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Post by lions09 on Jun 8, 2017 11:55:47 GMT -6
Can UNA extend their unprecedented GSC title run to 5 in a row on the way out?
There will be some challenges.
* Wallace is gone. Will these guys step up and play lights out for Willis? I've heard rumor of some guys quitting. That concerns me.
* No Wingo or Tucker. Can Hawkins step in and play GSC football and the level needed to win? He got a lot of playing time last season but didn't make me sit on the edge of my seat to watch. It was mainly in mop-up duty with the backups. He did come into the UWG game when Tucker got injured on the one play to get that important rushing touchdown. That was impressive.
* Can we establish a rushing game with no Thompson or Tucker? Last year was pretty rough for the ground game other than Tucker willing his way down the field.
* Once again, the schedule is front-loaded with the tougher teams. I think this worked in UNA's favor last year. They went into the season playing one of the best of the FCS and then had good games afterward before getting a bit of a breather for several games to complete the regular season. I think that led to them being fresher to grind it out to the championship game. Will these new elements be able to do the same at the beginning of the year?
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Post by brandon on Jun 8, 2017 18:49:27 GMT -6
I have had concerns about players quitting as well, so I did some digging, talked to a couple of players, and the concensus is that Willis is a lot more strick and is holding the players more accountable on and off the field. He is also more intense than Wallace is what I am being told. So maybe he is weeding out some problems?
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Post by 1949lions on Jun 9, 2017 11:35:40 GMT -6
Hawkins is a good player. I just hope his experience last year, this Spring and during fall camp will have him ready for A&M-Commerce. They were very good last year.
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Post by brandon on Jun 9, 2017 19:08:29 GMT -6
I think Hawkins will be fine. My only concern about this year is not looking ahead to D1 and playing A&M or NDSU. Just saw where Kennesaw State and JSU are playing in Sun Trust park in 2018. Why would either of these (especially JSU) schedule UNA in 2018.
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Post by unabeast on Jun 12, 2017 21:41:06 GMT -6
First post. Let me get this off my chest. Let's start a branding campaign here and around Florence. We have a great product that deserves great support. Let's hope Adidas really opens up and gives our teams the right gear at the right time, every student is a branding opportunity.
No scheduling. We should work hard to get: Alabama St USA UAB Southern Miss Jack State Samford Chatty ETSU Tenn Tech Then throw in some fun games like San Diego, Robert Morris, Villinove, Duquesne, Mercer, who am o missing that could start some great racial rivalries? I love NDSU and A and M. Maybe Montana and Idaho? I really think we tie on NDSU and Villanova would be great exposure !
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Post by unabeast on Jun 12, 2017 21:48:18 GMT -6
First post. Let me get this off my chest. Let's start a branding campaign here and around Florence. We have a great product that deserves great support. Let's hope Adidas really opens up and gives our teams the right gear at the right time, every student is a branding opportunity. No scheduling. We should work hard to get: Alabama St USA UAB Southern Miss Jack State Samford Chatty ETSU Tenn Tech Then throw in some fun games like San Diego, Robert Morris, Villinove, Duquesne, Mercer, who am o missing that could start some great racial rivalries? I love NDSU and A and M. Maybe Montana and Idaho? I really think we tie on NDSU and Villanova would be great exposure !
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Post by unabeast on Jun 12, 2017 21:49:46 GMT -6
Hahahah. Not racial rivalries. Sorry! My fingers are to big for this key board!
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Post by lions09 on Jun 13, 2017 11:02:49 GMT -6
Hahahah. Not racial rivalries. Sorry! My fingers are to big for this key board! Glad you joined us and posted Beast! I agree about the branding and would love to have most/all the schools on our schedule on a regular basis, especially in-state schools.
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Post by northalaspectator on Jun 13, 2017 16:34:01 GMT -6
After 2019:
Unless the Big South add more football members we will have 6 Conference games with a opening for 4 out of conference FCS games plus an FBS game.
Out of those 4 hopefully Alabama A&M and Jacksonville State can somewhat be on a regular basis. Until Samford starts getting more fan support I'm against them on a regular basis. I also would like to see UT-Chattanooga and Tennessee State on somewhat regular basis.
In other sports, Until the ASUN add more members we should have around 14 or 15 out of conference games. Besides the teams I mention for football, I would like to see UAB, South Alabama, Troy, Southern Mississippi on a somewhat regular basis if it is only one game per year. Plus a basketball money game maybe a top ten team from the previous season or just maybe the Defending National Champion.
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Post by lions09 on Jun 21, 2017 13:12:35 GMT -6
Adding some guy for this upcoming season. I like what I'm seeing.
Would be nice to go out on top.
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Post by unabeast on Jun 21, 2017 13:35:17 GMT -6
Adding some guy for this upcoming season. I like what I'm seeing. Would be nice to go out on top.
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Post by unabeast on Jun 21, 2017 13:45:33 GMT -6
Hearing some news that there have been a few players opting out of playing next year? i thought I saw on another post kids are just quitting? Any truth to this?
I think with picking up the new QB, should enable Hawkins to stay on the field all day, at QB and WR? This was a kid that was highly regarded as one of the best in class at WR?
To touch on another topic, i also heard a majority of the schedule has been made but haven't been able to get the scoop. Might have to step it up a notch. I had hoped or still hoping that Tennessee gives us a shot? Any other teams you think may drop teams to play is like UGA dropping Austin Pea to play Murray State? (FBS) we do have to have I believe 80% to qualify. I'd like to see us play some northern teams as well....I hope we are willing to do what it takes to make this happen, and the earlier the schedule is announced the more fan support and school spirit we will see! Branding Branding Branding! Still can't find any new UNA Adidas apparel
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Post by unafied on Jun 22, 2017 7:34:06 GMT -6
Still can't find any new UNA Adidas apparel I've often wondered how this is handled, and how much control the University has over this. When I was at UNA ~10 years ago, about the only place to find apparel was either in the GUC bookstore, where the prices were more than a college budget (or at least mine) could afford, or maybe over at Martin's on Cox Creek Pkwy. Walmart would randomly have a t-shirt or two, but even they weren't very reliable. I remember one time wanting a purple and gold Ralph Lauren Polo shirt. Belk at (I'm still calling it) Regency Square Mall had crimson and white shirts, orange and blue shirts, but no combination of purple and gold. And when I mention the first two, they were set up on displays, obviously pointing out the fact they were there specifically for Bama and Auburn. So is there anything UNA can do to push these stores to carry more merchandise? Stores have buyers that presumably stock the shelves with what they think their customers will want. So maybe it's a "chicken or egg" question. Stores don't sell a lot of UNA merchandise, but they also don't stock a lot. Would they sell more if they had more? IF the University has a say in this situation, I really wish they'd expand the marketing reach to at least surrounding counties. Just Lauderdale and Colbert isn't enough. Why can't stores in Russellville, Athens, Huntsville, even Lawrenceburg or Iuka, MS, carry UNA stuff? We have plenty of students from those areas. A little off-topic, but I remember in the 90s our games were carried on the "UNA Sports Network". These were the days of Jerry Knight and Bill Hunt on the mic. I remember riding back from Birmingham one Saturday and hearing the game on a Cullman station. I guess with the internet that isn't as important to have anymore, but it would be nice to see more of a push again to be the university for all of North Alabama, not just the Shoals.
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Post by unabeast on Jun 22, 2017 8:08:38 GMT -6
Having ESPN on campus should help that, but with regards to shirts and stuff, I heard that there was a unique licenseing agreement that disabled a lot of places to carry good gear. I dunno if there is any truth to that, but I am still like you, Martins has some stuff but I prefer a little "better" quality...thwart have a great section but it's dated. I try hobbits and dicks constantly but nothing. The Bookstore is way over priced and I can't find things online either. It's hard to be a branding machine when you can't find anything to wear...that's why I would like to see if nothing else the student athletes get their fair share of stuff. It was really disappointing to go to KC last year and see all the fresh team gear NWMST had. Matching everything from hats to shoes. Head to toe. Shirts, jackets, sweat suits, leisure wear...I was stuck in their hotel and I was embarrassed for our kids after talking with several of them. A few of the kids got to eat with the Kansas Basketball team, that was nice of Kansas....but if I had to make a change, or say if I had some say....I'd make sure my athletic department looked the part of student athletes. That's the least I would do. That's inexpensive and shows appreciation. Even at D2- D1AA-D1 football is a full time job...appreciation is key. And for old farts like me...I want to support my program by wearing nice adidas threads...not ones that look like the 1990's..that's not vintage...that's poor quality. I hope this is received the right way, I just have always expected more from the GREAT UNA. I hope Kitts and Swindler are on bird and recognize who helps make this program move. It's the student body and student athletes. ROAR LIONS!
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Post by northalaspectator on Jun 22, 2017 8:42:35 GMT -6
Hearing some news that there have been a few players opting out of playing next year? i thought I saw on another post kids are just quitting? Any truth to this? I think with picking up the new QB, should enable Hawkins to stay on the field all day, at QB and WR? This was a kid that was highly regarded as one of the best in class at WR? To touch on another topic, i also heard a majority of the schedule has been made but haven't been able to get the scoop. Might have to step it up a notch. I had hoped or still hoping that Tennessee gives us a shot? Any other teams you think may drop teams to play is like UGA dropping Austin Pea to play Murray State? (FBS) we do have to have I believe 80% to qualify. I'd like to see us play some northern teams as well....I hope we are willing to do what it takes to make this happen, and the earlier the schedule is announced the more fan support and school spirit we will see! Branding Branding Branding! Still can't find any new UNA Adidas apparel I believe that the deal with Adidas official takes effect July 1st. So I'm sure by September you will start seeing a few items.
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