FINALLY, it's Game Week for Redbird Football. The flag is flying at the TR House to indicate that Redbird Football is IN season. I know, you look out the window and it looks more like Winter Olympic weather than college football weather, but I'm grateful for anything. I'm also very impressed with the toughness and dedication of our football team. These guys have had to practice in everything. Freezing cold, rain, wind - you name it. I always cringe when someone talks about players getting a "free" education. Most of the team does have at least a partial scholarship but to get that support they have to lift weights , attend team meetings, and this year they have had to practice in the most bone-chilling cold ever. It's hard to play the game when you can't feel your fingers. They work their asses off that "free" education. And some guys aren't even on scholarship.
Hang in there guys. There's another cold week ahead but Game Day in Springfield, Mo is supposed to be over 40 degrees. By then the polar vortex will have moved on and the worst of it should be over. College football weather is coming up.
Beyond the weather, there's a difficult challlenge to overcome in the Missouri State Bears. They got a chance to learn their new system under new Coach Bobby Petrino in the fall when they played 3 games while most of the conference was idle. That will give them an advantage. It does provide us with some film of a Petrino team at MSU but Petrino keeps bringing in QB's with strong credentials so we're not really sure which one we'll face.
We know who our QB is, it's Bryce Jefferson. We can't just hand off to the tailback anymore. He'll have to complete some passes or become a rushing threat in his own right. Jefferson is a good all-around athlete. Has he improved enough to ignite the offense?
On defense we will field some new names and faces but the defense is underrated. The Redbird D has reloaded. They'll need to be good because Bobby Petrino is a highly accomplished offensive coach. He's been the HC at Arkansas and Louisville in the FBS and HC of the Atlanta Falcons is the NFL. He's had more ups and downs than a street junkie but I don't think anyone has ever said he can't come up with a good offensive game plan. The Bear offense will be ready. The Birds defense and in fact the whole team should be ready to take off in 40 degree weather. Should be a great opener. GAME WEEK - FINALLY!
Hang in there guys. There's another cold week ahead but Game Day in Springfield, Mo is supposed to be over 40 degrees. By then the polar vortex will have moved on and the worst of it should be over. College football weather is coming up.
Beyond the weather, there's a difficult challlenge to overcome in the Missouri State Bears. They got a chance to learn their new system under new Coach Bobby Petrino in the fall when they played 3 games while most of the conference was idle. That will give them an advantage. It does provide us with some film of a Petrino team at MSU but Petrino keeps bringing in QB's with strong credentials so we're not really sure which one we'll face.
We know who our QB is, it's Bryce Jefferson. We can't just hand off to the tailback anymore. He'll have to complete some passes or become a rushing threat in his own right. Jefferson is a good all-around athlete. Has he improved enough to ignite the offense?
On defense we will field some new names and faces but the defense is underrated. The Redbird D has reloaded. They'll need to be good because Bobby Petrino is a highly accomplished offensive coach. He's been the HC at Arkansas and Louisville in the FBS and HC of the Atlanta Falcons is the NFL. He's had more ups and downs than a street junkie but I don't think anyone has ever said he can't come up with a good offensive game plan. The Bear offense will be ready. The Birds defense and in fact the whole team should be ready to take off in 40 degree weather. Should be a great opener. GAME WEEK - FINALLY!
