My 2015 offseason thread

[russ1945]

Arizona St vs Texas A&M (to be played in Houston)

Arizona St – HC Todd Graham enters his 4[SUP]th[/SUP] season at Arizona St where his record is 28-12. They went 10-3 including a bowl win over Duke 36-31. They return 16 starters in 2015. They do lose QB Taylor Kelly but leading rusher DJ Foster returns along with 8 of their 9 top receivers. They return 8 of their top 10 tacklers. They return 53 lettermen. Last year they ranked #16 in scoring offense and #74 in scoring defense (average ranking of 45).

Texas A&M – HC Kevin Sumlin enters his 4[SUP]th[/SUP] season with the Aggies who finished 8-5 in 2014. The new DC is John Chavis who has been coaching in the SEC since 1989 including the past 6 years at LSU and 20 years at Tennessee. He is as good as it gets and his impact should be immediate. He also kept all of the existing defensive assistants at A&M which I think is worth noting. They return 8 on offense including QB Kyle Allen, top RB Tra Carson, and top receiver Josh Reynolds. On defense they return 8 starters also including 10 of their top 13 tacklers but they do lose their top 3 in that category. They return 53 lettermen. Last year they ranked #26 in scoring offense and # 75 in scoring defense (average ranking of 50.5).

Matchup: It will be interesting to see if the addition of DC John Chavis has an immediate impact. LY A&M started off 5-0 so that means they went 3-5 from that point on. They did defeat W Vir in their bowl game. Their offense should come out firing but we shall see. Arizona St may miss QB Kelly who when healthy was well balanced play maker. Each team having 16 returning starters makes this match up very interesting. Chavis has the entire off season to prepare his game plan for this matchup. That may be a factor. However Graham’s coaching staff is pretty much in synch. This game could be an indicator of things to come for both teams. Whichever team comes out on top will start out on a high note. I think A&M is a team to watch this season but we shall see. Again I am interested in any input on this matchup. BOL

 

[russ1945]

Forgot to say that the current lines on the Arizona St-Texas A&M matchup has A&M as a 3 point favorite.

 

[russ1945]

Texas @ Notre Dame

Texas – HC Charlie Strong’s 1[SUP]st[/SUP] year at Texas resulted in a 6-7 record. This season they return 7 on offense and 5 on defense. QB Tyrone Stoops returns. They return 5 of their top 6 rushers but lose #1 Malcolm Brown. They lose their top 2 receivers including the steady hands of Jason Shipley. Only 1 of their top 7 tacklers return. In 2014 they were ranked #106 in scoring offense and #31 in scoring defense (average ranking of 68.5).

Notre Dame – HC Brian Kelly is starting his 6[SUP]th[/SUP] season in South Bend and his record there is 45-20. They return 7 starters on offense although QB Golson is headed to Florida St. QB Zalik Zaire led them to their bowl victory over LSU and averaged 5.4 yds rushing to finish the season. ND returns their top 2 rushers, and their top 4 receivers. On defense they return 10 starters 4 of whom will be seniors. They are one of the most experienced teams in the nation. In 2014 they ranked #38 in scoring offense and #82 in scoring defense (average ranking of 60).

Matchup – If experience means anything then ND has an edge. Even though QB Zaire did not get much playing time during the regular season, in the bowl game he rushed for 187 yds and threw for 266 yds. Rumors have it that Texas will use two QB’s in their opener against the Irish. There is a lot of pressure on Strong and opening on the road against a possible national contender is asking a lot under the circumstances. ND is favored by 10 points. Being that Texas was ranked #106 in scoring offense last year and going against a defense that returns 10 starters I think the Longhorns have their work cut out for them. Expectations are much higher in South Bend than they are in Austin. Texas is definitely flying under the radar at this point and time but this game could make a lot of people scratch their heads were they to walk away with a victory. BOL

 

[russ1945]

Wisconsin vs Alabama (game to be played in Arlington)

Wisconsin – Former HC Gary Anderson left Wisconsin after 2 years and is now at Oregon St. That made room for Paul Chryst who left Pitt to rejoin his Alma Mater where he played QB. He was also OC at Wisconsin when they had some record breaking years. 3 HC’s in a very short period of time and AD Alvarez could have something to do with that. The Badgers went 9-4 and 11-3 under Anderson and return 11 starters. They return 6 on offense and QB Joel Stave Jr returns but they lose prolific RB Melvin Gordon but Corey Clement could fill the bill. They return leading receiver Alex Erickson and 5 of their top 8. They receive 9 of their top 12 tacklers. They return 47 lettermen. In 2014 they ranked #27 in scoring offense and #17 in scoring defense (average ranking of 16.5)

Alabama – In his first 8 seasons with the Tide HC Nick Saban ‘s record is 91-17. His OC Lane Kiffin and DC Kirby Smart are as good as it gets. Last season they went 12-2 losing to Ole Miss and to Ohio St in the semifinals. Not often you can refer to that kind of a season as a disappointment but there you have it. In last season’s opener they were 25 point favorites over W Virginia and won by 10. They beat Arkansas 14-13 and Miss St 25-20. This year they return 10 starters, 3 on offense and 7 on defense. Bama will have a new QB but their top rusher Derrick Henry returns. They also lose their top 3 receivers including AA Adrian Cooper. They also lose 3 of their top 4 tacklers. They return 56 lettermen. In 2014 they ranked #15 in scoring offense and #6 in scoring defense (average ranking of 10.5).

Matchup – So 2 teams who ranked very high in average ranking (offensive scoring + defensive scoring ranking divided by 2) but by the same token return only 21 starters between them. Head coaching wise it pits a living coaching legend against a home town boy in his first year as HC at his alma mater. In 2014 Alabama returned 12 starters and Wisconsin returned 10 so this is nothing new. The game is being played on a neutral field which could work either way for either team. I do like the fact that Wisconsin retained DC Dave Aranda but I am sure that was on Alvarez. Having been a former QB Chryst could be just what the doctor ordered for returning QB Stave who threw 9 TD’s and 10 int’s last season. We shall see. Could be a very interesting game and we will learn a lot about both teams in this one. BOL

 

[russ1945]

North Carolina vs South Carlina (game to be played in Charlotte)

North Carolina – HC Larry Fedora is entering his 4[SUP]th[/SUP] season with the Tar Heels following seasons of 8-4 and 7-6 and last year went 6-7. So their record dropped despite the fact that they returned 15 starters although they did lose QB Renner. This year they return 17 starters, 10 on offense and 7 on defense. This year QB Marquis Williams returns and he was also their leading rusher in 2014. They return their top 4 receivers. On defense they return 15 of their top tacklers. In 2014 they ranked #36 in scoring offense and #116 in scoring defense (average ranking of 76).

South Carolina – HC Spurrier had logged in 3 consecutive 11-2 seasons going into the 2014 season. In 2014 they finished 7-6 despite returning 14 starters. Heading into his 10[SUP]th[/SUP] season with the Gamecocks Spurrier is 77-39. This year they return 12 starters, 4 on offense and 8 on defense. So they do not return an experienced QB, lose their top RB, and do return their top receiver but lose receivers 2 thru 6. On defense they return 7 of their top 10 tacklers. In 2014 they ranked #39 in scoring offense and #84 in scoring defense (average ranking of 64).

Matchup – N. Carolina does not have to play Florida St, Clemson, or Louisville in conference this season so that could be an incentive. New DC Gene Chizik will be a big influence and should turn the defense around and has a lot to work with. QB Williams is an all around QB and should benefit from last season. Their running game should improve also. For the Gamecocks it looks like the defense will have to set the pace this season, at least until the offense can gel. Last year the Gamecocks lost their opener to Texas A&M 28-52. These two teams met in their 2013 opener at South Carolina with South Carolina prevailing 27-10. So these two HC’s have gone head to head before. A neutral field might help but I am sure NC would have preferred to have played this one in Chapel Hill. Although neither team is ranked very high coming into this season this needs to be a turn around season for both teams. BOL

 

[russ1945]

Washington @ Boise State

Washington – HC Chris Peterson enters his 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] yr with the Huskies which went 8-6 in 2014. They return 9 starters, 5 on offense and 4 on defense. They are starting from scratch at QB with the retirement of QB Cyler Miles due to chronic hip injury. However, they do return their top 2 rushers and top 4 receivers. Last year they had 5 5[SUP]th[/SUP] year players on OL and this year they are starting from scratch. So on offense they are hard to assess at this time. On defense they lose 5 of their top 6 tacklers. In 2014 they ranked #54 in scoring defense and #39 in scoring defense (average ranking of 46.5).

Boise St – HC Bryan Harsin also enters his 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] yr with the Broncos who finished 2014 at 12-2 after going 8-5 in 2013. This year they return 17 starters, 9 on offense and 8 on defense. They will definitely miss QB Grant Hedrick who was also the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] leading rusher last season. So the big question mark is QB. They lose their #1 #2 rushers but return #3,#4,#5, and #6 rushers and will be bolstered by a very experiences OL. They also return their top 2 receivers. On defense they return their top 5 tacklers. In 2014 they ranked #9 in scoring offense and #89 in scoring defense (average ranking of 64).

These two teams last played in 2013 with Washington winning at home 38-6. These 2 HC’s have not faced each other. Washington has to fill the QB position as does Boise St. That makes the game hard to visualize at this point and time. Last season Washington’s defense ranked better than their offense but they return only 4 on defense. So Washington is a big question mark. Boise St is coming off of a better 2014 season and returns 17 starters, Harsin in just 2 seasons as a HC is off to a 19-7 start. He is one of the leading young HC’s out there and could establish himself with another good record this year. Some think they have a shot at an unbeaten regular season. Well the Washington matchup should help tell that tale. They play BYU in week 2. Air Force surprised them last year but their bowl win over Arizona may be an indicator of things to come in 2015, of course if the QB position rises to the occasion. BOL

 

[russ1945]

^^^^^Boise St is now favored by 10 to 11 points.

 

[russ1945]

Stanford at Northwestern

Stanford – Last year under 5[SUP]th[/SUP] year HC David Shaw Stanford fell to 8-5 after going 11-2, 12-2, and 11-3 in the prior 3 years. His record with the Cardinal stands at 42-12 coming into 2015. They return 13 starters, 9 on offense and 4 on defense. On offense Sr Keith Hogan returns as well as their top rusher. They lose their top receiver but their top 7 out of 8 do return. They return 47 lettermen. In 2014 they ranked #77 in scoring offense and #2 in scoring defense (average ranking of 39.5).

Northwestern – HC Pat Fitzgerald enters his 10[SUP]th[/SUP] season with the Wildcat and his record is 60-53. They have gone 5-7 in the past two seasons. They return 14 starters, 6 on offense and 8 on defense. On offense they will have a new QB and have an adequate number of receivers returning but the numbers need to improve in the passing department. On defense they return 7 of their top 10 tacklers. In 2014 they ranked #36 in scoring offense and #98 in scoring defense (average ranking of 47).

Matchup – Stanford’s defense has a history of success and even though they return only 4 starters their system is intact. QB Hogan gives them an edge in that area also. Coming off of their worst season under Shaw both he and the players will be out to prove they still have it. They lost 3 games each by 3 points. NW is sliding a bit and they may need some time to get their act together, at least on offense. I can see Hogan having a field day but we can wait a while before making a prediction. At this time the line has Stanford as a 12 point favorite. Again, interested in any comments or input on this and all the other games I am covering here. BOL

 

[russ1945]

Louisville @ Auburn

Louisville – HC Bobby Petrino returned to Lousiville and started out 9-4. Two of those regular season losses were to Clemson and to Florida St. He has a top notch coaching group which includes OC Garrick McGee and DC Todd Grantham. But they return only 9 starters in 2105, 5 on offense and 4 on defense. They do return QB Will Gardner and they have a lot of depth at that position. Leading rusher Brandon Radcliff returns and they also have good depth at that position. They return on 1 of their top receivers. On defense they return 4 of their top 5 tacklers. In 2014 they ranked #50 in scoring offense and #24 in scoring defense (average ranking of 37).

Auburn – HC Gus Malzahn is one of my favorites. What he did as an asst coach is unreal especially at Auburn when they won the NC. I think he was more of a factor than was Chizik. Now that he is on his own he took over team that had just finished 3-9 and has since gone 12-2 and 8-5. Yes last year was a down year but they were still competitive. This year they return 4 on offense and 8 on defense. Offense has always been their forte (Malzahn) so even though they lose QB Marshall they can probably make that transition but they lose their top 3 rushers. Without a rushing QB that could hurt. They return 3 of their top 5 receivers. On defense their best addition is new DC Will Muschamp. Malzahn and Muschamp could be a marriage made in heaven. With 8 returning of defense including their top 1 tacklers Muschamp has something to work with. In 2014 they ranked #24 in scoring offense and #62 in scoring defense.

Matchup – Last year Auburn face Arkansas and won 45-21 in their season opener. They lost to Miss St, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama and Wisconsin. They started the season 5-0 and then went 3-5. Louisville won their opener last year beating Miami Fl 31-13. Both teams have something to prove and coaching is going to be a huge factor. Both of these coaching staffs rank high in my books now that Muschamp has joined Auburn. In this matchup coaching is a huge factor with neither team having the advantage. Should be an interesting game and like all the others I have touched on I will get more in depth on each of them in time. At this time has Auburn favored by 10 to 11.

 

[GoSooners]

Last year TCU hosted Minnesota and won 30-7. TCU forced 5 TO’s and held Minnesota to 99 yds rushing (they averaged 233 ypg). TCU QB Trevone Boykin passed for 258 yes and rushed for 92 yds.

TCU – HC Gary Patterson is in his 15[SUP]th[/SUP] season with the Horned Frogs and his record coming into the season is 132-45. 12-1 season losing only Baylor. They lost DC Dick Bumpas but promoted co-DC’s from within the program. They return 10 on offense including Boykin and 5 on defense. They return 5 of their top 6 rushers and 8 out of 10 of their top receivers including their top 3. They lose 6 of their top 7 tacklers. They return 62 lettermen. Last year they were ranked #2 in scoring offense and #8 in scoring defense (average ranking of 5).

Minnesota – HC Jerry Kill has fought health problems all through his career. He enters his 5[SUP]th[/SUP] season with the Gophers with a record of 25-26. His coaching staff has been together for over a decade. His team comes off of an 8-5 record in 2014. They return 5 on offense and 7 on defense. QB Mitch Leidner returns as do 5 of their top 6 rushers (they do lose their #1 rusher from last year), and return 1 of their top receivers. They lose their top tackler but return 6 of their ten top tacklers. They return 48 lettermen. Their biggest win in 2014 was at Nebraska 28-24.

Matchup: This is a tough one for Minnesota coming out of the gate against one of the most well balanced teams in 2014. Even though the Horned Frogs lose 6 starters on defense their offense should dominate in this fray. The current line has TCU favored by 2 TD’s. The only good thing is that Minn has the home field advantage. In 2014 the Gophers were 6-1 at home losing only to Ohio St 23-31.

Again, no picks yet and I am open to input to get opinions on the outcome. BOL

I think this is a very tough matchup for Minny facing a veteran QB and offense this early in the season. When the line for this game first came out, I didn't particularly like it. But it's now moved down to a favorable number. So this is one that is definitely on my radar.

 

[russ1945]

I think this is a very tough matchup for Minny facing a veteran QB and offense this early in the season. When the line for this game first came out, I didn't particularly like it. But it's now moved down to a favorable number. So this is one that is definitely on my radar.

I think the TCU offense will be the difference in this one for sure. TCU being a 2 TD favorite is not hard to buy into.

 

[GoSooners]

I think the TCU offense will be the difference in this one for sure. TCU being a 2 TD favorite is not hard to buy into.

I look at it this way. TCU is a team that will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after being snubbed from the final four. I think they'll put their foot on the pedal at every opportunity to leave no doubts with the playoff committee.

 

[DeadLast]

Louisville @ Auburn

Louisville – HC Bobby Petrino returned to Lousiville and started out 9-4. Two of those regular season losses were to Clemson and to Florida St. He has a top notch coaching group which includes OC Garrick McGee and DC Todd Grantham. But they return only 9 starters in 2105, 5 on offense and 4 on defense. They do return QB Will Gardner and they have a lot of depth at that position. Leading rusher Brandon Radcliff returns and they also have good depth at that position. They return on 1 of their top receivers. On defense they return 4 of their top 5 tacklers. In 2014 they ranked #50 in scoring offense and #24 in scoring defense (average ranking of 37).

Auburn – HC Gus Malzahn is one of my favorites. What he did as an asst coach is unreal especially at Auburn when they won the NC. I think he was more of a factor than was Chizik. Now that he is on his own he took over team that had just finished 3-9 and has since gone 12-2 and 8-5. Yes last year was a down year but they were still competitive. This year they return 4 on offense and 8 on defense. Offense has always been their forte (Malzahn) so even though they lose QB Marshall they can probably make that transition but they lose their top 3 rushers. Without a rushing QB that could hurt. They return 3 of their top 5 receivers. On defense their best addition is new DC Will Muschamp. Malzahn and Muschamp could be a marriage made in heaven. With 8 returning of defense including their top 1 tacklers Muschamp has something to work with. In 2014 they ranked #24 in scoring offense and #62 in scoring defense.

Matchup – Last year Auburn face Arkansas and won 45-21 in their season opener. They lost to Miss St, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama and Wisconsin. They started the season 5-0 and then went 3-5. Louisville won their opener last year beating Miami Fl 31-13. Both teams have something to prove and coaching is going to be a huge factor. Both of these coaching staffs rank high in my books now that Muschamp has joined Auburn. In this matchup coaching is a huge factor with neither team having the advantage. Should be an interesting game and like all the others I have touched on I will get more in depth on each of them in time. At this time has Auburn favored by 10 to 11.

Russ, I agree this will be an interesting match-up. Petrino begged for the Auburn job when Malzahn was hired but was completely snubbed by the PTB. A win in this game would be a little pay back for that snubbing.

Originally I didn’t think Louisville would be able to score enough to keep up, but I’m having second thoughts now. It looks like Duke Williams may miss this contest and possibly the whole season. The kid is a great talent (projected by Mel Kiper to be the first receiver drafted) but a complete head case. His presence creates an automatic double team. Without him (and no apparent deep threat with Coates going pro) AU’s passing game will take a huge hit. Many people close to the AU program believe Jeremy Johnson is the best passer AU has had since Pat Sullivan, but without Williams (and the departure of Coates) it could be a few games before the passing game clicks on all cylinders.

Despite losing Artis-Payne and Marshall I look for AU’s running game to be as strong as ever. Two 5 stars highlight one of the deepest backfields in the country. Jovon Robinson (number 1 juco player in the country last year) and Roc Thomas will probably split carries the first few games. I believe Malzahn would like to settle on Robinson but Roc has added a little weight and really showed out in practice so far.

Don’t look for AU to run a lot of read option like they have with Marshall the last two years. Instead, the inverted veer will probably be their base offense (similar to what they ran with Cam Newton in 2010). Marshall has the size to run inside but not the quickness needed for the read option.

I look for AU’s offensive line to be outstanding again. Despite losing Rimington Award winner Dismukes at center, don’t look for a huge drop off. Austin Golson started some as a true freshman for Ole Miss two years ago at right tackle before transferring to AU. He had to sit out last year, but that should work in his favor as he was moved to center and had a season with the scout team to learn the position. By all indications he is the real deal and even more physical at the point of contact than Dismukes. Braden Smith started at right tackle in the Bowl game as a true freshman last year but will be moved inside this year. He is a physical specimen that should only get better as the season goes along. Alex Kozan was a freshman AA two years ago but sat out last year with an injury. He will anchor the guard position opposite Smith. Both starting tackles from last year (Coleman and Young) returns.

AU’s defense is a huge question mark. I don’t believe they have elite SEC talent, but they certainly are more talented than they showed under Ellis Johnson the last two years. The addition of Muschamp and Travaris Robinson (DB coach) should pay immediate dividends. There is decent talent along the defensive line but little depth. Having Lawson back from injury is huge - there aren’t many better talents in college ball. Not sure how the addition of Byron Cowart (number 1 high school recruit in the country last year) will play out against Louisville, but I’m sure they will have packages to get him in the game. The defensive backfield is a lot like the front seven - decent starting talent but little depth. Only thing for sure with that group is they will be better coached than last year.

Laying the points may be the way to go but I would proceed carefully. Petrino will certainly have his kids ready to play. That and the question marks surrounding AU’s passing game/defense make it a risky proposition. I think Louisville’s Devonte Fields is also a wildcard in this game. AU’s left tackle (Coleman) is a solid road grader but had trouble in pass pro last year - especially against elite DE talent. If AU has to open the passing game up, Fields could have a field (pun intended) day.

 

[cloverleaf]

Nice read there partner but have a couple of questions if you don't mind. One, Louisville's offensive line rated one of the weakest in the ACC against a better than average Muschamp SEC defensive line. Bloody mismatch! Also, what makes you think Louisville's offense can keep up with Auburn's offense? Auburn has the better QB, better RB's, better receivers and better OL.

Auburn will kick motorcycle boy back where he belongs. Tigers don't/didn't need this hustler for their head coach.

Take Auburn and give the points.

 

[russ1945]

Here are 5 teams that stand out in one of my systems to improve on last years ATS record. The main reason is that they should make marked improvement in last years average ranking (scoring offense ranking + scoring defense ranking divided by 2) and also because of the number of returning starters. Last year’s ATS records are in brackets:

Colorado (6-6) – 17 returning starters

Michigan (5-7) – 17 returning starters

Notre Dame (6-7) – 19 returning starters

Oklahoma St (5-7) – 16 returning starters

Texas Tech (6-6) – 17 returning starters

 

[russ1945]

That's what I am talking about. DL and Clover are already kicking the pigskin around. In put is important and both of them bring up points for consideration. Makes for lively discussion and that is what this forum should be all about. Thanks guys.

 

[cloverleaf]

Here are 5 teams that stand out in one of my systems to improve on last years ATS record. The main reason is that they should make marked improvement in last years average ranking (scoring offense ranking + scoring defense ranking divided by 2) and also because of the number of returning starters. Last year’s ATS records are in brackets:

Colorado (6-6) – 17 returning starters

I'm not a Mike Gundy fan, never will be but the guy has posted a 67-50 ATS mark to keep cowboy bettors simi happy. My suggestion if you are looking at Oklahoma State as a possible wager...consider them as a home dog. Last four years they have been money going 13-5. Also, probably a shocker to most. The Cowboys have owned Baylor at home with an 8-0 money mark.

Not sure why...something about Gundy I don't

Michigan (5-7) – 17 returning starters

Notre Dame (6-7) – 19 returning starters

Oklahoma St (5-7) – 16 returning starters

Texas Tech (6-6) – 17 returning starters

I have never been a fan of Mike Gundy. I'm sure the Cowboy fans could give a rat's ass about my feeling for Mr. Gundy. After all, he's given the faithful bettors a 67-50 ATS record. Where I do like Mikey is as a home favorite where he has delivered a 13-5 record to the money the past four years. Hard to go against the Cowboys as a home favorite. Just my take for what its worth.

 

[russ1945]

I have never been a fan of Mike Gundy. I'm sure the Cowboy fans could give a rat's ass about my feeling for Mr. Gundy. After all, he's given the faithful bettors a 67-50 ATS record. Where I do like Mikey is as a home favorite where he has delivered a 13-5 record to the money the past four years. Hard to go against the Cowboys as a home favorite. Just my take for what its worth.

I will probably take them in their season opener.

 

[DeadLast]

Nice read there partner but have a couple of questions if you don't mind. One, Louisville's offensive line rated one of the weakest in the ACC against a better than average Muschamp SEC defensive line. Bloody mismatch! Also, what makes you think Louisville's offense can keep up with Auburn's offense? Auburn has the better QB, better RB's, better receivers and better OL.

Auburn will kick motorcycle boy back where he belongs. Tigers don't/didn't need this hustler for their head coach.

Take Auburn and give the points.

First off, I would not take Louisville in this game no matter what. AU has a huge talent advantage (especially at the positions you mentioned). They could easily run off and hide. But that may not be the case.

First, like I said, Petrino will have his kids ready to play. His teams have played way over their heads against AU in the past and I expect nothing less from them this year.

Second, I think Johnson is going to be a very good QB, but it may take a few games for AU’s passing game to start rolling - especially if Duke Williams doesn’t play. Even with Williams they don’t have a vertical threat. Without him Louisville will be able to spread the double teams around creating havoc for a young (and relatively inexperienced) QB. If that happens AU will have to rely more on their running game than they want. While I think the running game will be a strength this year, it may take a game or two for the O-Line to jell. Keep in mind, Kozan has not played with this group and Smith and Golson are playing new positions. At this point, they have no chemistry together. Louisville did a decent job against the run last year - no reason to believe they won’t be able to slow AU down if they go one dimensional.

Finally, Louisville may not be an offense juggernaut, but on the flip side, AU didn’t stop anyone the second half of the season last year. While I expect major defensive improvements from this team and staff, you never know how things will work out until they play a game or two. Also, AU is going to a different scheme under Muschamp - no more of Ellis Johnson’s 4-2-5. Muschamp will run more 3-4 with some 4-3 thrown in. I’m not sure AU has a true nose to play the 3-4. Adams will be the man but he has never lined up over center before.

When I saw this line I thought AU was free money, but with all the unanswered questions surrounding this team I’m treading lightly. I’ll play a little on AU but not betting the farm.

And for what it is worth, I agree with you - Petrino would have been an awful hire for AU.

 

[cloverleaf]

None of my business sir...do you live down in the Mobile, Alabama area?

You ain't no virgin...good stuff my friend even if we disagree.