Would to go to see Washington instead of one of these teams?
hey..where are all of you ASU fans?
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Would to go to see Washington instead of one of these teams?
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I'm not calling you a traitor. It just sounds to me like you are more interested in who ASU is playing than ASU's team itself. You disregard what is good for the team and the athletic department and are a proponent of scheduling simply to suit your desire to see top teams in SDS. To reitterate, you are more interested in the other team on the field, not ASU's team. That's what it sounds like to me anyway.
NED (sdf99)
All this talk about ASU's schedule and nobody has botehred to look in Tucson. Their non-conference games are UTEP, LSU, Purdue and TCU.
That is pretty solid...more so than ASU's.
Their NC schedule is more the way it should be. One high quality opponent (top tier), 1-2 middle quality (middle tier), 1 low quality (low tier) team.
I despise the idea of D1 teams scheduling D1AA. I know it is cool for NAU to play ASU from a State of AZ standpoint it just shouldn't happen this way. JMHO.
That is pretty solid...more so than ASU's.
Their NC schedule is more the way it should be. One high quality opponent (top tier), 1-2 middle quality (middle tier), 1 low quality (low tier) team.
I despise the idea of D1 teams scheduling D1AA. I know it is cool for NAU to play ASU from a State of AZ standpoint it just shouldn't happen this way. JMHO.
Michigan got `em coming and going then because whatever Central Michigan had to pay ASU to get out of the game in Tempe was surely built into the check that CMU got for showing up in Ann Arbor.
ASUCHRIS
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Again Ned, I don't think you could be more off. It has nothing to do with that. I took an informal poll today of ASU students, just asking friends and the like if they were going to the game. The number one reason for people not wanting to go to the game? It will be a blowout, because NAU is not a good team.
Disregard what is good for the team and the athletic department? What a ridiculous comment. What is good for the team is to gain respect on the national landscape by beating top tier teams, not the Utah States and the NAU's of the world. If the media jumps on the ASU bandwagon, so will the fans, ticket sales will be up, better recruits will be exposed to ASU football, etc, etc, etc.......
You seem to misunderstand a fundimental part of this. You and I, being good fans will go to games no matter what. To get the National and local media attention, you need to play good opponents, and win or lose, at least you will generate excitement. Are you telling me that if the Miami's, Penn State's, or Florida's of the world came out here, we wouldn't sell out?
One thing you are right about, I do want to see my team against the best competition. It gives you a real estimation of your team's ability, plus better competition provides a better product in general. Ask around, and see how much enthusiasm there will be for beating the crap out of NAU...
Lefty
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I wonder if ASU fans still have animosity toward the Bidwells. Here is an ASU fan who still is bitter toward the Cardinals. I did not know some fans felt this strong. I thought ASU came out the winner in court?
Posted by Strawberry Blonde on September 02, 03 at 17:02:48:
Having a firm belief that I am the Queen of Persuasion (when I want to be), and a true believer in supporting community charities, I for the 9th year in a row, attended the annual Cardinals Charity Kickoff Luncheon.
I went with the good intentions of meeting a few people, discuss the lawsuit when appropriate and when it was all over, introducing myself to Michael Bidwill and expressing my views. It started off very misleadingly well, I sat at a table with Scott Player and Luiz Zendejas.
Midway through our meal and pleasant conversation, one of the women at the table asked Luis why he selected ASU over USC, her alma mater. (Now, keep in mind Luis is very well aware of who I am, we knew each other in school, and just in case he had forgotten me, I made a point of reminding him before lunch began.)
Luis talked about how he was recruited by USC, and would have really liked to go there, but they never offered him officially. He laughed saying it was probably for the better since USC was so good and he wouldn't have had as big an opportunity to kick field goals. He ended the discussion by saying he would have liked to have gone there. To say I was stunned is like believing Wilbur is a great mascot.
I ventured into the 'lawsuit' discussion with Luis and he asked if I would like to meet Michael Bidwill and talk to him about it. I said I would be introducing myself to Michael later, but if he would like to that would be great. (Soon after lunch was over Luis disappeared.)
I then asked Luis if he still followed ASU's program. He replied not really, since he is so involved with the Cardinals and since ASU has become the 'secondary' football team in the community. I laughed at that and then asked him if he cared to wager on attendance figures between the 2 teams for the season. My question was never answered. (Ironically, I would have taken the bet straight up even with ASU having 2 games less than the Cards).
Now, with the lunch over I set out to meet Michael Bidwill. I patiently waited while he talked to a few people around him, one of whom was a partner at the Cardinals law firm who I am very well acquainted with. My friend made the introductions and left. I wished the he and Cardinals the absolute best for the coming season. Continuing on, I then informed him that I had been a season ticketholder since they moved to the Valley. Michael not listening carefully missed the "had been", he asked where I sat. I explained if I still had the tickets I would be in Section 6. After commenting on their great location, he then asked why I had dropped the tickets. I then explained that I am supporter and fan of this community, and I greatly appreciate the incredible contributions his organization and family make to it, BUT I can not, nor will I, support any organization that is trying to destroy an organization and my alma mater, ASU.
That little gnat, then put one of the swarmiest smirks on his face and said "I am not dropping the lawsuit." I truly didn't expect him to comment, or in the very least thought he would, "I appreciate your opinion" and leave it at that, but no, this is obviously personal to him with the "I" am not dropping. I then put on my best smile (you know the type of smile a cat has when it is in the litter box) and said, "Michael, in case you missed it earlier, my name is XXXXX, this is not the last you will be hearing from me. Your lawsuit will end up costing you more than you could ever believe." And walked away.
I am now committed to seeing ASU outsell the Cardinals in everything from tickets to merchandise. I want to see this town covered in Maroon and Gold. I want to see people washing their cars and drying them off with torn up Cards gear. I want that stadium full and rocking every Saturday to only look like Baghdad on Sundays. To the Devil players stuck following their dreams on the Cardinals, get out, you will never see the post-season as long as you stay with them. Coach McGuinnes and Rod Graves, you seem like decent people, you need to get out also. I want all Devil fans innudating radio talk shows, editorial columns and anything else you can think of with our views.
I have had it!
(I am now off to shower that scum off! Thanks for reading my rant.) Is it game day yet? I feel like hitting someone!
Posted by Strawberry Blonde on September 02, 03 at 17:02:48:
Having a firm belief that I am the Queen of Persuasion (when I want to be), and a true believer in supporting community charities, I for the 9th year in a row, attended the annual Cardinals Charity Kickoff Luncheon.
I went with the good intentions of meeting a few people, discuss the lawsuit when appropriate and when it was all over, introducing myself to Michael Bidwill and expressing my views. It started off very misleadingly well, I sat at a table with Scott Player and Luiz Zendejas.
Midway through our meal and pleasant conversation, one of the women at the table asked Luis why he selected ASU over USC, her alma mater. (Now, keep in mind Luis is very well aware of who I am, we knew each other in school, and just in case he had forgotten me, I made a point of reminding him before lunch began.)
Luis talked about how he was recruited by USC, and would have really liked to go there, but they never offered him officially. He laughed saying it was probably for the better since USC was so good and he wouldn't have had as big an opportunity to kick field goals. He ended the discussion by saying he would have liked to have gone there. To say I was stunned is like believing Wilbur is a great mascot.
I ventured into the 'lawsuit' discussion with Luis and he asked if I would like to meet Michael Bidwill and talk to him about it. I said I would be introducing myself to Michael later, but if he would like to that would be great. (Soon after lunch was over Luis disappeared.)
I then asked Luis if he still followed ASU's program. He replied not really, since he is so involved with the Cardinals and since ASU has become the 'secondary' football team in the community. I laughed at that and then asked him if he cared to wager on attendance figures between the 2 teams for the season. My question was never answered. (Ironically, I would have taken the bet straight up even with ASU having 2 games less than the Cards).
Now, with the lunch over I set out to meet Michael Bidwill. I patiently waited while he talked to a few people around him, one of whom was a partner at the Cardinals law firm who I am very well acquainted with. My friend made the introductions and left. I wished the he and Cardinals the absolute best for the coming season. Continuing on, I then informed him that I had been a season ticketholder since they moved to the Valley. Michael not listening carefully missed the "had been", he asked where I sat. I explained if I still had the tickets I would be in Section 6. After commenting on their great location, he then asked why I had dropped the tickets. I then explained that I am supporter and fan of this community, and I greatly appreciate the incredible contributions his organization and family make to it, BUT I can not, nor will I, support any organization that is trying to destroy an organization and my alma mater, ASU.
That little gnat, then put one of the swarmiest smirks on his face and said "I am not dropping the lawsuit." I truly didn't expect him to comment, or in the very least thought he would, "I appreciate your opinion" and leave it at that, but no, this is obviously personal to him with the "I" am not dropping. I then put on my best smile (you know the type of smile a cat has when it is in the litter box) and said, "Michael, in case you missed it earlier, my name is XXXXX, this is not the last you will be hearing from me. Your lawsuit will end up costing you more than you could ever believe." And walked away.
I am now committed to seeing ASU outsell the Cardinals in everything from tickets to merchandise. I want to see this town covered in Maroon and Gold. I want to see people washing their cars and drying them off with torn up Cards gear. I want that stadium full and rocking every Saturday to only look like Baghdad on Sundays. To the Devil players stuck following their dreams on the Cardinals, get out, you will never see the post-season as long as you stay with them. Coach McGuinnes and Rod Graves, you seem like decent people, you need to get out also. I want all Devil fans innudating radio talk shows, editorial columns and anything else you can think of with our views.
I have had it!
(I am now off to shower that scum off! Thanks for reading my rant.) Is it game day yet? I feel like hitting someone!
Last edited:
TrentAZCards
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Originally posted by maddogkf
I believe we picked up NAU & Utah State this year because of the scheduling cancellations of Okla & Georgia Tech.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Also, I heard that SDSU had cancelled out too somewhere.
Next year we play UTEP
2005 we play Temple
Future we play Colorado 06-07
BC 08
Illinois 11-12
Notre Dame 12-13
BYU 09, 11
Yeah, those NAU and Utah State were picked up from cancellations.
by the way, I heard Temple is dropping their football program before 2005...
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I think you're underrating UA's schedule. Theirs is much tougher than you give it credit for. LSU is expected to contend for the SEC title. Purdue is expected to contend for the Big 10 title, TCU is an underrated program that will finish the season ranked. Two top tier, 1 upper-middle tier and 1 cupcake is a tough road to hoe for the Wildcats, and may end up getting their coach fired.
BTW - UA played NAU last year, so it's not like ASU's the only team scheduling these games.
NED (sdf99)
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Originally posted by ASUCHRIS
Again Ned, I don't think you could be more off. It has nothing to do with that. I took an informal poll today of ASU students, just asking friends and the like if they were going to the game. The number one reason for people not wanting to go to the game? It will be a blowout, because NAU is not a good team.
Disregard what is good for the team and the athletic department? What a ridiculous comment. What is good for the team is to gain respect on the national landscape by beating top tier teams, not the Utah States and the NAU's of the world. If the media jumps on the ASU bandwagon, so will the fans, ticket sales will be up, better recruits will be exposed to ASU football, etc, etc, etc.......
You seem to misunderstand a fundimental part of this. You and I, being good fans will go to games no matter what. To get the National and local media attention, you need to play good opponents, and win or lose, at least you will generate excitement. Are you telling me that if the Miami's, Penn State's, or Florida's of the world came out here, we wouldn't sell out?
One thing you are right about, I do want to see my team against the best competition. It gives you a real estimation of your team's ability, plus better competition provides a better product in general. Ask around, and see how much enthusiasm there will be for beating the crap out of NAU...
1) ASU already has the national media's attention. We got it by playing KSU tough in the Holiday Bowl, and stellar performances by Walter throughout last season. Now Walter is on pre-season Heisman watch lists, the Sun Devils were picked 2nd in the PAC (with only 1 less #1 vote than USC, the "favorite"), and several national media guys have picked ASU to win the PAC.
2) What about the results that could happen if you schedule the way you believe we should (see Auburn)? You end up with a BAD loss to another top-ranked team and it's possible that it could have been avoided if you had had a tune-up game or two to get the kinks worked out. It also would have gotten you more tape on your opponent and allowed for a better game plan.
3) Do you deny that playing tougher competition means (as an average) more losses? Do you agree then that with more OOC losses it is tougher to go to bowl games? Do you further agree that playing a home game (revenue booster) and a bowl game (revenue booster) is better than playing a home game and losing and not going to a bowl?
4) Do you deny that other teams are scheduling 'patsies'? Do you deny that if other teams schedule patsies, then it is tougher for ASU to schedule those teams because there are less slots available?
As for your last statement, yes, you bring out those teams and we will certainly sell out. But if you play all three in the same year, the odds are that you'll lose two which means you have to win 5 conference games (normal 11 game season) in order to go bowling at all, and that is a tough task.
My ideal schedule, and the schedule that MOST D1A teams go with, is 1 patsy (NAU/Utah State/UTEP), 1 mid-tier team (top level small conference or bottom level BCS conference - TCU/UNC), and 1 upper tier team (BCS team that regularly contends for their league title, say every 3-5 years or less - Iowa/LSU/Purdue). This year, IMO, ASU is a tad under-scheduled and UA is a tad overscheduled.
And think of it this way - if USC doesn't play back to back road games in the Big 12 last year, they probably play for the national championship. Which is worth more, playing an extra "name" opponent or playing 1 patsy or even mid level opponent and playing for the NC?
No hard feelings anyway. Glad you go to the games. Wish I could go to more. Very PO that the BC series is cancelled!
Final word (which will please many on this board I'm sure)
is this. If you win, they will fill the stands. It's the bottom line in the pro game and the bottom line in the college game. And if you over schedule, you won't win. JMHO.NED (sdf99)
ASUCHRIS
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Yeah, I've had enough as well, this discussion has run it's course. We can agree to disagree. I like winning, but I also think that by beating the best, you can really see your true ability and your place in the world.....Everybody have a fabulous day!!!
U of A is way over scheduled this year....
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Inside ASU Football
September 4, 2003
It is finally here! The waiting time for the first game to begin is always the most difficult part. A quick review of how we got to this point: San Diego State and Central Michigan canceled our home games with a little over a year to find a replacement. (Central canceled to play at Michigan last week, while SDSU just wanted to downgrade their schedule and picked up Eastern Washington). With most college teams scheduled through 2010, we had to scramble and move some dates around. Speaking of scheduling, it was announced earlier in the week that we will add BYU for 2009 and 2011 and another major school from a BCS Conference should be announced any day now for 2010 and 2012.
OK, back to the present. We need a game! Every team gets to a point where they have practiced against themselves enough, and the only way to move forward is to play a game, see where you are at, and start improving each week. With 17 returning starters, we are now at that point. As a coaching staff, we have our theories about where we are strongest, and what we need to work on, but until we get under the lights and see what happens at game tempo, nobody can be sure. Every year there will be some players who perform better than expected and some who underachieve. Hopefully, the days of underachievement are behind us. I believe that they are.
A few notes about Saturday:
As many as eight true freshmen could see playing time in the two deep, and/or on special teams. This number surprises me, but the best players must play, regardless of class. We do have a couple of freshmen that could probably help us some this year, but they are behind seniors and we will attempt to redshirt them. This usually depends on the individual position and what kind of depth we have at that position.
We will hold a few guys out of the NAU game for precautionary reasons. There are a handful of players that we feel would be better served waiting until next week. I will be more exact on this after the game.
We will use the shotgun formation at least once in this game. Both Drew and Tony have done an excellent job with it in practice. Hopefully, this will make everybody happy and we can move on to the wishbone next.
Much has been said about our running game. I want to officially clear this up for everyone. We have always believed that a balanced offense is the most difficult to defend. With that said, we want to be balanced! Last year, we played from behind in several games (for various reasons). Our average per rush is listed at 2.5 yards per carry. The two main factors in this was that we gave up 51 sacks for a negative 328 yards, and although our defense was at the top of the Pac in takeaways, our offense was also at the top for giveaways. When you take the sacks away, we averaged 3.72 yards per carry (Mike Williams, 3.9; Cornell Canidate, 3.8; Hakim Hill, 3.1). Let's just say that the main things we need to do are cut down on the sacks and turnovers; thus play from behind less often, and our run game will improve right off the bat. In addition, the reinsertion of Regis Crawford at RG, and the emphasis we have put on a "downhill" style of running game should also help. Lastly on this, one good thing came out of being behind a lot. We learned we can come back to win! This is huge in the development stage of any program.
I hope the fans will come out and see these first two games against NAU and USU. Please don't wait for USC in October. The best programs have fans in the stands rain or shine, no matter who they play. I know it's hot, but that should give us one of the best home field advantages in America. Also, don't forget, we need everyone to make a "ball" call when the ball is in the air so our corners know when to turn around and look!!
The players and coaches can't wait for the season to start. Thanks again for all the feedback and questions.
GO DEVILS!
September 4, 2003
It is finally here! The waiting time for the first game to begin is always the most difficult part. A quick review of how we got to this point: San Diego State and Central Michigan canceled our home games with a little over a year to find a replacement. (Central canceled to play at Michigan last week, while SDSU just wanted to downgrade their schedule and picked up Eastern Washington). With most college teams scheduled through 2010, we had to scramble and move some dates around. Speaking of scheduling, it was announced earlier in the week that we will add BYU for 2009 and 2011 and another major school from a BCS Conference should be announced any day now for 2010 and 2012.
OK, back to the present. We need a game! Every team gets to a point where they have practiced against themselves enough, and the only way to move forward is to play a game, see where you are at, and start improving each week. With 17 returning starters, we are now at that point. As a coaching staff, we have our theories about where we are strongest, and what we need to work on, but until we get under the lights and see what happens at game tempo, nobody can be sure. Every year there will be some players who perform better than expected and some who underachieve. Hopefully, the days of underachievement are behind us. I believe that they are.
A few notes about Saturday:
As many as eight true freshmen could see playing time in the two deep, and/or on special teams. This number surprises me, but the best players must play, regardless of class. We do have a couple of freshmen that could probably help us some this year, but they are behind seniors and we will attempt to redshirt them. This usually depends on the individual position and what kind of depth we have at that position.
We will hold a few guys out of the NAU game for precautionary reasons. There are a handful of players that we feel would be better served waiting until next week. I will be more exact on this after the game.
We will use the shotgun formation at least once in this game. Both Drew and Tony have done an excellent job with it in practice. Hopefully, this will make everybody happy and we can move on to the wishbone next.
Much has been said about our running game. I want to officially clear this up for everyone. We have always believed that a balanced offense is the most difficult to defend. With that said, we want to be balanced! Last year, we played from behind in several games (for various reasons). Our average per rush is listed at 2.5 yards per carry. The two main factors in this was that we gave up 51 sacks for a negative 328 yards, and although our defense was at the top of the Pac in takeaways, our offense was also at the top for giveaways. When you take the sacks away, we averaged 3.72 yards per carry (Mike Williams, 3.9; Cornell Canidate, 3.8; Hakim Hill, 3.1). Let's just say that the main things we need to do are cut down on the sacks and turnovers; thus play from behind less often, and our run game will improve right off the bat. In addition, the reinsertion of Regis Crawford at RG, and the emphasis we have put on a "downhill" style of running game should also help. Lastly on this, one good thing came out of being behind a lot. We learned we can come back to win! This is huge in the development stage of any program.
I hope the fans will come out and see these first two games against NAU and USU. Please don't wait for USC in October. The best programs have fans in the stands rain or shine, no matter who they play. I know it's hot, but that should give us one of the best home field advantages in America. Also, don't forget, we need everyone to make a "ball" call when the ball is in the air so our corners know when to turn around and look!!
The players and coaches can't wait for the season to start. Thanks again for all the feedback and questions.
GO DEVILS!
Actually I wasn;t underrating their schedule one bit in Tucson, I was praising it...even though the schedule is suicidal. They may go 1-11 but I admire they are taking on LSU, Purdue and TCU. It is better than ASU's NC schedule.
I was simply trying to throw the Cats NC schedule into the mix as a way of showing what I think is a good way to have things scheduled across the board. Yes it is dangerous, but maybe these teams can actually test themselves at some point. UofA is really testing themselves.
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It's a nice schedule to have occasionally, but in reality it's too hard to bring in so many top teams, and it hurts your program because losses mount and you go to fewer bowls.
As a side note, UA has NAU on the schedule in 2004 and 2005. We play NAU again in 2008.
1 Patsy, 1 middle and 1 upper tier school is the way to go. We hit a rebuilding year for Iowa and a bad year for UNC, but if either of those teams had decent expectations our schedule would be just fine in terms of strength IMO.
Cheers.
NED (sdf99)
