[Jonathan Carone]

But now that you put it on "FlameFans", it will be read by people. Those people won't want you to be right...so...

Ha! Those message board idiots can never be right.

[Purple Haize]

Never said anything was wrong with it. It's what I've expected all along.

Originally I thought we'd lose to CSU but with their starting QB out, it's a crap shoot at this point. We will have to see how to season develops.

I wasn't sure until I saw them live. But that seems the most prudent course of action. The question is: Where to play Masha? He doesn't appear to have blazing speed nor exceptionally strong. I could see him as a nice possession receiver or move him to the other side of the ball?

[Rooster Cogburn]

For once I actually agree with Jon's scenario above. Been saying it for while, and then even more after FanFest. I don't take much from Buckshot's 3 snaps at VT. Tough situation for a first appearance and no rhythm. He will be fine. That arm is a laser.

If we can get the ball to some of the athletes in space the offense will be fine. We have to open it up and then it will take off.

This defense has some improvement to be made in the secondary for sure, but the guys up front could easily be one of the best interior defense in the country. If Turner just turns around, the whole defense will be tough to beat vs FCS competition.

[VAGolf]

Ah, yes, we're not allowed to come to any conclusions after watching real football. Yet, everyone is allowed to believe he's great using second hand information from closed practices. I love how that works.

[Rooster Cogburn]

You try coming in as a freshman vs that D in front of that crowd. Every FR QB struggles a bit at first. That last throw was a bullet and the defender just made a freak play.

I saw him at the fanfest scrimmage which was open for all and he was terrific.

[Purple Haize]

For once I actually agree with Jon's scenario above. Been saying it for while, and then even more after FanFest. I don't take much from Buckshot's 3 snaps at VT. Tough situation for a first appearance and no rhythm. He will be fine. That arm is a laser.

If we can get the ball to some of the athletes in space the offense will be fine. We have to open it up and then it will take off.

This defense has some improvement to be made in the secondary for sure, but the guys up front could easily be one of the best interior defense in the country. If Turner just turns around, the whole defense will be tough to beat vs FCS competition.

The Secondary was fine. They won't face receivers of anywhere near that caliber the rest of the year. They found the mismatch with Ford but he still had to battle for it.

[VAGolf]

That's exactly one of the reasons why he shouldn't have been in there. Putting him in that game, after naming someone else a starter, was a really bad decision.

You can't tell anything about a QB from a fanfest scrimmage. It's the equivalent to a backyard game. He didn't see one exotic blitz in that scrimmage.

QB play isn't just about having a good arm. There have been lots of QB's with great arms who were absolutely awful.

I don't understand why some of you can't comprehend why one would value what they've seen in a real game verse second hand information from practices and a fanfest scrimmage. I'm not even saying he'll be bad...he might be great. However, some of you aren't even trying to be objective; just operating out of blind bias. I've never understood that mindset.

[Purple Haize]

That's exactly one of the reasons why he shouldn't have been in there. Putting him in that game, after naming someone else a starter, was a really bad decision.

You can't tell anything about a QB from a fanfest scrimmage. It's the equivalent to a backyard game. He didn't see one exotic blitz in that scrimmage.

QB play isn't just about having a good arm. There have been lots of QB's with great arms who were absolutely awful.

I don't understand why some of you can't comprehend why one would value what they've seen in a real game verse second hand information from practices and a fanfest scrimmage. I'm not even saying he'll be bad...he might be great. However, some of you aren't even trying to be objective; just operating out of blind bias. I've never understood that mindset.

I'm operating by what I saw. No improvement on his touch in the last 2 years. Not being on the same page as his receivers. He threw one way and the receivers went another. Focusing on the 1st read and MAYBE the check down receiver but not seeing the whole field. A couple of INT's. Not moving the offense AT ALL. Take Calvert out of the equation. LU's QB play was absolutely atrocious on Saturday. Especially considering you had a guy in there with some actual big game experience.

[Jonathan Carone]

I'm one who said over and over to tone down the hype on Calvert because he hadn't even played a down yet. With that said, I have heard from multiple people who know what they're talking about that he should develop into the best quarterback we've ever had. When that happens is still debatable but his overall quarterback talent potential is much higher than Masha's.

Also, for those arguing in Masha's defense that it was just one game, I would argue that's a short sited approach to it. While factually correct, it doesn't take into account things that have been present since he arrived on campus: lack of height, lack of touch, lack of accuracy, poor arm mechanics. He's possibly the best leader on that team but unfortunately his quarterback skill set isn't at the same level as his athleticism and leadership.

[BJWilliams]

And to add insult to injury...we were just featured on the late Sportscenter...for the WRONG reasons...

Oh and an addendum to my comments on the Damian King safety...having seen the play on TV...that was a tough break because of the context...but one of the STUPIDEST in-game decisions Ive seen in my 13 seasons following LU football...

[TH Spangler]

And to add insult to injury...we were just featured on the late Sportscenter...for the WRONG reasons...

Oh and an addendum to my comments on the Damian King safety...having seen the play on TV...that was a tough break because of the context...but one of the STUPIDEST in-game decisions Ive seen in my 13 seasons following LU football...

[ballcoach15]

He should have never fielded that punt. There's an unwritten rule never field a punt inside 10 yard line. I seem to recall someone doing that at Williams Stadium last year or year before.

[LUnpretty11]

First chance of posting my thoughts from the game, so enjoy...

Offense as a unit:
Worst I have ever seen it. Ever. The O-Line looked bad and it unfortunately set the tone for the game. Zac Parker flipped out on Masha/O-line after False Start #4 (or 3). Masha had to calm him down, but it was clear everyone on the offensive side of the ball were losing their minds within the first 5 minutes of the game. They looked UNORGANIZED. Masha looked very uncomfortable all game and that concerned me. It was a perfect storm of many things - VT defense is the best LU has ever faced, ever, and it's not even close. Too many Freshman on the O-Line. First year starter under center. It was just awful. I will give credit where it was due though, the VT defensive backs were blanketing the LU WRs. A lot of questionable no-calls on pass interference, but the defense was in position and the refs weren't throwing their flags for a "toss up" call. Also, you're offense is doomed when it is in 1st & 15+ to start every drive. I don't care who your QB/WRs are.

O-Line: was actually pretty good. We were able to run between the tackles and CM looked GOOD. Macon was hesitant at times, but he was pretty solid. Hickson has me very excited for the future - he is stupid quick.
WRs: Clearly frustrated throughout the game. Couldn't get open. Too many 1st & 15+ and 3rd & long.
TEs: Copy paste from WRs.
RBs: CM looked good. TM showed promise at times. FH has me excited. These guys ran hard and bounced off tackles a lot.
QBs:
Masha was not prepared for how good VT's defense was. He was scrambling from how many 1st & 15+ and didn't have open receivers to throw to. His accuracy in this game was concerning at times, but it makes sense with how bad every drive was starting out. When there weren't penalties, the VT defensive backs were all over our WRs. Masha had no shot all game. Many of his incomplete passes were to blanketed receivers. Don't argue he shouldn't have been making those passes either, you have to throw it to someone when all 4 of your receivers are covered and there is nowhere to run.

Calvert - he looked like an excited Freshman. I give him credit for showing confidence when he stepped in because it looked like he knew he was going to get a drive going for the team. His first throw was 2-3 yards out of bounds, so don't give me the "it was a great throw" argument. It was a pretty spiral and perfect location for a bad pass. If you're guy can't catch it, make sure nobody else can. For all you "Put Calver in now!" people, step away from your keyboard microphone and chill. He'll have plenty of chances to prove himself, but all he proved in this game is that he is an inexperienced Freshman with a strong arm. He did not prove he is better than Masha in the slightest bit.

Overall, I give Masha a pass on this game because he really had nothing to work with from start to finish. Is he going to have the strongest and most accurate arm? Maybe, maybe not, but he is clearly better than what we saw on Saturday, so let's take a deep breath and see how the next 3 weeks unfold. I have a hard time believing he will be 9/25 <100yds against the teams to follow.

Overall Offense: F

Defense:
That was some of the best defensive play I have seen from Liberty and these guys are fast! The score/yardage is nowhere near an accurate indication of how they played. Tackling was excellent. DB coverage was fantastic - There were only 3 plays where there was truly an open receiver and 2 of them were incompletions. The DL was superb all game. VT couldn't run the ball between the tackles and that is incredible. There was constant pressure on the QB too. LBs were fast and DR put a big time lick on a couple different plays. DR was much faster than I expected. Liberty forced 4 of the 5 fumbles (1 was a bad option) and that speaks volumes for how good they were playing. Also, it's amazing they held Tech to 10 points for 1st 27 minutes of the game especially when VT field position was starting around the 50 on multiple occasions. I was very impressed by what I saw from this unit.

Special shout out to Chris Turner. Dude played an incredible game against Ford.

Overall Defense: A-

Special Teams: Alex Probert is a Freshman. Let it go King. Turner is very good. Punt/kickoff coverage was VERY good.

Overall Special Teams: D

All things considered, it was disappointing to see how undisciplined some of these guys looked and Gill spoke about that in the post game presser. They practiced situations to make sure the O-Line wouldn't jump when Tech's DL shifted, but they did anyway. Gill tried to prepare them for that situation and more. With that said, I don't think this first game gives us an accurate depiction of what to expect from the season. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think I am. The defense executed and played to it's potential, but nobody else did. Let's see how the team responds on Saturday.

[Purple Haize]

Good points about being 1st and 15 on about every drive. But we already have a large sample size on Masha's accuracy and arm strength.
How many Freshman QB's played in big games this past weekend? If we were talking about a 40 he FG to win it I'd give the kid all the benefit of doubt in the world. But to be positive the kicking game will absolutely get better.....because I'm not sure if can get much worse!

[Jonathan Carone]

QBs:
His accuracy in this game was concerning at times, but it makes sense with how bad every drive was starting out.

I can buy most of what you said except for this sentence here. His accuracy shouldn't be dependent on the chains. Accuracy is accuracy. You either have it or you don't.

[olldflame]

If and when a change is made at QB, I personally highly doubt Masha will be playing WR as many seem to be assuming It's not that easy a position to learn, I really don't think he would be an upgrade over the WRs we have, and he would not be able to even devote full time to it because he would certainly continue to be the backup QB Even for trick plays, it would be tough to improve on what King did last year in that role Best thing to do would be have a package of plays for him to use at QB in short yardage, goal line or as a change of pace and keep him up to speed and ready to go if Buckshot were to go down

Having said all that, I am optimistic we will see much better results from Masha starting Saturday

[forbidden]

the problem is the team should NOT be waiting to insert SBC in the lineup, he is the better of the QB's PERIOD, and its NOT close. Not when you can watch true frosh across the country take and lead their teams to victories. Instead of this package deal turn the keys over get SM at another position and turn him loose there. We could potentially be giving games away while we put packages together for SBC instead of winning games, and LU is in NO position to be giving away anything. This should not really be as much of a head scratcher as its being made to be.

[ballcoach15]

I recall one pass where ball was perfectly thrown where receiver was, but it was so close to sideline, the receiver looked to not be on the field of play. I never like those type of passes. Not enough room to make catch and stay in bounds.

[VAGolf]

the problem is the team should NOT be waiting to insert SBC in the lineup, he is the better of the QB's PERIOD, and its NOT close. Not when you can watch true frosh across the country take and lead their teams to victories. Instead of this package deal turn the keys over get SM at another position and turn him loose there. We could potentially be giving games away while we put packages together for SBC instead of winning games, and LU is in NO position to be giving away anything. This should not really be as much of a head scratcher as its being made to be.

No.

[LUnpretty11]

QBs:
His accuracy in this game was concerning at times, but it makes sense with how bad every drive was starting out.

I can buy most of what you said except for this sentence here. His accuracy shouldn't be dependent on the chains. Accuracy is accuracy. You either have it or you don't.

Like I said, he didn't look comfortable at all during the game. When the tone is set by 1st & 15 and 1st & 20, it changes a lot. I do not disagree with you, that his accuracy should not be dependent on the chains, but the reality is it does effect QBs. Especially when the WRs are blanketed. The defense was able to sit back in coverage, jump routes and take away passing lanes because of the penalty issues. I'm not blaming the OL, simply pointing out the facts that play a major factor into all of it.

A QB has to feel comfortable to throw a consistently accurate ball. Masha was inconsistently accurate throughout the game. He was consistently uncomfortable from the first series. Like I said, it's the culmination of everything, not one thing.

If Masha comes out this week and duplicates stats from this past Saturday, then it's a Masha issue. I'm not convinced that will happen. I highly doubt that will happen. I would be dumbfounded if that happens.

[LUnpretty11]

the problem is the team should NOT be waiting to insert SBC in the lineup, he is the better of the QB's PERIOD, and its NOT close. Not when you can watch true frosh across the country take and lead their teams to victories. Instead of this package deal turn the keys over get SM at another position and turn him loose there. We could potentially be giving games away while we put packages together for SBC instead of winning games, and LU is in NO position to be giving away anything. This should not really be as much of a head scratcher as its being made to be.

No.

Sorry, not sorry. forbidden, you are way off again. Again, there is no substance in your posts to even remotely come close to validating a point you are trying to make.

0-2, 0 yards, 1 INT. All-American

[LUnpretty11]

I recall one pass where ball was perfectly thrown where receiver was, but it was so close to sideline, the receiver looked to not be on the field of play. I never like those type of passes. Not enough room to make catch and stay in bounds.

Yikes

[forbidden]

the problem is the team should NOT be waiting to insert SBC in the lineup, he is the better of the QB's PERIOD, and its NOT close. Not when you can watch true frosh across the country take and lead their teams to victories. Instead of this package deal turn the keys over get SM at another position and turn him loose there. We could potentially be giving games away while we put packages together for SBC instead of winning games, and LU is in NO position to be giving away anything. This should not really be as much of a head scratcher as its being made to be.

No.

Sorry, not sorry. forbidden, you are way off again. Again, there is no substance in your posts to even remotely come close to validating a point you are trying to make.

0-2, 0 yards, 1 INT. All-American

And I can just about bet my kids future that given more than one series SBC would have put up better numbers, but hey I don't have to prove I know more than you, I just DO. Just proves that you must not watch or pay attention to what other freshman QB's were doing across the country. IDC what you say, SM has to improve on his accuracy and he has shown to be able to do that, why else would you have WR's getting upset about ball placement, even the announcer on tv said the same thing. I'm sure there are some in here that have heard the calls for SBC for so long their may be a bias to him, but bottom line the kid is good and just because you have been here longer doesn't mean by any stretch of my or your imagination that the keys should be handed to that particular person.

If you don't think the blueprint was set on Saturday your fooling yourselves. We don't have any elite Wr's PERIOD. Teams can man us up and make SM beat us with the pass and accuracy and blitz us until its proven otherwise. It doesn't have to be an FBS team to make you realize that or at least it shouldn't. So they played man against us, how did the it look for us to be able to scramble and use the legs theory. Maybe I just look at the game different than others, but that how I look at it. Its what I do, and have been doing for years.

[BJWilliams]

I think the only QB controversy brewing at this point is the one created on this board...oy...

[Jonathan Carone]

I think the only QB controversy brewing at this point is the one created on this board...oy...

I wouldn't go that far. Gill keeps saying he's going to play Calvert to get him experience in case anything happens. He didn't say that at all last year or the year before with Masha playing behind Woodrum.