Your concerns about your team this season?

Terry in Crapchester · Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:57 pm

Here are mine, in order of priority:

Depth: In terms of talent and experience, our starting units measure up to just about any team in the country. SI lists us as having 17 returning starters on both offense and defense, and one could make a case that two of those not considered returning starters by SI -- McKnight and Schwapp -- should be in that category as well. Having said that, however, at most positions there is a huge drop-off in both talent and experience between first team and second team. Last year, we were very fortunate with injuries. We stayed almost entirely injury-free, and the one substantial injury we did have (McKnight) actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise, in that it allowed Samardzija to develop. We'll need similar good fortune with injuries this season if we're to contend for a national championship. Killian hit the nail on the head not long ago -- injuries could be the difference between this team playing for the national championship and having four losses.

Linebacker: This undoubtedly was the unit hit hardest by graduation, losing two of last season's starters. Concerns are high enough here that reportedly, during spring practice, Travis Thomas, who is Walker's backup at TB, was approached by the coaching staff about a move to OLB, which he hasn't played in college, and promised a starting position. It didn't happen, but I'm pretty certain that the coaching staff would not have made such an inquiry lightly. Maurice Crum, the lone remaining starter, moves to a new position at MLB, and is joined on the unit by Anthony Vernaglia (considered one of the stud recruits ND got in his class, who are juniors) and Joe Brockington.

Secondary: A different concern here than at linebacker. We return all of our starters, so there's reason to be optimistic about an improvement. But this unit absolutely got torched in all of our three losses last season. Without a doubt, this is the unit that will have to improve its play most from last season if we're to contend for a national championhip.

Kicking game: Great, even very good, ND teams all invariably get outstanding special teams play from time to time, and last year was no exception. This year, we lose Fitzpatrick, who was a three-year starter at both kicking specialties, so we'll need to get quality out of his replacements. Carl Gioia, based on limited appearances last season, appears to be up to the task of handling the placekicking duties.

First four games: We get something of a murderer's row to start the season, and I submit there isn't a team in the country with legitimate BCS aspirations who has a tougher four-game set right out of the gate (@ Georgia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, @ Michigan State). On the positive side, we'll know rather early on whether ND is a legitimate contender for the national championship.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:56 pm

It's pretty much the same thing every year for Michigan...

1. Can they beat the Buckeyes? Will that game have meaning to Michigan's postseason hopes?
2. The ability to win tough games on the road...at Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State this season.
3. Consistent play out of the QB position...Henne has a young receiving corps.
4. Staying healthy...mostly concerned about Mike Hart.
5. Having the run set up the pass and visa versa...in turn, sets up the play action to the tight ends and keeps opposing defenses off balance. The offense is so much better when they can get both aspects clicking. With teams like Ohio State and Iowa having to replace key starters on defense, it's possible you can take advantage of the inexperienced players.
6. Replacing starters on defense...it goes without saying.

I'm not too concerned with the skill positions for the most part. The Wolverines are strong every year regardless of early departures and graduates. They have some big play guys and game breakers. I wonder who steps in and replaces Avant's role as the possession receiver or the guy who is go to guy on third down.

Adelpiero · Post by **Adelpiero** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 3:07 pm

coaching
asst coaching
defense
offense
special teams
kicking
punting

the only thing i'm certain about, is the TE position, i'll take the 2 Mizzou has over anyones. They are both athletically gifted,can block,catch, and coffman at 6'9 dominates, when smith actually threw him the ball.

Nolesy · Post by **Nolesy** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:29 pm

COACHING,game plannining, in game adjustments, putting the players in the best position to succed,play calling, maximizing the talent you have,.............................. Yea I guess this all totals up to coaching.

I am also concerned that Jon=bitch won't like our head coach.

TheChief · Post by **TheChief** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:52 pm

Qb - Will Weatherford suffer the sophmore jinx? How will FSU coaches involve Xavier Lee into the offense?

Bowden says that he hasn't had this much confidence in a QB since Chris Weinke. Weatherford is a great leader who is athletic and always working to become better. You wont find him doing pushups in the middle of a street anytime soon.
Last year Xavier didn't take the time to learn the playbook and it showed. At least three different times as turnover or a botched play was contributed to the fact that he had no fucking clue what was going on. Most Memorable - Didn't even know the ball was hiked, until it went whizzing past his head, I believe this was against UM. Who knows what is in store for this kid. Many of us had him penciled in as the "Savior" of FSU, but now his is penciled in as "Most likely to transfer".

OL - Will the OL be worth a fuck this year?
This will be a huge factor in the 'Noles season this year. Last year, they were left with inexperienced young guys and underachieving seniors who simply fell onto the DL instead of blocking or making holes for the ground game. A lot will depend on what type of coach Mark McHale will turn out to be. If he is worth a piss, then expect the OL to be pleasantly improved. That should open some holes for Booker and Super Soph Antone Smith.

Can the FSU defense bounce back from loosing 4 first rounders?

With out question. I actually expect our defense to be better than last year. With the departure of Bunkley, Cromartie, Sims, Wimbley, Watkins and Nicholson one would think the FSU defense is going to be awful this year. Thing about it is, Mickey Andrews is one of the best defensive coaches in the history of college football, who happens to believe in playing a ton of players. All the "new" replacements have extensive playing experience throughout the last two year. Players like Fluellen, Timmon's, Thaxton, Roger Williams, and Geno Hay's have been chomping at the bit to start for some time now.

Cornerbacks Tony Carter, JR Bryant, Michael Ray Garvin are going to have to carry the load this year....and stay healthy (Jamie Robinson just went down last week with a severe ankle sprain). Carter and Bryant should shine this year from experience last year and talent. Carter is one of the most talented corners I've seen in years. (Excluding Cromartie of course)

Will Jeff Bowden get a fucking clue this year?

This is the main questions that Seminole fans ask themselves every September. What is Jeff Bowden going to do? Each year brings new optimism and each year usually brings new dissappointment by mid season. I have yet to see any real creativity from Jeff. He simply coaches to not loose games, rather than understanding the potent group of talented athletes his father assembles every recruiting year. We should be blowing the fucking doors off teams, winning by 30-40 points in most of our games. Many will say that Seminole fans are spoiled...and coming back to reality from the run that we experienced over a 15 year stretch, but that truely is talk from people who are ignorant of the program. We easily have the same amount of talent as any Seminole team I can remember.
Does Jeff have the intelligence and creativity to put it all together for a 11-12 win season?
We shall see...we shall see :!:

King Crimson · Post by **King Crimson** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 5:37 pm

OL, special teams, punting. the space between Rhett Bomars ears. would love to see some TE involvement from OC Kevin Wilson.

Vito Corleone · Post by **Vito Corleone** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:58 pm

QB can one emerge? How these guys play will determine the season. Neither will break off a 30 yard run like vince did but both can run. McCoy is smart but not the athlete Snead is, Snead is an amazing athlete but doesn't have the experience McCoy has. I think Texas will be OK by the Oklahoma game but tOSU will have a field day against these guys.

RB we have 3 great ones but 2 have not proven to be durable and the other is a situational back. I think a year of conditioning on the college level will help Charles be more durable and if we can avoid injuries they will be hard to key on.

DBs last year we had 7 great dbs this year we have great starters but we need some of the younger guys to step up. Again I think we willl be ok here, there is tons of talent but some need experience while others need the lights to come on in their dome.

the_ouskull · Post by **the_ouskull** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:14 pm

The only concern I have about this season is how we're going to fit all 70 MVP's names on the National Championship trophy.

Sin,
Jon=

----------

As for the Sooners, the offensive line is our biggest concern. They don't even have to play amazing... just amazingly well together. Bomar is mobile enough to afford the line a bit of leeway, but, with his lack of experience, they're going to have to be able to at least run block for AD really well. I think that, if AD's hands are coming along like I've heard, and if our WR's and TE's are able to break off of their routes on busted blocking assignments, that OU has another very legitmate shot at playing for another National Championship. Our defense is going to be sick.

the_ouskull

minorthreat · Post by **minorthreat** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:29 pm

Cyclones=

Secondary....DeAndre Jackson is great as a CB on one side. Other side is weak with inexperience. Same with Safties.

Running Game....Hicks has to stay healthy, but even if he does he is still not all that good. Someone on the depth chart has to step up and get playing time.

LB's.....I think they will be alright down the stretch but will need some playing time. There is actually talent, just little experience.

MuchoBulls · Post by **MuchoBulls** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:11 am

QB - Who will start and can they actually get the ball to a good group of WR's.

RB - Replacing Hall will be difficult, but Ponton and PLancher should be able to produce good numbers. The numbers will be higher of our QB keeps D's honest.

DL - 3 new starters, 2 of which played a bit last season. Our back 7 are very solid, so if the DL steps up we could have one of the better D's in the country.

OL - Replacing a couple of starters with bigger players, some of whom played a bit last season. SHould be a good group once they get some game experience.

PK - need consistency.

Cornhusker · Post by **Cornhusker** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:30 am

Honesty..

This team could shock the shit out of people or be a quite 8-4.

If we don't win the Big XII North, I'll be surprized.

QB (Zac Taylor) is the second coming of Josh Heupel..brains and enough talent to dominate with a great cast....He'll have recievers NOBODY knows about yet, returners Terrance Nunn, Nate Swift, newcomers Maurice Purify 6-4/195 and Tyrell Spain 6-3/190.
Matt Herian TE All-American material prior to a severe broken leg in 2004 will return.

3 very good RB's that could blossom into NU runners of old.. 1 at least probably will more than likely. Watch out for newcomer Kenny Wilson, returners Cody Glenn, Brandon Jackson (if he gets the chance); and Marlon Lucky catching balls in motion along with Leon Jackson.

The O-line is the determining factor here. If they suck, all else will suffer.(duh)
JC's everywhere here, some late bloomers last season on the O-line..I really like our O-line coach.(Dennis Wagner) I can still remember Fresno St.'s O-line a few years ago when he was there and they kicked ass. I really believe he's a year or 2 away from bring NU back as a great O-line school, but he's closing in fast. (He is a Nebraska native btw.)

Defensive front seven will be the best since '97.. no doubt.

Two DE's that will be playing on Sunday as well as 4 linebackers as good as any NU has had before Solich started f*ckin' things up.

Safety's is the ?, not much depth and unproven starters.

Corner's may be solid with the starters, but undersized with Grixby, and again little proven depth.

New punter but a very promising FG kicker.

Special teams was solid last year...Busch seems to be a good coach here.

King Crimson · Post by **King Crimson** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:06 am

I like Taylor, he went to my high school (Norman High), and he plays with a lot of heart but i'm not sure he's earned the Heupel comparison.

sin,

King Homer Crimson

PSUFAN · Post by **PSUFAN** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:33 am

King Homer Crimson

heh heh...

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:53 am

Taylor must stay healthy. IMO Beck would have considerable growing pains if he had to start now.

O-line must improve. Run-blocking was lame last year and Taylor took too many big shots. Hopefully the youngsters we were playing late in the season will bloom, the return of Austin will help. We are LOADED at rb but we still have to make holes for the guys.

The secondary is thin, the addition of JUCO Andree Jones helps at cb but when you consider just how much your nickle-back plays we are still only one deep at all the positions.

The front-7 on defense should kick ass, we may lead the country in sacks again.

I see a 9-3 regular season with us losing competitive games to Texas and USC. Somebody else will probably bite us in the ass as well. We have a good shot at 10-2 and should do no worse than 8-4. If Taylor stays healthy there is no excuse for not taking the north-division

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:17 am

Nolesy touched on everything about FSU.

QB - Drew needs to cut down on the INT's and improve on getting the ball out quickly to his WR's. Hopefully he isnt hit w/ the sophomore jinx.

OL - This Spring everyone was healthy and w/ the addition of Boatman at RT, I hope this year's unit will open holes and give Drew some time to make plays.

Jeff Bowden - He simply isnt qualified to be a OC at this high a level. He doesnt make adjustments during the game and his play calling is predictable. W/ the amount of talent on this team, he should be more successful than he has been.

Vito Corleone · Post by **Vito Corleone** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:41 am

Hey Nolesy and cicero,

Too bad about X Lee, I really wanted him to come to Texas. He would be starting this year for us hands down. If Texas wasn't neck deep in QBs we would probably be after him but as it is we will have 5 freshmen and sophmore QBs in the system in 2k8.

I still think that once he learns the playbook he will be the FSU savior. After watching 3 years of Vince I am convnced that duel threat QBs are the way to go. They put too much pressure on the defense.

the_ouskull · Post by **the_ouskull** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:39 am

..yeah, almost as much pressure as a college algebra or intro to freshman orientation exam puts on them.

Sincerely,
#10 in your program and a 6 on the scorecard.

buckeye_in_sc · Post by **buckeye_in_sc** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:58 am

the college football world should be concerned with how will they ever get by Iowa or Kal if they play them?

for tOSU it will be the LB's and the Secondary (IMHO)...while there is talent...they are raw and somewhat untested...they need to grow up in a hurry, but at the same time this has happened before and Tressel's squad re-loaded nicely...

special teams (kicker) is my only other major concern...

offense will be a concern if they get stuck in neutral with the running game...pittman should have a great year and Wells and Wells should provide some much needed depth and change of gears...

Harvdog · Post by **Harvdog** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 12:44 pm

Obviously it comes down to the QB play. We have solid RB's and a very good o-line. If wither freshman can step up and complete a decent percentage, we will go 10-2. The 2 games that stick out ate OSU and ou. Not real concerned about the defense. They are solid and will be as good or better than last year.

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 1:18 pm

Vito Corleone wrote:Hey Nolesy and cicero,

Too bad about X Lee, I really wanted him to come to Texas. He would be starting this year for us hands down. If Texas wasn't neck deep in QBs we would probably be after him but as it is we will have 5 freshmen and sophmore QBs in the system in 2k8.

I still think that once he learns the playbook he will be the FSU savior. After watching 3 years of Vince I am convnced that duel threat QBs are the way to go. They put too much pressure on the defense.

When Drew and Xavier came in 3 years ago, everyone believed that Xavier would be the one starting. A shoulder injury and his inability to grasp the playbook early on paved the way for Drew. While I am intrigued by the arm strength and physical attributes of Xavier, Drew is a leader and fine QB too. I think that if we had better coaching on the offensive side of the ball, they could find a way for Xavier to be successful. That being said, our once sure fire potent offense is run by Jeff Bowden and that's why we need Drew out there. Drew knows more than he does and we need him out there audibling and learning more about the opposing defenses each week b/c Jeff is in over his head.

Nolesy · Post by **Nolesy** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:19 pm

I agree with what Crown said above. I will say further that Lee has really gotten dedicated in the off season. Props to him for not going Willie Williams. He has gotten into the film room and is in excellent physical strength. That said I still don't see how anything short of an injury would unseat Drew. Drew has all the intangibles even though he does'nt have the physical tools Lee has.
This should prove to be a critical year for Lee. If he does'nt take over the starting job he will have to transfer if he want to play on Sundays.
If I were Jeff Bowden I would develope packages specifically designed for Lee. But then again I am not a drunk driver behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

Nolesy · Post by **Nolesy** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:19 pm

I agree with what Crown said above. I will say further that Lee has really gotten dedicated in the off season. Props to him for not going Willie Williams. He has gotten into the film room and is in excellent physical strength. That said I still don't see how anything short of an injury would unseat Drew. Drew has all the intangibles even though he does'nt have the physical tools Lee has.
This should prove to be a critical year for Lee. If he does'nt take over the starting job he will have to transfer if he want to play on Sundays.
If I were Jeff Bowden I would develope packages specifically designed for Lee. But then again I am not a drunk driver behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:32 pm

This is about it.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:42 pm

King Crimson wrote:I like Taylor, he went to my high school (Norman High), and he plays with a lot of heart but i'm not sure he's earned the Heupel comparison.

sin,

King Homer Crimson

Good point. Let's wait until after college and he turns into nothing before we compare him to Heupel. ;)

PSUFAN · Post by **PSUFAN** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:09 pm

For PSU, I think the whole thing starts with Anthony Morelli. I am very hopeful about his talent and leadership...it seems we have something special there. However, this offense needs him to perform at a high level early on. If he is injured, or if he struggles, then the team is basically fucked.

PSU is deep at RB, there is great talent on the OL, and the LB corps is fierce and deep. I am worried about the DL, although there is a lot of talent there as well, especially among the incoming freshmen. Larry Johnson Sr. is a great DL coach, he'll bring these kids along.

PSU's DBs are basically all new starters. Justin King is very fast and talented at CB, and he played pretty well as a true frosh nickle last year. Other than that, there are basically three open positions. Whoever steps forward will not have a lot of experience. Teams are going to pick on PSU's safeties, whoever they end up being. Joe has always favored "bend but don't break"...but with the talent and experience at LB, I expect a very aggressive defensive gameplan. I hope we see a little 3-4, and lot of disguising coverages.

King Crimson · Post by **King Crimson** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:35 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:
King Crimson wrote:I like Taylor, he went to my high school (Norman High), and he plays with a lot of heart but i'm not sure he's earned the Heupel comparison.

sin,

King Homer Crimson
Good point. Let's wait until after college and he turns into nothing before we compare him to Heupel. ;)

lol. good one Indy. he's no Mark Farriss, either. :P

SoCalTrjn · Post by **SoCalTrjn** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 4:18 pm

Will Booty or Sanchez show the abilit to lead the offense right away or will it take 4 or 5 starts like it did with Matt Leinart
Will Chauncey be able to carry the ball effectively and which of the freshmen will they use to spell him during the game
Will Jarrett be reinstated before the team is getting on the plane to fly to their first game?
Which Backers will be the starters? and will they be able to keep them all happy and getting PT?
Will Reed, Coleman and Ellison recover from injuries?
Will Schweiger get back to the form he had his freshman year?
Will there be enough healthy bodies to man the defensive backfield, especially now that the Tings have left the team?
Will all these great recruits from the last few years be all theyre advertised to be?

JayDuck · Post by **JayDuck** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:37 pm

QB rotation: Dennis Dixon has been named the starter and Coach Bellotti has stated that he won't be roting QBs every 2 series like he did last year. Hopefully he sticks to his word. It just disrupts our offense and hinders the development of a QB to switch like that.

Corner - We replace both starting corners from last year. Jackie Bates has one position wrapped up and he's seen a lot of action in his first two years with us, and even started some games for us. I'm not worried about him, as many felt (myself included) that he should have played more last year as it was. But on the other side we will have a rookie.

Schedule -We've got a very tough schedule this year. We play 5 conference road games, to 4 conference home games. And those road games are USC, Cal, ASU, WSU and OSU. So, all of the top teams in the league, plus our rivalry game. We also play games at Fresno State and against Oklahoma.

We have to get on track in a hurry this year, as the early schedule is the toughest stretch.

Stanford
@Fresno
Oklahoma
@ASU
@Cal

Q, West Coast Style · Post by **Q, West Coast Style** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 7:58 pm

PSUFAN wrote:Your concerns about your team this season?

It's Washington State.

Terry in Crapchester · Tue Aug 01, 2006 8:22 pm

Q, West Coast Style wrote:
PSUFAN wrote:Your concerns about your team this season?
It's Washington State.

I started this thread, not PSUFAN. Please pay attention. :wink: