Welcome to the debut of Season Two of "Ask the Professors"! I am proud to bring back this series for a second run after running it as a sort of offseason pilot last winter and spring. The feedback from this series was simply amazing, so I decided to bring it back for a full run this fall as an in-season feature that will post every Friday night.
This week, I am pleased to introduce a fine panel that is a mix of returnees and new voices. They are as follow:
Kody Brannon of http://www.kodyssportskorner.com/
Cory Hedin, Utah superfan who has a huge base of knowledge regarding the Mountain West and Pac-12
Bryan Morgan, Co-Founder http://www.onsidekick.com/
John Stansberry, http://www.lonelytailgater.com/ and http://www.collegeinsider.com/
Matt Chandik, Sports Reporter for the Delaware County Daily Times and Bilo College Football Report Contributor.
I hope you enjoy the first edition of our second season. Make sure to come back every Friday night this fall for a new edition! Thanks to our contributors this week and thanks for reading!
No. 1 The Oregon Ducks are coming off of a 12-1 season where they lost to Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game after going 10-3 in 2009 and losing to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. With most of their key players returning and Cam Newton off the to NFL, can the Ducks break through and with the BCS National Championship in 2011?
Scott Bilo
Absolutely. Oregon probably has the best athletes in the country on both sides of the ball. They score points at a breakneck pace and they have one of the most underrated QBs in the nation in Darron Thomas. LaMichael James is the best RB in the country, Kenjon Barner could start anywhere else, and when you add Lache Seastrunk to the mix, the Ducks have a nuclear backfield.
They had a few issues on defense last season and were somewhat exposed on defense. They were too gimmicky at times and Auburn really used that to break Oregon down. If the Ducks can shore up some of their issues defensively and their offense rolls on as they had last fall, then yes, Oregon can make a major run.
Kody Brannon
I don't see the Ducks making another run at a BCS National Championship. The Pac-12 is going to be tougher this season than last and they have a tougher out-of-conference schedule, I don't see Oregon even winning the conference this year.
Bryan Morgan
I actually voted Oregon No. 1 in our college football poll at OnsideKick (http://www.onsidekick.com/poll - to be released Monday, August 8). The dazzling array of returning skill position players, combined with Chip Kelly's offensive mind, seems to make the Ducks a no-brainer for a repeat Pac-12 title at the very least. However, three little words concern me - "Line Of Scrimmage". The Ducks lost five of seven starters along their defensive line and the offensive line loses last season's starting OT, C, and OG. An incredibly veteran offensive line was an unheralded reason for Auburn's title run in 2010 and I wonder if this won't be the Ducks Achilles' heel. The talent is there and the top programs often reload, not rebuild, but the Ducks' 2011 season most certainly rides on execution along the lines of scrimmage.
Cory Hedin
While I won't say it is impossible, I will say no. In my opinion, three things will hurt their chances of winning it all this year. First of all, the addition of a Pac-12 championship game is a hurdle that they did not have to deal with last year. Championship games add a level of difficulty to national title run that cannot be ignored. For example, in 2008, Alabama was considered by many to be the best team in all of college football. They had spent six weeks ranked No. 1 during that season and were looked at as a very serious contender, if not the favorite, for the National Championship. All was going according to plan for Nick Saban until a fourth-quarter comeback by the Florida Gators in the SEC championship game knocked the Crimson Tide out of the national title picture. Oregon will not only have to win its division, but then take on yet another quality opponent to even be considered for the title game. Secondly, I think the allegations of NCAA recruiting violations being levied against Oregon will be enough of a distraction that it will falter enough to fall out of the championship picture. USC was distracted enough by all of the off-the-field issues last year that it went 8-5 despite having arguably more talent than either Oregon or Stanford.
Finally, two words: Andrew Luck. It is my opinion that one of the reasons Andrew Luck passed on being the number one overall pick in the NFL draft was to have the opportunity to beat Oregon. While beating Oregon is likely only part of his overall goal of winning a national title, I would bet that Mr. Luck has Nov. 12 circled on his calendar as his must-win game of the year. With all of these factors coming together, I think the chances of Oregon winning the BCS championship game this year are slim.
John Stansberry
I think Oregon is probably positioned as well as any team to get to the title game this season. Its biggest in-league opposition comes from Stanford, a program that's breaking in a new coach, and if this team gets a high-profile early season win over LSU, the path to a BCS title game slot could be as easy as putting it in cruise control.
Two things give me pause about this team, though. First, there are more than a few holes to fill in on a decent defense (No. 34 nationally last season in total defense). Oregon will score in BUNCHES, but it needs a defense that can at least make a few stops along the way. Second, what impact will the off the field problems have on Duck players? Has it been a distraction? Who knows?
Matt Chandik
Luckily for us, we'll know right away if Oregon is a contender for the national title in a season-opening defacto road game against LSU. Right now, though, I have to admit I'm not that high on the Ducks. I still think they are the favorite to win the Pac-12, even with Stanford nipping at their heels, but they lost some valuable members of their team from last year. Gone are leading wideouts Jeff Maehl and Drew Davis. Gone are five of Oregon's seven leading tacklers, including Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger.
Stud cornerback Cliff Harris is suspended for the LSU game for doing his damndest to replicate a NASCAR race (minus the whole 90,000 rednecks with 12 teeth apiece and a 64-ounce cup full of tobacco spit) by driving 118 miles per hour on – wait for it – a suspended license. Really, Cliff, great job. Harris also apparently owed about five percent of what it took for Auburn to allegedly sign Cam Newton during college football's free agency, uh, JUCO signing period two years ago, in other traffic-related issues. It's safe to surmise that Harris shouldn't be driving for a while, and he won't be shutting down LSU's receivers in the first Willie Lyles Bowl, if Chip Kelly's word is true. Really, why shouldn't we believe Kelly? He and Jim Tressel are the poster boys for honesty and integrity. It's not like Kelly and his program are in some scalding water with the NCAA right now. Harris' talents will also be missed at punt returner as he scored four touchdowns and averaged nearly 19 yards per return last year.
Oregon sacked the quarterback 33 times last year. The four defenders who combined for 20 of those sacks are no longer with the team, so Kelly will need to find a way to get a pass rush.
I just don't think that when push comes to shove, the Ducks will be good enough defensively to survive the schedule. They get Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley in back-to-back weeks before finishing off the season with arch rival and pesky foe Oregon State. That's a pretty tough slate and I suspect that they'll start the season 0-1.
#2 After promoting former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen to Head Coach following the resignation of Bill Stewart, are the West Virginia Mountaineers still the favorites to win a weak Big East Conference?
Scott Bilo
More than you know. The Big Least so so watered down with crap this season that most people consider this an almost lost season until TCU joins in 2012. The league is an absolute mess from top to bottom, and other than WVU, I cannot find a team other than Pittsburgh that could even remotely challenge them right now. The Mountaineers do have many questions in moving into their new schemes under Holgorson, but even Pitt is changing schemes under Todd Graham. The difference is that WVU has the pieces to make it click on offense, while Pitt really does not just yet. WVU wins the conference in a big way.
Kody Brannon
Yes, I would say they are still the favorites to win the Big East because the Big East is just so down and out and the fact that they have been the most consistent team in the conference. They should still be able win the conference and make another BCS bowl.
Bryan Morgan
West Virginia may clearly be the best team in the Big East, yet could still finish outside the Top 25, which is really an indictment of the strength of the Big East. The Mountaineers defense quietly had a stellar season in 2010, finishing No. 3 nationally in total defense (how many of you knew that little factoid?) On the flip side of the coin, only four of those defensive starters return. Fortunately for the Mountaineers, the insertion of Geno Smith into Holgerson's explosive offense is going to put up points. I would look for WVU to drop a home game to a top-notch LSU squad in September but enter the month of November as a top-15 team in the country. The 'Eers' final three games against Cincinnati, Pitt, and South Florida will determine whether WVU heads to a second-tier bowl or spends January 2012 at a BCS bowl site.
Cory Hedin
Hmmmm, who is favored in the Big LEAST? As I look over the teams in the Big East, I can't understand how it have not been replaced by another conference as one of the six automatic qualifying conferences for the BCS. I think West Virginia is definitely the favorite to win the Big East simply because the rest of the conference is very weak. The only team in my mind that may have a shot at the conference title is Pitt. However, with all of the question marks hanging over Pitt's program following the resignation of Head Coach Dave Wannstedt, and the departures of players like Dion Lewis, Jon Baldwin and Jabaal Sheard, make it hard for me to believe that they will seriously compete for a conference title. Other than Pitt, I don't see any other team that I could feel good talking about in a conference title conversation. Hopefully the addition of TCU next year will bolster the power of the "power" conference.
John Stansberry
When you look at the schedule side of things, West Virginia is probably set up the best to win the Big East. Louisville, Pitt and UConn all have to travel to Morgantown. In terms of talent, you can argue that West Virginia has four of the league's ten best players in QB Geno Smith, CB Keith Tandy, WR Tavon Austin and DE Bruce Irvin.
I don't think the program will miss Stewart that much. That's because Holgorsen will turn Smith and Austin into statistical monsters by the time the Mountaineers enter Big East play in October. That fact, combined with the scheduling advantage and the talent gap I referred to, makes West Virginia the prohibitive favorite to win the Big East.
Matt Chandik
First off, who gives a shit about the Big East? The fact that it's still an autobid conference is embarrassing. UConn won the league last year. The same Connecticut team that managed all of 10 points against Michigan in the season opener. Shit, 10 points was an average quarter for most teams facing Michigan, yet the Huskies couldn't do more than that in a game? Pathetic.
With that being said, I do expect West Virginia to be the favorite in that joke of a conference, if only because the other teams are just shittier. Geno Smith is the league's best quarterback and returns from a season that saw him chuck 24 touchdowns to just seven picks. He brings back three of his top four targets to throw to, despite losing the electric Noel Devine, and leading wideout Tavon Austin can get it done on the ground and kick returns, too.
New head coach Dana Holgerson should be able to upgrade the WVU offense, which slipped a bit during the Bill Stewart era (which, by the way, who's really shocked that he didn't work out? No one? A coach that couldn't get it done in 1-AA was a bad coach in 1-A? Seriously? Okay, thanks.). WVU has one of the fastest teams in the conference and brings back a solid defensive nucleus.
#3 The Alabama Crimson Tide is regarded as having one the deepest, most talented rosters in college football. With the graduation of QB Greg McElroy and lack of an experienced or highly-regarded QB recruit on the roster, will the Tide fall to the middle of the pack in the SEC?
Scott Bilo
Fall to the middle of the SEC pack? Not a chance. The defense is absolutely stellar and the run game is top-shelf with Trent Richardson and company. Alabama may not win the SEC, as I believe South Carolina will put it all together this season, but the Tide will definitely not be playing any earlier than January when it comes to Bowl season. It is just far to good, despite the QB situation, which may turn out to be OK. It won't be great, but OK is good enough to win.
Kody Brannon
The Tide could possibly fall, a team is only as good as its starting QB. With the fact that it lacks a solid QB, Alabama will probably only win the games it is supposed to, and struggle against the better teams in the conference.
Bryan Morgan
I can't imagine any scenario in which Alabama falls to the middle of the pack - i.e. a 7-5/8-4 type of finish. Crazier things have happened but I can't wrap my brain around that when you look at the hellacious defense that is returning. Look at these 2010 national rankings across a host of national statistical categories: No. 10, No. 2, No. 7, No. 23, No. 1, No. 6, No. 2, No. 12 and No. 4. The secondary is an NFL secondary, as is the linebacker corps, and Nick Saban will not allow a letdown in the defensive backfield. The running back corps is solid, at a minimum, and could border on spectacular if it can get some excellent production from Eddie Lacy and/or Demetrius Goode. Editor's note: Goode transferred to North Alabama May 23.
Unlike Oregon, Alabama returns nearly its entire offensive line and 10 starters on defense. Yes, the quarterback situation could be viewed as dicey with A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims battling out for the starting spot. Both were high-profile recruits with lots of upside. If one of them can execute the offense at anything resembling the efficiency of Greg McElroy, Alabama may be the best team in the country.
Cory Hedin
I think any other year in the past five or so years, had you posed the same question I would have answered with a resounding YES! I make it no secret that I do not like Nick Saban and cannot wait for the day that someone leaks information about all the NCAA violations that I feel like he probably committed. However, as much as it pains me to say it, I think Alabama will likely still be at or near the top of the SEC this year. This, however, is not because I feel like Alabama will be really good this year. My conclusion is based more on the Southeastern conference as a whole. Over the past several years, there has always been one or two teams in the SEC that simply stand out as not only SEC title contenders, but BCS championship favorites. This year, however, I feel like the SEC is more open to be won than it has been in years. There really does not seem to be that one team that just jumps off the paper at you and stand head and shoulders above the rest. In other words, I see the SEC as being more even across the board than it has been for a long time. This means that just about any team has a shot at rising to the top. What it may come down to is which team’s boosters had the biggest pocketbook this last recruiting year.
John Stansberry
Alabama is way too loaded to fall back in the pack in the SEC, the talent advantage Nick Saban has built up guarantees that it stays ahead of teams like Mississippi State and Tennessee. However, this team has to get some swagger back as it failed to make a BCS bowl last season after being the favorites to repeat as national champs.
So while it won't be middle of the pack, I can see Alabama once again stubbing its toe a time or two in 2011. That’s because the quarterback battle between AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims will yield an inexperienced leader, the Tide's depth at running back is suddenly a problem and the defensive line is a little unsettled.
Matt Chandik
Fuck and no. I love Alabama's team this year. I mean, it helps when you can pick and choose what players you want and cut/find a mystery career-ending injury/sickness/disease that only the UA staff knows about on kids that have outlived their usefulness, but this team is loaded. If you read my Heisman predictions on this site (and if you didn't, well, go read them now), you'll know that I'm very high on running back Trent Richardson. He's my No. 1 pick for the Heisman and I think he's tremendous. Better yet, he fits what Nick Saban likes to do offensively to a T. He can run exceptionally well between the tackles with his size and strength, but he also has breakaway speed to burn as evidenced by his seven carries of 20 or more yards on just 112 carries last year. He can catch the ball well and he was a good kick returner, though I'd be surprised to see him return kicks this year.
The strength of this Crimson Tide team, though, is on defense. It's a college football coach's wet dream to have a defense like this, though I suspect Nick Saban will have a few more defenses like these before it's all said and done. It's a prototypical 3-4 defense filled with quick and massive defensive linemen, agile, hostile and mobile linebackers and defensive backs that are enormous and fast.
The Tide's top 10 tacklers are back from a year ago. 10! How the fuck does that happen? Alabama produced the No. 3 pick in 3-4 defensive end/4-3 defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and should somehow IMPROVE defensively. That's ridiculous. I'm pretty sure I have a man crush on the entire Alabama defense this year. This is the same Alabama defense, basically, that was last seen giving Michigan State swirlies and wedgies while taking the Spartans' lunch money in the Capital One bowl.
It would be more shocking than Terrelle Pryor being a moron of epic proportions, uh, wait, bad analogy. Anyway, I don't think Alabama will drop off and the Tide is actually my pick to win the national championship.
#4 With both Ohio State's numerous problems and Michigan having a new coach, can Big Ten newcomer Nebraska with the conference championship in there 1st season in a new conference?
Scott Bilo
Nebraska is going to make major noise in the new Big 10 and it will be playing Wisconsin in Indianapolis for the league title. I have no doubt about that. If the Huskers can develop Taylor Martinez and take him to the next level while keeping him healthy, the Huskers may be damned near unstoppable, but Wisconsin will have a hell of a lot to say about it. Don't discount Michigan State, either as the Spartans are looking to go to the next level.
Kody Brannon
Nebraska has to be the full favorite to win the Big Ten because there isn't another team that is as deep and looks ready to pounce on a conference that is in the downward slide this season. Nebraska moving to the Big Ten may be the best thing for the school.
Bryan Morgan
In a word, yes. After a decade of watching the Big Ten title struggle oscillate between Ann Arbor and Columbus, the conference axis has shifted. 2011 is shaping up as the year where the center of gravity shifts to a dotted line running between Madison, Wis. and Lincoln, Neb. If you don't have the Oct. 1 date between Nebraska and Wisconsin circled on your calendar, I may just have to revoke your college football fan card. 2011 will be the ultimate what-if science project for college football fans. We've always wondered what would happen when you take a top team and stick them into another conference. We're about to find out what the results look like as Nebraska's season plays out.
Cory Hedin
I think that Nebraska has a very good shot at winning the conference title in its first year. I am very interested, however, in watching what new head coach Brady Hoke can do with Michigan. I was very impressed with the improvement that I saw in a Hoke-led San Diego State team that had dwindled in mediocrity for as long as I can remember. Hoke brought an attitude of winning and excellence to San Diego State that made his players believe that they could compete with any other team in the Mountain West Conference, and for the last two seasons, they not only competed but scared the crap out of the top teams in that conference. When Hoke took over in San Diego, he had very little talent to work with, but he squeezed the most he could out of what talent he had and then coached several of his players up to the point that they were among the best players in the West. Now that Hoke has some better talent to work with, I would not be surprised at all to see a very quick return to prominence for a Michigan program that has been starving for the national spotlight again.
John Stansberry
I think Nebraska has the tools, especially on defense, to win the Big Ten. However, I have to wonder how much familiarity plays into a team being able to win a league. Even in an age where video is so readily available and scouting is so sophisticated, can the "newness" of it all undermine the Huskers a bit?
Also, the schedule could be nicer, with a trip to Wisconsin welcoming Nebraska to the league and back-to-back trips to Penn State and Michigan coming down the stretch. If Taylor Martinez can stay healthy and generate more in the passing game, though, I have to think Nebraska is at least a lock to win its division the first time out.
Matt Chandik
I think Nebraska is definitely the favorite in whatever division it is in. Sorry, but I refuse to call it whatever Jim Delany decided to call the divisions after he got way too drunk one night while celebrating his eventual takeover of the entire world. Nebraska is in a division with Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota and Northwestern, so it obviously faces all five of those teams, but it didn't get any breaks from the schedule maker in the opening season as there's also a date at Wisconsin and home games against Ohio State and Penn State.
However, I do think Nebraska will win its division, if only because there really aren't many top teams in that division. Michigan State won't be as good or as lucky as it was a year ago (seriously, Mark Dantonio, pull the horseshoe out of your ass. While you're at it, pull the dick out of it, too, and crack a smile for once instead of jerking off to Jim Tressel photos and Ohio State highlight videos.), though the Spartans could still be a tough team to beat. Hokemania is running through Ann Arbor right now on the heels of a tremendous start to the 2012 recruiting class (if you ever thought you'd see the day where Michigan went all Texas and shit on everyone's asses and had 21 commits for the next class in August of the year before, you are a fucking liar.) and a return to things Michigan fans like (4-3 defenses, pro-style offenses, NOT GETTING A FUCKING TRAIN RUN ON THE WOLVERINES LIKE DURING THE MOTHERFUCKING RICH ROD ERA), y'know, things like that. However, UM is still probably a year or two away despite having a ton of returning starters. Judging by the defense a year ago, I'm not sure I want to see these returning starters.
Iowa could present a challenge in the “Which state is the most ass backward in the Midwest?” title game. The Hawkeyes have been the masters of all things corn-related during their days in the Big 10 and I doubt they'll take too kindly to some new guy thinking that he's going to show Iowa how you make the perfect ear of corn or how you're supposed to husk it just so. Ain't happenin', sir. I still think that a new quarterback against the vaunted Nebraska defense, led by the likes of Jared Crick, Lavonte David, Alfonzo Dennard and fueled by the smoke and ANGARZ that comes out of Bo Pelini's ears when Taylor Martinez tells him that the quarterback's vagina got too many ears of corn stuck in there, is going to struggle.
Northwestern has Dan Persa to make things interesting, but I don't think the Wildcats are a serious threat. Minnesota, well, ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? IT'S MINNESOTA. Yes, the same school that started Adam Weber at quarterback for four years. They didn't learn the first year, apparently.
Nebraska should be the favorite, but the Huskers aren't without their warts. Taylor Martinez is a fine runner, but he cracked 200 yards passing all of once last year (against Oklahoma State, which really doesn't count when you factor in that it was, y'know, Oklahoma State's defense) and didn't crack more than 63 yards in either the Texas game or the bowl game against Washington. There's literally no one with experience behind him, either. Look at the four people who attempted passes for Nebraska last year. Martinez was one. Cody Green was the second, but he transferred to Tulsa. Zac Lee, who was the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 reason why Nebraska lost the Big XII title game against Texas in 2009 (the same one where Ndamukong Suh decided that he would use the literal translation of his name, House of Spears, and spear the shit out of anyone in the house trying to block him en route to a game that should have won him the Heisman) finally graduated, much to the delight of Nebraska fans. The last one? He's your starting running back this year, Rex Burkhead, who completed three of four passes, all for touchdowns, last year out of the Wildcat formation. Heralded recruit Bubba Starling can't decide whether he wants millions of dollars from the Kansas City Royals or to go to school at Nebraska (which, seriously dude? I could see if you picked, like, Miami, Florida, LSU, USC, but Nebraska?). Bottom line is that if you're a Nebraska student, have a pulse and don't mind a grown man berating the shit out of you every time there's an opportunity, that grown man would like to have you try out to be a Cornhusker quarterback! From what I hear about Nebraska, if you're a female student, coach Pelini has spots on the offensive line for you to try out for.
Also, receivers, let's talk. Right, they have none. Niles Paul's about to get cut by the Washington Redskins, and he was the leader last year. Three of the top five pass-catchers are gone, and the two leading guys coming back combined for less than 600 yards and five touchdowns. Splendid. You know what that means, right? TOM OSBORNE OPTION ATTACK!
Either way, I think NU is the favorite until proven otherwise. I think the Huskers will face Wisconsin in the first Big 10 title game.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Ivy League 2011 Preview
Penn Quakers
2010 Record: 9-1
Penn was the dominant force in the Ivy League last fall, and may very well continue to be so this season, but they did it more as a team, as there were no particular standout areas where the Quakers were concerned, but it was a concentrated team domination. Billy Ragone was not nearly the best passer in the league, but he certainly is a winner. Ragone passed for only 834 yards, and only tossed 6 TDs on the season. He rushed for a moderate 548 yards and scored 7 times, but again, he found ways to win. Brandon Colavita returns at RB as well, and again, he was not a superstar as far as his number were concerned. He rushed for 728 yards, and he scored 12 TDs on the season. Again, he's just a grinder of a winner. Jeff Jack and Andrew Bailey will come off the bench, so depth is optimum. Ragone does lose his two best receivers, so keeping it on the ground may be the wise course here.
Running through the Quaker front seven is just like running head first into a black hole. Not wise, and not survivable. Penn gave up only 72 yards rushing per game last fall, and this unit is the core of the team. Eric Rask returns after collecting 65 tackles at LB last fall, and that led the team. Again, nothing supernatural about that number, as the Quakers spread it across the board. Brandon Copleand returns on the line after collecting 10 TFLs to lead the team last fall. Solid depth will be replaced in the secondary as fall camp opens, so there could be a slight bit of slippage, but not much.
Penn is as good a choice as any to win the Ivy once again this fall.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 Lafayette, 9/24 @ Villanova, 10/1 @ Dartmouth, 10/8 Fordham, 10/15 @ Columbia, 10/22 Yale, 10/29 @ Brown, 11/5 Princeton, 11/12 @ Harvard, 11/19 Cornell
Brown Bears
2010 Record: 6-4
Phil Estes did a great job coaching the Bears above water last fall, and he always finds a way to keep Brown competitive, but now it's time to take them to the next level. Pat Donnelly starts at QB, but he is limited on experience, and had some struggles in limited time in 2011. Mark Kachmer returns at RB after rushing for 8 scores last season, but is not a heavy yardage type back. Depth is limited, at best, behind him. Jimmy Saros and Tellef Lundevall will be the starters at receiver, and neither had eye popping numbers last fall, and the loss of Alexander Tounkara could hurt.
Brown returns Stephen Peyton on defense after the former TE led the team with 79 tackles last season, but there is incredible loss everywhere on defense. Clayton McGrath collected 5.5 sacks and returns, and he also led the team with 13.5 TFLs, but there is a huge question as to where any other pressure will come from. AJ Cruz returns to the secondary after defending 8 passes last season, but again, he's going to be rather lonely back there.
Brown definitely needs to find a way to get to the next level, but that won't be this season.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 @ Stony Brook, 9/24 @ Harvard, 10/1 Rhode Island, 10/8 Holy Cross, 10/15 Princeton, 10/22 @ Cornell, 10/29 @ Penn, 11/5 @ Yale, 11/12 Dartmouth, 11/19 @ Columbia
Columbia Lions
2010 Record: 4-6
Sean Brackett was probably the most exciting QB in the Ivy League last fall, and he returns to run the show once again. Brackett passed for 2072 yards and 19 TDs, rushing for another 518 yards and 3 more scores. Nick Gerst is the only returnee in the backfield of any note from last season, and he will be expected to carry more of a load this season. TE Andrew Kennedy departs, and replacing his volume of work will be no easy task.
The replacing of LB Alex Gross, the leagues leading tackler last fall, will also be a formidable task this fall. Ryan Murphy brings some pressure up front, but not a ton of it, and he is certainly lacking any returning help. The secondary has got to rebuild from the ground up.
The Lions may find it tough going to match up with their 4 wins from last season, even with Brackett pulling the trigger on offense.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 @ Fordham, 9/24 Albany, 10/1 @ Princeton, 10/8 Sacred Heart, 10/15 Penn, 10/22 @ Dartmouth, 10/29 Yale, 11/5 Harvard, 11/12 @ Cornell, 11/19 Brown
Cornell Big Red
2010 Record: 2-8
The Big Red had a tough go last fall, but there were a couple of bright spots that made some believe that better times were ahead. Jeff Mathews passed for 1723 yards, but his 7/7 TD to pick ratio was a bit daunting. Grant Gellalty carried the ball 96 times as a freshman, and he returns to give Cornell a solid, but young nucleus. Cornell will also return their top three receivers from last fall in Shane Savage, Luke Tasker, and Ryan Houska.
Zach Imhoff will return to run the defense at LB, and he collected 83 tackles last season. That being said, the Big Red lost a ton of depth around him. The Big Red also lacks any sort of pressure from up front, unless senior DE Emile Chang can produce more than his 5.5 TFLs from last season. Rashad is really the only real play maker in the secondary, so someone needs to step up ASAP.
There may be improvements on offense, but the defense will still stumble, keeping Cornell in the bottom half of the league once again.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 Bucknell, 9/24 @ Yale, 10/1 Wagner, 10/8 Harvard, 10/15 @ Colgate, 10/22 Brown, 10/29 @ Princeton, 11/5 @ Dartmouth, 11/12 Columbia, 11/19 @ Penn
Dartmouth Big Green
2010 Record: 6-4
Connor Kempe was, in short, a bit of a mess last fall at QB. Kempe passed for 8 TDs, but yet was picked off 12 times on the season. He did pass for 1647 yards on the season, and they were able to overcome that fact by winning 6 games. Still, these mistakes need fixing. Nick Schweiger. Just give the ball to him. Don't ask why, just do it. Schweiger is by far the best back coming back to the league this fall, as he rushed for 1133 yards and 14 TDs in 10 games, and was our Ivy League Player of the Year. Dominick Pierre brought solid depth as a freshman last season. Tim McManus and Mikchael Reilly both return at receiver, giving Kempe a solid chance at redemption.
The Big Green received no help at all in basic tackling from their front seven, as their top three tacklers were all DBs. Garrett Waggoner and Mandela Shaeffer both return from that group to give Dartmouth a solid secondary that will also include Shawn Abuhoff, who defended 10 passes last fall along with 4 picks, and also returns Chase Womack, who picked off 4 more passes in 8 games. Losing Charles Bay up front could be calamitous, but Eddie Smith will do his best at making up fro the lost pressure up front.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 Colgate, 9/24 @ Sacred Heart, 10/1 Penn, 10/8 @ Yale, 10/15 @ Holy Cross, 10/22 Columbia, 10/29 @ Harvard, 11/5 Cornell, 11/12 @ Brown, 11/19 Princeton
Harvard Crimson
2010 Record: 7-3
If Harvard had not had injury issues aplenty last fall at QB, they may very well have unseated Penn at the top of the conference. Collier Winters is expected to start at QB, but he has to stay healthy, which will be a challenge. Colton Chapple is also competing for the job. Treavor Scales will be stepping into the starting job at RB, but will have a ton of work to do to put up the numbers that they got out of the departed Gino Gordon. Adam Chrissis will return to top the receiver depth chart, and he will get support from TE Kyle Juszczyk.
Alex Gordon will return at LB, but the loss of Nick Hasselberg will be tough to swallow this season. There were huge losses all over the front seven, so this may be an issue this fall. Dan Minamide will return in the secondary, and was our Ivy League DB of the Year. Matthew Hanson will be back as well, giving the Crimson something solid to build on.
The Crimson should still be in the top half of the league, and if the defense rebuilds quickly, they could run for the top, but again, health is an issue.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 @ Holy Cross, 9/24 Brown, 10/1 @ Lafayette, 10/8 @ Cornell, 10/15 Bucknell, 10/22 Princeton, 10/29 Dartmouth, 11/5 @ Columbia, 11/12 Penn, 11/19 @ Yale
Princeton Tigers
2010 Record: 1-9
Wow, how fast some teams can fall. In the earlier part of last decade, the Tigers were competing for titles, and now, they can't win a league game. The passing game was a total mess last fall, and they still really don't have a front runner for the position. There is absolutely no run game to speak of, and again, they are starting over. The Tigers also lost their top 3 receivers, and their only real weapon, WR Trey Peacock. Start over.
DB Andrew Starks will try to bring legitimacy back to the defense, as he collected 89 tackles last fall. Starks also happened to lead the team with 7 TFLs. In short, the Tigers have one great defender, and 10 spots on defense that need filling.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 Lehigh, 9/24 Bucknell, 10/1 Columbia, 10/8 @ Hampton, 10/15 @ Brown, 10/22 @ Harvard, 10/29 Cornell, 11/5 @ Penn, 11/12 Yale, 11/19 @ Dartmouth
Yale Bulldogs
2010 Record: 7-3
The Bulldogs made a major push in 2010, and Patrick Witt found his way at QB. Witt passed for 2216 yards and 12 TDs. He needs to cut down on his 12 picks, however, to give him a better shot at being a major star. Alex Thomas will be back at RB after rushing for 9 TDs, and gives the Bulldogs a balance to make the passing game work. Chris Smith will step up into a starting WR role, but the Bulldogs do lose significant depth in the receiving corps.
Jordan Haynes returns as one of the best LBs in the country after collecting 102 tackles last fall. Will McHale also returns at LB, but he needs to step up his presence. Haynes is a major factor in the pass rush, but he needs someone else to step it up there as well. Geoff Dunham will anchor the secondary, but the Dogs are thin there as well. They could be ripe for a slip.
2011 Schedule: 9/17 Georgetown, 9/24 Cornell, 10/1 @ Lehigh, 10/8 Dartmouth, 10/15 @ Lafayette, 10/22 @ Penn, 10/29 @ Columbia, 11/5 Brown, 11/12 @ Princeton, 11/19 Harvard
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Great West 2011 Preview
Cal Poly Mustangs
2010 Record: 7-4
The Mustangs stumbled near the end of the season, and it cost them another Great West title. The major issue was at QB, where there were injury issues aplenty. Tony Smith, Andre Broadus, and Doug Shumway all played, but nobody stood out. If I had to pick a winner in the group, it would have been Broadus, who will likely have the inside track to start in 2011. The good news is that the entire backfield returns, led by Mark Rodgers, who rushed for 925 yards and 8 TDs. FB Jake Romanelli returns after rushing for another 8 TDs, and is absolutely a key piece to the option offense. David Mahr returns to round out the backfield. UCLA transfer Dominique Johnson was the primary pass catcher last fall, but has moved on. Four starters return on the line, making the Mustangs a major offensive factor in the power run game.
There is plentiful depth coming back on the defensive line, led by NT Erich Klemme, and their top 3 DEs return in that group, led by Kyle Murphy, who finished as a second teamer in the GWC. Gavin Cooper and Kenny Jackson. Jackson recorded 10 TFLs last fall, as did Cooper. CB Asa Jackson is on the Buch Buchannon watch list, and he is joined in the secondary by the return of Safety Greg Francis.
Cal Poly will make a major push to win the final league title this season before moving on to tougher (much tougher) competition in the Big Sky in 2012. They have several solid selling points to sell themselves as potential GWC Champs for 2011, barring anymore late or mid season stumbles. The only issue that I see is their early season schedule, which is a meat grinder.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 @ San Diego State, 9/10 @ Montana, 9/17 South Dakota State, 9/24 @ Northern Illinois, 9/8 Central Oklahoma, 10/15 Southern Utah, 10/22 @ North Dakota, 10/29 South Dakota, 11/5 @ UC-Davis, 11/12 Eastern Washington, 11/19 @ South Alabama
North Dakota Fighting Sioux
2010 Record: 3-8
The Sioux took a real beating last fall, and the QB spot was as unstable as any on the roster, with nobody really taking a strong hold on the job. Jake Landry was the "best" of the bunch, but he has moved on, leaving Brent Goska to be the next best option. Gone also is leading rusher Josh Murray, who was dismissed from the football team. Mitch Sutton will try to take his place, but is an unknown quantity, and don't be surprised to see UND go to a committee approach. WR Greg Hardin is back after grabbing 10 TDs last fall, but only 3 other UND receivers caught TD passes last fall.
LB Dan Hendrickson will be back to lead the team on defense after collecting 78 tackles last fall. Mitch Goertz will return at LB as well to give UND decent depth, but there are no stars in the group. Dominique Hawkins will be back to anchor the secondary, while Chris Harris returns as well, but he has a ton to learn coming into his sophomore season.
UND may very well struggle again in 2011, as there seems to be a lacking general talent level here. A move to the Big Sky next fall could be brutal.
2011 Schedule: 9/1 Drake, 9/10 @ Idaho, 9/17 @ Fresno State, 9/24 Black Hills State, 10/1 @ Southern Utah, 10/8 Montana Western, 10/22 Cal Poly, 10/29 @ Northern Colorado, 11/5 Sioux Falls, 11/12 @ UC-Davis, 11/19 @ South Dakota
South Dakota Coyotes
2010 Record: 4-7
Donte Warren returns after passing for 2137 yards and 18 TDs, and limited his picks to 6, and he also led the team in rushing TDs with 6. Chris Ganious rushed for 752 yards and 4 TDs. The senior will be tasked with taking the heat off of the passing attack. Will Powell returns at WR after leading the team with a line of 47-933-10 on the season. Dustin Nowotny returns as the second receiver option.
The defense was full of issues last fall, as they gave up just a shade under 400 yards per game, so massive improvements must come all over the field here. USD will battle UND for the bottom of the league. The Coyotes will be the lone team from the league not joining the Big Sky in 2012. They will be joining the Missouri Valley Conference.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 @ Air Force, 9/10 Eastern Washington, 9/17 NW Oklahoma State, 9/24 @ Wisconsin, 10/1 Lindenwood, 10/8 Southern Utah, 10/15 @ Illinois State, 10/22 UC-Davis, 10/29 @ Cal Poly, 11/12 Missouri S&T, 11/19 @ North Dakota
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
2010 Record: 6-5
The T-Birds were an unlikely champion in 2010, and they are going to push to repeat what they did a year ago before joining the Big Sky in 2012. Brad Sorensen returns at QB after a top flight season in which he was a finalist for our FCS All-Bilo QB of the Year. Sorensen passed for 3163 yards and 21 TDs last season, and will look to push it farther in 2011. He will have to do so without his top weapons of choice in Tysson Poots and Fesi Sitake, who both move on. Jared Ursua will try to take over as the top target. Austin Minefee will return as the leading rusher from last season, and his role may be larger this fall to offset the losses in the passing game. Deckar Alexander could be a solid complimentary back.
Blake Fenn will return at LB to lead SUU again this season, as he collected 97 tackles in 2010. Erron Vonner and Dion Turner both return to back him, but they play in the secondary, so help is needed in the front seven. Tyler Osborne will do his best at LB after recording 7 sacks last fall. Osborne was good for 18.5 TFLs last season, and should be able to be disruptive once again. Cody Larse and Cody Heinrich will be expected to step it up on the line. Vonner is a solid pass defender in the secondary, as he knocked away 7 passes last season. Matt Holley returns as well after leading the team with 3 picks.
SUU could make another run at the final GWC title, as they are still miles ahead of the middle and bottom of the conference. Cal Poly and UC-Davis will be waiting, but the non-conference schedule may be one of the toughest in the country.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 @ South Dakota State, 9/10 Sacramento State, 9/17 Texas-San Antonio, 9/24 @ UNLV, 10/1 North Dakota, 10/8 @ South Dakota, 10/15 @ @ Cal Poly, 10/22 @ Weber State, 10/29 UC-Davis, 11/12 @ Northern Iowa, 11/19 @ Northern Arizona
UC-Davis Aggies
2010 Record: 6-5
A loss to SUU was all that kept the Aggies out of the conference title last season, so that will be the goal before moving to the Big Sky in 2012. Randy Wright started at QB as a freshman last fall, and the kid did good. Wright passed for 2432 yards and 17 TDs, while holding himself 8 picks. He has a ton of ceiling for the next three years, and UCD is an emerging threat. The Aggies had to turn to former DB Nick Aprile at RB last season, and it was hit and miss. Improvement will be needed there. Anthony Soto will be asked to step up at WR and take the reigns, but he has very little experience to go on.
Jordan Glass returns at LB after collecting 66 tackles last fall, and will be asked to step up to fill the void as the Aggies lost their top two tacklers. Glass will need help up front, however, as the Aggies were not very solid at producing pressure. Jonathon Perkins had a very nice freshman season in the secondary, as he knocked away 7 passes, but the Aggies also lack play makers and ball hawks in the secondary.
UCD could challenge the league offensively, but the defense must step up if the Aggies are to turn the corner.
2011 Schedule: 9/1 @ Arizona State, 9/10 @ Montana State, 9/17 San Diego, 9/25 @ Hawaii, 10/8 Humboldt State, 10/15 Texas-San Antonio, 10/22 @ South Dakota, 10/29 @ Southern Utah, 11/5 Cal Poly, 11/12 North Dakota, 11/19 @ Sacramento State
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Colonial Athletic Association 2011 Preview
Delaware Blue Hens
2010 Record: 12-3
The Hens had another national title in their grasp, and then fell apart in the second half to allow Eastern Washington to steal it away. The Hens will try to rectify that mistake, but will do it without the services of QB Pat Devlin, who moves on. Trevor Sasek will likely take over for Devlin this season. The real focal point of the offense will go through sophomore RB Andrew Pierce, who led the CAA in rushing as a freshman last fall. Pierce rushed for 1655 yards and 14 scores and will likely have to step up even more to help out Sasek. Nihja White and Matt Schenauer return at WR, but Delaware loses Tommy Crosby and Phil Thaxton, who combined for 83 receptions last fall. Junior Gino Gradkowski is receiving pre-season accolades on the line.
Paul Worrilow and Andrew Harrison both return at LB, and will lead the defensive charge. Worrilow recorded 113 tackles last fall, while Harrison recorded 90 on the season, and Worrilow was good for 9.5 TFLs. DE Mike Atunrase returns up front after recording 9.5 TFLs himself. The Hens will need to find someone who can rush the passer, a weak spot in 2010. The Hens lose serious depth in the secondary, and will need to find someone to step up immediately if they are to repeat their playoff run.
Mike Perry nailed 20 of 26 FGs last fall, and returns for his senior season, but punter Ed Wagner must be replaced.
There are some key questions here that make me think that UD will struggle to get back to the title game this season.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 @ Navy, 9/10 West Chester, 9/17 Delaware State, 9/24 Old Dominion, 10/1 @ Maine, 10/8 William & Mary, 10/15 UMass, 10/22 @ Rhode Island, 10/29 @ Towson, 11/12 Richmond, 11/19 @ Villanova
James Madison Dukes
2010 Record: 6-5
The Dukes had a monumental upset win of Virginia Tech last fall, but could never buuild on any of that momentum when it carried into CAA play. The Dukes start over at QB, as Drew Dudzik has moved on. Scott Noble will likely step into the starting RB job, but only carried the ball 82 times in 2010. He is a work in progress. The passing game was extremely weak last fall, so star power in the receiving corps is lacking.
LBs Pat Williams and Stephon Robertson both return at LB this fall for the Dukes, and will be a key piece in holding the team together as the offense goes into transition. Both averaged over 9 tackles per game last fall, as Williams collected 101 tackles, and Robertson grabbed 90. Williams added 11 TFLs, while Robertson totalled 9.5. A serious pass rush will be needed. The three best pass defenders return from last fall in Jon Williams, Leavander Jones, and Vidal Nelson. They combined to knock away 22 passes on the season as the Dukes held the opposition to just 160 yards passing per game.
The kicking game was weak last fall on both sides, and the return game registered as just about average.
The Dukes will struggle again this fall, but the defense willkeeop them in games and prevent blowout losses. This season does not look special.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 @ North Carolina, 9/10 Central Connecticut State, 9/17 @ Liberty, 9/24 @ William & Mary, 10/1 Richmond, 10/8 Maine, 10/15 Villanova, 10/29 @ Old Dominion, 11/5 @ New Hampshire, 11/12 Rhode Island, 11/19 @ UMass
Maine Black Bears
2010 Record: 4-7
The Bears have a ton of work to do if they want to remain competitive in this conference, but rumors are swirling that Maine may be departing from the CAA to join the Northeast Conference sometime in the next 2 years due to financial coonsiderations. In the meantime, the Bears are hoping that QB Warren Smith can turn it around after tossing 10 picks to just 9 scores in 2010. Pushaun Brown also returns at RB, but he too was sorely underproductive as he rushed for just 654 yards and 5 scores. Derek Session grabbed 50 passes last fall, but barely averaged more than 10 yards per catch, so a vertical threat is needed, and it likely won't be in the form of TE Derek Buttles.
The Bears return their top 3 tacklers from 2010, led by LB Donte Dennis and his 108 tackles. He will be joined at LB by the return of Trevor Coston, who recorded 74 tackles on the season. Maine lacks a definitive pressure producer up front, so rushing or passing against them may not be too difficult, as Jerron McMillan is the only bonafide trouble maker in the secondary.
Work is needed in the kicking game, and Trevor Coston is the only threat in the return game on punts.
Looks like another season of scraping the bottom for Maine.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 Bryant, 9/10 @ Pittsburgh, 9/17 @ Albany, 10/1 Delaware, 10/8 @ James Madison, 10/15 Rhode Island, 10/22 @ Richmond, 10/29 @ Villanova, 11/5 Towson, 11/12 UMass, 11/19 @ New Hampshire
UMass Minutemen
2010 Record: 6-5
The Minutemen begin their transition to FBS football this season, and will be ineligible to win the CAA crown in 2011. The Minutemen join the MAC next fall as that conference's 14th member. The transition begins as UMass searches for a new QB after the deaparture of Kyle Havens. UMass also loses over 1700 yards of rushing experience as Jonathon Hernandez and John Griffin both move on as well. Julian Talley returns at WR, but the Minutemen are thin there as well, as two of the other three leading receivers are gone as well.
Tyler Holmes returns at LB, and is garnering pre-season All-America watches after he collected 109 tackles in 2010. Holmes also logged 11.5 TFLs on the season, and should be a force in the final season in the CAA. Mike Lee and Darren Thellen both return in the secondary, as they combined for 12 passes defended last fall. Holmes also led the team with 5 picks.
Caleb Violette was rocky at best on FGs, and the punting game was a struggle, as was the return game.
This could be a rough season in transition, and UMass will not rank near the top of the league on their way out the door.
2011 Schedule: 9/1 Holy Cross, 9/17 Rhode Island, 9/24 @ Boston College, 10/1 @ Old Dominion, 10/8 Central Connecticut State, 10/15 @ Delaware, 10/22 New Hampshire, 10/29 @ Richmond, 11/5 Villanova, 11/12 @ Maine, 11/19 James Madison
New Hampshire Wildcats
2010 Record: 8-5
The Wildcats made yet another playoff run in 2010, losing in the second round. They have become a solid challenger yearly in the CAA, but yet financial considerations have them considering a departure to the Northeast Conference, joining Maine and Rhode Island, who has announced that they will leave. Losing UNH would be very difficult for the CAA, as the league is seemingly in a constant state of flux as they lose and add teams almost yearly now.
RJ Toman has departed at QB, but Kevin Decker looks to take over right out of the gate. Dontra Peters returns at RB afetr rushing for 707 yards and 7 scores. He will need to do more in 2011 to help the transition to a new QB. Joey Orlando is the top returning WR, but depth is an issue there as well.
Matt Evans led the league in tackles in 2010, recording 156 on the season, and Alan Busbee joins him at LB after recording 86 tackles last season. Brian McNally returns at DE after recording 13.5 sacks last season, and he will garner serious attention from opposing lines. Evans recorded 10.5 TFLs last fall, and is gaining pre-season All-American attention.Kyle Flemings returns in the secondary after defending 8 passes, but the Wildcats lose some solid depth back there. Mike McArthur hit 10 of 13 FGs, and figures to be used more this season, but the punting game was a wreck.
UNH could still challenge in a year in which the traditional powers are all dealing with questions.
2011 Schedule: 9/1 @ Toledo, 9/10 Lehigh, 9/24 @ Richmond, 10/1 Holy Cross, 10/8 Villanova, 10/15 @ William & Mary, 10/22 @ UMass, 10/29 Rhode Island, 11/5 James Madison, 11/12 @ Towson, 11/19 Maine
Old Dominion Monarchs
2010 Record: 8-3
The Monarchs are joining the CAA in 2011, and had a solid buildup run to membership last fall. Now comes the real deal. Thomas DeMarco returns to the QB job after posting a very strong 2756 yard effort with 23 TDs in 2010. DeMarco also managed to run for 8 more scores to make him a major threat in an up for grabs CAA. Mario Crawford returns as the starting RB, but he does not bring much to the table, only rushing for 505 yards and 6 scores. Desmond Williams and Colby goodwin could both steal carries. Prentice Gill returns as the top receiver, and Reid Evans will also return to his starting role. Neither brings a huge vertical ability into the passing game, so a deep threat will need to be found. Marquell Thomas and Nick Mayers also return for the Monarchs.
Craig Wilkins returns at LB, and DE Ronnie Cameron comes back as well to give ODU experience up front. TJ Cowart will return in the secondary as well for the young Monarchs, giving ODU solid experience in all three areas of the defense. Cameron was dominant last fall with 19 TFLs on the season. Cowart was a ball hawk last fall, having defended 11 picks, best amongst FCS Independents.
Jarod Brown was solid at PK, having hit 12 of his 16 attempts last fall, but Punter Jonathon Plisco could be a star after averaging 44.3 yards per punt as a sophomore. Monty Smalley is one of the best punt return men in the nation, while Goodwyn finished 3rd in the country on kick returns, averaging 29.83 yards per return.
ODU is in seriously decent shape to make a run at the top tier of the CAA in 2011.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 Campbell, 9/10 @ Georgia State, 9/17 Hampton, 9/24 @ Delaware, 10/1 UMass, 10/8 @ Rhode Island, 10/15 Towson, 10/22 @ Villanova, 10/29 James Madison, 11/5 Richmond, 11/12 @ William & Mary
Rhode Island Rams
2010 Record: 5-6
URI is as tough as nails, but they never can get over the top. Maybe it's their crappy facilities for football, their stadium that some high schools would be ashamed of, or their second class citizen status bestowed upon them by their basketball program. URI has done amazingly well despite the reasons just listed, and the fanbase has really stood by them. I have always found their people welcoming, their staff cooperative and open. This is why I have cheered them on for years, and am happy to hear that they are leaving the CAA to join the Northeast Conference as soon as 2013. URI simply does not have the ability to compete here, talent wise or financially, so this move, rather than the often talked about dropping of the program, makes sense on so many levels. URI will be on the hook for fewer scholarships, and still has access to an FCS playoff bid. It all makes sense, and does not effect the rivalry with Brown, which is paramount.
Steve Probst returns at QB, and he struggled in 2010. Probst tossed 12 picks to just 9 TD passes, but led the team in rushing with 600 yards and 7 TDs. If Probst could get the passing game together, the Rams might actually do some damage. Ayo Isijola returns as the leading rusher, but he has a mile to go to be mentioned as a threat. Travis Hurd could push him for carries. Anthony Baskerville returns at WR and Brandon Johnson-Farrell will come back as the starter opposite. They both need to kick it up a notch to get Probst the chances he needs to rise above.
Losing LB Matt Hanson, the CAA's 3rd leading tackler, will be tough to replace, and his departure leaves DB Chris Edmond as the returning leading tackler with 83. The defense has lost a ton of production, and it's going to be a major rebuilding job at LB. DE Willie McGinnis returns after collecting 11.5 TFLs on the season. Steve Dunbar returns in the secondary joining Edmond, but they will need some help in pass coverage.
The Rams will continue to struggle, and will likely just be watching the clock until it's time to go to the more agreeable NEC.
2011 Schedule: 9/10 @ Syracuse, 9/17 @ UMass, 9/24 Fordham, 10/1 @ Brown, 10/8 Old Dominion, 10/15 @ Maine, 10/22 Delaware, 10/29 @ New Hampshire, 11/5 William & Mary, 11/12 @ James Madison, 11/19 Towson
Richmond Spiders
2010 Record: 6-5
2010 was such a huge disappointment, and the play of Aaron Corp was at the heart of it, as was his injury issue. The Spiders need him to come back strong this season, or they need to simply find a new guy. They also need to find a frontline RB, and they are hoping that Kendall Gaskins is the guy that can provide that. Jovan Smith will also push for some time. Tre Gray is the primary receiver, but he needs some help, and he needs to step it up as well after onlygrabbing 38 passes last fall.
The Spiders may have more issues on defense this season, as they lose 4 of their top 5 tacklers from 2010. LB Darius McMillan will be depended upon to take over the leadership role as a junior, but he will have many new faces around him. The Spiders also need to find someone to apply pressure up front. Tremayne Graham will be asked to step up his ability in the secondary this fall, but again, not much help around him.
Richmond could step back a bit more in 2011 before picking up the pace in 2012.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 @ Duke, 9/10 Wagner, 9/17 VMI, 9/24 New Hampshire, 10/1 @ James Madison, 10/8 @ Towson, 10/22 Maine, 10/29 UMass, 11/5 @ Old Dominion, 11/12 @ Delaware, 11/19 William & Mary
Towson Tigers
2010 Record: 1-10
And here we have the conference doormat. Towson is just awful. What's even more awful about them is that they have agreed to play LSU in 2012. What the hell are you thinking? I am just amazed that the Tigers can stay afloat in the CAA, as they would be better suited to the Big South, but hey, to each their own. They do, however, have some of the coolest helmets in FCS football.
We'll make this short and as painless as possible. The QB play is a joke. Gotta find one in camp, but probably won't. Tremayne Dameron returns as the leading rusher from last fall, but he brings nothing to the table. Erron Banks returns as the new number one receiver, but never scored last season, so, another yawn must be stifled.
DB Jordan Dangerfield was a busy guy last fall, and will continue to be so as the leader of this defense once again. He recorded 93 tackles last fall. They Tigers do have a legit player on the line in DE Frank Beltre, who recorded 84 tackles last fall. Matt Morgan also was decent up front last fall, as he recorded 4 sacks, and Beltre added 12 TFLs. Dangerfield will likely get very little help in the secondary.
Expect more flatlining when it comes to the Tigers in 2011.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 Morgan State, 9/10 Villanova, 9/24 Colgate, 10/1 @ Maryland, 10/8 Richmond, 10/15 @ Richmond, 10/22 @ William & Mary, 10/29 Delaware, 11/5 @ Maine, 11/12 New Hampshire, 11/19 Rhode Island
Villanova Wildcats
2010 Record: 9-5
It was a bumpy ride in getting there at times, but the Wildcats made another deep playoff run, and nearly got back to the title game. The ability to get there this season will be riding on a rebuilding effort on the offensive side of the football. Chris Whitney is gone at QB, and it looks as if Marlon Cabri may have the inside track on the job. The Wildcats have lost all of their depth in the backfield, and must start from scratch at RB. Norman White does return at WR after grabbing 11 TDs last fall, so whomever wins the QB job will have a top flight receiver to get the ball to. Dorian Wells and Mikey Reynolds also return to give the Wildcats solid depth at receiver.
The Cats do have some talent returning, but they lack a certain consistency in the front seven. There is a solid depth in the secondary, starting with James Pitts, who defended 11 passes last fall. One redeeming quality up front is the ability of Rakim cox to knock passes down at the point of attack, as he knocked away 7 balls last season.
Villanova could really struggle this season, but if Andy Talley can find some hidden diamonds on offense, they couild surprise. Villanova is a huge enigma in 2011.
2011 Schedule: 9/1 @ Temple, 9/10 @ Towson, 9/17 Monmouth, 9/24 Penn, 10/1 William & Mary, 10/8 @ New Hampshire, 10/15 @ James Madison, 10/22 Old Dominion, 10/29 Maine, 11/5 @ UMass, 11/19 Delaware
William & Mary Tribe
2010 Record: 8-4
The Tribe had a very nice run last fall, but they fell short to open the playoffs, and their trip, which should have been the deepest in the CAA, ended up being very shortlived. Mike Paulus is the likely starter at QB for the Tribe. Jonathon Grimes is a very good back with a ton of skill, and returns to drive the backfield after rushing for 887 yards and 8 TDs. Ryan Moody will return as the top receiver, and TE Alex Gottlieb will return to benefit Grimes as a blocker, and Paulus as a receiver. Both Gottlieb and Grimes are receiving All-American attention.
LB Dante Cook is a solid young star at LB, and finished 2010 with 111 tackles, good for 4th in the CAA. The issue is finding players that can consistently tackle around him.Cook added 4 sacks last fall, but Marcus Hyde collected 5.5 sacks to lead the team, and had 12.5 TFLs overall. The secondary will be in rebuilding mode.
The Tribe will have some issues on defense this season, but the offense should be highly productive. If they can get points on the board, it could be a good season. They are not, however, a title contender.
2011 Schedule: 9/3 @ Virginia, 9/10 @ VMI, 9/17 New Haven, 9/24 James Madison, 10/1 @ Villanova, 10/8 @ Delaware, 10/15 New Hampshire, 10/22 Towson, 11/5 @ Rhode Island, 11/12 Old Dominion, 11/19 @ Richmond
Jamies Winston Gives Verbal to Florida State
It looks like the wishes of his Mom and Grandmother were not followed, as Jamies Winston has given his verbal to Florida State. It seemed in recent days that the baseball situation was going to come into play, and that very well could have been a deciding factor in his decision making. At the end of the day, FSU may not get him either, if MLB comes calling with a fat paycheck in next June's draft, as Winston has already stated that he will not say no to the money. If that happens, then all of this was much aso about nothing, and nobody gets the prize. One still has to wonder how Nick Saban, a recruiting machine, cannot seem to land a top tier QB for his 2012 class. It could be that the top tier QBs don't like the thought of the run first Alabama mentality, as it's just not good for a long term career for a top tier QB. Now, Saban must find another target to go after, and hope beyond hope, that he lands someone of some caliber to take the job, as nobody seems to be jumping up and down over the current state of the position.
Jamies Winston Set to Announce
QB Jamies Winston of Hueytown, Alabama is set to commit today. The finalists are Florida State, Alabama, and LSU, with UCLA and Oklahoma in the shadows, according to Dave Miller of the National Football Post.
The only real finalists in this group are Florida State and Alabama, with neither being a clear cut favorite going into the announcement today. More on this story this evening!
The only real finalists in this group are Florida State and Alabama, with neither being a clear cut favorite going into the announcement today. More on this story this evening!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Division 2 Independents 2011 Preview
Due to a lack of information from many members of the Independent ranks, I am unable to complete a full preview to the best of my ability. I can, however, share some information as to what's going on amongst the D2 Independents.
Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State have become Independents after many years in the Lone Star Conference. They will both be moving into the MIAA for 2012 season, so this is a short term home for them.
Several members of this group have moved up from the NAIA ranks, including Black Hills State, William Jewell, Malone, McKendree, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Mines, and Walsh. These schools will all be provisional members of D2 football in 2011, and are ineligible for postseason play, but Independents rarely ever make the postseason anyway.
Central State is an existing Independent, but will move on to join the Great Lakes Football Conference next fall.
There will be more coverage as the season opens.
Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State have become Independents after many years in the Lone Star Conference. They will both be moving into the MIAA for 2012 season, so this is a short term home for them.
Several members of this group have moved up from the NAIA ranks, including Black Hills State, William Jewell, Malone, McKendree, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Mines, and Walsh. These schools will all be provisional members of D2 football in 2011, and are ineligible for postseason play, but Independents rarely ever make the postseason anyway.
Central State is an existing Independent, but will move on to join the Great Lakes Football Conference next fall.
There will be more coverage as the season opens.
CFL PRI Week 5
Five weeks are gone in the CFL season, and we are now down to one undefeated club (Edmonton at 5-0), and one winless football team (BC at 0-5). There have been some strange developments, as injuries have now started the Alouettes on a slide, endangering their run to win their third straight Grey Cup. The good news is that the season is still young, as there are still 13 games to play. Let's take a look at the Power Ratings Index for week 5, and see who our players of the week are.
1. Edmonton Eskimos (5-0, 1057 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Toronto 26-25
Points Gained: 172
The Eskimos are now the dominant team in the CFL, as they boast a huge lead in points this week. Edmonton has what is basically the room to lose two games now and not relinquish the top spot. I don't see that happening, but this week was a squeaker at home with the Argos. Grant Shaw set up the Esks to win the game with a bad punt, and then missed a 57 yards FG as time expired, and Fred Stamps led the Esks on a wild comeback to win the game. The Esks trailed 17-1 in this game.
This Week: @ Winnipeg
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-1, 651 Points)
Last Week: Defeated BC Lions 25-20
Points Gained: 180
The Bombers have now matched their win total from 2010, and are sitting in an unlikely scenario as having a one game lead over Montreal in the East. The Bombers scored 19 points in the second half after traling by 10 at the half to drop BC to 0-5. Palardy nailed 4 FGs to make the difference for the Bombers, and Buck Pierce, while not great, played basically mistake free football. They have a chance to make a statement this week at home.
This Week: Edmonton
3. Montreal Alouettes (3-2, 339 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Hamilton 34-26
Points Lost: -132
The Als are fading, and are in danger of slipping to 4th behind Calgary this week should the Stamps get a win at home. Anthony Calvillo played the whole game, but he was not himself, and barely completed 50% of his passes for only one TD. This is not how the Als get back on track, and they have to fix some issues this week.
This Week: @ Toronto
4. Calgary Stampeders (3-2, 317 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Saskatchewan 22-18
Points Gained: 226
A huge road win for the Stamps this week moves them into position to move ahead of Montreal with a win next week. Calgary is just hanging around, so a major move is needed to get into a spot where they are serious contenders. Henry Burris completed 26/34 passes, but never got a pass into the endzone. He did rush for one score, and did toss a pick. 4 Paredes FGs made the difference this week.
This Week: Hamilton
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-2, 277 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Montreal 34-26
Points Gained: 192
Don't look now, but Hamilton is hanging around and is looking like a viper in the playpen. Hamilton needs to be taken seriously at this point, and a win at Calgary could really shake things up in the middle of the league. Dave Stala had 2 huge TD receptions in this game, and Kevin Glenn managed the game well overall to move the Cats ahead of the .500 mark. This may be the most dangerous team in the league heading into week 6.
This Week: @ Calgary
6. Toronto Argonauts (1-4, -382 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Edmonton 26-25
Points Lost: -126
Hard to feel badly for the Argos after blowin a 16 point lead in the loss to the Esks. Not a great week, and the QB position is in dire need of help after both Cleo Lemon and Dalton Bell have both failed to solidify anything. Lemon is back starting this week, but that's not exactly great news. This team is reeling now, and a win is needed now, not later. Something has to give.
This Week: Montreal
7. Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-4, -483 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Calgary 22-18
Points Lost: -186
The Riders had a shot at building momentum after beating the Als, but lost that shot at home in a close loss to the Stamps at home. Now it's time to get back what they had two weeks ago. Can it be done? Darien Durant was decent, as he passed for a score and rushed for another, but the Riders are asking him to be a pocket passer, something that he just isn't. Time to take off the leash and let him roam around some.
This Week: @ BC Lions
8. BC Lions (0-5, -759)
Last Week: Lost to Winnipeg 25-20
Points Lost: -135
It's gotten beyond bad in BC, and there is no end in sight. Travis Lulay, while doing the best he can, has been put on an island, and there is no help for him. There is no run game to speak of, and everything has gone tilt defensively. Wally Buono is being attacked by the public, and nothing has gone right. This season is not lost just yet, but it soon will be for the Lions, and that's no joke.
This Week: Saskatchewan
Player of the Week Offense: WR Fred Stamps, Edmonton 8-101-1
Player of the Week Defense: LB JC Sherritt, Edmonton, 6 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles
Player of the Week Special Teams: Justin Palardy, Winnipeg, 4/4 FGs
1. Edmonton Eskimos (5-0, 1057 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Toronto 26-25
Points Gained: 172
The Eskimos are now the dominant team in the CFL, as they boast a huge lead in points this week. Edmonton has what is basically the room to lose two games now and not relinquish the top spot. I don't see that happening, but this week was a squeaker at home with the Argos. Grant Shaw set up the Esks to win the game with a bad punt, and then missed a 57 yards FG as time expired, and Fred Stamps led the Esks on a wild comeback to win the game. The Esks trailed 17-1 in this game.
This Week: @ Winnipeg
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-1, 651 Points)
Last Week: Defeated BC Lions 25-20
Points Gained: 180
The Bombers have now matched their win total from 2010, and are sitting in an unlikely scenario as having a one game lead over Montreal in the East. The Bombers scored 19 points in the second half after traling by 10 at the half to drop BC to 0-5. Palardy nailed 4 FGs to make the difference for the Bombers, and Buck Pierce, while not great, played basically mistake free football. They have a chance to make a statement this week at home.
This Week: Edmonton
3. Montreal Alouettes (3-2, 339 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Hamilton 34-26
Points Lost: -132
The Als are fading, and are in danger of slipping to 4th behind Calgary this week should the Stamps get a win at home. Anthony Calvillo played the whole game, but he was not himself, and barely completed 50% of his passes for only one TD. This is not how the Als get back on track, and they have to fix some issues this week.
This Week: @ Toronto
4. Calgary Stampeders (3-2, 317 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Saskatchewan 22-18
Points Gained: 226
A huge road win for the Stamps this week moves them into position to move ahead of Montreal with a win next week. Calgary is just hanging around, so a major move is needed to get into a spot where they are serious contenders. Henry Burris completed 26/34 passes, but never got a pass into the endzone. He did rush for one score, and did toss a pick. 4 Paredes FGs made the difference this week.
This Week: Hamilton
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-2, 277 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Montreal 34-26
Points Gained: 192
Don't look now, but Hamilton is hanging around and is looking like a viper in the playpen. Hamilton needs to be taken seriously at this point, and a win at Calgary could really shake things up in the middle of the league. Dave Stala had 2 huge TD receptions in this game, and Kevin Glenn managed the game well overall to move the Cats ahead of the .500 mark. This may be the most dangerous team in the league heading into week 6.
This Week: @ Calgary
6. Toronto Argonauts (1-4, -382 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Edmonton 26-25
Points Lost: -126
Hard to feel badly for the Argos after blowin a 16 point lead in the loss to the Esks. Not a great week, and the QB position is in dire need of help after both Cleo Lemon and Dalton Bell have both failed to solidify anything. Lemon is back starting this week, but that's not exactly great news. This team is reeling now, and a win is needed now, not later. Something has to give.
This Week: Montreal
7. Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-4, -483 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Calgary 22-18
Points Lost: -186
The Riders had a shot at building momentum after beating the Als, but lost that shot at home in a close loss to the Stamps at home. Now it's time to get back what they had two weeks ago. Can it be done? Darien Durant was decent, as he passed for a score and rushed for another, but the Riders are asking him to be a pocket passer, something that he just isn't. Time to take off the leash and let him roam around some.
This Week: @ BC Lions
8. BC Lions (0-5, -759)
Last Week: Lost to Winnipeg 25-20
Points Lost: -135
It's gotten beyond bad in BC, and there is no end in sight. Travis Lulay, while doing the best he can, has been put on an island, and there is no help for him. There is no run game to speak of, and everything has gone tilt defensively. Wally Buono is being attacked by the public, and nothing has gone right. This season is not lost just yet, but it soon will be for the Lions, and that's no joke.
This Week: Saskatchewan
Player of the Week Offense: WR Fred Stamps, Edmonton 8-101-1
Player of the Week Defense: LB JC Sherritt, Edmonton, 6 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles
Player of the Week Special Teams: Justin Palardy, Winnipeg, 4/4 FGs
WVIAC 2011 Preview
Charleston Golden Eagles
2010 Record: 6-5
Maurice Leak and Blaine Wilson both shared time at QB last fall, but neither were spectacular, and the staff would be better off just picking one and running with it. Leak looks like the better option, as he is more of a dual threat choice in the option game as he led the team in rushing with 653 yards. In any event, the offense needs more consistency, and better production. On defense, the Eagles lose some solid depth in their top 3 tacklers, and they lose all of their pressure guys up front. Losses are deep in the secondary as well. It'll be difficult to match the 6 wins from last season. It'll be difficult to match half of that number.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Mars Hill
Concord Mountain Lions
2010 Record: 8-3
The Lions celebrated 8 wins last fall, but lost all 3 games in conference play, causing them to miss the playoffs. Zack Grossi returns at QB after passing for 3216 yards and 28 TDs last fall. Brian Kennedy did a solid job at RB, taking heat off of the passing game by rushing for 1092 yards and 12 scores, which placed him 23rd nationally. Thomas Mayo will lead the receivers after posting 74-1315-14 last season as the WVIAC's second leading receiver. Horace Daughtry returns as the second receiver in the offense. The Lions return their 4 top tacklers, led by LB Zach Gibbons (85 tackles). Gibbons and LB Joe Greenway both recorded 11.5 TFLs last fall, and Greenway also returns. The Lions also return their top three play makers in the secondary in Nate Pollard and Riyahd Richardson (13 combined passes defended), along with Aaron Martinez (5 picks). If you are looking for an early player, the Lions are it in this conference.
Season Opener: 9/3 Lenoir-Rhyne
Fairmont State Falcons
2010 Record: 5-6
The Falcons took their lumps while starting a freshman at QB in Logan Moore. Moore showed signs that he could improve, as he passed for 1874 yards and 18 TDs, but also tossed 13 picks in the mix. Moore also rushed for 5 scores to offset the balance. Patrick Pinchinat returns at RB, but was underwhelming and failed to get 100 carries last fall. Chris St. Hilaire returns at WR, but only caught 27 passes as a freshman last fall, and he is going to be the new top receiver. DB Greg Underwood was the leading tackler last fall and returns after collecting 93 tackles. Garrett Davis will be expected to lead the front 7 after collecting 71 tackles as a freshman LB. Dan Strosneider made a living as a DB who got into the backfield often, collecting 12.5 TFLs, but the Falcons have no play makers up front on the line. The Falcons have one of the deepest returning secondaries in the conference as they return their top 4 play makers led by Underwood and Dewey McDonald.
Season Opener: 9/1 Clarion
Glenville State Pioneers
2010 Record: 5-6
The Pioneers stumbled last fall, and will try to return with an up in the air QB situation resolved by the end of fall camp. Darold Hughes and Gabe Proffitt both return, but it would be best if one was able to win the job outright. Joe Mesidue returns at RB, but only ran for 583 yards and he shares the job with DeAndre Johnson. Again...pick one. Jordan Griffin and Antwan Stewart both return to give stability at WR. DB Terry Reese returns as the leading tackler (70) but there is a total lack of stability up front. DE Cliff Mason recorded 8 TFLs last fall, but more will be needed to get the defense rolling. All four of the top play makers return in the secondary, led by Reese and Brandon Absher. It could be another bumpy ride with a relatively difficult schedule.
Season Opener: 9/1 Carson-Newman
Seton Hill Griffins
2010 Record: 2-9
DJ Lenehan passed for 2216 yards, but the real issue was his 16 TDs against his 18 picks. That was a major problem in a 9 loss season. Daniel Butler returns as the new starting RB after rushing for 573 yards as the primary backup in 2010. Tyler Valdivinos and Tyler McIntosh both return at WR, but both have major improvement to show this fall for the Griffins to make a move. Defensively, the Griffins return their top 3 tacklers from last fall, led by LB Nick McGahagan and his 97 tackles on the season. That is a serious building block. McGahagan also led the WVIAC with 22.5 total TFLs last fall. Fellow LB Chris Galadyk finished with 14 TFLs, while DE Calvin Mason finished with 7. The Griffins are, however, lacking any real play makers in the secondary, and that could dictate their fate if nobody steps up.
Season Opener: 9/3 Slippery Rock
Shepherd Rams
2010 Record: 11-2
The Rams were a force to be reckoned with in the WVIAC and in the D2 playoffs, falling in the semifinals to Delta State. The Rams are now starting over at QB, with Bobby cooper having attempted all of 3 passes in 2010. Tommy Addison will be the focal point of the offense after rushing for 1670 yards and 19 scores in 2010, which was good for 12th nationally in yards per game with 119.29. Robert Byrd will be the number one target at WR, with Nikkolai Norrell stepping into the lineup as a first time starter. DB Cory Washington (81 tackles) and LB AJ Parrish (83) will be the leaders on defense, but the Rams lost some depth in tackling as well. Howard Jones takes over the leadership role on the line after recording 6 sacks last fall. Jones recorded 17.5 TFLs last season, so his presence is greatly appreciated. Elijah Davis (18 passes defended) and Keon Robinson (11) may be the best play making duo in any secondary in the country.
Season Opener: 9/3 Shippensburg
West Liberty Hilltoppers
2010 Record: 7-3
The Toppers just missed out on a playoff bid of their own last season, so this season is being treated as one of unfinished business. The problem is, the business may remain unfinished after losing Zach Amedro at QB. A three way battle is set to take place in the next week for the starting job between some very inexperienced candidates. The loss of Kevin Calhoun at RB will be a killer as well after he rushed for 1088 yards and 17 scores last fall. WL also loses superstar WR Ryan Travis, and loses most of their top receivers from last fall. Clay Beeler led the conference in tackles last fall, and he too is gone, and nobody made it into double figures for TFLs, but Matt Betz got close, and he does return up front. Carl Hayes returns to anchor the secondary, but the talent level there is rather average. It could be a hard fall for the Hilltoppers.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Edinboro
West Virginia State Yellow Jackets
2010 Record: 0-10
The Jackets are the bottom feeder of the WVIAC. Ricky Phillips struggled at QB, passing for 12 TDs to 11 picks. He is back as a junior. Fabian Payne should be the primary back, but failed to clear 100 carries, or 400 yards last fall. Landon Johnson and Benjamin Kearse return at WR, but the Jackets lose their top receiver in Jermain King. The defense was young last fall, so the good news is that the top 3 tacklers return in Dominique Matthews (80 tackles), Chris Young (79), and Tyler Long (71). Someone from this group will have to figure out a way to provide pressure up front, as the line is completely lacking play makers. Steven Bumpus and Jamar Brown provide solid pass coverage in the secondary, and are heavily depended upon.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Johnson C. Smith
West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats
2010 Record: 9-2
The Bobcats just missed out on a playoff birth in 2010, but the sudden resignation of Head Coach Denny Creehan leaves a strange void over the team. DC Jonas Jackson takes over, and task one is to find a new QB. Julien Valentin and Trey Massey both return as juniors to share the job at RB, where they combined for 1360 yards and 13 scores last fall. The top 3 receivers return in John Meadows, TJ Benners, and Lavaughan Hughes, so the new QB should have all the weapons he'll need to succeed. Jesse Robinson returns to run the defense, but there is very little production coming back around him as far as simple tackles are concerned. Jonas Celian (12 sacks) and Brian Vukela (8.5 sacks) were one and two in the conference last fall, and both return, but Mike Price, who finished 3rd in the WVIAC, moves on. Celian finished with 21.5 TFLs and Vukela wrapped up with 14. The Bobcats are set in the secondary with Ottis Scott, Stephen Knox, and John Maddox all returning. The Cats are in solid position to make a run at Shepherd.
Season Opener: 9/3 Millersville
South Atlantic Conference 2011 Preview
Brevard Tornados
2010 Record: 3-7
Still a fairly new program, the Tornados are still trying to feel their way through D2 football, and they'll be doing it this year with a new starting QB. Kelvin Jeter gives them a legitimate threat at RB, as he ranked 25th in the country with 1145 yards and 7 scores last fall as a freshman who had converted from WR. Another sophomore, Thadus Benton, also returns after rushing for 459 yards and 4 scores, giving the Tornados a solid 1-2 punch in their option based offense. TE Eric Watts returns as the leading receiver from a season ago. Defensively, the Tornados return their top 4 tacklers from 2010, led by LB Trey Jenkins, who collected 92 tackles as a freshman last fall. LB Rufus Jenkins collected 7 TFLs last season, and will be depended on to develop further into a solidified pass rush threat as a sophomore this fall. Salonik Amos runs the secondary after leading the SAC in passes defended with 12 last fall, and Michael Gist returns after having knocked away 6 passes. With some solid young players returning, Brevard may start to show signs of life in 2011.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Gardner-Webb
Carson-Newman Eagles
2010 Record: 7-4
The Eagles finished 2nd last fall, and will look to press on after falling short with 2 conference losses last fall. Starting over at QB may not be a good place to start, but the Eagles were not a passing juggernaut to begin with, so it could be a good thing. Nate Inman and Brandon Baker both return at RB. Inman rushed for 1057 yards and 10 scores, while Baker rushed for 707 yards and 9 scores of his own. They will be the strength of the offense this fall. On defense, the Eagles lose their top two tacklers, and are seeking new leadership in fall camp. LB Byron Bell and DE Zeke Andrews should be stepping up to take some of the pressure up front. Andrews recorded 14 TFLs last fall. Oliver Davis finished with 10 defended passes, while Tarvin Jones also returns after defending 6. Davis and Jones combined for 8 picks last season, giving the Eagles a strong corps in the back four.
Season Opener: 9/1 @ Glenville State
Catawba Indians
2010 Record: 6-4
The Indians stumbled to end the season last fall and fell out of contention late in conference play. They start over at QB after losing Patrick Dennis and his 18 TDs, so camp will be as important as ever to find the right signal guy, or else the Indians could fade out early in the season. Josh Wright returns at RB after rushing for 687 yards and 7 scores, but he is not the offensive focus. Gerron Bryant returns at WR after posting 42-686-5, but losing Brandon Bunn and his 9 scores could be painful. The Indians return their top 3 tacklers from last fall, led by LB Cory Joh and his 73 tackles. Damein Lee finished with 6 sacks last fall, and recorded 12 TFLs, so he will anchor the line. Jumal Rolle and Lakeem Perry combined for 16 defended passes (they had 8 each), and so the secondary looks strong. Rolle tied for the conference lead with 5 picks. If the QB situation plays out nicely, Catawba could challenge.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ St. Augustine's
Lenoir-Rhyne Bears
2010 Record: 7-4
The Bears were another challenger who just fell a bit short last fall, but they do return their QB, but that QB was not stellar. Given that fact, the Bears are an option based team, so there is no need to panic. Major Herron returns after pulling the trigger on the option last fall. He absolutely must become more efficient when he does chuck the football, as he tossed 7 picks to just 2 TD passes last season. Herron did rush for 16 scores last fall, and led the Bears with 883 yards rushing. Le'Quan McCorkle returns at RB after rushing for 565 yards and 3 scores. TE Nick Stutts returns as the integral part of the passing game out of the option, and he posted 35-544-2 last fall. LB Demetrius Green returns, and will take over as the leader of the defense. The BEars return their top 3 sack artists, led by Brandon Martin on the line. Martin recorded 7 sacks to finish 2nd in the SAC a year ago. Martin also finished with 8 TFLs. Jamont Jones will anchor the secondary after recording 7 passes defended, but the Bears lose their pick leaders from a season ago. There are some holes, and some worries, but the Bears could press forward easily enough.
Season Opener: 9/3 @ Concord (WV)
Mars Hill Lions
2010 Record: 5-6
John Richt returns after an up and down 2010 season to lead the Lions at QB. Richt passed for 2151 yards and 20 scores, but must cut down on his 14 picks from last fall. Jonas Randolph returns at RB after leading the SAC in rushing last season with 1349 yards and 10 scores, which was good enough for 10th in the country. Alex Rose will be asked to step up as the new number 1 WR after the Lions lose their top two receivers from last season, including the electrifying PJ Gore. Rudy Cabral returns to run the defense after leading the SAC with 100 tackles last fall, but the Lions lose their next 4 top tacklers to graduation, and that is a very bad thing. The Lions also lose all of their top pressure producers up front, placing Cabral on a very lonely island as the Lions try to rebuild this defense in short order. The Lions were weak against the pass, but several youngsters got in time last fall, so their could be solid depth if the group improves as a whole.
Season Opener: 9/3 Charleston (WV)
Newberry Wolves
2010 Record: 4-6
The Wolves struggled badly last season, and had trouble settling on a QB. Bryan Ehrlich will be the starter from day one, after passing for 1964 yards and 23 TDs in just 7 games. Lydon Ingram will return at RB, but only rushed for 601 yards and 4 scores, so he is not a solid source of offense over the long term, and is primarily a complimentary piece. Brandon Bostick returns at WR after posting 48-839-8 last fall, but the loss of David Pressley is crushing. Arterio Arnold should be one of the best D Linemen in the conference, and returns as the 2nd leading tackler on the team last season with 72. Arnold led the conference with 13.5 TFLs in 2010. Finding depth in the secondary will be paramount, as the Wolves lose significant depth.
Season Opener: 9/3 North Greenville
Tusculum Pioneers
2010 Record: 6-5
The Pioneers fell victim to a 4 game skid in the middle of the season despite having the amazing Bo Cordell at QB. Cordell passed for 4657 yards and 38 TDs last fall, while only tossing 12 picks in 605 pass attempts. Cordell is on the watch list for the Harlen Hill trophy, and is also on the watch list for our All-Bilo Player of the Year award. The Pioneers don't normally run the ball, but when they do, they prefer the services of Brian Marshall, and he returns to carry the minimal load at RB. # of the top 4 receivers return in action in 2011 in Deonte Gist (96-1183-8), Rashaad Carter (81-1004-9), and Michael Rodriquez (70-727-9). There will be fireworks aplenty. The offense will need to be solid, as the defense has some depth issues, and needs to find play makers. Terrence Smith will be the force up front, as he finished with 12 TFLs last fall, but tacklers are sparse overall. Kaytron Becton has the makings of a future star in the secondary, and is joined as returning by Justin Arrington and Luke Harris.
Season Opener: 9/3 West Georgia
Wingate Bulldogs
2010 Record: 9-3
Wingate won the SAC after a tough 2-2 start threatened to bog them down. The Bulldogs made it into the second round before falling to Albany State. Cody Haffly could challenge Bo Cordell for the conference passing title, as he passed for 3952 yards and 42 TDs last fall. Haffly is also on our D2 Player of the Year watch list. The Bulldogs do love to mix in the run, but they lose RB Nelson Woods and his 1200 yards along with 10 scores. He will be a tough replacement. The Bulldogs also lose their top two receivers from last fall, giving Tusculum the edge. Chris Bowden (51-935-14) will be asked to step up from third receiver to the top spot. Robert Fletcher returns as the top returning tackler from last fall, as the DB recorded 87 on the season, but the Dogs lose their top two tacklers. Jack Taylor will bring the heat up front after recording 7 sacks last fall to go with his 16 TFLs. The Bulldogs also lose their best two pass defenders.
Season Opener: 9/3 Valdosta State
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