Kool Aid

[j. spilotro]

I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of Kool Aid drinking otherwise the stands would be more full.

But among the people that follow them closely year in and year out, I do think there’s a lot of Kool Aid drinking early on.

We beat/dominated a decent team on the road and smacked around a horrible school. A lot to see still, they really haven’t proven much though. Eye test is pretty good in the early going.

But talks of expanded playoff, undefeated/1 loss … I think that’s over the top. It’s like the “we’re back” posts in hoops when we win at the Pit or win the 76 classic with a mediocre field.

If I start thinking that, it probably wouldn’t be until the first week of October.

That said, we aren’t often 2-0, and we rarely “look” this good to start the season. So there is reason for optimism.

 

[ckfitz]

I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of Kool Aid drinking otherwise the stands would be more full.

But among the people that follow them closely year in and year out, I do think there’s a lot of Kool Aid drinking early on.

We beat/dominated a decent team on the road and smacked around a horrible school. A lot to see still, they really haven’t proven much though. Eye test is pretty good in the early going.

But talks of expanded playoff, undefeated/1 loss … I think that’s over the top. It’s like the “we’re back” posts in hoops when we win at the Pit or win the 76 classic with a mediocre field.

If I start thinking that, it probably wouldn’t be until the first week of October.

That said, we aren’t often 2-0, and we rarely “look” this good to start the season. So there is reason for optimism.

The team is doing what they're supposed to do to meet their and Coach Odom's goals. Whether they meet their highest expectations, remains to be seen. At least they are headed in the right direction.

 

[Rebel_Luv]

I still think we are missing a few key players to get to the playoffs. Like a elite RB. I know they dont grow on trees. Hopefully 1-2 of our RB turn into one. Imagine if Sulka was a better passer. That also what we are missing. Maybe he calms down and gets into a groove ,but misses on some routine throws and likes to be the hero too much.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of Kool Aid drinking otherwise the stands would be more full.

But among the people that follow them closely year in and year out, I do think there’s a lot of Kool Aid drinking early on.

We beat/dominated a decent team on the road and smacked around a horrible school. A lot to see still, they really haven’t proven much though. Eye test is pretty good in the early going.

But talks of expanded playoff, undefeated/1 loss … I think that’s over the top. It’s like the “we’re back” posts in hoops when we win at the Pit or win the 76 classic with a mediocre field.

If I start thinking that, it probably wouldn’t be until the first week of October.

That said, we aren’t often 2-0, and we rarely “look” this good to start the season. So there is reason for optimism.

Still think 9-3.

And let's be honest that would still be amazing for this program and another step in the right direction.

UNLV has always had the 'potential' to be a solid football school.

It took some commitment from the University. A big donation. An AD with a clue. And finding the right guy to captain the ship.

 

[j. spilotro]

The team is doing what they're supposed to do to meet their and Coach Odom's goals. Whether they meet their highest expectations, remains to be seen. At least they are headed in the right direction.

I’m not complaining, I like what I see.

I guess overreaction is just par for the course these days. I think we are, in general, overreacting right now. And if Kansas beats us, we will overreact to the loss.

If we beat Kansas, I’m sure we are going to be talking about a NYD bowl game against Notre Dame, oops, Georgia.

 

[j. spilotro]

Still think 9-3.

And let's be honest that would still be amazing for this program and another step in the right direction.

UNLV has always had the 'potential' to be a solid football school.

It took some commitment from the University. A big donation. An AD with a clue. And finding the right guy to captain the ship.

9-3 …. 18 (or 19, or 20) wins over two seasons … is what we do in a decade. Yeah, would be huge. And we will and should want more and if Odom is here, he will want more. That’s all I want. Progress. A vision and movement towards it. Not slow growth loser mindset.

 

[dcut03]

After week one, many publications put us in the playoffs. That is where this is coming from.
Objectively, it makes sense just due to what the rest of G5 has done that week.
Right now, Boise is our biggest threat for that, but they have some flaws. Obviously. Kansas and Syracuse really do not matter too much for that playoff spot. Since we know we get Boise at least once.
Personally I think the offense needs to show more. Run has been more consistent though a bit less explosive. But it seems like we are getting more of first down. The passing game has been bit hit or miss. Sluka has been missing on some short stuff, and we haven't really spread the ball around. His ability to run has been nice and makes us tough to defend on 3rd down.

 

[Gator 82]

Lemon Lime was my favorite flavor of Kool Aid.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

9-3 …. 18 (or 19, or 20) wins over two seasons … is what we do in a decade. Yeah, would be huge. And we will and should want more and if Odom is here, he will want more. That’s all I want. Progress. A vision and movement towards it. Not slow growth loser mindset.

My following take is based purely on speculation.

I think Odom is here long term barring a couple things.

I believe there are 3 maybe 4 jobs that if they opened he would jump ship. Call them 'dream jobs'.

I also believe money always talks. So there is also always the chance that somebody outside of those three or four jobs throws stupid money at him maybe he bolts.

That said I don't think he jumps ship for just any P4 job even for a bump in pay. It would need to be substantial.

Take a school like Indiana. As good of a coach as he had been here I simply don't think you can move the needle much at a P4 like that. 8-4 consistently would be great for them, but you aren't sniffing the CFP there.

I believe jobs like Boise, Memphis, Fresno and UNLV are actually more desirable with the expanded playoff format. It's an easier path than mid tier P4 programs.

Not saying he won't bolt at some point. I just don't think he is actively looking to leave because he believes he can make UNLV competitive and a top G5 destination and that's not a bad place to be now.

 

[j. spilotro]

After we one, many publications put us in the playoffs. That is where this is coming from.
Objectively, it makes sense just due yo what the rest of G5 has done.
Right now, Boise is our biggest threat for that, but they have some flaws. Obviously. Kansas and Syracuse really do not matter too much for that playoff spot. Since we know we get Boise at least once.
Personally I think the offense needs to show more. Run has been more consistent though a bit less explosive. But it seems like we are getting more of first down. The passing game has been bit hit or miss. Sluka has been missing on some short stuff, and we haven't really spread the ball around. His ability to run has been nice and makes us tough to defend on 3rd down.

Things do still seem rickety with the offense. Sounds stupid to say given we are averaging 50 ppg. Some red zone issues, timing and touch issues …. Read issues. Expected early season … but I really wouldn’t say we are clicking offensively.

 

[Boston Rebel 2]

Still think 9-3.

And let's be honest that would still be amazing for this program and another step in the right direction.

UNLV has always had the 'potential' to be a solid football school.

It took some commitment from the University. A big donation. An AD with a clue. And finding the right guy to captain the ship.

That is what I think as well 9-3 and as you said that would be great. That said, if the offense improves is 10-2 out of the question? Probably not. Which could be playoffs. But there is a lot of football to go and even more question marks and though I don’t believe they make the playoffs it isn’t 100% out of the question either. I think we are pretty close to BSU in that regard.

 

[1Tripoda]

Things do still seem rickety with the offense. Sounds stupid to say given we are averaging 50 ppg. Some red zone issues, timing and touch issues …. Read issues. Expected early season … but I really wouldn’t say we are clicking offensively.

It maybe due to the fact that they have not open up the playbook fully yet. It does looks disjointed, like something is missing. Not much of a GoGo on display yet.
Guys, let me ask you something. Minshew is the best the Raiders have? Got a killer of a defense and for the most part an offence but the QB is Minshew?

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

That is what I think as well 9-3 and as you said that would be great. That said, if the offense improves is 10-2 out of the question? Probably not. Which could be playoffs. But there is a lot of football to go and even more question marks and though I don’t believe they make the playoffs it isn’t 100% out of the question either. I think we are pretty close to BSU in that regard.

I said before the season the offense is going to look a lot different.

Much more run heavy.

Don't get me wrong, I think there's room to improve in the passing game, but I don't think the passing game is where this team is hitching it's wagon this year.

Expect more of same.

Run the ball.

Sluka converting 3rd and 5 plus with his legs.

Sluka having success with chunk throws downfield in pass game.

What you won't see is him putting the ball up 30 plus times a game unless absolutely necessary..

Expect a lot of

10 for 16 160 yard through the air with 50+ yards on the ground.

As long he is smart with the ball and hits on the throws downfield when they are there, offense should put up plenty of points. Passing game won't be putting up 200+ a lot but there will be enough big plays to keep defenses honest.

 

[1Tripoda]

I said before the season the offense is going to look a lot different.

Much more run heavy.

Don't get me wrong, I think there's room to improve in the passing game, but I don't think the passing game is where this team is hitching it's wagon this year.

Expect more of same.

Run the ball.

Sluka converting 3rd and 5 plus with his legs.

Sluka having success with chunk throws downfield in pass game.

What you won't see is him putting the ball up 30 plus times a game unless absolutely necessary..

Expect a lot of

10 for 16 160 yard through the air with 50+ yards on the ground.

As long he hits on the throws downfield when they are there, offense should put up plenty of points.

I am cool with that. Love to see some long balls to Ricky White and Jacob DeJesus down the sideline once per game at least, though.
As long as UNLV win. Just win anyhow you can.

 

[1Tripoda]

We have not seen Jalen McDaniel streaking with Ricky White yet. I know he is a freshman but he got Ricky endorsement. That big LB from Missouri might be something special. I hope he sub in for McDuffie while he is hurt.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

I am cool with that. Love to see some long balls to Ricky White and Jacob DeJesus down the sideline once per game at least, though.
As long as UNLV win. Just win anyhow you can.

Yep.

Grind teams on the ground. Hit 2 or 3 splash/chunk plays in the passing game.

Sluka is going to keep a lot of drives alive with his legs.

 

[unlove]

Sluka is going to keep a lot of drives alive with his legs.

As long as he has his legs. Wasn’t too impressed with HMW. Hoping it was the conservative play calling but they didn’t appear inter-changeable.

 

[1Tripoda]

Yep.

Grind teams on the ground. Hit 2 or 3 splash/chunk plays in the passing game.

Sluka is going to keep a lot of drives alive with his legs.

He might not the best passer but the dude can move it. He was a decent passer at Holy Cross. So we may have seen his best stuffs yet until the entire book is open.

 

[1Tripoda]

As long as he has his legs. Wasn’t too impressed with HMW. Hoping it was the conservative play calling but they didn’t appear inter-changeable.

Heard he is a better passer. Dont give up on him yet. Sluka like to runs which mean he can easily be inured.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

As long as he has his legs. Wasn’t too impressed with HMW. Hoping it was the conservative play calling but they didn’t appear inter-changeable.

I wouldn't judge Hajj too much on this game. I don't think they called more than 3 or 4 pass plays for him, and even those I think were 'If first read isn't there tuck and run' type stuff. He rushed for 88 yards. There really wasn't any reason to put the ball up in the air.

I've never been one to criticize a team for running up the score, but there is a point in a game where you take the air out of the ball and just run base stuff. If they can't stop that it's on them.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

Heard he is a better passer. Dont give up on him yet. Sluka like to runs which mean he can easily be inured.

He's possibly more accurate but Sluka has bigger arm.

 

[dcut03]

I agree that we will run a lot more this year.

But I also don't think that we should be used to sub 200 yard passing games.

Odom likes to play to his team's strengths. When you have White, Cain, DeJesus, Ballungay and then you have our stable of RBs and Sluka, throwing the ball is an arguable strength.

Sluka isn't a terrible passer. He needs to work on some things for sure.

But we just had 2 games where it was mandated to NOT throw the ball for an entire half.

Marion is a WR himself and his best offensive player is a WR. I think we see more of an air attack. Still a lot of running, more than last year. But I think the run/pass yardage splits get a good amount closer for sure.

 

[Stoker016]

My expectation is still 7-5. So far we are where I thought we'd be. However, i will say we do look better than I expected. My expectation is 7-5 and a bowl. Anything above, wonderful. Anything below, something went wrong. Now we go on the road and beat Kansas? Different story.

My expected losses were Kansas, Syracuse, Boise st, Oregon St, and then another unexpected one. Hope im wrong. But still, 7-5 with a tougher schedule and a bowl appearance is still fantastic long term. For one, it keeps Odom here 100% another year. Secondly, it's back to back winning seasons. And lastly, it's back to back bowl seasons.

 

[reagan21]

9-3 is my expectation. Losses to Kansas, Syracuse, and Boise.....probably.

 

[Rebel1986]

I wouldn't judge Hajj too much on this game. I don't think they called more than 3 or 4 pass plays for him, and even those I think were 'If first read isn't there tuck and run' type stuff. He rushed for 88 yards. There really wasn't any reason to put the ball up in the air.

I've never been one to criticize a team for running up the score, but there is a point in a game where you take the air out of the ball and just run base stuff. If they can't stop that it's on them.

According to the coach he shut down all passing in the second half. According to the stats their was only one pass attempted in the second half by Cameron Friel for 30 yards. While they may have left the option open if needed for a pass, it appears that it was totally shut down. If UNLV had continue to pass in the second half the score would have most likely been around 100 with 800 yards of offense.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

I agree that we will run a lot more this year.

But I also don't think that we should be used to sub 200 yard passing games.

Odom likes to play to his team's strengths. When you have White, Cain, DeJesus, Ballungay and then you have or stable of RBs and Sluka, throwing the ball is an arguable strength.

Sluka isn't a terrible passer. He needs to work on some things for sure.

But we just had 2 games where it was mandated to NOT throw the ball for an entire half.

Marion is a WR himself and his best offensive player is a WR. I think we see more of an air attack. Still a lot of running, more than last year. But I think the run/pass yardage splits get a good amount closer for sure.

According to the coach he shut down all passing in the second half. According to the stats their was only one pass attempted in the second half by Cameron Friel for 30 yards. While they may have left the option open if needed for a pass, it appears that it was totally shut down. If UNLV had continue to pass in the second half the score would have most likely been around 100 with 800 yards of offense.

Yeah there were two or three plays where I think they were going to let Hajj throw he dropped back, there was nothing there and then he took off.

Get him a pass in and shut it down. Drop backs don't register as pass attempts.

 

[Masked_rebel]

There are still people that want Hajj to start?

The Koolaid stuff starter after last week, but I really have to laugh at people that thought thumping UT was going to put us into the Top 25.. I dont think NIU beating ND should've put them there either, but voters gonna vote. I agree that there is still some stuff to get worked out on the field, its tough to gauge against an opponent that let you do whatever you wanted. Our schedule helps give optimism that it is a very likely possibility if you deliver on all results to end up in the CFP, that's what good scheduling does, but you also have to win those games and beating a bad FCS program into the ground is what you're expected to do, not a shout out to the voters.
I think this weeks game is going to be a lot different than last years for both teams. It wouldn't surprise me if its a 27-24 slug fest at times because I think KU is going to feed its backs and try and limit Daniels while he's still shaking off the rust of not playing or practicing for an entire year, combined with a new play caller and new system. So can we stop the run and limit the option pitches by Daniels to Neal and Hishaw will play a bigger role than can we cover the WRs an deep streaks like the bowl game. KU's defense is really going to struggle trying to contain the rushing ability of Sluka, which should help the passing game. He is going to need to focus on finding a WR other than White, who is going to get blanketed by Bryant all night. I know the game plan was probably get it to White vs UTech but I wouldve like to see him try and really spread it around while in the game and get familiar with the other receivers.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

I’m not complaining, I like what I see.

I guess overreaction is just par for the course these days. I think we are, in general, overreacting right now. And if Kansas beats us, we will overreact to the loss.

If we beat Kansas, I’m sure we are going to be talking about a NYD bowl game against Notre Dame, oops, Georgia.

Hyperbole makes me happy..

Adam Hill local media guy tweets out after KU lost to Illinois..

'This is disastrous for UNLV'

What? Disastrous? Really?

Losing to Utah Tech would be disastrous.

Sure you'd rather beat a ranked KU team than not

But hardly 'disastrous' to have two P4 road wins.

Sure not N. Illinois beating ND at home impressive but impressive nonetheless.

And if UNLV loses to Kansas the sky isn't falling if you can rebound against Fresno..

3-1 with a possibly ranked Syracuse team coming to town is a pretty good place to be.

 

[Rebel1986]

Hyperbole makes me happy..

Adam Hill local media guy tweets out after KU lost to Illinois..

'This is disastrous for UNLV'

What? Disastrous? Really?

Losing to Utah Tech would be disastrous.

Sure you'd rather beat a ranked KU team than not

But hardly 'disastrous' to have two P4 road wins.

Sure not N. Illinois beating ND at home impressive but impressive nonetheless.

And if UNLV loses to Kansas the sky isn't falling if you can rebound against Fresno..

3-1 with a possibly ranked Syracuse team coming to town is a pretty good place to be.

That could then be followed up with a ranked Oregon State game if they beat Oregon in a game that they could very well win against a much weaker Oregon team than the rankings show.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

That could then be followed up with a ranked Oregon State game if they beat Oregon in a game that they could very well win against a much weaker Oregon team than the rankings show.

Yeah.

Damn I forgot what a brutal stretch this is coming up.

 

[j. spilotro]

Yeah.

Damn I forgot what a brutal stretch this is coming up.

It’s one of those things - you hope the players stay away from everything, scores, highlights, etc … and they attack the next game as if it’s their Super Bowl.

Impossible to do, I know the staff will try to push that.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

It’s one of those things - you hope the players stay away from everything, scores, highlights, etc … and they attack the next game as if it’s their Super Bowl.

Impossible to do, I know the staff will try to push that.

Cliche's being what they are..

One game at a time.

 

[j. spilotro]

Cliche's being what they are..

One game at a time.

When you think about it, that used to be easier.

Tark could just cut the cable so they didn’t see ESPN.

Leave them with local news only. Local papers only.

 

[Rebel1986]

When you think about it, that used to be easier.

Tark could just cut the cable so they didn’t see ESPN.

Leave them with local news only. Local papers only.

No doubt. Cell phones make that impossible!

 

[reagan21]

Hyperbole makes me happy..

Adam Hill local media guy tweets out after KU lost to Illinois..

Thanks, Bull....

After quitting Twitter in 2022 and cutting out local sportstalk radio from my life I had forgotten Adam Hill existed. Why did you have to remind me he walks this planet and somehow has a platform for his awful takes?!?!?!?!?!?

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

Thanks, Bull....

After quitting Twitter in 2022 and cutting out local sportstalk radio from my life I had forgotten Adam Hill existed. Why did you have to remind me he walks this planet and somehow has a platform for his awful takes?!?!?!?!?!?

He is the worst.

And.

I apologize.

 

[RebelScrub]

He is the worst.

And.

I apologize.

In defense of Adam, he was with me when I desecrated the Book of Mormon and wrote “Rebels #1” on the side of the softcover book.

 

[reagan21]

In defense of Adam, he was with me when I desecrated the Book of Mormon and wrote “Rebels #1” on the side of the softcover book.

cool?

 

[1Tripoda]

Hyperbole makes me happy..

Adam Hill local media guy tweets out after KU lost to Illinois..

'This is disastrous for UNLV'

What? Disastrous? Really?

Losing to Utah Tech would be disastrous.

Sure you'd rather beat a ranked KU team than not

But hardly 'disastrous' to have two P4 road wins.

Sure not N. Illinois beating ND at home impressive but impressive nonetheless.

And if UNLV loses to Kansas the sky isn't falling if you can rebound against Fresno..

3-1 with a possibly ranked Syracuse team coming to town is a pretty good place to be.

Losing to KU is not the end of the season but it would surely make our season a lot more fun. The next home game may burst that 30K ceiling if UNLV beat KU.

 

[Bullmastiff 1]

Losing to KU is not the end of the season but it would surely make our season a lot more fun. The next home game may burst that 30K ceiling if UNLV beat KU.

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