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Spring Football...news and notes
- Thread starter cloverleaf
- Start date
East Car is going to be a tough out on the road , and assuming the Hokies lose to ohio st a loss to the pirates in game 4 could make for a long season. .... Probably easy to find 4 con losses too , looks like a 6-6 type year.
Ty, I believe VT has a chance to improve on last season's 7-6 record mainly because of defense. Lot of questions again concerning the offense. The home opener against Ohio State is brutal to start the season. I give them little chance to win the game because I don't think the offense can score enough points. Throw the spread in there and that's a different ball game. If I can get +21 I'll probably go with the Hokies.
Alabama
The Crimson Tide's JK Scott is to punters this season what Florida State's Roberto Aguayo is to placekickers....both bona fide weapons who can change the momentum of a game with his foot. Bama's Scott just had the best season ever by a Alabama punter, leading the nation in average and net punting...as a true freshman. His ability to control field position and pin opponents makes it doubly difficult to operate against Bama's DEFENSE. Guys, when your capping Bama and worried about the quarterback....might want to think about the weapon Mr. Scott brings to the table. I do!
The Crimson Tide's JK Scott is to punters this season what Florida State's Roberto Aguayo is to placekickers....both bona fide weapons who can change the momentum of a game with his foot. Bama's Scott just had the best season ever by a Alabama punter, leading the nation in average and net punting...as a true freshman. His ability to control field position and pin opponents makes it doubly difficult to operate against Bama's DEFENSE. Guys, when your capping Bama and worried about the quarterback....might want to think about the weapon Mr. Scott brings to the table. I do!
How about the Clemson kicker? DUI w/ cocaine possession. The holy roller coach won't like that!
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...ammon-lakip-charged-with-coke-possession-dui/
Shortly after the reports surfaced, Clemson announced that Lakip has been indefinitely suspended from the football program.
“We are aware of Ammon’s arrest, and he was suspended from all team activities and sent home immediately,” said head coach Dabo Swinney in a statement. “He has been suspended indefinitely. His status for the 2015 season will be evaluated later in the summer.”
For his career, Lakip is 22-30 (73.3 percent) on field goal attempts and 51-52 on point after tries for 117 points in 20 games (13 starts). In 2014, Lakip was 21-28 (75.0 percent) on field goals and 43-44 on extra points for a team-high 106 points.
In November, he was named as one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award. Following his redshirt junior season, he was named honorable mention All-ACC by both the coaches and media.
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...ammon-lakip-charged-with-coke-possession-dui/
Shortly after the reports surfaced, Clemson announced that Lakip has been indefinitely suspended from the football program.
“We are aware of Ammon’s arrest, and he was suspended from all team activities and sent home immediately,” said head coach Dabo Swinney in a statement. “He has been suspended indefinitely. His status for the 2015 season will be evaluated later in the summer.”
For his career, Lakip is 22-30 (73.3 percent) on field goal attempts and 51-52 on point after tries for 117 points in 20 games (13 starts). In 2014, Lakip was 21-28 (75.0 percent) on field goals and 43-44 on extra points for a team-high 106 points.
In November, he was named as one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award. Following his redshirt junior season, he was named honorable mention All-ACC by both the coaches and media.
Coach, according to Dave Bartoo at CFB Matrix: A team with both kickers returning average +1 wins a year total. Teams that lose both kickers is nearly a full game below last year's total.
Teams with BEST kicker/punter Combinations:
1. Utah.....2. Duke.....3. Florida State.....4. West Virginia.....5. TCU.....6. Arizona State.....7. Wake Forest.....8. Memphis.....9. Alabama.....10. LSU.....11. Washington.....12. Nevada.....13. Kentucky.....14. Miami.....15. Kansas State.
*The best field goal kicker is from Florida State.
*The best punter is from Alabama.
Teams with BEST kicker/punter Combinations:
1. Utah.....2. Duke.....3. Florida State.....4. West Virginia.....5. TCU.....6. Arizona State.....7. Wake Forest.....8. Memphis.....9. Alabama.....10. LSU.....11. Washington.....12. Nevada.....13. Kentucky.....14. Miami.....15. Kansas State.
*The best field goal kicker is from Florida State.
*The best punter is from Alabama.
Year Of The Running Backs...Maybe?
With teams throwing the ball all over the field now days it's easy to lose site of strong rushing attacks. There are some really good running backs returning for 2015. Take a look...........
Player..School..2014 Rushing yards
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, 1873
2. Nick Chubb, Georgia, 1547
3. Leonard Fournette, LSU, 1034
4. Derrick Henry, Alabama, 990
5. Royce Freeman, Oregon, 1365
6. Samaje Perine, Oklahoma, 1713
7. James Cooper, Pitt, 1765
8. Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego St., 1873
9. Paul Perkins, UCLA, 1575
10. Devin Cook, Florida St., 1008
11. Alex Collins, Arkansas, 1100
11. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas, 1190
13. Nick Wilson, Arizona, 1375
14. Devontae Booker, Utah, 1512
15. Shock Linwood, Baylor, 1252
Others: Devon Johnson (Marshall), Jalen Hurd (Tennessee), Justin Jackson (Northwestern), Jarvion Franklin (Western Michigan), Kareem Hunt (Toledo), Aaron Green (TCU),
I'm sure you could add to this list but these guys are a pretty good representation of the talent at running back this season.
5.
With teams throwing the ball all over the field now days it's easy to lose site of strong rushing attacks. There are some really good running backs returning for 2015. Take a look...........
Player..School..2014 Rushing yards
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, 1873
2. Nick Chubb, Georgia, 1547
3. Leonard Fournette, LSU, 1034
4. Derrick Henry, Alabama, 990
5. Royce Freeman, Oregon, 1365
6. Samaje Perine, Oklahoma, 1713
7. James Cooper, Pitt, 1765
8. Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego St., 1873
9. Paul Perkins, UCLA, 1575
10. Devin Cook, Florida St., 1008
11. Alex Collins, Arkansas, 1100
11. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas, 1190
13. Nick Wilson, Arizona, 1375
14. Devontae Booker, Utah, 1512
15. Shock Linwood, Baylor, 1252
Others: Devon Johnson (Marshall), Jalen Hurd (Tennessee), Justin Jackson (Northwestern), Jarvion Franklin (Western Michigan), Kareem Hunt (Toledo), Aaron Green (TCU),
I'm sure you could add to this list but these guys are a pretty good representation of the talent at running back this season.
5.
Coach, according to Dave Bartoo at CFB Matrix: A team with both kickers returning average +1 wins a year total. Teams that lose both kickers is nearly a full game below last year's total.
Teams with BEST kicker/punter Combinations:
1. Utah.....2. Duke.....3. Florida State.....4. West Virginia.....5. TCU.....6. Arizona State.....7. Wake Forest.....8. Memphis.....9. Alabama.....10. LSU.....11. Washington.....12. Nevada.....13. Kentucky.....14. Miami.....15. Kansas State.
*The best field goal kicker is from Florida State.
*The best punter is from Alabama.
Wow. Interesting stat.
Any chance this Clemson kicker gets allowed back on the team? I think the cocaine possession will do him in w/ the religious coaching staff. I could be wrong though....winning may be more important to Swinney.
Wow. Interesting stat.
Any chance this Clemson kicker gets allowed back on the team? I think the cocaine possession will do him in w/ the religious coaching staff. I could be wrong though....winning may be more important to Swinney.
With a good lawyer...yeah Lakip will be back. "He has been sent home and suspended indefinitely. His status for the 2015 season will be evaluated later in the summer." Dabo Swinney.
Clemson has two RS Freshman kickers on the roster who have never kicked in a game. Even though Lakip is the only kicker with any experience, he won't make anyone forget Lou Groza. He was 21 of 28 last year which ranked him 7th in the ACC. In the three games Clemson lost, he was 3 of 6 ranking 13th in the conference for kickers during games lost.
**The BIG blow to Clemson happened today when starting LT Isaiah Battle announced he was entering the NFL supplementary draft. Now that's a problem when you consider the next in line is true freshman Mitch Hyatt who enrolled early and has spring training under his belt. Starting left tackle a true freshman equals big problem in 99 of 100 cases.
More bad news for Clemson. Their starting LT, Sr Isaiah Battle has decided to leave school and opt for the NFL. This is a critical loss for Dabo because not only does he lose one of his most stable players at the most important position on the O-line, but the back-up is a Freshman.
CL beat you w/ this info by more than an hour....he's pretty good for an old dude!
Ohio State
Repeating as national champions is the expectation for Ohio State and with good reason, but the Buckeyes can't afford slips like they did last season against Virginia Tech. However, this team is talented and very likely will play like it. The offense has three quarterbacks who can beat opponents with their arms and legs and the fact they have four offensive line starters back bolds well for Ohio State. Cardale Jones has the biggest arm, Braxton Miller the best runner and J.T. Barrett is well balanced. Add running back Ezckiel Elliott to the mix and you have the potential for an explosive offense...even better than last year's 9th rated team. The defense won't have a hugh drop off either with 7 starters back off a group ranked 19th last year. Defensively, Ohio State lost some key players...so keeping the defense at a top level is a main concern. Urban Meyer had done a great job of stock piling talent and should be in the thick of the race, this time from the driver's seat. Ohio State's last two game will tell the tail. Hope they don't get too bored before they get there......
@Virginia Tech.....Hawaii.....Northern Illinois.....Western Michigan.....@Indiana.....Maryland.....Penn State.....@Rutgers.....Minnesota....@Illinois.....Michigan State.....@Michigan
Repeating as national champions is the expectation for Ohio State and with good reason, but the Buckeyes can't afford slips like they did last season against Virginia Tech. However, this team is talented and very likely will play like it. The offense has three quarterbacks who can beat opponents with their arms and legs and the fact they have four offensive line starters back bolds well for Ohio State. Cardale Jones has the biggest arm, Braxton Miller the best runner and J.T. Barrett is well balanced. Add running back Ezckiel Elliott to the mix and you have the potential for an explosive offense...even better than last year's 9th rated team. The defense won't have a hugh drop off either with 7 starters back off a group ranked 19th last year. Defensively, Ohio State lost some key players...so keeping the defense at a top level is a main concern. Urban Meyer had done a great job of stock piling talent and should be in the thick of the race, this time from the driver's seat. Ohio State's last two game will tell the tail. Hope they don't get too bored before they get there......
@Virginia Tech.....Hawaii.....Northern Illinois.....Western Michigan.....@Indiana.....Maryland.....Penn State.....@Rutgers.....Minnesota....@Illinois.....Michigan State.....@Michigan
Georgia Tech Senior sstarting LB Anthony Harrell has left the team and will play for Florida this season. He will transfer as a graduate student and can play immediately. Or can he? He announced his intentions via tweet AFTER Georgia Tech suspended him. Will Florida be able to take him with the now tough SEC rules about suspended players transfering to an SEC school in place?
Nick Saban - Openers
Some coaches have a gift of getting their players ready over the summer and during fall practice for the opening game. Alabama's Saban is one of them. Since he has been at Alabama, the Tide coach is 8-0 straight up and 6-1 against the spread in the first game of the season. This year's opener is against Wisconsin where Alabama will be favored by 10-14 points.
2007: Western Carolina, not lined, won 52-6
2008: Clemson, +4.5, won 34-10
2009: Virginia Tech +6.5, won 34-24
2010: San Jose State +39.5, won 48-3
2011: Kent State +39, won 48-7
2012: Michigan +13, won 41-14
2013: Virginia Tech +21, won 35-10
2014: West Virginia +23, won but lost ATS
2015: Wisconsin +
Saban's eight year record at Alabama is 91-17. His against the spread record is 55-46-1.
Some coaches have a gift of getting their players ready over the summer and during fall practice for the opening game. Alabama's Saban is one of them. Since he has been at Alabama, the Tide coach is 8-0 straight up and 6-1 against the spread in the first game of the season. This year's opener is against Wisconsin where Alabama will be favored by 10-14 points.
2007: Western Carolina, not lined, won 52-6
2008: Clemson, +4.5, won 34-10
2009: Virginia Tech +6.5, won 34-24
2010: San Jose State +39.5, won 48-3
2011: Kent State +39, won 48-7
2012: Michigan +13, won 41-14
2013: Virginia Tech +21, won 35-10
2014: West Virginia +23, won but lost ATS
2015: Wisconsin +
Saban's eight year record at Alabama is 91-17. His against the spread record is 55-46-1.
Texas Tech
Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech's pretty boy coach enters his third year with a 12-13 record. The 2014 season was rather troubling for Kingsbury as the team finished a disappointing 4-8. The Red Raider offense returns almost their entire group of starters including junior Davis Webb at quarterback (2,539 yds, 24 tds, 13 ints). Webb has a nice group of receivers to throw to especially WR Jakeem Grant who hauled in 67 passes last year. Deandre Washington returns at running back after rushing for 1,103 yards last season. The offense averaged 30.5 points per contest during 2014 and have the weapons to improve on that this year. BUT then there's the defense...which allowed 41 points per contest. The defense ranked 121st nationally giving up a generous 513 yards a game. In other words, the defense was God-awful and most of the same players return. For the defense to make any improvement, the front seven must make huge improvements. They are moving to a 4-3 alignment hoping to improve the interior line play. Last year they couldn't stop little-sisters-of-the-poor allowing 260 rushing yards each game. Many experts think this could be a promising year for Texas Tech...because of the sorry ass defense...I'm not one of them! Other than Iowa State, this will be the worst defense in the conference.
Sam Houston State.....UTEP.....@Arkansas.....TCU.....vs. Baylor.....Iowa State.....@Kansas.....@Oklahoma.....Oklahoma State.....@West Virginia.....Kansas State.....@Texas
Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech's pretty boy coach enters his third year with a 12-13 record. The 2014 season was rather troubling for Kingsbury as the team finished a disappointing 4-8. The Red Raider offense returns almost their entire group of starters including junior Davis Webb at quarterback (2,539 yds, 24 tds, 13 ints). Webb has a nice group of receivers to throw to especially WR Jakeem Grant who hauled in 67 passes last year. Deandre Washington returns at running back after rushing for 1,103 yards last season. The offense averaged 30.5 points per contest during 2014 and have the weapons to improve on that this year. BUT then there's the defense...which allowed 41 points per contest. The defense ranked 121st nationally giving up a generous 513 yards a game. In other words, the defense was God-awful and most of the same players return. For the defense to make any improvement, the front seven must make huge improvements. They are moving to a 4-3 alignment hoping to improve the interior line play. Last year they couldn't stop little-sisters-of-the-poor allowing 260 rushing yards each game. Many experts think this could be a promising year for Texas Tech...because of the sorry ass defense...I'm not one of them! Other than Iowa State, this will be the worst defense in the conference.
Sam Houston State.....UTEP.....@Arkansas.....TCU.....vs. Baylor.....Iowa State.....@Kansas.....@Oklahoma.....Oklahoma State.....@West Virginia.....Kansas State.....@Texas
Miami (Florida)
Miami took a significant step backwards in 2014. After a 9-4 2013 season that had many believing the Hurricanes of old were back, Al Golden's team was a disappointing 6-7 in 2014, going 3-5 in ACC play. Golden is hoping for a bounce back in 2015 because the natives are getting restless down in south Florida. Miami's last ten win season was twelve years ago and the Canes have never played in the ACC championship game. Last year Miami broke in a true freshman at quarterback who went through some growing pains. This season, the top three receivers will have to be replaced plus a running back and three key offensive lineman. On the defensive side of the ball, Miami will have some holes to fill. The front seven is young and inexperienced especially at linebacker. The secondary is in better shape with standout safety Deon Bush and cornerback Artie Burns along with a few other players with meaningful playing time. Considering how much NFL talent was on the team last year (7 drafted in top 3 rounds) few coaches in America are on a hotter seat than Golden. He is 28-22 entering his fifth year and lost four straight last year to finish 6-7. Underachieving might be a good word to describe Golden and his staff during his tenure with the Hurricanes. I expect more of the same this season.
Bethune-Cookman.....@Florida Atlantic.....Nebraska.....@Cincinnati.....@Florida State.....Virginia Tech.....Clemson.....@Duke.....Virginia.....@North Carolina.....Georgia Tech.....@Pittsburgh
Miami took a significant step backwards in 2014. After a 9-4 2013 season that had many believing the Hurricanes of old were back, Al Golden's team was a disappointing 6-7 in 2014, going 3-5 in ACC play. Golden is hoping for a bounce back in 2015 because the natives are getting restless down in south Florida. Miami's last ten win season was twelve years ago and the Canes have never played in the ACC championship game. Last year Miami broke in a true freshman at quarterback who went through some growing pains. This season, the top three receivers will have to be replaced plus a running back and three key offensive lineman. On the defensive side of the ball, Miami will have some holes to fill. The front seven is young and inexperienced especially at linebacker. The secondary is in better shape with standout safety Deon Bush and cornerback Artie Burns along with a few other players with meaningful playing time. Considering how much NFL talent was on the team last year (7 drafted in top 3 rounds) few coaches in America are on a hotter seat than Golden. He is 28-22 entering his fifth year and lost four straight last year to finish 6-7. Underachieving might be a good word to describe Golden and his staff during his tenure with the Hurricanes. I expect more of the same this season.
Bethune-Cookman.....@Florida Atlantic.....Nebraska.....@Cincinnati.....@Florida State.....Virginia Tech.....Clemson.....@Duke.....Virginia.....@North Carolina.....Georgia Tech.....@Pittsburgh
Maryland just gave Randy Edsall an extension:
Maryland: Head coach Randy Edsall has signed a three-year contract extension through 2019. Salary terms were not disclosed, but he earned just more than $2 million in 2014. The 56-year-old Edsall is 20-30 in four years at Maryland, but they’ve gone 7-5 in the past two regular seasons, with two bowl appearances. The Terps went 4-4 and finished third in the Big Ten East in 2014.
Maryland: Head coach Randy Edsall has signed a three-year contract extension through 2019. Salary terms were not disclosed, but he earned just more than $2 million in 2014. The 56-year-old Edsall is 20-30 in four years at Maryland, but they’ve gone 7-5 in the past two regular seasons, with two bowl appearances. The Terps went 4-4 and finished third in the Big Ten East in 2014.
After Maryland ran off Ralph Friedgen following a 9 win season in 2010. Edsall won just 2 games the next season and 4 in 2012. I for one thought he was toast but he survived and now has a new contract.
**Did you know that every head football coach in the SEC West makes $4 million or more per season? Pretty impressive!
**Did you know that every head football coach in the SEC West makes $4 million or more per season? Pretty impressive!
Maryland
Things are seemingly moving in the right direction four years into Randy Edsall's tenure (20-30) after back-to-back seven win seasons. At least the administration thinks so by offering Edsall a new contract extension. My advice to coach Edsall is to sign the contract before the season starts. Moving forward, there are so many variables in play, like replacing a quarterback, wide receivers, three offensive lineman and improving an offense that ranked 109th last year. Not sure how the offense improves much during 2015. Defensively, the Terrapins gain a new coordinator but lose several key players from their front seven. The defensive line will be full of youth and inexperience; linebacker is another position without a lot of proven talent. However, the Terps secondary should be decent with three starters returning. No doubt 2015 will be a challenging one for Edsall and his staff when you consider the need to replace a slew of key players on offense and nearly the entire front-7 on defense. Like I said earlier...Edsall better sign that new contract before the season starts. I see only four or maybe five wins year.
Richmond.....Bowling Green.....South Florida.....@West Virginia.....Michigan.....@Ohio State.....vs. Penn State.....@Iowa.....Wisconsin.....@Michigan State.....Indiana.....@Rutgers
Things are seemingly moving in the right direction four years into Randy Edsall's tenure (20-30) after back-to-back seven win seasons. At least the administration thinks so by offering Edsall a new contract extension. My advice to coach Edsall is to sign the contract before the season starts. Moving forward, there are so many variables in play, like replacing a quarterback, wide receivers, three offensive lineman and improving an offense that ranked 109th last year. Not sure how the offense improves much during 2015. Defensively, the Terrapins gain a new coordinator but lose several key players from their front seven. The defensive line will be full of youth and inexperience; linebacker is another position without a lot of proven talent. However, the Terps secondary should be decent with three starters returning. No doubt 2015 will be a challenging one for Edsall and his staff when you consider the need to replace a slew of key players on offense and nearly the entire front-7 on defense. Like I said earlier...Edsall better sign that new contract before the season starts. I see only four or maybe five wins year.
Richmond.....Bowling Green.....South Florida.....@West Virginia.....Michigan.....@Ohio State.....vs. Penn State.....@Iowa.....Wisconsin.....@Michigan State.....Indiana.....@Rutgers
Boise State
The Broncos just keep winning averaging 10.5 victories the past five years including a 12-2 mark last year. With only a few starters to replace, Boise seems poised for another outstanding season. The big question for this year's team is who plays quarterback and who plays running back...two players that provided the majority of offense last year. On the line, the entire starting five come back for the 2015 season. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, running back Jay Ajayi who rushed for 1823 yards and 28 touchdowns is headed for the NFL. Huge hole to fill along with settling on a quarterback. The defense which ranked 48th nationally wasn't exactly "shutdown" a year ago but with the return of key players (8) drastic improvement is expected. Boise will be unanimous favorites to win the Mountain West Conference again and should open in the top-25. Early season non-conference matchups with Washington, BYU and Virginia will play a significant factor in what type season this team enjoys. Provided a suitable quarterback and running back are found, I see no reason the Broncos can't have a 9-11 win season.
Washington.....@BYU.....Idaho State.....@Virginia.....Hawaii.....@Colorado State.....@Utah State.....Wyoming.....@UNLV.....New Mexico.....Air Force.....@San Diego State
The Broncos just keep winning averaging 10.5 victories the past five years including a 12-2 mark last year. With only a few starters to replace, Boise seems poised for another outstanding season. The big question for this year's team is who plays quarterback and who plays running back...two players that provided the majority of offense last year. On the line, the entire starting five come back for the 2015 season. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, running back Jay Ajayi who rushed for 1823 yards and 28 touchdowns is headed for the NFL. Huge hole to fill along with settling on a quarterback. The defense which ranked 48th nationally wasn't exactly "shutdown" a year ago but with the return of key players (8) drastic improvement is expected. Boise will be unanimous favorites to win the Mountain West Conference again and should open in the top-25. Early season non-conference matchups with Washington, BYU and Virginia will play a significant factor in what type season this team enjoys. Provided a suitable quarterback and running back are found, I see no reason the Broncos can't have a 9-11 win season.
Washington.....@BYU.....Idaho State.....@Virginia.....Hawaii.....@Colorado State.....@Utah State.....Wyoming.....@UNLV.....New Mexico.....Air Force.....@San Diego State
