[Purple Haize]

As much as the D gets banged on LU is still 4-3. Exceeding the win total many thought for this year. And it’s not like the Offense has any Heisman talent or is putting up 70 a game.

[cruzan_flame13]

The people who are Gillittes (just made that up) will love Gill no matter how someone explain that the program hasn't progress since the 2014 playoffs. They use his faith as a defensive mechanism just to ignore the fact that he is an average coach. Yes we won some decent games as an FCS contender, but then we also lost some games that we definitely should've won. I have not seen any good reasons to keep Gill for another contract extension. He has been a decent representation for the school, but he's not the only coach that can produce that role(but also improving the program). I'm not hating on the man, but he's not the guy to fulfill what we/ or even Jerry Jr. (during the FBS studies of the school). I also stated that we've done better than expected, but this is short term just as in 2014. This is a business, and I do not believe Gill will develop the program like an App St., UCF, USF,Boise St. Again, I am not trolling or hate the guy. I just know there are more evidence of Gill being mediocre than successful as a coach.

[jinxy]

4 questions.

Why is recruiting down with the new facilities and success.

Attendance. Why is attendance doen with all the success.

What will be done to improve the d.

Why cant we improve the return game both but mainly returns.

To me the first 2 are troubling red flags. Second two have been problems for last 3 to 4 years.

Those are reasons i really struggle with extending.

[Jonathan Carone]

I think attendance is a combination of four things:

1) Two weather impacted games this year.

2) Inflated numbers under Barber.

3) People are attending fewer sporting events.

4) 2PM start times aren't attractive to students.

We are currently ahead of last year's total. It's not by much, but it's still higher. Attendance across the board is going down as expenses rise and video coverage increases. There's no longer the need to be at the game to follow the game.

[Class of 20Something]

Why is recruiting down with the new faciloties and success.

Recruiting is always quiet during the HS season.

Attendance. Why is attendancd doen with all the success.

Attendance is steady. Not really down, but not improving. Rather than look at attendance, look at revenue. A $10 increase in average ticket price drives revenue up by $160,000 for the season without putting more butts in seats. I am estimating that is about a 50% increase in revenue vs 2017.

What will be done to improve the d.

Hopefully anything can be done

Why cant we improve the return game both but mainly returns.

Returns haven't been too bad. Espinoza has been good when he has gotten to return it. It seems we aren't great at making lanes for returners though.

[TH Spangler]

How is asking you to defend your position trolling?

I simply ask you to explain yours and I'm a troll?

Not going to waste my time . Years ago I checked out some of your blogs. They were all interesting. On one you went into great detail, how you enjoy trolling social media and doing exactly what you do here. Do you remember that one

[Jonathan Carone]

There were two of them and both of them talked about how trolling was at best stupid and at worst unchristian.

I legitimately want to know your opinion.

[BJWilliams]

It's a bit of a catch 22 as far as start times are concerned. There are essentially three windows that are available for start times and broadcast: 12-1 pm, 3-4 pm and 7-8 pm (for west coast there's also 10-11 pm but that's 7-8 Pacific). Finding an ideal start time is a balancing act of sorts. Ive said for years that we need to evenly split our start times between the three windows mentioned. I think having an earlier start for games like Thanksgiving week can offset the student issue, because they won't be on campus.

Here's next year's schedule and how i would lay out the start times:

Aug 31 - Syracuse 7 pm
Sep 07 - @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Sep 14 - Buffalo 1 pm
Sep 21 - Hampton 3 pm
Sep 28 - New Mexico 7 pm
Oct 05 - @ New Mexico State
Oct 12 - Open
Oct 19 - Maine 3 pm
Oct 26 - @ Rutgers
Nov 02 - @ UMass
Nov 09 - @ BYU
Nov 16 - Open
Nov 23 - @ Virginia
Nov 30 - New Mexico State 1 pm

[TH Spangler]

There were two of them and both of them talked about how trolling was at best stupid and at worst unchristian.

I legitimately want to know your opinion.

You also wrote that you realized you needed to stop doing it

I've laid out why I like Gill and .... "To God Be The Glory".

[flamesfilmguy]

There are a lot of angry Gill apologists around here lately.

[TH Spangler]

There are a lot of angry Gill apologists around here lately.

I don't likes MOB organizers

I'll give you guys a break. Boats hooked up, tomorrow I'm headed for the Crystal Coast for a week of fishing No football next weekend ..... Until then, To God Be The Glory and GO FLAMES!

[ballcoach15]

The more I look at schedule for this year, the more I see 7-5 at worst. 8-4 is possible.

[flamesfilmguy]

I really am a nice guy once you get to know me I'll see your TGBTG and raise you an "if its Christian it ought to be better" Have fun, I fished Oconee this past weekend.

[flamesfilmguy]

The more I look at schedule for this year, the more I see 7-5 at worst. 8-4 is possible.

I could see that. I see 4 confident losses. I would say I'd expect 6-6 or 7-5 with the Rutgers and Buffalo games being toss ups.

[ALAFlamesFan]

I would be very happy with 5 wins but mostly i want to see us play to our ability. As long as players and coaches execute well and look like they give a dang i will be satisfied. The next couple of seasons will be rough until we get a full stable of FBS guys.

Still this. Although I too think 7 wins is a real possibility this year and should be as we move forward in succeeding years if we play to our ability every week.

[tyndal23]

The more I look at schedule for this year, the more I see 7-5 at worst. 8-4 is possible.

If you mean 2018 then I say 6–6 worst with 7-5 possible - I just watched all UMass and UVA highlights - UMass is a huge game that we must get but it won’t be easy. UVA is a better team than Auburn - QB will tear us up, they don’t put up gawdy #’s but they are way way way better than years past.

2019 - we will be favored in 8 games. All the Gill haters may not have to worry about him after he wins 2 bowl games and gets hired by a P5 school after 2019... that would be the perfect way for him to leave and make every one here happy

[BJWilliams]

Im far from being a Gill apologist personally. Ive offered my view on how the coaching situation ought to be handled and i will keep that view until a change is made, however it happens

[LUDad]

The more I look at schedule for this year, the more I see 7-5 at worst. 8-4 is possible.

If you mean 2018 then I say 6–6 worst with 7-5 possible - I just watched all UMass and UVA highlights - UMass is a huge game that we must get but it won’t be easy. UVA is a better team than Auburn - QB will tear us up, they don’t put up gawdy #’s but they are way way way better than years past.

2019 - we will be favored in 8 games. All the Gill haters may not have to worry about him after he wins 2 bowl games and gets hired by a P5 school after 2019... that would be the perfect way for him to leave and make every one here happy

Wife has family in Bama so we are going to Auburn game. Went to board to see what they were talking about. Fire Coach! One poster, after our Troy win said they could have hired Gill

[rtb72]

It's a bit of a catch 22 as far as start times are concerned. There are essentially three windows that are available for start times and broadcast: 12-1 pm, 3-4 pm and 7-8 pm (for west coast there's also 10-11 pm but that's 7-8 Pacific). Finding an ideal start time is a balancing act of sorts. Ive said for years that we need to evenly split our start times between the three windows mentioned. I think having an earlier start for games like Thanksgiving week can offset the student issue, because they won't be on campus.

Here's next year's schedule and how i would lay out the start times:

Aug 31 - Syracuse 7 pm
Sep 07 - @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Sep 14 - Buffalo 1 pm
Sep 21 - Hampton 3 pm
Sep 28 - New Mexico 7 pm
Oct 05 - @ New Mexico State
Oct 12 - Open
Oct 19 - Maine 3 pm
Oct 26 - @ Rutgers
Nov 02 - @ UMass
Nov 09 - @ BYU
Nov 16 - Open
Nov 23 - @ Virginia
Nov 30 - New Mexico State 1 pm

I don't know. 1 p.m games would be torture on those with a bit of travel time. I don't think the students would be crazy about it either. I prefer night games personally. It makes travel easier where we can do some tailgating and who doesn't love football under the lights. For late fall....the 3 p.m. times are great. Of course, I'm speaking for me and my situation, but earlier games just seem tough.

[thepostman]

3 for 3:30 for later fall and 7 for early fall. 2 is just a weird start time.

[R i]

The people who are Gillittes (just made that up) will love Gill no matter how someone explain that the program hasn't progress since the 2014 playoffs. They use his faith as a defensive mechanism just to ignore the fact that he is an average coach. Yes we won some decent games as an FCS contender, but then we also lost some games that we definitely should've won. I have not seen any good reasons to keep Gill for another contract extension. He has been a decent representation for the school, but he's not the only coach that can produce that role(but also improving the program). I'm not hating on the man, but he's not the guy to fulfill what we/ or even Jerry Jr. (during the FBS studies of the school). I also stated that we've done better than expected, but this is short term just as in 2014. This is a business, and I do not believe Gill will develop the program like an App St., UCF, USF,Boise St. Again, I am not trolling or hate the guy. I just know there are more evidence of Gill being mediocre than successful as a coach.

Wrong about loving Gil no matter what. I support Gill because he is the chosen Head Coach of this team that I am a fan of.

We are mid season, Gill is not getting fired mid season, all I am asking is let him coach this season and cheer for his success and the success of this team until there is a coaching decision to be made.

[thepostman]

Well then we all are doing what you want. At least I am. I certainly cheer for our success. Discussing the future doesn't mean I'm not enjoying the ride. people are complex beings. It's possible.

[Yacht Rock]

That’s the same kind of logic that says you shouldn’t criticize the president because he’s your president too. (Lol, which people don’t follow when their guy isn’t in power.)

I don’t think anyone wants Gill to make bad coaching decisions through the rest of the season. Current discussion on this board won’t lead to him making bad decisions either.

[TH Spangler]

The people who are Gillittes (just made that up) will love Gill no matter how someone explain that the program hasn't progress since the 2014 playoffs. They use his faith as a defensive mechanism just to ignore the fact that he is an average coach. Yes we won some decent games as an FCS contender, but then we also lost some games that we definitely should've won. I have not seen any good reasons to keep Gill for another contract extension. He has been a decent representation for the school, but he's not the only coach that can produce that role(but also improving the program). I'm not hating on the man, but he's not the guy to fulfill what we/ or even Jerry Jr. (during the FBS studies of the school). I also stated that we've done better than expected, but this is short term just as in 2014. This is a business, and I do not believe Gill will develop the program like an App St., UCF, USF,Boise St. Again, I am not trolling or hate the guy. I just know there are more evidence of Gill being mediocre than successful as a coach.

Wrong about loving Gil no matter what. I support Gill because he is the chosen Head Coach of this team that I am a fan of.

We are mid season, Gill is not getting fired mid season, all I am asking is let him coach this season and cheer for his success and the success of this team until there is a coaching decision to be made.

RI, the Debbie Downer "mob" was doing the same thing back when Rocco was here. "Fire the coach! He gave Asa Chapman a second chance ". "Fire the coach for that silly call in the NCSU game " Now we have Gill and some of the same people are praising Rocco, "bring back Rocco " ....... Forget sports, same ones use the forum to blow up every negative issues they can find about anything LU. Whatever floats your boat Water floats mine!

[thepostman]

Who has suggested we bring Rocco back? I haven't seen that anywhere.