Hey, just looked through the archives really quickly and realized that this blog has been up for about a month. Hope whoever is reading this stuff enjoys it. Questions, comments, and suggestions are always appreciated, so feel free to comment on posts or send me emails.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
GM For A Day: Carolina Panthers (Part 1)
Okay, so there are a lot of armchair GMs out there in the blogosphere, but only a few are actually stupid enough to put a detailed plan of what they would do to fix "their" team. Lucky for you guys, I'm that stupid. I chose the Carolina Panthers being a resident of North Carolina and, well, because they have a ton of problems. Short-term solutions (also known as "what to fix this season"):
1) Bench Jake Delhomme. It's the ultimate slap in the face for a guy who has led your franchise to a Super Bowl, but through 3 games this season Delhomme has 7 interceptions, which leads the league. It's clear that he's lost something with his arm, and he is not confident in any thing he is doing right now. Play Matt Moore or any other QB who will play this season until Jake gets right - if that ever happens.
2) Sign Julius Peppers long-term. I don't care what it takes, there is no reason that Julius Peppers should not be a Carolina Panther for his entire career. If it's a $12M/yr contract, do it. If it's a $20M/yr contract, do it. The guy is a top-5 defensive player in the league and he deserves to be paid like it. He had 1 tackle last night in a MNF loss to Dallas, but if 31 other NFL teams want this guy, you know you have something special.
3) Trade for a DT. There are a few players on this Carolina Panthers roster who have trade value (Dwayne Jarrett, Damione Lewis, Na'il Diggs, Hilee Taylor, Richard Marshall), and there are a few who are untouchable (Steve Smith, Deangelo Williams/Jonathon Stewart, Jordan Gross, Julius Peppers, Jon Beason, Chris Gamble). If this team wants to compete this year, they will go out and try to trade for a DT who can help this team right now.
Part 2 can be found here: http://hailtothebrighteststarofall.blogspot.com/2009/10/gm-for-day-carolina-panthers-part-ii.html
1) Bench Jake Delhomme. It's the ultimate slap in the face for a guy who has led your franchise to a Super Bowl, but through 3 games this season Delhomme has 7 interceptions, which leads the league. It's clear that he's lost something with his arm, and he is not confident in any thing he is doing right now. Play Matt Moore or any other QB who will play this season until Jake gets right - if that ever happens.
2) Sign Julius Peppers long-term. I don't care what it takes, there is no reason that Julius Peppers should not be a Carolina Panther for his entire career. If it's a $12M/yr contract, do it. If it's a $20M/yr contract, do it. The guy is a top-5 defensive player in the league and he deserves to be paid like it. He had 1 tackle last night in a MNF loss to Dallas, but if 31 other NFL teams want this guy, you know you have something special.
3) Trade for a DT. There are a few players on this Carolina Panthers roster who have trade value (Dwayne Jarrett, Damione Lewis, Na'il Diggs, Hilee Taylor, Richard Marshall), and there are a few who are untouchable (Steve Smith, Deangelo Williams/Jonathon Stewart, Jordan Gross, Julius Peppers, Jon Beason, Chris Gamble). If this team wants to compete this year, they will go out and try to trade for a DT who can help this team right now.
Part 2 can be found here: http://hailtothebrighteststarofall.blogspot.com/2009/10/gm-for-day-carolina-panthers-part-ii.html
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Week 4 ACC Rankings
1. Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0). Massive win against Miami, and Tech has rocketed back up into the top 10 in both polls. There is little doubt that they are still the class of the conference.
2. Georgia Tech (3-1, 2-1). Got past a ranked UNC team with ease, and proved that they can bounce back from a crushing loss. This team is for real, despite the injuries.
3. Miami (2-1, 2-1). Back to reality for the Canes, but this team still has a very bright future. If they can beat a weakened Oklahoma this week, Miami could be back - for good.
4. North Carolina State (3-1, 0-0). Battling back from a deficit is never easy, but NC State showed they were up to the challenge against Pitt. They have looked very good since their slop-fest against South Carolina.
5. Clemson (2-2, 1-1). TCU is a tough team, but Clemson looked ready for the challenge and played well enough to win. With Florida State reeling, it looks like the Atlantic Division is Clemson's to lose right now.
6. North Carolina (3-1, 0-1). Bitter pill to swallow last week after getting rocked by an angry Georgia Tech team. The Heels have the benefit of going up against UVA and FCS Georgia Southern back-to-back to get back on track.
7. Boston College (3-1, 1-1). Every time I want to count this team out, they prove me wrong. The Eagles introduced a little Wildcat formation last week, and pulled out a huge OT win against Wake Forest.
8. Florida State (2-2, 0-1). The Seminoles are really struggling this year, and it's surprising given the expectations preseason. Their next game against BC could be a season-defining moment for both teams.
9. Wake Forest (2-2, 0-1). No one expected the Deacs to compete this season, but they had a chance to prove the doubters wrong against BC and failed to capitalize. It could be a long year in Winston-Salem.
10. Dook (2-2, 0-0). The Blue Devils finished their out-of-conference schedule at .500, which isn't terrible. What is terrible is the fact that one of those losses came to FCS Richmond, and it won't get easier with the ACC schedule approaching.
11. Maryland (1-3, 0-0). The Terps lost again, this time to a mediocre Rutgers team that has looked at times completely lost on the football field. This could be the end of the Friedgen era in College Park.
12. Virginia (0-3, 0-0). Good news: the Cavs didn't lose last week. Bad news: Virginia had a bye week. If the 'Hoos can somehow find a way to beat UNC this week, then all hope may not be lost for the season. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
2. Georgia Tech (3-1, 2-1). Got past a ranked UNC team with ease, and proved that they can bounce back from a crushing loss. This team is for real, despite the injuries.
3. Miami (2-1, 2-1). Back to reality for the Canes, but this team still has a very bright future. If they can beat a weakened Oklahoma this week, Miami could be back - for good.
4. North Carolina State (3-1, 0-0). Battling back from a deficit is never easy, but NC State showed they were up to the challenge against Pitt. They have looked very good since their slop-fest against South Carolina.
5. Clemson (2-2, 1-1). TCU is a tough team, but Clemson looked ready for the challenge and played well enough to win. With Florida State reeling, it looks like the Atlantic Division is Clemson's to lose right now.
6. North Carolina (3-1, 0-1). Bitter pill to swallow last week after getting rocked by an angry Georgia Tech team. The Heels have the benefit of going up against UVA and FCS Georgia Southern back-to-back to get back on track.
7. Boston College (3-1, 1-1). Every time I want to count this team out, they prove me wrong. The Eagles introduced a little Wildcat formation last week, and pulled out a huge OT win against Wake Forest.
8. Florida State (2-2, 0-1). The Seminoles are really struggling this year, and it's surprising given the expectations preseason. Their next game against BC could be a season-defining moment for both teams.
9. Wake Forest (2-2, 0-1). No one expected the Deacs to compete this season, but they had a chance to prove the doubters wrong against BC and failed to capitalize. It could be a long year in Winston-Salem.
10. Dook (2-2, 0-0). The Blue Devils finished their out-of-conference schedule at .500, which isn't terrible. What is terrible is the fact that one of those losses came to FCS Richmond, and it won't get easier with the ACC schedule approaching.
11. Maryland (1-3, 0-0). The Terps lost again, this time to a mediocre Rutgers team that has looked at times completely lost on the football field. This could be the end of the Friedgen era in College Park.
12. Virginia (0-3, 0-0). Good news: the Cavs didn't lose last week. Bad news: Virginia had a bye week. If the 'Hoos can somehow find a way to beat UNC this week, then all hope may not be lost for the season. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
Recap: UNC 7, GT 24
Ouch.
This was bound to happen at some point this year given the injuries and everything that has been surrounding this team from the beginning of training camp, but it still stings nonetheless. UNC was out-classed by Georgia Tech in every facet of the game. Offensively, the Heels couldn't move the ball even if they wanted to, didn't score a TD until 12:30 left in the 4th quarter, and finished with less than 20 rushing yards as a team. Defensively, Carolina simply did not tackle well, allowed GT to convert 10 of 19 third downs (coming in they were only allowing opponents 22% on third down), and the Yellow Jackets rushed for over 300 yards in a game that wasn't ever in doubt for Tech.
This is not a "back-to-the-drawing-board" moment, but it's as close as Carolina will get all season. This team is young and inexperienced along the offensive line and it showed in a tough environment in Atlanta. Offensive line coach Sam Pittman is going to have to do the best coaching job of his career if this offense is going to get back on track. Though the defense gave up a ton of points and yards yesterday I thought they played pretty well. They kept Carolina in the game, and it was only 10-0 heading into the start of the 4th quarter. If the defense improves their tackling technique and the offense can find ANY WAY to move the ball on the ground, they should bounce back nicely against Virginia, who hasn't won a game yet this season.
Bottom line here: Carolina was definitely overmatched against GT, but they simply cannot let that stop them from destroying UVA. The UNC-UVA rivalry may not get as much publicity as UNC-Dook or UNC-NC State, but you can be sure that both teams really want to win this one for reasons outside the current state of the season. For UNC, it's a chance to get back on track and have a chance to go 5-1 to start the season if they can beat the Cavs and FCS opponent Georgia Southern. For UVA, it's a chance to save Al Groh's job and to finally break into the win column this season. Carolina will almost certainly be favored in this game, and they need to play like they are the superior team and go into this game expecting to win. If they can do that, along with better execution in all facets of the game, then I think the Heels will come out on top.
This was bound to happen at some point this year given the injuries and everything that has been surrounding this team from the beginning of training camp, but it still stings nonetheless. UNC was out-classed by Georgia Tech in every facet of the game. Offensively, the Heels couldn't move the ball even if they wanted to, didn't score a TD until 12:30 left in the 4th quarter, and finished with less than 20 rushing yards as a team. Defensively, Carolina simply did not tackle well, allowed GT to convert 10 of 19 third downs (coming in they were only allowing opponents 22% on third down), and the Yellow Jackets rushed for over 300 yards in a game that wasn't ever in doubt for Tech.
This is not a "back-to-the-drawing-board" moment, but it's as close as Carolina will get all season. This team is young and inexperienced along the offensive line and it showed in a tough environment in Atlanta. Offensive line coach Sam Pittman is going to have to do the best coaching job of his career if this offense is going to get back on track. Though the defense gave up a ton of points and yards yesterday I thought they played pretty well. They kept Carolina in the game, and it was only 10-0 heading into the start of the 4th quarter. If the defense improves their tackling technique and the offense can find ANY WAY to move the ball on the ground, they should bounce back nicely against Virginia, who hasn't won a game yet this season.
Bottom line here: Carolina was definitely overmatched against GT, but they simply cannot let that stop them from destroying UVA. The UNC-UVA rivalry may not get as much publicity as UNC-Dook or UNC-NC State, but you can be sure that both teams really want to win this one for reasons outside the current state of the season. For UNC, it's a chance to get back on track and have a chance to go 5-1 to start the season if they can beat the Cavs and FCS opponent Georgia Southern. For UVA, it's a chance to save Al Groh's job and to finally break into the win column this season. Carolina will almost certainly be favored in this game, and they need to play like they are the superior team and go into this game expecting to win. If they can do that, along with better execution in all facets of the game, then I think the Heels will come out on top.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Greatest NFL QB Of All Time
In light of Peyton Manning's superb performance last night on Monday Night Football, a few people are starting to make lists of the top NFL QBs of all time. So I figured I would add to the conjecture - here's my list for top-10 all-time NFL QBs.
1. Joe Montana, 49ers. Montana is the gold standard for the QB position in the NFL, and revolutionized the position by the time his illustrious career was over. No one was better, and he will always be first on this list for me. 2-time MVP, 4-time Super Bowl winner, and his number #16 is retired by the 49ers.
2. Johnny Unitas, Colts. The crew cut and black high-tops are just the beginning for one of the most iconic NFL players. When Johnny U's career was over and done with, he was a 3-time MVP, winner of the "Greatest Game Ever Played," and an NFL champion.
3. Dan Marino, Dolphins. Over 60,000 passing yards and 420 passing touchdowns. Both are among the best ever in NFL history. Even though Marino never won a Super Bowl, he is still one of the greatest QBs statistically of all-time.
4. Brett Favre, Packers. Most wins as an NFL quarterback. Most passing yards of all-time. Most touchdown passes of all-time. Most consecutive games played by any player in the NFL. Only one Super Bowl title. Give Favre two more titles, and he might be the #1 guy on this list.
5. Roger Staubach, Cowboys. He retired as the highest-rated passer of all-time. He won two Super Bowls, and is in the Cowboys Ring of Honor, only one of 17 players to achieve that honor. Staubach is also regarded by some as the best general athlete to ever play the quarterback position.
6. . John Elway, Broncos. Retired after winning his second consecutive Super Bowl title. Elway finished his career with over 50,000 yards passing and exactly 300 passing touchdowns. His number 7 is retired by the Broncos franchise.
7. Terry Bradshaw, Steelers. People tend to discount the fact that Bradshaw has won just as many Super Bowl Titles as Montana, and was the MVP for two of those titles. He was the face of the offense that played opposite the Steel Curtain, and one of the toughest to ever play the quarterback position.
8. Tom Brady, Patriots. It's hard to put Brady on a list with so many great names, but the fact remains that for the 2000s decade, there has not been a better quarterback than Tom Brady. Three Super Bowl titles, and is still considered one of - if not the - best QBs currently playing in the NFL right now. His career right now is eerily similar to the player who appeared first on this list, Joe Montana.
9. Peyton Manning, Colts. When all is said and done, Manning could pass Favre for some of those all-time numbers. In fact, his career might very much mirror Farve in terms of games played, touchdowns, and yardage. However, it is not to early to consider Manning as one of the top-10 QBs of all-time because of his most recent achievement - he is now the Colts franchise leader in wins, more than Johnny Unitas, #2 on this list.
10. Steve Young, 49ers. The forgotten man of the 49ers franchise, and understandably so after playing behind Joe Montana for so many years. However, Young won a Super Bowl of his own as a starter and was one of the most exciting players to ever play in the NFL. His accuracy and mobility made him an absolute assassin at the quarterback position.
1. Joe Montana, 49ers. Montana is the gold standard for the QB position in the NFL, and revolutionized the position by the time his illustrious career was over. No one was better, and he will always be first on this list for me. 2-time MVP, 4-time Super Bowl winner, and his number #16 is retired by the 49ers.
2. Johnny Unitas, Colts. The crew cut and black high-tops are just the beginning for one of the most iconic NFL players. When Johnny U's career was over and done with, he was a 3-time MVP, winner of the "Greatest Game Ever Played," and an NFL champion.
3. Dan Marino, Dolphins. Over 60,000 passing yards and 420 passing touchdowns. Both are among the best ever in NFL history. Even though Marino never won a Super Bowl, he is still one of the greatest QBs statistically of all-time.
4. Brett Favre, Packers. Most wins as an NFL quarterback. Most passing yards of all-time. Most touchdown passes of all-time. Most consecutive games played by any player in the NFL. Only one Super Bowl title. Give Favre two more titles, and he might be the #1 guy on this list.
5. Roger Staubach, Cowboys. He retired as the highest-rated passer of all-time. He won two Super Bowls, and is in the Cowboys Ring of Honor, only one of 17 players to achieve that honor. Staubach is also regarded by some as the best general athlete to ever play the quarterback position.
6. . John Elway, Broncos. Retired after winning his second consecutive Super Bowl title. Elway finished his career with over 50,000 yards passing and exactly 300 passing touchdowns. His number 7 is retired by the Broncos franchise.
7. Terry Bradshaw, Steelers. People tend to discount the fact that Bradshaw has won just as many Super Bowl Titles as Montana, and was the MVP for two of those titles. He was the face of the offense that played opposite the Steel Curtain, and one of the toughest to ever play the quarterback position.
8. Tom Brady, Patriots. It's hard to put Brady on a list with so many great names, but the fact remains that for the 2000s decade, there has not been a better quarterback than Tom Brady. Three Super Bowl titles, and is still considered one of - if not the - best QBs currently playing in the NFL right now. His career right now is eerily similar to the player who appeared first on this list, Joe Montana.
9. Peyton Manning, Colts. When all is said and done, Manning could pass Favre for some of those all-time numbers. In fact, his career might very much mirror Farve in terms of games played, touchdowns, and yardage. However, it is not to early to consider Manning as one of the top-10 QBs of all-time because of his most recent achievement - he is now the Colts franchise leader in wins, more than Johnny Unitas, #2 on this list.
10. Steve Young, 49ers. The forgotten man of the 49ers franchise, and understandably so after playing behind Joe Montana for so many years. However, Young won a Super Bowl of his own as a starter and was one of the most exciting players to ever play in the NFL. His accuracy and mobility made him an absolute assassin at the quarterback position.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Ranking the ACC 3 Weeks In
With every ACC team (except Miami) having played 3 games, I think it's an opportune time to rank their performance thus far. I don't like preseason rankings because they mean basically nothing, so I think starting now is the way to go.
1. Miami (2-0). I have to say, before the year I was almost expecting Miami to go at best 2-2 in their first three games. Well it's still a little early to tell, but after a gut-check win over Florida State to open the season and a drubbing of Georgia Tech last Thursday night, the 'Canes look to be for real. They face a tough Virginia Tech team this week in a battle of the ACC's two best (looking) teams.
2. Virginia Tech (2-1). Big win against Nebraska this week for the Hokies as they continue to rebound from their opening season loss to Alabama. They crushed Marshall, and Saturday's win over the Cornhuskers helps put them back into the national title picture. Their matchup this week with Miami should prove to be the ACC game of the week.
3. Florida State (2-1). Allow me to solve the Seminole Identity Crisis of 2009: this is a VERY good football team. Losing a heart-breaker to Miami (which could have very easily been an FSU win in the final seconds) to open the season isn't the way you'd like to start, but the 'Noles have bounced back with two big wins, including a slaughter of early-season darling BYU. South Florida should be a good tune-up for the rest of the season for Coach Bowden and his team.
4. North Carolina (3-0). Sure, the Tar Heels are undefeated. Sure, they beat an under-appreciated UConn team and ground out a win against an emotional ECU team. But a team that returned 16 starters from last year needs to play like it, and the Heels have looked vulnerable over the last two weeks. They need to put it all together this week if they want to win in Atlanta against Georgia Tech.
5. Georgia Tech (2-1). This is a gut-check week for the Yellow Jackets. After their embarrassing loss to Miami, if they can't beat a slightly overrated UNC team at home their chances for an ACC title are essentially over - and it's not even October yet. The defense and offense need to make some adjustments if they are going to keep pushing for a BCS berth.
6. Clemson (2-1). This team has some great playmakers on both sides of the ball. I've been really impressed with DE Ricky Sapp this year, and RB C.J. Spiller is the ACC's most exciting player. But freshman QB Kyle Parker needs to cut down on the turnovers if the Tigers are going to have a chance at the Atlantic division title. TCU is a very good team that could give Clemson trouble this week.
7. Wake Forest (2-1). This team lost a tough game to open the season against Baylor, but bounced back against Stanford and easily defeated FCS power Elon last week. QB Riley Skinner is a 5th-year senior who needs to keep playing well, and the defense needs to continue to step up if the Demon Deacons are going to make noise this year. Boston College is up next, and I like the Deacs' chances in that game.
8. NC State (2-1). NC State hasn't really shown me a whole lot on offense this year, though QB Russell Wilson did set the NCAA record for most completions without an INT last week in the destruction of FCS opponent Gardner-Webb. Their defense has been very good, only giving up 33 points in three games. We'll see if the Wolfpack can get their first win against an FBS opponent this week when Pittsburgh comes to Raleigh.
9. Boston College (2-1). Boston College finally showed me what I expected them to show me this esason - without a proven quantity at QB, this team will struggle. The Eagles turned the ball over WAY too much against Clemson if they want a shot at a bowl game this year. Their tilt against Wake Forest might not be the best ACC matchup of the week, but it's vitally important for both teams moving forward in the division race.
10. Dook (1-2). What can you say about the Blue Devils last week? Kansas is just a better football team, and they showed it as they absolutely destroyed one of the worse teams in the ACC. Dook has shown some flashes this year (especially beating Army two weeks ago), and we know that the QB situation will be in flux all year as Thad Lewis and Sean Renfree continue to split time. NC Central will come to Wallace Wade this week, and Dook should win...unless NCCU plays like Richmond.
11. Maryland (1-2). This team was definitely lack-luster last week against Middle Tennessee State. The bigger picture shows that this Terrapins team is 0-2 against MTSU over the last two years. Now either MTSU is a good football team...or the Terps simply are not. I'm inclined to go with the latter. Rutgers comes to College Park and they haven't been impressive either by any stretch this year, but the Scarlet Knights could embarrass Maryland at home and begin the end of Ralph Friedgen at UMD.
12. Virginia (0-3). William and Mary. TCU. Southern Miss. No BCS-conference teams in that triumvirate. Only two FBS teams in that group. The way UVA looked against all three of them, it doesn't look like I would include them in that FBS group either. The fact that Al Groh still has a job as head coach in Charlottesville baffles me. They have a bye week to prepare for UNC and their ACC opener, and if they lose in Chapel Hill next week, it wouldn't shock me to see Groh's head roll in the immediate aftermath.
1. Miami (2-0). I have to say, before the year I was almost expecting Miami to go at best 2-2 in their first three games. Well it's still a little early to tell, but after a gut-check win over Florida State to open the season and a drubbing of Georgia Tech last Thursday night, the 'Canes look to be for real. They face a tough Virginia Tech team this week in a battle of the ACC's two best (looking) teams.
2. Virginia Tech (2-1). Big win against Nebraska this week for the Hokies as they continue to rebound from their opening season loss to Alabama. They crushed Marshall, and Saturday's win over the Cornhuskers helps put them back into the national title picture. Their matchup this week with Miami should prove to be the ACC game of the week.
3. Florida State (2-1). Allow me to solve the Seminole Identity Crisis of 2009: this is a VERY good football team. Losing a heart-breaker to Miami (which could have very easily been an FSU win in the final seconds) to open the season isn't the way you'd like to start, but the 'Noles have bounced back with two big wins, including a slaughter of early-season darling BYU. South Florida should be a good tune-up for the rest of the season for Coach Bowden and his team.
4. North Carolina (3-0). Sure, the Tar Heels are undefeated. Sure, they beat an under-appreciated UConn team and ground out a win against an emotional ECU team. But a team that returned 16 starters from last year needs to play like it, and the Heels have looked vulnerable over the last two weeks. They need to put it all together this week if they want to win in Atlanta against Georgia Tech.
5. Georgia Tech (2-1). This is a gut-check week for the Yellow Jackets. After their embarrassing loss to Miami, if they can't beat a slightly overrated UNC team at home their chances for an ACC title are essentially over - and it's not even October yet. The defense and offense need to make some adjustments if they are going to keep pushing for a BCS berth.
6. Clemson (2-1). This team has some great playmakers on both sides of the ball. I've been really impressed with DE Ricky Sapp this year, and RB C.J. Spiller is the ACC's most exciting player. But freshman QB Kyle Parker needs to cut down on the turnovers if the Tigers are going to have a chance at the Atlantic division title. TCU is a very good team that could give Clemson trouble this week.
7. Wake Forest (2-1). This team lost a tough game to open the season against Baylor, but bounced back against Stanford and easily defeated FCS power Elon last week. QB Riley Skinner is a 5th-year senior who needs to keep playing well, and the defense needs to continue to step up if the Demon Deacons are going to make noise this year. Boston College is up next, and I like the Deacs' chances in that game.
8. NC State (2-1). NC State hasn't really shown me a whole lot on offense this year, though QB Russell Wilson did set the NCAA record for most completions without an INT last week in the destruction of FCS opponent Gardner-Webb. Their defense has been very good, only giving up 33 points in three games. We'll see if the Wolfpack can get their first win against an FBS opponent this week when Pittsburgh comes to Raleigh.
9. Boston College (2-1). Boston College finally showed me what I expected them to show me this esason - without a proven quantity at QB, this team will struggle. The Eagles turned the ball over WAY too much against Clemson if they want a shot at a bowl game this year. Their tilt against Wake Forest might not be the best ACC matchup of the week, but it's vitally important for both teams moving forward in the division race.
10. Dook (1-2). What can you say about the Blue Devils last week? Kansas is just a better football team, and they showed it as they absolutely destroyed one of the worse teams in the ACC. Dook has shown some flashes this year (especially beating Army two weeks ago), and we know that the QB situation will be in flux all year as Thad Lewis and Sean Renfree continue to split time. NC Central will come to Wallace Wade this week, and Dook should win...unless NCCU plays like Richmond.
11. Maryland (1-2). This team was definitely lack-luster last week against Middle Tennessee State. The bigger picture shows that this Terrapins team is 0-2 against MTSU over the last two years. Now either MTSU is a good football team...or the Terps simply are not. I'm inclined to go with the latter. Rutgers comes to College Park and they haven't been impressive either by any stretch this year, but the Scarlet Knights could embarrass Maryland at home and begin the end of Ralph Friedgen at UMD.
12. Virginia (0-3). William and Mary. TCU. Southern Miss. No BCS-conference teams in that triumvirate. Only two FBS teams in that group. The way UVA looked against all three of them, it doesn't look like I would include them in that FBS group either. The fact that Al Groh still has a job as head coach in Charlottesville baffles me. They have a bye week to prepare for UNC and their ACC opener, and if they lose in Chapel Hill next week, it wouldn't shock me to see Groh's head roll in the immediate aftermath.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Recap: UNC 31, ECU 17
Big win for the Tar Heels this week as they go to 3-0 to start the season. This is the first time since Mack Brown was the head football coach in Chapel Hill that the Heels have gotten off to this kind of a start, and Carolina certainly demonstrated some of the trademarks of successful UNC teams of the past against the Pirates yesterday.
The offense finally seemed able to move the ball with some regularity, with QB T.J. Yates completing 19 of his 24 passes on the day for 227 yards, 2 TDs and 0 INTs. Each TD went to a different receiver, with freshmen WRs Erik Highsmith (6 catches, 113 yards) and Jheranie Boyd (1 catch, 59 yards) reaping the benefits from terrific Yates strikes. RB Shaun Draughn was solid on the ground gaining 84 yards on 19 carries, while Ryan Houston ran for 41 yards and 2 TDs.
The defense was less consistent than in Carolina's previous two victories over the Citadel and UConn, but still had some big plays when the Heels needed them the most. CB Charles Brown continued his stellar 2009 campaign by leading the Heels with 9 tackles, while also recovering a fumble and breaking up two passes. DE Robert Quinn had 2 sacks on the day, while LB Quan Sturdivant was solid with 7 tackles including one for a 5-yard loss.
Overall the Heels definitely looked more balanced for this game. The offense finally started to play to their potential, and really helped the defense out by moving the ball and putting it into the end zone four times on the day. ECU was a quality opponent, and it showed with a shootout in the first half which saw the Heels go into the locker room up 21-14. Carolina really exercised their will on the Pirates as they outscored their opponent 10-3 for the final half. The last three games have seen UNC grow dramatically, and they will definitely need to call upon every lesson learned thus far if they want to beat a talented, angry, and potent Georgia Tech team in Atlanta this week.
The offense finally seemed able to move the ball with some regularity, with QB T.J. Yates completing 19 of his 24 passes on the day for 227 yards, 2 TDs and 0 INTs. Each TD went to a different receiver, with freshmen WRs Erik Highsmith (6 catches, 113 yards) and Jheranie Boyd (1 catch, 59 yards) reaping the benefits from terrific Yates strikes. RB Shaun Draughn was solid on the ground gaining 84 yards on 19 carries, while Ryan Houston ran for 41 yards and 2 TDs.
The defense was less consistent than in Carolina's previous two victories over the Citadel and UConn, but still had some big plays when the Heels needed them the most. CB Charles Brown continued his stellar 2009 campaign by leading the Heels with 9 tackles, while also recovering a fumble and breaking up two passes. DE Robert Quinn had 2 sacks on the day, while LB Quan Sturdivant was solid with 7 tackles including one for a 5-yard loss.
Overall the Heels definitely looked more balanced for this game. The offense finally started to play to their potential, and really helped the defense out by moving the ball and putting it into the end zone four times on the day. ECU was a quality opponent, and it showed with a shootout in the first half which saw the Heels go into the locker room up 21-14. Carolina really exercised their will on the Pirates as they outscored their opponent 10-3 for the final half. The last three games have seen UNC grow dramatically, and they will definitely need to call upon every lesson learned thus far if they want to beat a talented, angry, and potent Georgia Tech team in Atlanta this week.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Michael Jordan's HOF Speech
Lots of people have been coming out lately about how much they hated Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame speech last week. I actually saw nothing wrong with the speech, and found it enjoyable. There were a multitude of great stories, memorable moments, and of course another comeback threat. I think people expect too much from Jordan; they expect him to be corporate and politically correct and an all-American man, when in fact he is none of those things.
Michael Jordan is a flawed individual. He has a gambling problem. He is obsessed with winning. He is moody, egomaniacal, belligerent, cold-blooded, and above all a cocky son of a bitch who has no problem telling you that you are inferior to him in every way. These traits make Michael Jordan ill-fitted for society.
But it is these traits that make Michael Jordan the greatest competitor of all-time. His speech fit his professional profile: 6 NBA Titles, multiple All-Star appearances, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, 2 Olympic gold medals, MVPs...he is without a doubt the greatest NBA player of all time. And while his Hall speech might not have been the "best ever", you could tell it was sincere.
I applaud Jordan, not just on a great career, but on a Hall speech where he didn't pull any punches, told it exactly the way it is, and gave us a final glimpse at what truly made him the best of all-time.
Michael Jordan is a flawed individual. He has a gambling problem. He is obsessed with winning. He is moody, egomaniacal, belligerent, cold-blooded, and above all a cocky son of a bitch who has no problem telling you that you are inferior to him in every way. These traits make Michael Jordan ill-fitted for society.
But it is these traits that make Michael Jordan the greatest competitor of all-time. His speech fit his professional profile: 6 NBA Titles, multiple All-Star appearances, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, 2 Olympic gold medals, MVPs...he is without a doubt the greatest NBA player of all time. And while his Hall speech might not have been the "best ever", you could tell it was sincere.
I applaud Jordan, not just on a great career, but on a Hall speech where he didn't pull any punches, told it exactly the way it is, and gave us a final glimpse at what truly made him the best of all-time.
College Football Week 3 Preview
After this week, the college football season will be a quarter of the way over.
Think about that for a second. Almost 25% of all college football games will be completed by Sunday evening. If that doesn't scream "EVERY GAME COUNTS" then I don't know what does.
Here are the top 5 match-ups that I know I'll be interested in this week, and some predictions for those who would like to lose all their money in a smelly bar/grille off the Las Vegas strip.
1. ECU @ UNC. Not #1 in terms of importance on a national stage, so it's just easier for everyone to call me a Tar Heel homer and get it over with. The Pirates beat Carolina the last time around on a last-second field goal, and ECU's tandem of QB Patrick Pinkney and RB Chris Johnson just destroyed the bewildered UNC defense. Two things are different - the UNC defense is in the top 10 in the country two weeks into the season, and Chris Johnson is in the NFL. Pinkney has a ton of veteran savvy, but I like the Heels in this game if they can run the ball on offense. Prediction: UNC 20, ECU 14
2. Tennessee @ Florida. Who will NOT be watching this game? Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin made headlines - good and bad, but mostly bad - this off-season, and he started with a bang when he practically guaranteed a victory against the Gators in Gainesville this season...this after all-everything Gator QB Tim Tebow announced he was returning AND after Florida had won a second BCS national championship in three years. I'm curious - will UF coach Urban Meyer try to score more or less than 10 TDs against the Vols and shut Kiffin up? Prediction: Florida 49, Tennessee 28
3. Virginia Tech @ Nebraska. The Hokies bounced back in a big way last week against (insert FCS school here) after getting out-classed by Alabama, but this game is almost as important as that opening week contest. Nebraska is a talented football team, and Bo Pelini has that fabled Blackshirt defense running around in Lincoln once again. If the ACC - and more specifically Virginia Tech - is truly ready for the big time, then they need to win this game. Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Nebraska 21
4. Michigan State @ Notre Dame. This could be the beginning of the end for Charlie Weis. No, seriously. This is it. Notre Dame lost to a less talented Michigan team and made a true freshman QB Tate Forcier look like a superstar. Mark Dantonio has a good team, and Sparty is not afraid of South Bend, having won the last six times there against the Irish. Weis MUST bounce back against the Spartans from East Lansing or he could be staring the unemployment line right in the face. Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Michigan State 17
5. Texas Tech @ Texas. Think Longhorns safety Blake Gideon isn't ready for another shot at the Red Raiders? After dropping the game-sealing INT last year (which led to Tech marching down the field for a TD with 0:02 left on the clock), Gideon and the rest of the Texas football team should be chomping at the bit for avenging their only loss last season, which ultimately kept them out of the BCS national championship game. Prediction: Texas 35, Texas Tech 24
Bonus pick: West Virginia @ Auburn. Auburn has quietly gone 2-0 to open the season, but they'll be facing a WVU team with a ton of explosive weapons on offense, including superstar RB Noel Devine and talented freshmen WRs Tavon Austin and Logan Heastie. Auburn is averaging almost 350 yards a game running the football, and the Mountaineers will be without key contributor Scooter Berry on the defensive line. If you can't watch any of the games above, this game should be an offensive shootout worth the price of admission (or DirecTV, whichever you prefer). Prediciton: Auburn 45, West Virginia 42
Enjoy this week in college football!
Think about that for a second. Almost 25% of all college football games will be completed by Sunday evening. If that doesn't scream "EVERY GAME COUNTS" then I don't know what does.
Here are the top 5 match-ups that I know I'll be interested in this week, and some predictions for those who would like to lose all their money in a smelly bar/grille off the Las Vegas strip.
1. ECU @ UNC. Not #1 in terms of importance on a national stage, so it's just easier for everyone to call me a Tar Heel homer and get it over with. The Pirates beat Carolina the last time around on a last-second field goal, and ECU's tandem of QB Patrick Pinkney and RB Chris Johnson just destroyed the bewildered UNC defense. Two things are different - the UNC defense is in the top 10 in the country two weeks into the season, and Chris Johnson is in the NFL. Pinkney has a ton of veteran savvy, but I like the Heels in this game if they can run the ball on offense. Prediction: UNC 20, ECU 14
2. Tennessee @ Florida. Who will NOT be watching this game? Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin made headlines - good and bad, but mostly bad - this off-season, and he started with a bang when he practically guaranteed a victory against the Gators in Gainesville this season...this after all-everything Gator QB Tim Tebow announced he was returning AND after Florida had won a second BCS national championship in three years. I'm curious - will UF coach Urban Meyer try to score more or less than 10 TDs against the Vols and shut Kiffin up? Prediction: Florida 49, Tennessee 28
3. Virginia Tech @ Nebraska. The Hokies bounced back in a big way last week against (insert FCS school here) after getting out-classed by Alabama, but this game is almost as important as that opening week contest. Nebraska is a talented football team, and Bo Pelini has that fabled Blackshirt defense running around in Lincoln once again. If the ACC - and more specifically Virginia Tech - is truly ready for the big time, then they need to win this game. Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Nebraska 21
4. Michigan State @ Notre Dame. This could be the beginning of the end for Charlie Weis. No, seriously. This is it. Notre Dame lost to a less talented Michigan team and made a true freshman QB Tate Forcier look like a superstar. Mark Dantonio has a good team, and Sparty is not afraid of South Bend, having won the last six times there against the Irish. Weis MUST bounce back against the Spartans from East Lansing or he could be staring the unemployment line right in the face. Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Michigan State 17
5. Texas Tech @ Texas. Think Longhorns safety Blake Gideon isn't ready for another shot at the Red Raiders? After dropping the game-sealing INT last year (which led to Tech marching down the field for a TD with 0:02 left on the clock), Gideon and the rest of the Texas football team should be chomping at the bit for avenging their only loss last season, which ultimately kept them out of the BCS national championship game. Prediction: Texas 35, Texas Tech 24
Bonus pick: West Virginia @ Auburn. Auburn has quietly gone 2-0 to open the season, but they'll be facing a WVU team with a ton of explosive weapons on offense, including superstar RB Noel Devine and talented freshmen WRs Tavon Austin and Logan Heastie. Auburn is averaging almost 350 yards a game running the football, and the Mountaineers will be without key contributor Scooter Berry on the defensive line. If you can't watch any of the games above, this game should be an offensive shootout worth the price of admission (or DirecTV, whichever you prefer). Prediciton: Auburn 45, West Virginia 42
Enjoy this week in college football!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Recap: UNC 12, UConn 10
Big-time nail-biter for the Heels last week. In a game where the Huskies held Carolina to less than 50 yards rushing and under 300 yards of total offense, the defense stepped up big-time to help the Tar Heels sneak out of East Hartford with a victory. UConn was almost as unremarkable on offense as UNC, tallying less than 200 yards of total offense which was no doubt impacted by their starting QB Zach Fraser going out at the end of the first half with a knee injury.
Quick take: the Heels were absolutely lucky to win this game. I would not have been surprised if they had lost 10-0, or if they had won 13-0 the way both teams played last Saturday. The offense simply had no rhythm the first three quarters; they couldn't establish the running game (the leading rusher for the Heels, Ryan Houston, had 30 of his 33 yards on one drive in the fourth quarter) and T.J. Yates continued to make some questionable decisions with the football while throwing two interceptions, one of which was converted by the UConn offense for a touchdown.
With ECU coming to Kenan Stadium this week, the Heels absolutely MUST play better if they want to have any shot of beating a Pirates team hell-bent on proving their last-second 2007 victory was no fluke. The Carolina defense was absolutely stellar in both the Citadel and UConn games, and must continue to play at that level to keep the Heels in their upcoming games. The offense simply must execute better, especially on the offensive line; missed assignments and blown blocks killed any effectiveness that the Heels could hope to create for the majority of the game, and as a result UNC could not gain any traction against the tough Husky defense for the majority of the contest. I hope that the offense gets it in gear this week, or else East Carolina will have even more to crow about.
Quick note: On a crucial 4th down with 0:32 left on the clock, defensive coordinator Everett Withers made his best call of his UNC career when he blitzed the UConn backup QB Cody Endres. The play resulted in a sack and Carolina got the ball back, along with the ability to run out the rest of the clock and seal the victory. It was a gutsy call, and one that I absolutely applaud, especially considering that late-game scenarios has not exactly been Withers' specialty since he arrived in Chapel Hill. Kudos to him and the defensive staff on a tremendous performance last week.
Quick take: the Heels were absolutely lucky to win this game. I would not have been surprised if they had lost 10-0, or if they had won 13-0 the way both teams played last Saturday. The offense simply had no rhythm the first three quarters; they couldn't establish the running game (the leading rusher for the Heels, Ryan Houston, had 30 of his 33 yards on one drive in the fourth quarter) and T.J. Yates continued to make some questionable decisions with the football while throwing two interceptions, one of which was converted by the UConn offense for a touchdown.
With ECU coming to Kenan Stadium this week, the Heels absolutely MUST play better if they want to have any shot of beating a Pirates team hell-bent on proving their last-second 2007 victory was no fluke. The Carolina defense was absolutely stellar in both the Citadel and UConn games, and must continue to play at that level to keep the Heels in their upcoming games. The offense simply must execute better, especially on the offensive line; missed assignments and blown blocks killed any effectiveness that the Heels could hope to create for the majority of the game, and as a result UNC could not gain any traction against the tough Husky defense for the majority of the contest. I hope that the offense gets it in gear this week, or else East Carolina will have even more to crow about.
Quick note: On a crucial 4th down with 0:32 left on the clock, defensive coordinator Everett Withers made his best call of his UNC career when he blitzed the UConn backup QB Cody Endres. The play resulted in a sack and Carolina got the ball back, along with the ability to run out the rest of the clock and seal the victory. It was a gutsy call, and one that I absolutely applaud, especially considering that late-game scenarios has not exactly been Withers' specialty since he arrived in Chapel Hill. Kudos to him and the defensive staff on a tremendous performance last week.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering September 11, 2001
Note: This blog focuses primarily on sports and different issues that it faces. Today, however, I'm going to take a little time out from sports to reflect on the September 11th attacks and their impact on my life and on American culture, though I will try to include sports as best I can. Back to regular programming in the next entry - I promise.
I'm sure that a lot of people are blogging about the 9/11 attacks today, and rightfully so. It's the generational equivalent of the JFK assassination; people will always remember where they were when it happened, how they felt, who they called first, how long they watched television after it happened. The September 11th attacks defined this decade, and many lives moving forward. The US is currently involved in two wars overseas as retaliation/prevention for these attacks, and hundreds of American soldiers have been killed in addition to those who tragically died as the World Trade Center towers fell. No one will ever be the same after these attacks.
There are of course a few things that stand out to me about that Tuesday afternoon in 2001. I was a sophomore in high school, and had just sat down for second period in Mrs. Mayer's Algebra II class, room 316. Mrs. Mayer used the overhead projector for just about everything in that class, and that day the light bulb went out. I volunteered to go get another one for her from the media center/library downstairs. As I walked into the media center, I watched on TV as the second plane flew into the south World Trade Center tower. I asked aloud, "What movie is this?" A friend turned around and said, "That just happened in New York City 5 minutes ago." At that moment, I knew my life had changed forever. I immediately returned to Algebra II with the light bulb, but didn't take a single note in the class. I went down to the guidance office to call my mother to ask about a family member who we had just visited in NYC and who worked in the World Trade Center. She was fine, having stayed at home that day for the roofer to come to their house. Obviously the rest of the day - and the better part of the week, really - was spent checking in with family and watching the horror unfold on television.
As I continue to pursue my career in athletics, the thing that stands out to me most about the 9/11 attacks with regards to sports is how quickly people would turn to sports to help them cope with the unexplainable. I distinctly remember a St. Louis Rams player running out of the tunnel with a massive US flag and the crowd going wild. I remember the Patriots won the Super Bowl that season, the first of their three titles this decade, but how that one meant the most because they were the Patriots...in a time when the country was as patriotic as they had ever been. The World Series included the New York Yankees, a team who represents the city of New York like no other professional franchise can. The country mourned and turned to sports at the same time to help fill the sad, inexplicable, gaping hole that the terrorist attacks had created. The athletic arena became a rallying place, an outlet to forget - for at least a moment - the pain that was caused by those terrible memories.
I was working the other day when I came across a roster for a pee wee football team. I looked at some of the birth dates, specifically the years that the players were born in: none of them was born before the year 2000. They were too young to remember the world before 9/11, before we were all impacted in such a jarring manner. I sit here today a changed person because of September 11th, 2001. I think we all do - we're better Americans, better friends, better husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters...because we understand how fragile life is, and how lucky we are to be Americans. And when those children on that pee wee football roster ask their parents what happened on September 11th, 2001, their parents will take a deep breath, and recount a similar story to the one I just told you, the places and people only slightly different, and their recantation will be as vivid and detailed as it ever was.
Because as Americans, we simply can never forget what happened on 9/11. And I know that I never will.
Bounce Back
Wow.
If the last two games pitting two conference teams against each other are any indication, this is going to be yet another wild and wacky season in the ACC. FSU-Miami was a fantastic game that came down to the final play from scrimmage, and Miami came out over the favored Seminoles by a 4-point margin. The Georgia Tech-Clemson game was just as good, with Georgia Tech going up by 24 points, then Clemson storming back to score 27 straight, then the Yellow Jackets escape with a 3-point victory.
Look, the ACC couldn't get much worse than the games last Thursday and Saturday. Two losses to FCS teams in the same week is unacceptable, and the conference was properly lambasted in the media. However, the last two ACC games have been must-see TV, and have helped the conference save face somewhat. Hopefully this trend continues.
If the last two games pitting two conference teams against each other are any indication, this is going to be yet another wild and wacky season in the ACC. FSU-Miami was a fantastic game that came down to the final play from scrimmage, and Miami came out over the favored Seminoles by a 4-point margin. The Georgia Tech-Clemson game was just as good, with Georgia Tech going up by 24 points, then Clemson storming back to score 27 straight, then the Yellow Jackets escape with a 3-point victory.
Look, the ACC couldn't get much worse than the games last Thursday and Saturday. Two losses to FCS teams in the same week is unacceptable, and the conference was properly lambasted in the media. However, the last two ACC games have been must-see TV, and have helped the conference save face somewhat. Hopefully this trend continues.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
ACC: Week 1 Worries
So in a previous post I talked about how the ACC needed to play better against BCS competition if they wanted to gain the respect of the nation.
That worked out well.
The ACC went 0-4 against out-of-conference BCS foes, and lost to TWO separate FCS schools...all in Week 1. That is absolutely pitiful. It's a wonder that the ACC was even considered to be a dark horse for the third-best BCS conference behind the SEC and the Big XII. I'll be honest, I definitely bought into the hype that the ACC was a legitimately good football conference with some good teams who had a shot at making some noise on the national stage this year. And they still might; Virginia Tech only lost by 10 to Alabama, though it became increasingly apparent towards the end of the game that the Tide was simply a better football team, and contenders Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and the winner of FSU-Miami will still be regarded as good teams after posting Week 1 victories.
But the fact remains that the ACC needs a lot of help if they are ever going to be a great football conference. You simply cannot have teams that lose to William & Mary AND Richmond in the same week while also getting manhandled by Cal and out-slopped by South Carolina (yes I'm looking at you, Virginia, Dook, Maryland and NC State). Here's the Week 2 ACC slate:
Clemson @ Georgia Tech
UNC @ UConn
Stanford @ Wake Forest
Dook @ Army
Marshall @ Virginia Tech
Kent State @ Boston College
TCU @ Virginia
Jacksonville State @ Florida State
James Madison @ Maryland
Murray State @ NC State
The ACC plays two games against OOC BCS teams (UNC vs. UConn; Stanford vs. Wake Forest) while Virginia battles a very good TCU team at home. If the ACC can go 2-1 or even 3-0 against these teams in Week 2, it could be a nice bounce back from the Week 1 debacle. Worst case scenario: we may see teams like Army, Kent State, and James Madison who have no business beating BCS opponents notch one in the win column.
Which would undoubtedly notch another one in the loss column for the ACC's credibility as a big-time college football conference.
That worked out well.
The ACC went 0-4 against out-of-conference BCS foes, and lost to TWO separate FCS schools...all in Week 1. That is absolutely pitiful. It's a wonder that the ACC was even considered to be a dark horse for the third-best BCS conference behind the SEC and the Big XII. I'll be honest, I definitely bought into the hype that the ACC was a legitimately good football conference with some good teams who had a shot at making some noise on the national stage this year. And they still might; Virginia Tech only lost by 10 to Alabama, though it became increasingly apparent towards the end of the game that the Tide was simply a better football team, and contenders Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and the winner of FSU-Miami will still be regarded as good teams after posting Week 1 victories.
But the fact remains that the ACC needs a lot of help if they are ever going to be a great football conference. You simply cannot have teams that lose to William & Mary AND Richmond in the same week while also getting manhandled by Cal and out-slopped by South Carolina (yes I'm looking at you, Virginia, Dook, Maryland and NC State). Here's the Week 2 ACC slate:
Clemson @ Georgia Tech
UNC @ UConn
Stanford @ Wake Forest
Dook @ Army
Marshall @ Virginia Tech
Kent State @ Boston College
TCU @ Virginia
Jacksonville State @ Florida State
James Madison @ Maryland
Murray State @ NC State
The ACC plays two games against OOC BCS teams (UNC vs. UConn; Stanford vs. Wake Forest) while Virginia battles a very good TCU team at home. If the ACC can go 2-1 or even 3-0 against these teams in Week 2, it could be a nice bounce back from the Week 1 debacle. Worst case scenario: we may see teams like Army, Kent State, and James Madison who have no business beating BCS opponents notch one in the win column.
Which would undoubtedly notch another one in the loss column for the ACC's credibility as a big-time college football conference.
Recap: UNC 40, Citadel 6
Note: As the football season gets underway, I think it's only right for me as a UNC fan to give my take on how the Tar Heel Football Team does throughout the 2009 season. I'll be doing this for every game as the season goes on, discussing the positives and negatives of the Heels' performance. This is a recap of their first game against the Citadel, which took place last night in Chapel Hill.
Great win for the Tar Heels last night as they crushed the Citadel 40-6 behind a great effort from RB Shaun Draughn, who rushed for 118 yards on 20 carries. Carolina rushed for over 250 against an over-matched Citadel squad who physically could not keep up with the more talented UNC team.
A few impressions from being at the game last night in Chapel Hill. First, the crowd was absolutely great. This is probably the first time I could actually say this about the crowd since I first started going to UNC football games my freshman year in 2004. The crowd knew when to cheer, when to be quiet, was well-organized on a few chants throughout the game, and was attentive throughout most of the game, leaving only when the game was 37-0 in the 4th quarter (which is more than I could say in years past). Kudos to those in attendance last night who made the atmosphere in Kenan Stadium one of the best in a long time.
Second, the offense has to start playing better. The running game was there all night, and Draughn, Ryan Houston, A.J. Blue, and Jamal Womble were very impressive running the football all over the field last night. But the passing game has to get in gear if the Heels are going to have a legitimate shot at winning the ACC this year. Too many dropped passes and poor reads led to unnecessary turnovers and missed opportunities all night. These problems will fix themselves as time goes on, but there had better be an added emphasis on pass-catching in practice this week as the team prepares for the Connecticut Huskies on September 12th.
One other thing I'd like to quickly note for people to watch as time goes on is the prevent defense played in the final two minutes of each half. Only when this scheme was employed by defensive coordinator Everett Withers was the Citadel able to move the football with some level of consistency. This was a common problem for the Heels last year (see games against Virginia Tech, Miami, Notre Dame, and Virginia in 2008) and it was the same story yesterday. It did produce a turnover (an interception by junior CB Charles Brown), but better teams will be able to exploit this scheme with more frequency if the prevent continues to be executed the way it has been for the last 14 games by the Heels.
Great win for the Tar Heels last night as they crushed the Citadel 40-6 behind a great effort from RB Shaun Draughn, who rushed for 118 yards on 20 carries. Carolina rushed for over 250 against an over-matched Citadel squad who physically could not keep up with the more talented UNC team.
A few impressions from being at the game last night in Chapel Hill. First, the crowd was absolutely great. This is probably the first time I could actually say this about the crowd since I first started going to UNC football games my freshman year in 2004. The crowd knew when to cheer, when to be quiet, was well-organized on a few chants throughout the game, and was attentive throughout most of the game, leaving only when the game was 37-0 in the 4th quarter (which is more than I could say in years past). Kudos to those in attendance last night who made the atmosphere in Kenan Stadium one of the best in a long time.
Second, the offense has to start playing better. The running game was there all night, and Draughn, Ryan Houston, A.J. Blue, and Jamal Womble were very impressive running the football all over the field last night. But the passing game has to get in gear if the Heels are going to have a legitimate shot at winning the ACC this year. Too many dropped passes and poor reads led to unnecessary turnovers and missed opportunities all night. These problems will fix themselves as time goes on, but there had better be an added emphasis on pass-catching in practice this week as the team prepares for the Connecticut Huskies on September 12th.
One other thing I'd like to quickly note for people to watch as time goes on is the prevent defense played in the final two minutes of each half. Only when this scheme was employed by defensive coordinator Everett Withers was the Citadel able to move the football with some level of consistency. This was a common problem for the Heels last year (see games against Virginia Tech, Miami, Notre Dame, and Virginia in 2008) and it was the same story yesterday. It did produce a turnover (an interception by junior CB Charles Brown), but better teams will be able to exploit this scheme with more frequency if the prevent continues to be executed the way it has been for the last 14 games by the Heels.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Reaction to NC State-South Carolina
As an ACC football fan (more specifically a UNC fan) I found tonight's game to be bittersweet. Bitter because an ACC team who was projected to compete for their division lost to a bottom-tier SEC team and failed to score a touchdown, but sweet because it was NC State. However, I think the fact that I'm more upset that the ACC lost is the more important point here. If the ACC is EVER going to be considered on par with the SEC, the Big XII, or even the Big Ten and the Pac-10 they are going to have to start winning games like this - and convincingly.
Here's the ACC schedule for Week 1:
Jacksonville State @ Georgia Tech
Northeastern @ Boston College
Baylor @ Wake Forest
Citadel @ North Carolina
Middle Tennessee State @ Clemson
William & Mary @ Virginia
Richmond @ Dook (yes, that's the correct spelling)
Alabama @ Virginia Tech (in Atlanta, GA)
Maryland @ California
Miami @ Florida State
In that schedule, three teams are playing BCS schools outside of the ACC - Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Maryland. VT is not favored against Alabama (and I'd be willing to bet that the Hokies will lose that game) and Maryland is not favored against Cal (and Maryland will likely lose that game as well). Wake and Baylor is the only game that would likely be a toss-up in my opinion.
Basically - the ACC is having a hard time gaining national respect, and with a schedule like that (as well as outcomes like the NC State-South Carolina game tonight) they will continue to have a hard time showing the country that they belong as an elite BCS conference.
Here's the ACC schedule for Week 1:
Jacksonville State @ Georgia Tech
Northeastern @ Boston College
Baylor @ Wake Forest
Citadel @ North Carolina
Middle Tennessee State @ Clemson
William & Mary @ Virginia
Richmond @ Dook (yes, that's the correct spelling)
Alabama @ Virginia Tech (in Atlanta, GA)
Maryland @ California
Miami @ Florida State
In that schedule, three teams are playing BCS schools outside of the ACC - Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Maryland. VT is not favored against Alabama (and I'd be willing to bet that the Hokies will lose that game) and Maryland is not favored against Cal (and Maryland will likely lose that game as well). Wake and Baylor is the only game that would likely be a toss-up in my opinion.
Basically - the ACC is having a hard time gaining national respect, and with a schedule like that (as well as outcomes like the NC State-South Carolina game tonight) they will continue to have a hard time showing the country that they belong as an elite BCS conference.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
My Take: NFL or NCAA?
Having been actively involved in college and professional athletics over the course of the past three and a half years, I've had a chance to see both sides of this argument. Each of the levels have their advantages; in college, the game seems more fun and is definitely a more emotional experience, while in the pros there is definitely a feeling that the players are some of the best athletes in the world. It's a very tough call, but I'm going to have to go with the NFL.
Look, college football is great. You can't beat some of the rivalries that just permeate through some fan bases - Florida-Georgia, Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn...these guys just HATE each other. Not to mention that anyone can pretty much beat anyone on any given Saturday. But you can't beat the NFL when it comes down to it. You have 16 games to prove your point, then you go to the PLAYOFFS (hint, hint, BCS Committee) in a sudden-death scenario where you have a chance to go to the Super Bowl, the biggest football game in the world. Hard to top that.
Hopefully this year is great for both college football and the NFL (and it is definitely shaping up to be a classic year), and there will be a ton of memorable moments.
Look, college football is great. You can't beat some of the rivalries that just permeate through some fan bases - Florida-Georgia, Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn...these guys just HATE each other. Not to mention that anyone can pretty much beat anyone on any given Saturday. But you can't beat the NFL when it comes down to it. You have 16 games to prove your point, then you go to the PLAYOFFS (hint, hint, BCS Committee) in a sudden-death scenario where you have a chance to go to the Super Bowl, the biggest football game in the world. Hard to top that.
Hopefully this year is great for both college football and the NFL (and it is definitely shaping up to be a classic year), and there will be a ton of memorable moments.
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