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Post by cullowheeguy on Nov 19, 2023 22:50:07 GMT -5
Is this still what our non conference looks like next year? This is what is on FBschedules.com 08/31 - at NC State 09/07 - Campbell 09/14 - at Elon 09/21 - at Montana Then we have these teams at home, The Citadel, VMI, WOFFORD, and Chattanooga. These games on the road, Furman, Samford, Mercer, ETSU. This sounds like a brutal schedule. Think we will have a much better veteran team but that’s a tough schedule. ETSU just fired there Coach. 12 games = no open date? 13 week season because of how thanksgiving hits so yes we will have a bye week.
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Catback
Redshirt Freshman
The 2022-23 SoCon Football Pick'em Champion
Posts: 471
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Post by Catback on Nov 20, 2023 10:06:49 GMT -5
Better find a better defense overall. Better defensive tackling, no more stupid penalties, no more trash talking penalties, more depth on D line with taller and bigger LBs and DBs.......oh and BETTER DEFENSE Coaching!
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goat
Walkon
Posts: 93
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Post by goat on Nov 20, 2023 10:30:15 GMT -5
I guess since I waited until Monday, this is actually “Two Mornings After”
I know many of you don’t know me, but I randomly peruse this site to hear (and feel) the sentiments of everyone. In a way, it helps keep me connected to WCU athletics – a place that I still love deeply. Interestingly, as much success as I experienced at Western, I had exponentially more fun watching my son play for the Purple & Gold. I have been involved in WCU athletics since my last season in 1987. I love to tailgate and see old friends & teammates in one of the most beautiful college football settings in the country. Although I rarely go into the stadium to watch games, because I cannot believe the vulgar comments & criticisms that our “fans” shout towards 19 & 20-year-old kids. I read some of the undignified comments in the VMI game thread, and if my son was Brody Palhegyi, we would have some words.
Unfortunately, I could not attend the game on Saturday due to a work conflict, but I really wanted the Cats to win. Additionally, I wanted Richard McCollum to break my scoring record. He and I have exchanged emails throughout the year, and I have tried to encourage, support and remind him to take it “one kick at a time.” He is absolutely the best kicker in America. I am really proud of this team. I like their skill & athleticism, but Saturday revealed that we still need to become more physical, on both sides of the ball. We simply got pushed around by a very disciplined team, that seemed to play with an edge (and that happens in football…..just ask Furman, James Madison and UT Martin).
I think the best part of this year is that other than the Arkansas game, we all felt a sense of optimism that has been sorely missing within the Catamount Nation. It was fun to drive up to the mountains this fall for a night at the casino and then head to Cullowhee with a confident expectation that if we played well, we could win. Now, we need to continue making progress, and become mentally tougher and find ways to win, especially when we don’t play our best. Living near Atlanta, I have watched UGA successfully go through this progression.
I hope that WCU had a watch party yesterday, because I would want those feelings from Saturday to burn deep. It would have been beneficial for the players to watch as Mercer and Chattanooga were chosen to play more football, and undoubtedly inspire an essential type of monomaniacal commitment during the offseason. I have learned that rock bottom will teach you lessons that mountain tops never will, and a chip on your shoulder is one of the greatest motivators of all-time! As cancer has taught me: It’s not what happens to you that matters, rather everything is dependent upon how you respond! The ‘Cats must respond like Champions!
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Post by catamountalum04 on Nov 20, 2023 11:09:29 GMT -5
Is there a financial benefit to going all the way out to Montana? Doesn't make much sense Schedule another home game with a Pioneer league team or Ohio valley team I'm sure there is a financial liability to backing out of the contract, especially given the short notice. I'm sure Montana had to pay WCU $$$ for breaking the contract. Yes sir they did
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Post by catamount87 on Nov 20, 2023 11:17:03 GMT -5
I guess since I waiting until Monday, this is actually “Two Mornings After” I know many of you don’t know me, but I randomly peruse this site to hear (and feel) the sentiments of everyone. In a way, it helps keep me connected to WCU athletics – a place that I still love deeply. Interestingly, as much success as I experienced at Western, I had exponentially more fun watching my son play for the Purple & Gold. I have been involved in WCU athletics since my last season in 1987. I love to tailgate and see old friends & teammates in one of the most beautiful college football settings in the country. Although I rarely go into the stadium to watch games, because I cannot believe the vulgar comments & criticisms that our “fans” shout towards 19 & 20-year-old kids. I read some of the undignified comments in the VMI game thread, and if my son was Brody Palhegyi, we would have some words. Unfortunately, I could not attend the game on Saturday due to a work conflict, but I really wanted the Cats to win. Additionally, I wanted Richard McCollum to break my scoring record. He and I have exchanged emails throughout the year, and I have tried to encourage, support and remind him to take it “one kick at a time.” He is absolutely the best kicker in America. I am really proud of this team. I like their skill & athleticism, but Saturday revealed that we still need to become more physical, on both sides of the ball. We simply got pushed around by a very disciplined team, that seemed to play with an edge (and that happens in football…..just ask Furman, James Madison and UT Martin). I think the best part of this year is that other than the Arkansas game, we all felt a sense of optimism that has been sorely missing within the Catamount Nation. It was fun to drive up to the mountains this fall for a night at the casino and then head to Cullowhee with a confident expectation that if we played well, we could win. Now, we need to continue making progress, and become mentally tougher and find ways to win, especially when we don’t play our best. Living near Atlanta, I have watched UGA successfully go through this progression. I hope that WCU had a watch party yesterday, because I would want those feelings from Saturday to burn deep. It would have been beneficial for the players to watch as Mercer and Chattanooga were chosen to play more football, and undoubtedly inspire an essential type of monomaniacal commitment during the offseason. I have learned that rock bottom will teach you lessons that mountain tops never will, and a chip on your shoulder is one of the greatest motivators of all-time! As cancer has taught me: It’s not what happens to you that matters, rather everything is dependent upon how you respond! The ‘Cats must respond like Champions! Well said!
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Post by mtncat1 on Nov 20, 2023 11:45:21 GMT -5
Well stated and, of course, super classy of you to have been pulling for Richard to break your record. This VMI game hurt not only because it knocked us out of the playoffs, but also because of so many other side stories like Richard possibly being able to break a record if WCU had more chances to score. It also pained me to see the emotional exchange between Cole and our head coach as Cole walked up to him with a sling on his arm.
Regarding the play of the team, I honestly think the team did the best they could under the circumstances. I agree with you GOAT, Brody did his best and did not deserve all the negative comments he got. Keep your head up Brody! Not everyone feels that you don't deserve to be on the WCU football team. I honestly don't buy into some thoughts spoken that the team rolled up to VMI with the wrong attitude or expecting a cake walk game. Thank you team and coaches for a very memorable season and keep up the hard work.
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Post by catamountsfan98 on Nov 20, 2023 14:03:18 GMT -5
Yes, next year is a tough one for sure.
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Post by catamountsfan98 on Nov 20, 2023 14:06:53 GMT -5
I feel bad for the team really. Injuries aren’t an excuse, but to lose your starting quarterback, star running back, and key offensive linemen throughout the season just makes me feel sorry for the players who worked so hard. Just truly unfortunate timing really. I am not angry or upset with the play - I just feel sorry for the players as they worked very hard and had some truly bad luck with injuries. At this level it is very very hard to build true depth in all positions. Just some tough luck. At the end of the day, these are all kids.
No doubt we would have beat VMI if Cole had not been injured.
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Post by wcugrad95 on Nov 20, 2023 20:50:15 GMT -5
I also know it has been stated how we all want more - playoff bids, SOCON championships, etc. But as bad as this felt it feels 1000% better than how many of our seasons ended before Bell got here. Speir had a couple of good years, but this feels like we are poised to be a playoff-contending team for the next few years. Get in 2 times and that would be program-setting.
Bell has gone from 4 to 6 to 7 wins - that is a win short this year but is no doubt the correct direction.
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