Mullen: Talent isn't UF's issue, it's work ethic and buy-in

[Albert]

The best time I ever had in Starkville is when I was leaving...
Having previously worked with a ton of their alumni, I can say they themselves feel just lucky to be in the SEC. The loser mentality in regards to their football program is unreal. I did get a chance to speak with an ex co-worker a few days ago with deep ties to their program. If I get some time over the weekend I’ll do a thread on the conversation. He had some deep insight into Mullen, Grantham, and Stricklin.

 

[Theologator]

Yeah, not really. They are very similar, ie one SECCG appearance and a few other times they were tied or close to winning the division. Both have an instate rival taking a piece of the state's tiny talent pool, but while SOS was at SC they ruled Clempson. Freeze owned recruiting (cheating or not, same could be said of Dabo after all).

Efforts to portray Cowbell as a Kintucky of the west are hilarious. I agree that both the Cawks and Cowbells are third tier SEC schools. I'd consider Kintucky and Vandy as a four tier, the schools with no shot of ever competing.

In the end, SOS vs Mullinz, you are what your record says you are. No sane person should be trying to portray Mullinz as an elite coach, even if you are hoping he may some day be one.

The Kentucky comparison is relevant in that I’d put MSU in the bottom 2 of the West. Or if you want to go back to the Derrick Ramsey days, when Ky was pretty good.

SC is a nicer state, bigger stadium, some measure of economic development etc. It is better than MSU, but I agree MSU is a notch above Ky or Vandy.

I’m not trying to pump Mullen to be more than he has been. SOS’s record, 40% winning percentage vs ranked teams at SC, is impressive. My SC friends love him almost as much as we do. I’m glad he’s home.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

The Kentucky comparison is relevant in that I’d put MSU in the bottom 2 of the West..

Oh they are the bottom 2, undoubtedly the bottom actually, but the bottom teams in the west are far better than Kentucky Vandy (and Tiner the new Vandy Part II).

 

[Acecustis]

Mistake by Mullen. Talent is definitely an issue. OL and LB in particular. QB’s have physical talent but can’t perform on Saturdays so far.

 

[Theologator]

Mistake by Mullen. Talent is definitely an issue. OL and LB in particular. QB’s have physical talent but can’t perform on Saturdays so far.

He can’t give his current players that out. He has to publicly affirm belief in them and drive them to he the best they can be as individuals and a team.

I don’t think he’s saying “this is good enough” - he certainly hasn’t when talking the recruiting trail.

And we’ll see how his philosophy and execution look in the fall. Success or fatigue for the October grind is being laid out right now. Talent will take time to improve.

 

[CGgater]

Mistake by Mullen. Talent is definitely an issue. OL and LB in particular. QB’s have physical talent but can’t perform on Saturdays so far.

Yep. DM should tell his players they aren’t good enough and should just give up. Work ethic? Pfffft! Mac didn’t emphasize it, so why should DM? Let’s all just say we played our butts off, despite losing the game.

 

[Acecustis]

Yep. DM should tell his players they aren’t good enough and should just give up. Work ethic? Pfffft! Mac didn’t emphasize it, so why should DM? Let’s all just say we played our butts off, despite losing the game.

No. I'm saying he should have just avoided saying anything about the talent all together. Now if he struggles year one, and I think he will, he won't have that out. Mullen is going to need time.

 

[Acecustis]

He can’t give his current players that out. He has to publicly affirm belief in them and drive them to he the best they can be as individuals and a team.

I don’t think he’s saying “this is good enough” - he certainly hasn’t when talking the recruiting trail.

And we’ll see how his philosophy and execution look in the fall. Success or fatigue for the October grind is being laid out right now. Talent will take time to improve.

Oh I'm sure he believes he needs to get better players and I like the fact he didn't reach very much in this class. I guess I can see your point in publicly showing belief in his players but still feel this can bite him right in the ass.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

but still feel this can bite him right in the ass.

Everyone knows he inherited the worst Gator roster since 1980.

He isnt going to be judged (by anyone with any sense) by his record this year. We want to see progress but he has a roster full of Butterteeth FIU specials and everyone knows it.

 

[Gator Fever]

A little deer antler velvet doesn't hurt I guess.

 

[Jake from State Farm]

Why do fans have to buy in?

 

[rogdochar]

A little deer antler velvet doesn't hurt I guess.

Could enthusiastically buying into a plan open a slot for exuberant exaggerated claims?

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Why do fans have to buy in?

They want our money and want us to sit in the stands and watch another boring azz day of veer option football.

 

[78]

They want our money and want us to sit in the stands and watch another boring azz day of veer option football.

Law, I'm getting whiplash from your Mullen sentiments. Two weeks ago you were on the pro bandwagon. I'm expecting you to announce the fire.com website any moment now.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Im happy with his recruiting--so far as any reasonable person should be-- and I know his offense sucks. How hard is that?

 

[78]

Im happy with his recruiting--so far as any reasonable person should be-- and I know his offense sucks. How hard is that?

Now that we know clairvoyance is one of your many talents, how about a prediction for where the offense ends up being rated after year #1.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

Law, I'm getting whiplash from your Mullen sentiments. Two weeks ago you were on the pro bandwagon. I'm expecting you to announce the fire.com website any moment now.

He just loves to b!tch and argue......at least it keeps the offseason interesting

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Now that we know clairvoyance is one of your many talents, how about a prediction for where the offense ends up being rated after year #1.

Its not clairvoyance. Ive watched his offenses. How hard is that.

It wasnt clairvoyance with Nusschump and McElstain either. I live in realsville and deal with facts.

You guys can dream that he has transformed into SOS and will be throwing it around and lighting up the scoreboard. Ive seen 13 years of this already.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

Could enthusiastically buying into a plan open a slot for exuberant exaggerated claims?

Yeah but I hope reality doesn't set in too soon considering that a lot of our key defensive players are going into spring about 25# lighter than what they need to be......
On the positive side it looks like at least someone on the new staff replaced the directional signs so our guys can at least find the weight room.
Or it could be he found Willy's stash he left behind when he was hastily yanked out of town by the last guy.....