Thu, 28 August 2008  2007 Recap: 6-7 overall, 3-5 ACC, lost 21-14 to Oregon State in the Emerald Bowl What we like best: Offensive line. For those who subscribe to the theory that as an offensive line goes, so goes the entire offense, it may be time to consider this Terrapin offense pretty good. There are still questions at quarterback (Is JordanSteffy the right choice to start?) and running back (Is Morgan Green injured or not?), but there are very few questions up front for theTerps. Scott Burley and Jaimie Thomas will anchor the left side. Burley played through injuries to earn a spot on the All-ACC team last year, while Thomas was also injured most of last year, but should be solid this season. Dan Randolph and Phil Costa (and/or Jack Griffin) could be equally as strong on the right side. And Edwin Williams was picked by the media as All-ACC first-team center this preseason. This unit is not only talented and experienced, but deep, with several players on the depth chart seeing action last year. What we like least: Secondary. This came down to the defensive line or the defensive backs. For some reason, we think the line will be just fine, but the secondary worries us. OK, we like Kevin Barnes. A lot. He just seems to have a nose for the ball. Last year, Barnes had four interceptions and broke up another nine passes, whilefinsihing with 65 tackles. But with Barnes the only returning starter in the unit, It's the rest of the guys around him that worry us. It's not so much that they lack talent, but the experience just isn't there. Nolan Carroll or AnthonyWiseman will likely be the second cornerback , while Terrell Skinner and Jeff Allen will be first-time starters at safety. All have shown flashes, but need to prove they can get the job done on a consistent basis. Carroll andWiseman will be tested often this year as quarterbacks avoid Barnes. If they can prove they're up to the task, the secondary may not be too bad. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-3 ACC, 3rd in Atlantic Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview: This could be a surprise team. The two most banged up teams in college football last year were Northern Illinois and Maryland. And Maryland, despite the plethora of injuries that they suffered last year, still knocked off Rutgers, No. 10 in the country, on the road (and) Boston College, No. 8, at home, so they did play extremely well against the big boys last year. They've got 13 returning starters ... this could be the year they get back (to double-digit wins). Heather Dinich, ESPN.com: With James Franklin coming in and bringing in the West Coast offense, and a receiver like Darrius Heyward-Bey who can really flourish in that system, I think Maryland might be the sleeper in that division. Ralph Friedgen, Maryland head coach, on his decision to bring in James Franklin as offensive coordinator: It's been different. It's been better for me. I felt like I could devote more time to our players and more to organizing our staff. I know you guys will laugh at this, but I was being spread to thin. Other previews: Comments[0] |
Wed, 27 August 2008 On this bonus podcast, Patrick talks with J. Diggs of NovaSportsPicks.com. Diggs, who has been handicapping games for a decade, gives us the line on this weekend's ACC games, plus releases his picks for both the Wake at Baylor game Thursday night and Saturday night's Clemson vs. Alabama showdown. Patrick also has an update on Virginia Tech's quarterbacks and N.C. State's running backs, as well as a few other news items from this week in the ACC.Comments[0] |
Mon, 25 August 2008 0:46 -- Opening: Patrick and Q talk about their fantasy ACC teams, plus could the SEC's recent TV deal hurt Raycom and the ACC? 8:44 -- Listener questions: Which are the top units in the ACC and which coach would you bring to a party? 25:45 -- Around the ACC: Larry Williams of the Post and Courier talks Clemson football, Shandel Richardson of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel discusses Randy Shannon's decision to suspend Miami quarterback Robert Marve, and Ken Tysiac of the Charlotte Observer and News and Observer gets us ready for NC State at South Carolina. 39:18 -- Beat the Bloggers: Brian of Tar Heel Fan faces off against listener Brian Potere in the first installment of this segment. 1:05:40 -- Closing: The guys wrap up the show with news on N.C. State's starting quarterback and the USA's win in Olympic basketball. Speaking of basketball, the guys ask the question, If he was offered the job, should Roy Williams try to follow Coach K as Olympic basketball coach? Comments[0] |
Sun, 24 August 2008 2007 Recap: 5-7 overall, 3-5 ACC What we like best: Running back. Last year the Wolfpack has two strong running backs in Toney Baker and Andre Brown. When injuries sidelined both, it appeared the Pack's running game was doomed. Welcome in Jamelle Eugene. The almost forgotten Eugene finished the season with 667 yards on 172 carries. He also scored five touchdowns on the ground and another through the air. This season, Brown and Baker return, as does Eugene, who has locked down the top spot on the depth chart after his performance last year. Baker is still recovering from his injury, but all three backs should see carries this year, making this N.C. State's deepest position. What we like least: There was plenty to choose from -- receiver, quarterback, linebacker. But we went with the schedule. State is on the road against South Carolina and Clemson in the first three weeks. The Pack also has East Carolina and South Florida as non-conference games. Then State has to hit the road for three of their final five games and one of the home games is against Wake Forest. Schedule: Aug. 28 -- at South Carolina Patrick's prediction: 6-6 overall, 4-4 ACC, 5th in Atlantic Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview: This year N.C. State's got two problems. One, they're inexperienced. They only have 10 returning starters. In fact, they lose 25 lettermen and they only return 28...and they also take on my No. 10-rated schedule in the country. Tom O'Brien, N.C. State head coach on opening with South Carolina: When they (they team) came back in January there was a little buzz about the fact that they knew they were going to be on the first game on ESPN Thursday night against South Carolina. I think it helps you, not only through that strength and conditioning period, but through spring practice there's a since of urgency that they're going to have to be ready to play on national TV. I think that's the benefit of that game. Other previews: Comments[0] |
Thu, 21 August 2008 2007 Recap: 9-4 overall, 5-3 ACC, beat UConn 24-10 in Meinke Car Care Bowl What we like best: Defense. We may get an argument from Clemson and BC fans, but the Wake defense is the best in the conference. Nine starters return, including all three linebackers and four defensive backs. The loss of Jeremy Thompson may hurt up front, but there's not a better group of linebackers in the ACC and the secondary is talented as well. Wake's defense has been known for making the big play. Last season, Aaron Curry, a first-team All-ACC pick this preseason who finished last year with 99 tackles and three sacks, returned three of four intercepetions for touchdowns. Meanwhile, cornerback Alphonso Smith also returned three of his eight picks for scores. The offense may get off to a slow start, but they shouldn't have to score many points to win games with this Demon Deacon defense holding down opponents. There is a new coordinator, so it's worth watching if that changes things, but it doesn't appear to have affected the team during spring and fall practice. What we like least: Offensive line. Stan Cotten, the Voice of the Deacons, called this unit a work in progress. That seems about right. All-ACC center Steve Justice graduated, as did Matt Brim and Louis Frazier, and guard Chris DeGeare is gone due to academics. Jim Grobe is a master of replacing parts and not missing a beat, but that skill will be put to the test with this unit. Schedule: Aug. 28 -- at Baylor Patrick's prediction: 11-1 overall, 7-1 ACC, 1st in Atlantic Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: David Glenn, editor of the ACC Area Sports Journal and ACCSports.com: When you've got basically your whole defense back, punter, kicker, quarterback, tailback -- those are the positions that keep people up at night, coaches scratching their heads, and Wake, for Jim Grobe, is in great position in all in all of those key areas. Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview: It's fun watching their defense take it to the house on a weekly basis. Now, they have benefited from a lot of turnovers, but this is a defense that causes a lot. Jim Grobe, Wake head coach: Well, I don't think we're going to replace (wide receiver) Kenny (Moore). The guy was phenomenal. Every Monday when we started working on game plan, we would find a way to get the ball to Kenny Moore. I don't think it's going to be that way anymore, but I actually think our receiver corp... now they've got to grow up a little bit because we're really young, we don't have a lot of experience, but from a talent standpoint, I think we've got probably better talent than we've had a receiver since I've been here. Other previews: Comments[0] |
Tue, 19 August 2008 2007 Recap: 11-3 overall, 7-1 ACC, beat BC in ACC Championship 30-16, lost to Kansas in Orange Bowl 24-21 What we like best: Offensive line. Heading into last season, the offensive line was the biggest question mark for the Hokies. This year it's one of the few stable units for Virginia Tech. Four starters return and, unlike last season, most won't be forced to move around and adjust to new positions. Ed Wang will be replacing Duane Brown at left tackle, while guards Sergio Render and Nick Marshman and center Ryan Shuman return and appear to be in better shape than a season ago. With questions at running back and a quarterback battle still being waged, a solid o-line will be important for offensive success in Blacksburg. What we like least: Wide receiver. This was a question mark before Brandon Dillard was hurt and Zach Luckett was suspended. Now Tech will likely start a true freshman and a redshirt freshman at receiver with two more freshmen and a converted quarterback will be backing them up. That's a lot of inexperience. From everything we've heard this fall, the freshmen are talented and playing well, but until they step on the field for a real game there will be plenty of questions. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 11-1 overall, 7-1 ACC, 1st in Coastal Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview: I went with Virginia Tech (to win the Coastal Division). Is Frank Beamer still the head coach? Yes he is. Is Bud Foster still the defensive coordinator? Yes he is. Is Beamer still coaching special teams? Yes. It doesn't matter that they have 10 returning starters. This team is going to be one of the top teams in the ACC. Sean Glennon, VT quarterback: My goal is to be taking every snap. If you ask any competitor, they want to be on the field as much as possible. I think someone would be lying to you if they said they were perfectly fine with it (switching off). You want to be taking every snap and that's my goal ... if the coaches decide that a two-quarterback system is the best way to go --is going to win us the most games -- then that's fine and I'll do what I can when I'm in there, but I'm approaching this year like I'm going to take every snap and I'm the guy out there. Other previews: Comments[0] |
Mon, 18 August 2008 Bill Rosinski, who calls college games for ISP and NFL games for Westwood One, joins Patrick this week to discuss his first game this season, USC at UVa., as well as the NFL futures of Matt Ryan and Chris Long, the importance of the Clemson-Alabama game and his golf outing with Patrick. Also this week, -- Q is out sick and Patrick wonders what caused his illness; -- Maryland names a starting quarterback; -- A listener wants to know if there is a big disparity between the ACC's divisions; -- Virginia Tech has more problems at wide receiver; -- Another listener calls in to ask, What is a Wahoo?; -- The AP releases its preseason poll (and so does Playboy); And more on this week's podcast. Comments[0] |
Sun, 17 August 2008 2007 Recap: 4-8 overall, 3-5 ACC.
What we like best: Receivers. Hakeem Nicks was voted preseason first-team All-ACC by the media after a Carolina single-season record 74 receptions. He also finished with 958 yards and five touchdowns for the Tar Heels. But while Nicks gets most of the press, he has some help. Brandon Tate can go deep (he averaged more than 19 yards a catch last year) and Brooks Foster can also be a weapon. The unit is also deep and is not used to playing with T.J. Yates, which should help the Carolina passing game this year. What we like least: Inexperience. The offense is banking on a quarterback who threw 18 interceptions last year and missed the spring with an injury and a running back who moved from receiver late last season and, while impressive, only played the position for two games, one of which was Duke. The defense should be solid, but has a new coordinator. Connor Barth is gone and it's uncertain who the new kicker will be. Carolina is coming off a year where it finished 4-8 and didn't win a game on the road. Maybe this team is ready to live up to the preseason hype, but they have much to prove to make us believe Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 6-6 overall, 4-4 ACC, 3rd in the Coastal Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: David Glenn, editor of the ACC Area Sports Journal and ACCSports.com: The Tar Heels have a chance to be very good and to make that leap folks are talking about from 4-8, but I'll believe it when I see it on the offensive side of the ball because the Heels have been very inconsistent on that side. Heather Dinich, ESPN.com: I think the talent is there. If the rest of the Coastal Division didn't have so many question marks, I don't think people would be talking about North Carolina this early like that. I think they're still a year or two away from being a legitimate contender for the Coastal Division title. Butch Davis, UNC head coach: Certainly the success of your football team is going to hinge around how well does your quarterback play and how healthy does your football team stay ... I think we're a better football team right now today. I think we're better coaches, we understand our players much better. It's still a process and we're still not where we'd like to be at somewhere in the future, but we're closing in. Other previews: Comments[0] |
Thu, 14 August 2008 2007 Recap: 11-3 overall, 6-2 ACC, lost to Virginia Tech 30-16 in the ACC championship game and beat Michigan State 24-21 in the Champs Sports Bowl. What we like best: The defense. Well, at least the front seven, which should be solid, despite losing more than half of the starters off of a unit that ranked third in total defense and first in rushing defense in the ACC. But two players return that could be key for the Eagles. Linebacker Brian Toal redshirted last year as he recovered from an injured shoulder and defensive tackle B.J. Raji returns after sitting out last year to improve his academic standing. In 2006, Raji had 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, while Toal had 50 tackles, including 29 solo. Ron Brace will join Raji along the line to form one of the better tackle combos in the conference -- maybe in the country -- while defensive end Alex Albright will also return after missing the final two games last year with a broken arm. That makes for a very good d-line, while the return of Toal should make the linebackers solid as well. The secondary is a question, but the front seven are good enough to keep BC in games. What we like least: Running back. The top two rushers from a year ago, Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth, are gone, most likely leaving the job to freshman Josh Haden, who graduated high school early and entered BC for the spring semester. Haden rushed for 1,250 yards and 15 touchdowns as a high-school senior. He is a bit small at 5-9, 190 pounds and his ability to break tackles has been called into question, but he can run a 4.4 40 making him tough to catch if the offensive line can open some holes. I think the future is bright for Haden, but I'm not sure if he's ready to handle the entire load this coming season. Jeff Smith will also get some time at running back after making a surprise return to the Eagles. Smith was thought to be done after suffering a concussion, but he's been working out this fall and looks good to go. Razzie Smith has also moved to running back from the secondary and the BC staff continues to shuffle players around to give the position depth. Still, the job will mostly fall to Haden and until we see how the true freshman performs in a real game I'm not sold on the Eagles at running back. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 5-7 overall, 1-7 ACC, 6th in Atlantic Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: Mitch Light, senior editor for Athlon Sports -- "We do some scouting reports where we poll opposing ACC coaches about other teams in the league. They're all anonymous and some of the coaches we polled said (of Boston College under Jeff Jagodzinski) ... they weren't as intense, they weren't as disciplined as they were under Tom O'Brien." Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview -- "I think he'll (Jagodzinski) still be able to, despite playing a tough ACC schedule, eek out a winning schedule this year and get back to a bowl game." Ron Brace, BC defensive tackle -- "Last year (at this time) we were just getting to know each other ... so right now I think we have more of a feel about what each other are looking for. We're seeing eye-to-eye with each other. We all know that we want to win a championship, but first we've got to beat Kent State." Other previews: Comments[0] |
Wed, 13 August 2008 2007 Recap: 9-4 overall, 6-2 ACC, lost to Texas Tech 31-28 in the Gator Bowl
What we like best: The running backs. Most fans know about James Davis and C.J. Spiller at Clemson or Javarris James and Graig Cooper at Miami. But Cedric Peerman and Mikell Simpson are the best running back duo no one is talking about. People forget that Peerman was leading the ACC in rushing before he got hurt. Simpson then stepped in and didn't miss a beat. This season Virginia will have both. Two guys who can run with the ball as well as catch it out of the backfield,Peerman and Simpson are part of the reason this Virginia offense could be very good this season. What we like least: Kicker. The Coastal Division may not have the most talented teams in the ACC, but it may be the most balanced. That should make for some interesting -- and close -- games. Whenever teams are involved in close games, a consistent kicker is invaluable. Virginia isn't sure if they have that consistent kicker at this point. Chris Gould is gone. ChrisHinkebein was expected to take over, but hasn't impressed anyone yet. In fact, he's been so unimpressive that Virginia added former Wahoo soccer player Yannick Reyering to the mix and he will get a shot at being the kicker this year. No proven kicker. Close games. That could be trouble. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 7-5 overall, 5-3 ACC, 2nd in Coastal Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: John Phillips, UVa. tight end: "You've got to be excited about it. I've been fortunate enough to play with Tom (Santi) and (Jonathan) Stupar my three years here. Those guys are gone, so I kind of step into that role. I'm really looking forward to this season, getting more into the receiving-type game. Hopefully I can do a lot of good things and help my team win." Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview: "They have a tough schedule this year. Most of the teams at their level of the ACC -- your Dukes, your Georgia Techs -- they have to play on the road. And keep in mind that last year Duke led them in the fourth quarter, and that was a pretty good Virginia team ... I think Virginia is in for their second rebuilding year in the last three years." Other previews: Comments[0] |
Mon, 11 August 2008 ESPN.com's Heather Dinich, the hardest working blogger in the ACC, joins us this week to talk college football. Dinich gives her thoughts on how the loss of Rashaad Jackson will impact Clemson's defensive line, if UNC can live up to the hype, and which team may surprise people this year in the ACC. Dinich also talks about her new job as an ESPN.com blogger. Also: -- Patrick and Q try to remember the most exciting football game they've ever seen; -- Should CBSSports.com be using college players in a fantasy game?; -- Will a gold medal push Coach K past Dean Smith as the top ACC hoops coach? That and more on the podcast this week.Comments[0] |
Sun, 10 August 2008 2007 Recap: 7-6 overall, 4-4 ACC; lost to Kentucky 35-28 in the Music City Bowl What we like best: Receivers. It was a question mark when Preston Parker found himself with legal problems this spring, but Parker will only be suspended for the first two games, both of which will probably be easy wins for the Seminoles. When Parker returns and teams with Greg Carr, the two should form one of the better starting receiving duos in the ACC. After those two, the unit isn't very experienced, but it has loads of talent. Look for Corey Surrency, a junior-college transfer, to make an immediate impact this year, while redshirt freshman Taiwan Easterling could also contribute this season. There are two or three other receivers who are also capable of playing well, making this the deepest, and best, position on the 'Noles heading into the 2008 season. What we like least: Everything else. OK, that's not really true. Drew Weatherford showed signs of being a more consistent quarterback last year, although there are no guarantees he will remain the starter throughout the season. Antone Smith is back after a solid junior season, but he may also struggle to keep his starting job. The defensive line has holes at the tackle spot, while the secondary look good on paper, but didn't look good on the field last year. But, if we have to pick the biggest question mark it is probably offensive line. Rick Trickett's unit is young, with no juniors or seniors anywhere to be found. Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon look like the real deals, but beyond those two it's anyone's guess who will get the job done this year. If the offensive line fails, then Weatherford and Smith could both fail and that could lead to major problems for this offense. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 6-6 overall, 4-4 ACC, 4th in Atlantic Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: Mitch Light, senior editor Athlon Sports: The offensive line is a key. They might start two sophomores and three redshirt freshman. The line got manhandled, especially early last year. This is a good Florida State team, but a far, far cry from what we're used to with the Seminoles. Bobby Bowden, FSU head coach: I think we've got enough seniors that are getting tired of getting pushed around and want to get back on top. It's tough, you know it men. Once you've been on top, like we have, one you win a national championship, you're people expect you to do it every year. Mike Hogewood, announcer & host for Raycom Sports: They need Drew Weatherford and here's why. You look at the number of players Florida State has suspended for the first three games, through the Wake Forest game. Now, they have been smart. They went out and scheduled a couple of I-AA teams ... but they do have Wake Forest. I think they're going to need the leadership and the veteran experience of Drew Weaterford, particularly early in this season." Other previews: Comments[0] |
Thu, 7 August 2008 2007 Recap: 9-4 overall, 5-3 ACC, lost to Auburn 23-20 (OT) in the Chick-fil-A Bowl
What we like best: Really, what's not to like? OK, we do have a few things, which we'll get to below, but overall this is the most talented team in the ACC. We could pick Cullen Harper because he has another year of experience and the starting job at quarterback is all his. We could pick James Davis and C.J. Spiller, the best one-two punch in the ACC. We could pick the defensive line, which somehow lost Phillip Merling and still got better. But we'll go with Jacoby Ford. The wide receiver missed all of November plus the bowl game after breaking his ankle, but he appears to be healthy. Because of his speed, Ford may be the most dangerous receiver in the conference and could be the reason that opposing defensive coordinators will be pulling out their hair during Clemson week this season. What we like least: The offensive line. Replacing Barry Richardson won't be easy. Cory Lambert won't be as good as Richardson, but if he gives a solid effort at left tackle it will be huge for the Tigers. Mason Cloy has good upside, but, like Lambert, he needs to prove himself on the field. Same for David Smith. Thomas Austin will be good, but outside of the junior center there are a lot of question marks on the line. It could turn out to be a good unit, but for now it's the weak link on a very talented offense. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 10-2 overall, 6-2 ACC, 2nd in Atlantic Division What others are saying to ACC Nation David Glenn, ACC Area Sports Journal and ACCSports.com: I am on of those on that (Clemson) bandwagon. But you know how you kind of very gently step on to a boat that you've never been on because you're not sure if the boat's going to wobble or pull away from the dock or whatever? That's kind of how I step on to the Clemson football bandwagon. Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview: When I throw my eight sets of power ratings into the computer, they all had Clemson a couple of notches ahead of everybody else, meaning they can win on the road at Florida State, they can win on the road at Wake Forest, at Boston College, which are some tough games this year. And I actually don't have them an underdog in a single game this year. Cullen Harper, Clemson quarterback: The biggest thing we've got to get taken care of this August camp is that O-line because it all starts up front. We're inexperience right there. We lose four out of five starters, but at the same time we're very talented. Other previews: Comments[0] |
Tue, 5 August 2008 2007 Recap: 5-7 overall, 2-6 ACC What we like best: The running backs. Javarris James and Graig Cooper would be the best running-back duo in the ACC if it wasn't for Clemson's James Davis and C.J. Spiller. Both can run the ball and catch it out of the backfield. Cooper ran for 682 yards and four touchdowns last year, while James finished with 582 yards and four touchdowns. James should be healthy this year, which he wasn't last season, and Cooper should stay strong throughout the season after adding some muscle in the offseason. The two will need to carry the offense as a new quarterback learns how to run the team. What we like least: The schedule. One thing this young team with
an inexperienced quarterback could use is a fast start, but that's
unlikely considering the early schedule. After what should be an easy
opener against Charleston Southern, Miami has to go to Florida and
Texas A&M, then returns home to play North
Carolina and Florida State. The Hurricanes will be very lucky to come
out of that stretch at 3-2, but could easily be 1-4 a week into
October. Things get easier after that, but only for a few weeks then
it's a visit from Virginia Tech and trips to Georgia Tech and N.C.
State to finish the season. Both the Jackets and Wolfpack should be playing well by late in the season. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 3-9 overall, 1-7 ACC, 6th in the Coastal Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: Phil Steele, Phil Steele's College Football Preview: This year just 11 returning starters, they don't have a quarterback that has any experience whatsoever, and they're playing a difficult schedule. But, with that said, they still have a lot of talent ... I've got them playing in the Music City Bowl against Mississippi." Randy Shannon, head coach: We're in the process of getting that foundation set to where we need to be at. If we stay healthy, we're going to be pretty good. We're going to have the stability and some depth at some positions. If we get injured real quick, then we're going to be OK, but we won't be as good as we need to be." Other previews: Comments[0] |
Mon, 4 August 2008 In an effort to shorten the game of college football, the powers-that-be have once again adjusted the rules. Among the changes will be a 40-second play clock, a change in rules governing when the clock stops on out-of-bounds plays and no 5-yard facemask penalty. ACC Nation talked with Doug Rhoads, the ACC's coordinator of football officials, about these changes and how they impact the game. Also this week: -- Mike Maniscalco of 99.9 The Fan in Raleigh, N.C., talks UNC, NC State and Duke football, as well as Olympic basketball. We also believe he may be seriously sleep deprived; -- The first coaches' poll of the season is out and Patrick and Q discuss the results; -- A listener wants to know why the ACC isn't split into geographical divisions like other conferences; -- An update on ACC football previews; And more. Comments[0] |
Thu, 31 July 2008 Podcast: Interview with Wes Durham, Voice of the Yellow Jackets2007 Recap: 7-6 overall, 4-4 ACC, lost to Fresno State 40-28 in Humanitarian Bowl What we like best: Paul Johnson. Forget for a moment whether the offense is a triple-option (the term used by a lot of the media) or a spread (the term used by others in the media) or simply the system (the term used by Johnson). Forget about the A-backs and B-backs. Forget the questions about whether Johnson and his offense can be successful at this level of college football. Just keep in mind, for now, that Johnson has been a winner at this last two stops. He won a pair of I-AA national titles at Georgia Southern and coached Navy to five bowls (although he left for Georgia Tech before coaching in last season's bowl game). The players seem to be buying into the system and Josh Nesbitt could be a perfect fit for Paul Johnson's offense. Nesbitt was the team's third-leading rusher last year with 339 yards on just 53 carries (an average of 6.4 yards per carry). Once Nesbitt and the rest of the offense get a handle on Johnson's system, Tech will be tough to beat. Whether that happens this season or next is just one big question for the Yellow Jackets. What we like least: This was a toss-up. We're not crazy about a defense that lost its coordinator, Jon Tenuta, and its best player, Philip Wheeler. The defensive line, with Vance Walker and Michael Johnson, seems to be set, but the linebackers and secondary have some questions that need to be answered. But the biggest thing we don't like is the schedule. The Jackets have only five road games this season, but those games are against BC, Virginia Tech, Clemson, UNC and Georgia. Paul Johnson, welcome to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Schedule: Patrick's prediction: 4-8 overall, 2-6 ACC, 4th in the Coastal Division What others are saying to ACC Nation: Mitchell Light, senior editor with Athlon Sports: Love the Paul Johnson hire. Love it, love it. They might have some growing pains this year with personnel issues and stuff, but just look at this guy. He's won big everywhere -- Georgia Southern, national championships ... the success at Navy was just phenomenal. I don't buy at all this offense can't work." John Feinstein, author & Navy football radio analyst: "You put him (Paul Johnson) at a place like Georgia Tech where, obviously you can recruit very good football players and a school that won 10 games just a year ago, you would think he’s going to bring in … you know he’s going to bring in higher-caliber athletes than the ones he’s able to recruit at Navy with all the restrictions he had to deal with.” Vance Walker, defensive tackle, on changes to defense: "We're going to run a lot of man-to-man coverage, which I think will be good ... because this year we're going to cater to our strength, which is the defensive line. It's going to free us up and if the cornerbacks are playing man coverage, it will give us just a little more time, which is all we needed, really, last year to get more sacks or tackles." Other previews: Comments[0] |
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