[Oasis]

I'm feeling uncomfortably comfortable about this game. Last time I felt this way was before the SC game :(

I too was optimistic before the SC game, but we were right to be optimistic.  Despite the 90,000 screaming maniacs, an opponent way beyond just pumped up and the initial disruptions all that caused, we put ourselves in a good position to win in the 4Q.  The defense shut SC down almost the whole second half.  On our best drive, starting from about our 30, Gaffney ran to the SC 6, first and goal -- and we got no points (int). Murphy later sacked the SC QB, who fumbled, Skov recovered at the 20 ---and again we got no points (blocked FG).  Late in the game SC converted a crucial 4th and 2.  If we had gotten one TD (very likely) or two FGs (same) in those possessions we probably win.  Our chances of getting 10-14 points were good.  If we stop the 4th and 2, we get the ball back and have a good chance to win.  The odds that all three outcomes would turn out as bad as they did -- which is what I think it took to beat us -- were quite low.

I believe in this team because they put themselves in good position to win close games.  This game will probably be close because MSU has a good defense vs. the run.  If we can pass on them, we will win handily, but they seem to have very athletic DBs who may be able to stay on our WRs.  I'm hoping we see Ty, Cajuste and Rector getting behind the MSU DBs.  If they do, those $2,000 tickets aren't going to look so good any more.

[Oasis]

I'm feeling uncomfortably comfortable about this game. Last time I felt this way was before the SC game :(

I too was optimistic before the SC game, but we were right to be optimistic.  Despite the 90,000 screaming maniacs, an opponent way beyond just pumped up and the initial disruptions all that caused, we put ourselves in a good position to win in the 4Q.  The defense shut SC down almost the whole second half.  On our best drive, starting from about our 30, Gaffney ran to the SC 6, first and goal -- and we got no points (int). Murphy later sacked the SC QB, who fumbled, Skov recovered at the 20 ---and again we got no points (blocked FG).  Late in the game SC converted a crucial 4th and 2.  If we had gotten one TD (very likely) or two FGs (same) in those possessions we probably win.  Our chances of getting 10-14 points were good.  If we stop the 4th and 2, we get the ball back and have a good chance to win.  The odds that all three outcomes would turn out as bad as they did -- which is what I think it took to beat us -- were quite low.

I believe in this team because they put themselves in good position to win close games.  This game will probably be close because MSU has a good defense vs. the run.  If we can pass on them, we will win handily, but they seem to have very athletic DBs who may be able to stay on our WRs.  I'm hoping we see Ty, Cajuste and Rector getting behind the MSU DBs.  If they do, those $2,000 tickets aren't going to look so good any more.