PDT.
by mizzou2396 on Nov 30, 2011 8:27 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
JDR out at Jax
and the team is being sold to some feller from Illinois.. man what a bumpy rookie year for Gabs, wish for his sake he would’ve stayed
I believe in the The Black & Gold Standard
I also lick rocks in Arizona
Agree with every word here...
I was actually laughing listening to that broadcast and if Josey comes back healthy, he and Franklin will make a hell of a backfield the next couple years.
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