I realize that data at this point is limited, but the eye test seems to suggest it's having the desired impact. Since we've started SEC play, we seem to have the fresher team going into the second half and 4th quarter. Even against Bama, our DLine dominated their OLine, especially towards the end. I'm curious to compare our 4th quarter stats against our opponents.

Sumlin has started a lot of freshman and given second units a lot of playing time. Maybe we didn't blow out Nichols or ULL, but we got the win AND experience. That has real value, while a lopsided score doesn't add anything at the end of the day. I think that's paying off as we continue the season. I think I read somewhere that our defense has basically played 1 less game (in snaps) compared to LY. Coupled with the extra rotations and I think we could continue to get stronger as the season progresses. The lack of major injuries (outside of UCLA) is also an indicator.

Thoughts zoo?

There is a significant change in philosophy this year and it appears to be paying off as the Ags have dominated the fourth quarter in every game except UCLA.

The key will be if it can be maintained.

Trust the process

completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him). Game-planning, halftime adjustments, and knowing what your freshman QB can/cannot handle.

Defense applying pressure at opportune times. LB play, TFLs, sacks, turnovers. It's great not having our safety be our leading tackler. I can live with our D giving up a big play or two. It's much better than getting gashed for 7-8 yards at a time.

I do hope we figure out how to stop those huge plays tho.

NoahAg said:

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Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him).

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I'm pleased with the improvements and the trajectory of this season that I'm seeing but how can you not put all of the UCLA collapse on him? One of the biggest comebacks of all time that nearly any of us could have coached to a victory given the same circumstances.

Honestly, I think it has as much to do with having real, actual depth for the first time at nearly every position. The talent in the starting lineup isn't necessarily what it once was, but the depth is way better.

I think it's a result of finally recruiting enough QUANTITY of good players. The correct recruiting strategy is to estimate the number of players needed at each position and double it.

The team is really playing all the way through the entire game. They have not quit once this year. Keep that up and some little improvements and we could be 10-2 by the end of the season.

Hocke

Uncle Jimbo said:

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Honestly, I think it has as much to do with having real, actual depth for the first time at nearly every position. The talent in the starting lineup isn't necessarily what it once was, but the depth is way better.

I think it's a result of finally recruiting enough QUANTITY of good players. The correct recruiting strategy is to estimate the number of players needed at each position and double it.

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This is what I was going to say

OP - Agreed.

VikingNik said:

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NoahAg said:

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Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him).

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I'm pleased with the improvements and the trajectory of this season that I'm seeing but how can you not put all of the UCLA collapse on him? One of the biggest comebacks of all time that nearly any of us could have coached to a victory given the same circumstances.

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I missed it where Sumlin lets the ball go through the hands right into the UCLA WR for an improbable touchdown.

The coaching staff is not blameless in the loss but players have to execute.

VikingNik said:

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NoahAg said:

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Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him).

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I'm pleased with the improvements and the trajectory of this season that I'm seeing but how can you not put all of the UCLA collapse on him? One of the biggest comebacks of all time that nearly any of us could have coached to a victory given the same circumstances.

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I totally put the blame on Sumlin. He is the head coach and should be directing the team if the lower coaches are not getting it done.

Now.....it pains me to say it......IF and only IF all of these freshman are playing by purposeful design as some are suggesting the I will have to give Sumlin kudos. But it remains to be seen.

NyAggie said:

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completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

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Not sure how you can say this when we're only halfway through the year. At this point last year we were ranked #4. The year before that, well you remember. Then there was 3 years ago... There's a common thread here, and we are at the exact point, where every year, all of us get way too hyped. BAS incoming

bonfiresmoke said:

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The team is really playing all the way through the entire game. They have not quit once this year. Keep that up and some little improvements and we could be 10-2 by the end of the season.

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Agreed. There is not a team on our remaining schedule that can beat what we put on the field vs Bama.

yardwhisperer said:

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NyAggie said:

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completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

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Not sure how you can say this when we're only halfway through the year. At this point last year we were ranked #4. The year before that, well you remember. Then there was 3 years ago... There's a common thread here, and we are at the exact point, where every year, all of us get way too hyped. BAS incoming

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And sadly, this is also true.

NyAggie said:

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completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

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don't we think that EVERY year after 5-6 games????

yardwhisperer said:

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NyAggie said:

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completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

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Not sure how you can say this when we're only halfway through the year. At this point last year we were ranked #4. The year before that, well you remember. Then there was 3 years ago... There's a common thread here, and we are at the exact point, where every year, all of us get way too hyped. BAS incoming

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This is certainly true. I'm not unrealistic, and I don't think the schedule is as easy as some might suggest. Auburn is up and down, LSU is playing much better and more physical than they did to start the year, and we know our struggles against MS schools. It could all end up the same.

But we've been tested several times up to this point. We won those games, not by luck, but by being the more physical and dominant team at the end. That's the difference. Last year we were banged up after Bama and having To play guys at 70% health. This year, we're going into a bye week with a change to actually get better.

I do think the depth we have and what look like close games are by design. Win by at least 1 point, keep everyone healthy, get as much experience for young guys as possible (not just during garbage time, but against 1st teams).

If we can just get the offense rolling in the first half, we'd be dominant. For some reason, we don't have Mond run the ball in the first half, but unleash him in the second. Not sure if that's design or not, maybe keep the defense guessing and saving a new wrinkle for the second half they can't discuss at halftime.

yardwhisperer said:

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NyAggie said:

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completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

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Not sure how you can say this when we're only halfway through the year. At this point last year we were ranked #4. The year before that, well you remember. Then there was 3 years ago... There's a common thread here, and we are at the exact point, where every year, all of us get way too hyped. BAS incoming

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Agree, wake me in late November.

yardwhisperer said:

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NyAggie said:

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completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

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Not sure how you can say this when we're only halfway through the year. At this point last year we were ranked #4. The year before that, well you remember. Then there was 3 years ago... There's a common thread here, and we are at the exact point, where every year, all of us get way too hyped. BAS incoming

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It may only be one game post-Bama but this team went on the road and won at the Swamp. Last year and the two before, the team was banged up bad after 'Bama. Last year, you had the absolute slugfest against Tennessee followed by 'Bama. Those two games set up the rest of the season.

In 2017, you see a lot more bodies being used, to the OP's point, and there haven't been as many significant injuries to key players, also to the OP's point. This year is setting up very differently from the past 3. Play 'Bama tough, beat the Gators on the road then hit the Bye Week at the perfect time to heal up and coach up. I'll watch the Miss St game for confirmation that the coaching staff has turned a corner and finally figured out how to make it through an entire SEC schedule.

Trying to figure out why the second post of this thread has so many blue stars after basically just repeating what OP said.

S&C have improved our ability to survive the physical nature of Arkansa, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. However, I'm not sure it showed outside of Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida.

ironmanag said:

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There is a significant change in philosophy this year and it appears to be paying off as the Ags have dominated the fourth quarter in every game except UCLA.

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What is the changed philosophy?

I was told today by someone who trained under some really great people - and whom I trust greatly - that Black Death and the former A&M S&C head guy are both considered terrible in S&C circles.

FWIW.

yardwhisperer said:

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NyAggie said:

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completely agree with the first two posters.

I think Sumlin has finally figured out how to get through an entire season in the SEC without falling apart.

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Not sure how you can say this when we're only halfway through the year. At this point last year we were ranked #4. The year before that, well you remember. Then there was 3 years ago... There's a common thread here, and we are at the exact point, where every year, all of us get way too hyped. BAS incoming

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I tend to agree , maybe it is fools gold or, after 5 years, this staff has figured it out. The biggest difference this year is the defense is getting themselves off the field and the offense has fewer three and outs. Shave off 10 plays per game and the defense has basically cut an entire game off.

VikingNik said:

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NoahAg said:

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Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him).

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I'm pleased with the improvements and the trajectory of this season that I'm seeing but how can you not put all of the UCLA collapse on him? One of the biggest comebacks of all time that nearly any of us could have coached to a victory given the same circumstances.

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Its simple, No one could have ever foreseen the loss of Starkel in that game. If you are being rational, the playbook at UCLA was built for and around Starkel. He gets injured and inserted is Mond with a limited playbook and a limited knowledge of the offense. Our defense loses Donovan Wilson and we were young at DB. There is no substitute for game experience and it shows!

AggieConvert16 said:

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VikingNik said:

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NoahAg said:

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Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him).

---

I'm pleased with the improvements and the trajectory of this season that I'm seeing but how can you not put all of the UCLA collapse on him? One of the biggest comebacks of all time that nearly any of us could have coached to a victory given the same circumstances.

---

Its simple, No one could have ever foreseen the loss of Starkel in that game. If you are being rational, the playbook at UCLA was built for and around Starkel. He gets injured and inserted is Mond with a limited playbook and a limited knowledge of the offense. Our defense loses Donovan Wilson and we were young at DB. There is no substitute for game experience and it shows!

---

Starting late in the third quarter, we probably could have won by kneeling for three downs and punting on every drive. And we still lost. Sumlin thought he had a big enough lead to let his shiny new true freshman use the fourth quarter for passing drills and not worry about using the play clock as an ally. He was very, very wrong so we lost.

Ulrich said:

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AggieConvert16 said:

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VikingNik said:

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NoahAg said:

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Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him).

---

I'm pleased with the improvements and the trajectory of this season that I'm seeing but how can you not put all of the UCLA collapse on him? One of the biggest comebacks of all time that nearly any of us could have coached to a victory given the same circumstances.

---

Its simple, No one could have ever foreseen the loss of Starkel in that game. If you are being rational, the playbook at UCLA was built for and around Starkel. He gets injured and inserted is Mond with a limited playbook and a limited knowledge of the offense. Our defense loses Donovan Wilson and we were young at DB. There is no substitute for game experience and it shows!

---

Starting late in the third quarter, we probably could have won by kneeling for three downs and punting on every drive. And we still lost. Sumlin thought he had a big enough lead to let his shiny new true freshman use the fourth quarter for passing drills and not worry about using the play clock as an ally. He was very, very wrong so we lost.

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It truly takes sick and twisted individuals to really believe that Sumlin and his staff did anything other than try to win this game... Tu Idiota

AggieConvert16 said:

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Ulrich said:

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AggieConvert16 said:

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VikingNik said:

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NoahAg said:

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Sumlin and his staff have done a masterful job this season (sans the ucla collapse, but you can't put that all on him).

---

I'm pleased with the improvements and the trajectory of this season that I'm seeing but how can you not put all of the UCLA collapse on him? One of the biggest comebacks of all time that nearly any of us could have coached to a victory given the same circumstances.

---

Its simple, No one could have ever foreseen the loss of Starkel in that game. If you are being rational, the playbook at UCLA was built for and around Starkel. He gets injured and inserted is Mond with a limited playbook and a limited knowledge of the offense. Our defense loses Donovan Wilson and we were young at DB. There is no substitute for game experience and it shows!

---

Starting late in the third quarter, we probably could have won by kneeling for three downs and punting on every drive. And we still lost. Sumlin thought he had a big enough lead to let his shiny new true freshman use the fourth quarter for passing drills and not worry about using the play clock as an ally. He was very, very wrong so we lost.

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It truly takes sick and twisted individuals to really believe that Sumlin and his staff did anything other than try to win this game... Tu Idiota

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It takes a "sick and twisted individual" to think that passing the ball over and over with a wide-eyed true freshman backup on the road in his first college game when we had been hammering UCLA on the ground indicates that Sumlin screwed up? We gave up what is likely the most improbable comeback in years; the coach can not avoid a big share of responsibility.

There are really only two choices: either Sumlin thinks that the clock rolls on incompletions, or he thought that he could sneak in some extra passing reps for Mond. So... do you think he's stupid or do you think he miscalculated? I'm going with a miscalculation that cost a win.

It doesn't get any more black and white. We didn't even have to get first downs. Besides, the box was not as stacked as the excuse makers pretend. UCLA never stopped the run. And last, if Mond was so overwhelmed that he couldn't figure out the play clock... we had a 5th year senior standing on the sideline who is more than capable of handing the ball off and mixing in the occasional slant or screen.

Although having more depth is a plus, you must realize that most of this "depth" is very inexperienced depth.

In our latest Depth Chart, by my counting 19 of the offensive players and 18 of the defensive player are either fish or sophomores.

Could be Hocke. Could also be due to losing the UCLA game. That's the first opening game we've lost since Florida in 2012. And the way we lost it. I think Gillaspia said after the game on Saturday night that the UCLA game inspired them to become a "second half team." Most likely a combination of both though. We do seem fresher at this point in the season.

Epicaggie said:

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Ulrich said:

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It doesn't get any more black and white. We didn't even have to get first downs. Besides, the box was not as stacked as the excuse makers pretend. UCLA never stopped the run. And last, if Mond was so overwhelmed that he couldn't figure out the play clock... we had a 5th year senior standing on the sideline who is more than capable of handing the ball off and mixing in the occasional slant or screen.

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You clearly weren't paying attention to how ineffective our backs were after Starkel went down or the fact that Hubes was hurt and could not play. Mond would take it down to 2 or 3 seconds left on the playclociband fhen follow it up with a speed snap for no reason. Regardless we were a blocked kick and missed easy int by Capers-Smith from winning the game. Perhaps you should stop banging the pot and get your head out of your ass.

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Do you know how ridiculous you look telling someone to "get your head out of your ass" while making excuses for one of the worst collapses in NCAA history? Good grief dude. Say what you want about our wins or even the Bama moral victory, but that game was an inexcusable choke job no matter what way you look at it. You're laughably delusional to say anything otherwise.