Blazer season becomes more interesting after week 1

It’s always interesting hearing a team’s comments after a loss. For Valdosta State its even more interesting because the losses have been few and far between. Over the last three seasons, Blazer losses have only been against 2 teams; Delta State and North Alabama.

So Blazer Nation awaited the words from Head Coach David Dean hoping for answers. On Monday the Head Coach stood up at the booster luncheon and took the blame for Valdosta State’s 31-24 loss to Newberry on Saturday. Later that night Defensive Coordinator Joe Cauthen joined me and my show and said to put the blame on him.

But is that fair? To put the blame solely on just the coaches? Even just on the players shoulders? I don’t think its right to say either is the only to take credit for the loss. There were a combination of things that didn’t go right when the Blazers lost their first home opener since 1998.

That was the worst football game I have witnessed Valdosta State play in my four years covering this team. Yes worse than the poundings from North Alabama last year. Valdosta State on paper matched up well with Newberry and while the score was close and some numbers were similar; Newberry completely outplayed V-State and exploited the fact that most of the secondary joined the team around a month ago.

There was an array of new faces along side cornerback Carlos Anderson. Joining the senior in the defensive backfield were 4 Division I and Junior College transfers who started practing with the team a month ago. And while seemingly impossible between the injuries and dehydration, a shorter rotation would have been an optimal situation for this team.

Saturday was the first time I have seen a Blazer team arm tackle instead of wrapping guys up since I have lived in Winnersville. Newberry’s offensive line limited everything the much publicized Valdosta State defensive line did. Let’s also keep in mind Pittsburgh transfer Tommie Duhart didn’t get into the game until the second half for unknown reasons and likely starter at defensive end Chauncey DeBose, a Western Kentucky transfer didn’t play at all.

That defensive line ended up rotating too many players. For the most part the Blazers depth over the last few seasons has been their greatest attribute. They have had the ability to go two and three deep at most positions over the years, but Saturday it was almost too much.

The Blazers couldn’t keep just their starters and second stringers on the field. Physically Valdosta State couldn’t do it because most of the team was fighting the flu. The flu led to dehydration. Dehydration led to cramping. Cramping led to many of the new faces on the roster having to mix and match with each other, nixing the Blazers usual strength of being deep.

Then the Blazers suffered injuries. They lost junior Japree Miles to a dislocated ankle and red shirt freshman Brett Sudduth with an ACL injury. Had Kellen Lewis not injured his right tricep on a fumble in the first quarter of the game could’ve and likely wouldn’ve been different. After being very conservative in their play calling with their new quarterback on the opening drives, Kellen Lewis was finally allowed to try and make big plays and settled in; finding his groove.

But Lewis exited and Russ Callaway had to do the hardest thing in all of sports, come off the bench and lead a team. The second half was ugly seeing Callaway throw 3 interceptions and Ronny Nelson another. Yet the Blazers, playing arguably their worst football in years still had a chance. They were still in the game and still had chances to win it. That says something. That even playing poor football, this team is talented enough to hang with good teams.

The season is far from over and the Blazers have nine more opponents to play better against. Lucky for Valdosta State they are not alone in opening the season with an “upset” loss. Delta State and Carson Newman, two playoff teams from 2008 also lost their openers.

This adds drama to the 2009 season. all three teams now have their backs against the wall. It is difficult for teams in Super Region Two to make the playoffs with three losses. The opening week blunders make every week that much more important for all three teams. Carson Newman has to turn around and focus on Florida State…I mean North Alabama in Week 2. Carson Newman understands the magnitude of this game. Two weeks into the 2009 season they are fighting for a playoff spot.

Delta State and Valdosta State’s losses make their meeting on October 1st a game for a playoff berth, providing both teams live up to original expectations. And on top of that the North Alabama Lions have to face three teams this year fighting for a chance at the playoffs, with their backs against the wall, where a loss ends any hope at a National Title.

I don’t care who you’ve added on your coaching staff or roster, playing teams needing that single game more than you might make things very interesting the rest of the year.

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