I don't believe I ever said you weren't allowed in any capacity. It's just strange. If I didn't like a specific store and it's patrons, for example, I would just chose not to hang out there and do something I enjoyed instead of staying and telling everyone how much you hate it there. You can do what you want with your time.

Yes, for you id actually suggest lighting a J to calm down bud lol

Who said I "didn't like" your posts. I find them entertaining, albeit unhinged

So anyway......the Mercer game.....

I have a way-too-soon prediction. I feel like we surprise some folks and win by 13-17 points.

One of our tougher games this year. Mercer’s offense is largely intact from last year but strengthened with transfer offensive linemen. They lost a QB to Oklahoma but return the QB they started the year with prior to injury. They have veteran running backs one of who weighs about 230ln, and veteran receivers. We aren’t likely to have a very low scoring game. Can the Davis defense mesh with all the new personnel in the first game?
Game features Hero Sports #2 ranked defensive end Zock for Mercer and #5 defensive end Psyk for Davis.

Just a reminder, we'll have a small group gathering at Stadium Pub in Walnut Creek next Saturday the 23rd. If all the East Bay Aggies want to come on in, we can make it a big group. Stadium Pub is a great place to be on gameday, it's very Gradsy.

KICKOFF from Montgomery will be 4:00 pm Pacific Time Live on ESPN.

Hey everyone, thanks for keeping the board active and passionate - this community thrives because of your energy and insight. Just a quick reminder that we represent a university known not only for athletic excellence, but also for academic rigor and integrity. Let's reflect that standard in our conversations here. Keep the debates spirited, but respectful. Disagree without being disagreeable, and let's continue to make this a space we're proud to be part of.

In agreement with PA - we do not make an effort to stifle free speech here, but if we can be respectful and type responsibly, it certainly goes a long way to a better discussion.

What's the line on the Mercer game?

edit: Looks like nothing yet

if heard correct, they lost 9 starters from their top-rated defense through graduation or transfer. Sounds like a very aggressive defense that we might be able to exploit with the long ball. Agree with you that our defense will be the key - sounds like they tend to be conservative and wear you down. Need a couple early big plays to throw them out of their comfort zone.

Head coach Jacobs played offensive line at Ohio state. Offensive coordinator Soto first college job was at Davis as a QC analyst under Gould, he then moved on to a small school as the o line coach. Those two have coached together at three schools. So with that background you would expect they like to run.
We know that Davis also only returned two starters on defense, so the teams are even there. Linebacker may be Mercer’s biggest question mark.

I'd take a multi-score game!

another good point - I expect the norm going forward is that teams will have a small number of returners

As best I understand, Big Sky rules allow us to take 58 players to an air travel out of conference game. If Mercer buses it without a hotel stay, no limit to travel squad but with a hotel stay would follow the NCAA limit of 60. With the heat and humidity, depth is a factor. Was hoping to find a fan or alumni site to see if there was a mention of a team hotel or something but their internet footprint seems sparse. I would have thought Mercer would be promoting this as a bonus sort-of-home game with fan buses and an alumni association tailgate. But idk their official media accounts are running countdown to first home game… seems like the pregame concert series is a big draw in Macon. So idk if this will be a Mercer-heavy crowd or mostly Montgomery locals.

during the Zoom, Plough said (I think) we could take something like 70 players. We’re going out there Thursday to acclimate as best they can.

“ Plough said (I think) we could take something like 70 players. We’re going out there Thursday to acclimate as best they can.”
He told us the same number today at the lunch.

The FBS rule for neutral site games is 70 but I couldn’t find any FCS equivalent rule, and the usual rule is 58. Davis played about that number when they beat Tulsa, but I think the humidity is going to be higher in Birmingham, 70 percent humidity and 88 degrees for the day, don’t know what it will be at 7:00 PM.. .
Maybe there are specific rules for this game. It is an unusual situation.

He also mentioned the battle at punter has been tight. The good news is that boy guys are putting up Daniel Whelan numbers at practice - expecting a BIG improvement in that area.

I’ve lived down here for 15 years. It’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity.

The weather forecast for the kickoff at 7 pm is 82 degrees with 76% humidity and a "feels like" temperature of 85 with a 15% chance of a thunderstorm.

I hope it doesn’t rain. Seems we’ve opted for speed in skill positions over size so that could be an issue

sounds better than Tulsa a few years back

FWIW, Idaho State has 10 WRs at 6'1" or over, including Robbie Mascheroni (listed as a Sophomore).

WR's with great size and great speed are not easy to come by at the FCS level. Most of those elite players are taken quickly by FBS programs while smaller WR's with great speed are often overlooked by those programs.

I would rather have smaller WR's with great speed and quickness than bigger WR's who are not as fast. Sure, the taller WR's are a bigger target but, if they don't possess good speed and quickness, they're aren't as likely to be able to create as much separation as a smaller, faster receiver. Smaller receivers with great speed, quickness and good hands can create separation and get open which makes them just as good a target if not better. So I'm happy with smaller receivers who are speed burners...speed kills!

From another one living in the mid-south to south, yes definitely the humidity is the killer. Yesterday the dewpoint was up to 79. Free wet sauna.

My wife and I will be going to the game (we’re in the Raleigh area), and will fly to Atlanta). PM me if you’d like and maybe we can meet up at the game.

The weather forecast for the kickoff at 7 pm is 82 degrees with 76% humidity and a "feels like" temperature of 85 with a 15% chance of a thunderstorm.

Translates to a dewpoint of 72 degrees. Sultry but it could be worse in Alabama this time of year. Living in the south it’s all about dewpoint that doesn’t change with the temperature but lets you know how much water vapor is on the air.

We’re going to go with the cheap $23 tickets in the stands versus the climate controlled ESPN zone at $104 that does include food and access to stands. Rain is of more concern I think.

LFG

from what Plough was saying, Pinnack’s numbers in camp made it the obvious (but still tough) choice. Especially the percentage of explosives plays. They track and analyze every competitive scrimmage play.