re: Am I The Only One Who See's This?

quote:

---

Am I the only Mizzou fan here that seen through Franklins mistakes yesterday to see that this team and coaching staff has taken a big step forward?

---

No, you're not the only one. You made some excellent points.

While I am frustrated about the loss, I still think that might have been the most complete overall game we've played this season. There were positives to take away, and we have to focus on those because the season isn't over yet. There are still 3 games, maybe 4, to play.

Losing Britt is going to be big, no question. And we need a good sports psychologist for Franklin. But here's something else. Under Pinkel, we went from being that team that other teams and coaches chalked up as an easy win, to a team that was considered dangerous and never quit playing. I was afraid we were reverting, but I saw that dangerous, hard-playing team yesterday. I think that even though we lost, Florida has a respect for us that wasn't there 2 days ago.

Like you, I noticed the steps forward yesterday and choose to feel good about them.

I was screaming at the television yesterday to bench Franklin after the second INT. Then thought who would be put in the game behind him and started calming down. I started figuring 3 and outs and a D getting worn out. Franklin is the best option at this point.

It doesn't look good if Britt isn't in there. But they still have to play the games. You just have to get the next one in line and hope the other lineman will get him up to speed.

I really had to feel for Franklin yesterday. I felt bad for him. As a competitor, it's hard to play and not play at the level you know you can play at. It looked like he was starting to get some control of his passing mechanics towards the end of the game yeatserday. Thats good. A week of practice should help.

Your right, the D never gave up. But alot of that was them seeing the effort the Offense was ptuing in. It helps when you can get at least a couple first downs on a good SEC defense. Give this D alittle glimmer of hope and they will play for you.

I'm glad you looked for the positives. It does'nt mean you have to always key in on the negatives all the time. It'll eat you alive.

I have often wondered what would Franklins reaction be if people gave him an ovation or support even when he's having a bad game. Players hear the crouds. It's rough when your not playing well and to know half the croud wants you on the bench.

quote:

---

I'm not in MO either anyways

---

Well see now, there is another positive for those that live in Missouri.

quote:

---

I have often wondered what would Franklins reaction be if people gave him an ovation or support even when he's having a bad game. Players hear the crouds. It's rough when your not playing well and to know half the croud wants you on the bench.

---

Meh, the scrutiny is part of the deal. I have no problem with fans having high expectations. It's better than not caring at all.

Athletes need to find positives even when it seems like the world is against them. It's part of competing. Instead of letting it get to him, maybe he should use it as motivation to prove the doubters wrong.

If he can't take the heat, then he needs to get the hell out of the kitchen.

quote:

---

Ah, I can appreciate your point.

---

I can to. And it's probably expecting too much to look for reinforcement from the crowd unless you're doing well - the best you can hope for when you're not playing well is that the crowd will just be quiet.

And it's up to the coaches to know how to best motivate their players. Some are motivated by being told they can't do something and their reaction to prove the naysayer wrong. Some are motivated by fear. Some by positive strokes. Some by developing a relationship with a coach where they will do anything to please. Our coaches have to figure out how to help James get his confidence back, and shake off the negatives. He hadn't been able to practice much for the past month. He's not healthy. He had a bad game. But he's still our best option, and the offense is smoother with him in the game.

So I'm not going to bash the kid, instead hope for the coaches to help him be the best he can be. It's not about being as good as Chase Daniel, it's doing the best James Franklin can do. We didn't see his best yesterday, and I'm sure no one is as upset about that as him.

Guess what I'm expressing is the delusion that some how the croud could have an effect on his confidence.

Sometimes one can have to much confidence and equal the same results also. This is where I'm comming from with the throwing mechanics and game speed. I think you have something with the worry of being hit also.

But he can scramble out of most of those like he did yesterday. I noticed on his first run, he was running kind of stiff legged. The more he ran yesterday the better he looked. He started getting his sliding style running back.

I think we'll see a better more comfortable Franklin this weekend. You can also bet Tennesssee will be puting a spy on him after what he did at Florida.

quote:

---

I think we'll see a better more comfortable Franklin this weekend. You can also bet Tennesssee will be puting a spy on him after what he did at Florida.

---

Yeah, I think you're right on that one. If we can control their really good edge rusher, that will make Franklin more comfortable and hopefully he'll play better. Plus, he can practice all week and hopefully wont' be as rusty either.

I was encouraged by much of what I saw. The O-line is looking much improved. The play calling and execution was more consistent (except for the passing). We kept it close against a very good team at a time when our team is really down. I see a spark.