UB05

Just now, UBFAN2001 said:

I was too cheap to reinstate my ESPN+.  What happened at the end.  Did Old Dominion miss the extra point or fail at the two point conversion?

They took an excessive celebration penalty (a player ran into the field), and it backed them up for the xpt 

For everyone whining….. at the end of the year this team will have changed/grown a lot, and this win could be the difference between getting a bowl game. Lots to clean up going into conference play but take the W and run. 

Never in doubt 🙂 

2 minutes ago, UBminicre said:

We should be losing by 1 td before this odu drive. They handed us 14 pts. 

So when our defense makes plays they’re handing us points. But when they block a punt and score off it it’s well earned?

1 minute ago, UBminicre said:

We deserve to lose at this point. This team is officially a shell of the last few years. 

I don’t think we “deserve to lose,” but we definitely have some things to figure out. If we play like this next week against western Michigan we’ll get rolled 

What is this playcalling 

I know we always talk about eliminating the track, but as far as I know this is the first time the school had officially talked about plans to do it. Very exciting 

Are Reese or Hamlet still on north Texas?

6 hours ago, BrooklynBull said:

Or were we run heavy because he left?

I don’t think the coaching staff had much interest in airing it out with Myers as a freshman, regardless of whether Osborn came back. We had Patterson, Marks, and a strong OLine. 

Had to go back a long way to find this thread. KJ is crushing it with the Vikings right now. I know he finished his career in Miami but I still consider him a Bull, after all he spent 4 years here. I also don’t blame him for transferring as the QB situation was in limbo with Tyree leaving. He also turned out to be 100% correct, as we went extremely run heavy the following year. 

That was a great game. People saying “we just need to do this” or “why can’t we do that” would do well to remember that we were playing the 16th ranked team in the country, and that we played them closer than anyone over the past couple seasons including Appalachian state and a Zach Wilson led BYU. I feel way better than I did last week at this time, and provided we take care of business next week I’m gonna feel great entering conference play 

Ohio is doing what we were doing under Oats. Great for them. If he keeps it up he either leaves for a bigger program, or he stays and the MAC’s reputation rises. I think it’s also important to note that we’re currently seeing our strongest recruiting ever under Whitesell. It’s not like we’re getting buried here. 

And also Coastal won that game 

We’re going to have to play A LOT better. Worried about this one 

3 minutes ago, UBminicre said:

Disagree man. They are having their way with our def. Up and down field at will really... 

it’s 14-0. Any semblance of an offense and we’re right in this. 

4 minutes ago, UBinMD said:

Better get this cleaned up. Coastal is far superior to this bag of stiffs so they will roll us if we give up these kinds of plays.

That was bad but honestly the defense has been fine. A 70 yard run that should’ve been a sack and one blown coverage made the game 14-0. I’m more concerned with the 4 yard throws and 3 yard runs that got us zero points. 

Will we do more than run left into a pile of defenders now?

edit: we will not 

double edit: we will?

They need to stop dinking and dunking on offense. We’re seeing the worst of leipold’s tenure playcalling here. Let KVT throw 

3 hours ago, SoCalBrett said:

UCI fan here.  UCI vs Buffalo looks like a great matchup from a basketball perspective.  UCI is playing a game in Akron vs Duquesne before they go to Buffalo.  I would be interested to see if this is a buy game or a home and home.  UCI usually allows themselves to be bought about 3 times per year to assist with paying the contracts for our quality coaches.   UCI is already being bought by USC and Santa Clara and perhaps others.   

Does Buffalo tend to buy games for 70K or more?

   

 

Regardless of the circumstances I appreciate them coming here to play. It’s difficult for Buffalo to get quality out of conference opponents, especially at home. I know travel costs can add up but I’d love to see more home and homes with UCI type  programs 

Yeah, it looks like they did an amazing job with the students but there hasn’t been a lot of engagement with the public. I got emails for ticket buying but that’s because I actively go to games. I don’t know how Joe Footballfan knows UB is playing unless they read the newspaper (they had an awesome front page spread on the team)

45 minutes ago, promotherobot said:

I still say it's Thursday and the opponent. I mean I thought Wagner was a DIII program.

They basically were. I think UB in the past has shown when they rack up a few wins the public gets on board. I remember being undefeated going into the game against army and the stadium was completely packed. Sadly we got crushed but that’s another story

4 hours ago, UBinMD said:

I was looking at the ESPN game matchup predictors of UB Football and I was pleasantly surprised. Apparently whomever does this at ESPN feels like we may not have lost a step in the transition. Here is what it shows:

Wagner - 99.2% Win Probability

Nebraska - 24.2%

Coastal Carolina - 48.4% (I thought that was great as a 50/50 against a ranked opponent)

Old Dominion - 90.6%

Western Michigan - 64.3%

Kent St. - 63.5%

Ohio - 81.5%

Akron - 90.6%

Bowling Green - 95.0%

Miami OH - 62.3%

Northern Illinois - 77.5%

Ball St - 42.0% (I like that this is our final game, we should have continuity with the team by then)

If we end up as this predicts, 9-3 would get a solid bowl game. Mild upsets of Coastal and Ball St makes it a special year along with a MAC East Title and spot in the MACC. It's a good time to be a UB Fan!

I am very excited for next week to see how Coach Mo has formed this team.

I think we have a better chance against Nebraska than Coastal to be honest, home field advantage aside

5 hours ago, mikescherrer8 said:

I was looking through the roster and was trying to figure out who I think would be playing the most this season. I think the following lineup makes the most sense as of right now. But, it's still a little early. And I was bored. Also adding some analysis on each player and what we should be expecting this season. And if you don't wanna read it all, I understand.


STARTERS                                                                                                  ESTIMATED MINUTES
F. Laquill Hardnett              JR.     6'8"  200                            22  
F. Josh Mballa                    SR.     6'7"   225                            32
F/W. Jeenathan Williams    SR.    6'5"  205                             32
G. Maceo Jack                    SR.    6'5"  190                             22
G. Rondo Segu                   SR.     6'0"  160                             32
____________________________________________________
KEY BENCH PLAYERS
G. Keishawn Brewton        SR.      6'2"   180                           22   
G. Ty Perry                         JR.      6'3"   215                            14
G. Curtis Jones                  SO.     6'5"   180                            12
C. David Skogman             SO.     6'10"  225                           12
____________________________________________________
RESERVES
C. Brock Bertram               GRAD  6'11"  240
F. Tra'von Fagan                GRAD  6'8"   210
____________________________________________________
INCOMING FRESHMAN
F. Zaakir Williamson           6'7"   240
G. Kidtrell Blocker              6'5"   190
F. Kuluel Mading                 6'9"  190



Laquill Hardnett - He's going to be a guy who is going to be crucial inside. A bit of a nuisance in the paint. Making easy buckets, getting tough rebounds. Last year he was really starting to find his groove as primarily a 4 player who from time to time takes a jump shot and even a 3. Overall, he needs to embrace life inside the paint. That's where he's most important. I would love to see him improve dramatically on the defensive side and to be confident getting to the rim. Much like last year, he will most likely get 20+ minutes a game and be needed for size.

Josh Mballa - One of the best and most consistent rebounders in UB history. A total ball hawk who has great awareness for ball placement when a shot is missed. Much like Hardnett, he is going to making a living this year inside the paint. As he should. But he's a guy who isn't afraid to take a chance at a mid range jumper or a close range jumper. I think he should refrain from taking 3's often because we don't really need that from him. He's a true 4 who plays like a 5. Expect him to be averaging double doubles on double doubles. This is his team for the leading alongside Williams and Segu. This will be his last year at UB, so, let's see him really shine.

Jeenathan Williams - Well, we all know how far Jeenathan has come. He is this best player on the team and one of the most talented players in the MAC, and most talented in all of mid-majors as far as I am concerned. He will most likely lead the team in points, just like last season. For a guy who has shooting guard size, he sure does play a lot bigger than he is. Expect his stat line to be near 20PPG 7 RPG 3APG. If he remains consistent, stays healthy, and the team is clicking, I have no doubt in my mind he is going to be the MAC player of the year. Much like Mballa and Segu, this is his team for the leading. He needs to be a leader and I have no doubt that the team will look at him as one. 

Maceo Jack - The debut of Mr. Jack himself. This is really going to be a very interesting year for Maceo Jack. He is entering a team where he is in the shadow of a 3 headed monster known as Mballa, Williams, and Segu. When he was at George Washington, he was heavily involved in their game plan. He was asked to do a lot more than I think he was capable of giving them. Constantly shoot the ball. Fast forward to the 2021-2022 season, I don't think he's going to be asked to do as much as he was at GW. I think this puts him in a position where he can play a bit more stress free and you might see a massive statistical improvement in his shooting. He is a good shooter, but was very inconsistent. Hot and cold. He is an amazing free throw shooter at a whopping 86%, and expect him to provide rebounding numbers. He is going to be getting a fair amount of minutes with his game experience, and I expect him to play well this season because he will be in a offense where he is not the most needed shooter.

Ronaldo Segu - As I've said, this is his team for the leading alongside Williams and Mballa. Quite possibly the most emotional player on this team. The most emotional since maybe Shannon Evans. A player that we have needed for quite some time who will show some emotion on the court and isn't afraid to speak his mind toward his teammates. Segu last season had really improved on his offensive game. With a stat line of 13-3-4, I expect Segu to repeat the same type of season, if not improve those numbers as well. The one thing I wish to see from Segu is become a better defender. I thought at times last year he really let people down with getting blown up on the defensive side of the ball. This is probably his last season with UB, and I hope that he helps lead us to a run toward the NCAA tournament. 

Keishawn Brewton - Now, I know there are people on the forum who maybe don't think Brewton is that good. Or think that he shouldn't be getting as many minutes as I think he will.  And he hasn't given you a reason to think so. His playstyle was pretty much just be a shooter. That's what was asked of him. But I think his role is going to change and that he will not only be a shooter, but to also become more of a playmaker. He's not going to be asked to just fire 3 pointers or mid range shots constantly, I think he is going to contribute to ball movement and to help set up better % shooting. He's destined to come in for Segu and to provide much needed guard depth at the 1. Don't give up on Brewton yet, because I think he can provide the team with very meaningful minutes. This is his last season with UB, expect him to play like it.

Ty Perry - A very interesting addition in the offseason. An addition that may not excite, but an addition that was needed. Especially at the 2 guard spot. A role playing guard who is probably going to be asked to shoot when he has good looks, play great defense, oh, and it doesn't hurt that his career free throw shooting is .802%. There's not a whole lot of expectation with Perry, but he's going to get minutes, he has game experience, he's a good shooter, and based on game film, not a bad defender. Expect some good things with him.

Curtis Jones - Some may ask, why do I think Curtis Jones here. Well, because he should be. He's coming off a great year with Indian Hills CC, his stat line there was 12.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 5.5 APG, and a whopping 87% free throw % (59/68). I don't know how that all will translate into D1 basketball. If that skillset pours over into practices and he shines, he will be getting minutes, and he might take away minutes from Jack and Perry. It's early but the potential for Jones is exciting and he has an opportunity to make a splash and impress the coaching staff, they are looking guard depth and he is going to be fighting for minutes. 

David Skogman - Skogman is entering his third year with the team, a redshirt sophomore. Since I would say Mitchell Watt, have we been looking for a big center type player who can provide meaningful minutes. This is the year that Skogman needs to show some life. He is an athletic, intelligent guy with a fair amount to prove. I don't think he is going to be asked to do a whole lot, but I sure as heck would like to see him out there playing meaningful minutes, play some good defense, getting down and dirty inside the paint to get baskets and rebounds. He's a guy who also has a jump shot and can shoot the 3 ball. I would like to see a little of all of that this year. I don't think he overtakes time away from Laquill Hardnett, but, you never know. If Hardnett plays poorly, Skogman has a chance to take over. His situation is a little exciting because now is his time to step up and provide the team with good playing time.

Brock Bertram - Grad student, a locker room guy who is great for morale and leadership. At this point in his career, I don't think Bertram should be getting any minutes, barring serious foul trouble or injury issues. I don't think it's wise to take minutes away from players who probably need it more. I'm glad he's on the team for morale, and that's about all. 

Tra'Von Fagan - Much like Bertram, same story here with Fagan. I think the ship has sailed with him getting any minutes. He is great for morale and leadership in the locker room, but that's it. If serious foul trouble looms, or injuries become an issue, maybe they get him on the floor. I would almost prefer Zaakir Williamson over Fagan, however.

Zaakir Williamson - I see a lot of Javon McCrea in this guy. Both are the same size, both play a similar style. At 6'7" and weighing around 240, this is the one guy I think might get any playing time out of the upcoming freshman, maybe Blocker gets some time. I don't know about red shirt statuses yet, but I'm just going off of what I saw from him playing in high school. He's a physical, big forward with tons of potential. Really good footwork on the inside where he can do damage in the same fashion as Josh Mballa does. He even has a decent jump shot which is pleasantly surprising. I don't know how they are going to fit him into the rotation here. I think if Hardnett and Skogman play poorly, injuries and foul trouble become present, then I think he might get minutes. This is all based off observations and I think his style translates well to D1 mid-major basketball and I think he might be the one recruit in this class who gets some play time. We will see as practices go on and we will see what happens with him. If he stands out in practice, and shows the coaching staff a lot of good things, I'm not sure he redshirts.

Kidtrell Blocker - Blocker is a very talented player. I would describe him as a bit of a slasher. He likes to take the ball to the rim and finish there. A hell of a dunker, has a nice shooting stroke with a nice jumper. He is an electric player in transition also who plays fast. This is a player who fits the style of the offense. His speed almost reminds me of Davonta Jordan with a mix of Jayvon Graves. His disrupts passing lanes often while on defense and does a really great job of getting in the face of his man. I don't know what happens because I think Curtis Jones might have the upper hand here. Maybe he flashes in practice and impresses and Jones does not, so they split minutes between the two. Maybe Jones and Perry both don't look great and Blocker rises up. And maybe foul trouble and injury happens and that's where Blocker really gets a lot of minutes. It's all too early yet and I don't know what's going to happen. But Buffalo really made out with a freakishly athletic guard in Blocker. Does he red shirt? Does he shine in practice and climbs up the roster and gets minutes? Who knows, it is still early.


Kuluel Mading - A very undersized forward with a lot of potential. I see him red shirting. I think he's a guy who really needs to put time into the weight room. Give him the Nick Perkins regimen. And I think next year he may provide good minutes at forward when roster room opens up a little more. He's a good inside guy who has a jump shot and can hit the 3 pointer. But I think his style and size doesn't translate well immediately. He looks like a deer trying to find its legs. I can see him being over powered if he were to instantly play. It's early, but, who knows what is going to happen. 

Great write up, love the optimism. One guy I want to stick up for though is Fagan, I thought he was excellent in his limited minutes last season. He has quick hands, always seemed to be coming up with a steal, and his 3 pointers were probably the most consistent on the team

4 hours ago, 961819 said:

Perhaps I missed something here but why exactly are we being so confrontational to Erie County?

My guess is because he hates the current staff and will go out of his way to inject that into everything here. For instance a thread where everyone is excited about a new recruit he posted that they’re unranked, and that Ohio got a 4 star. Which in and of itself doesn’t seem like much, but in the context of the poster wanting everything Whitesell to be bad, even when we land a good recruit, probably rubbed someone the wrong way. That’s just my assumption though, based off spending time on this message board. 

Not to start more arguments, but there are schools enforcing much stricter rules than UB currently has in place. Tulane is requiring proof of vaccination or a negative covid test for all attending fans this season.