Matador Mailbag 7.13.17

I see no problem with bringing back Roof Raider. Superstition is a very real thing when it comes to sports. When I go to games, I definitely wear my lucky bracelet. Who knows if it actually works, but it’s worth a try.

No. He has to have a winning season and a bowl appearance at minimum. I am sick of settling for mediocrity and excuses and I bet the Board of Regents are as well. You think Red Raiders are impatient?

It’s pretty sexy. And yes. Will recruits feel like they are in a top-tier program, sure. Having flashy uniforms, locker rooms, equipment, etc. is important to impress young and immature recruits. Will the sexy locker room keep recruits from transferring? Doubt it. You have to follow up with the flash and hype with wins on the field.

See above. And yes, the defense can actually get worse. Let’s not go there until the season has kicked off.

This is not news. It is no different than any other college student who doesn’t attend class. You can’t hold their hands. Hopefully, leaders on the field, in classrooms or within their personal squad will encourage their fellow students to attend classes, but they have to do it themselves. They will learn hopefully sooner rather than later when they don’t have a degree to fall back on when the pro dream doesn’t pan out.

Cody, I think we answered this before. But here is a refresher. The short list would be Major Applewhite if we could steal him from Houston, Sterlin Gilbert, Sonny Cumbie, Art Briles and of course Ruffin McNeil because he is a damn good coach. Even though you didn’t ask for my choice, I am going to give it to you anyway - Sonny Cumbie. Hopefully, the two words Lane Kiffin never enter the conversation.

Absolutely. No starting position is guaranteed and Shimonek shouldn’t play like he is locked in. It will be interesting to see if he plays well enough to solidify that position for the entire season.