This has been close to a magical season in many respects,but how/why did it happen?.On paper,we had lots of concerns going in--fairly new QB,mostly new OL, loss of 6 starters on a Def that statistically were much better than previous yrs.We had some known strengths but sometimes even they can fall apartl with injuries,attitude,etc
Here is my guess.
1.By far most important -the play of JT.This is probably 1 and 2.He is a guy that finally runs this Offense with all the skills needed--he can handle the ball,he offers a terrific run threat and can pass effectively (esp with 2 giant WRs.)
The other unknown was his leadership ability.Now he is Capt as a SOPH! The guys play for him.
2.Comparatively few early injuries.Some teams have been decimated with injuries(dook lost 2 all-conf guys before season). Take out Smelter, Gotsis ,Shaq, Nealy, or White early would have been very rough.
This may have been due to better training/development.It seemed like even our thin DL didn't seem to wear out in the deadly heat of Sept.
3.The importance on having a bevy of very skilled AND experienced guys at skill positions--WR and running backs.It takes a while to learn how block in this OFf and we now do it usually well..Experience also gives the timing necessary in this run Off esp. (Next yr we may see the difference)
4.The fast development of the OL esp Burden. If they had not been as good the skills of the backs would have been greatly negated. The hidden aspect might have been the ST coach helping on the OL.
5.The work of the DEF coaches to cover obvious weaknesses as well as possible.The clem game without Green was a perfect example.
6.Luck- sometimes things just break your way. I remember Gotsis could have easily been called for a QB hit on the key VT interception.Having the clem QB hurt HIMSELF,sure was fortuitous. It usually balances out but not necessarily in 1 season.
7. Few major screw-ups on STs.Having the KO go into EZ a lot.Solid punting .Sometimes this is a given until something bad happens. The extra pt missed vs clem made no difference after all.
We won the ST game almost always.A nice change from 4 yrs ago or so.
In reverse order of importance
3.We had a very favorable schedule as compared to last year - 2014 starting with 3 forgiving games, byes in good times, and finishing with two tough games.
2. Call it proper conditioning or luck - we have had a remarkably injury free season. Wood knock wood knock.
1 Coach has his swag back - started at end of year and keeps building. Identify problem and fix it NOW
Vad leaving - "sounds good sorry you are leaving, will be fine.
Malcontents in locker room - ditto - looks like we need a larger class of recruits in 2015.
Important players grades not in order - we get a new player development lead
Best man up - no more seniority gets preference. - we are trying to win today but are building -welcome to college ball Austin twins. JT u got to earn it..
No more "aim low and hope for diamond in rough recruiting" - add staff familiar w ga and all coaches recruit full tilt coming out of gate fast - thus creating a buzz. Ratliff injured - announce he is a Jacket.
Defense giving too much cushion - fixed before a " MTSU scores again" moment.
Snoddy seriously injured - as trainers rush to Snoddy coach walks out to offensive unit and calms them, then walks over to Snoddy and leans down to speak to him. Then whole team comes on field and circles Snoddy.
We are winning because we are following a coach with swag.
