We trundled up the ramps at SunTrust getting a workout before the big weekend A few years back, Mrs Doofus was getting concerned that, as the Doofus children were getting married and scattering to the four winds, the family was not getting together enough. So, she did as all great Moms do and ordered a mandatory family get together and decreed that it shall be the 3rd week of July.
We all dutifully obeyed. With much joy.
The weekend started out with a Braves game. The Sax Man, Doofus Daughter #2, aka Sunshine, and I got there early and roamed the Battery with cold beers in hand. Great venue, much better that the old Ted. You didn’t want to linger around outside there for very long before or after the game. It was a bit dicey. But the Battery was very cool with plenty of purveyors of adult beverages and good food.
As the first pitch approached, we went to our seats. The were way up in the upper deck, a very long trek up the ramps. The Sax Man had the best go at the ramps, making it seemingly unimpaired, while Sunshine and I had a bit more difficulty. When the SWAG Man, Big Guy and Mrs Big Guy got there they seemed to be entirely unwinded. The Big Guy was curious “You didn’t use the escalators?” There were escalators??!! Arrrgh. Now he tells me.
The game was fun but we missed the best part. With the Braves up 2 runs we left at the bottom of the 8th (using the much easier down ramps). As we walked our way back the SaxManMobile we listened as the Nats tied it up. As we got to the car, the fireworks went off. Walk off winning homer for the home team!
We all dutifully obeyed. With much joy.
The weekend started out with a Braves game. The Sax Man, Doofus Daughter #2, aka Sunshine, and I got there early and roamed the Battery with cold beers in hand. Great venue, much better that the old Ted. You didn’t want to linger around outside there for very long before or after the game. It was a bit dicey. But the Battery was very cool with plenty of purveyors of adult beverages and good food.
As the first pitch approached, we went to our seats. The were way up in the upper deck, a very long trek up the ramps. The Sax Man had the best go at the ramps, making it seemingly unimpaired, while Sunshine and I had a bit more difficulty. When the SWAG Man, Big Guy and Mrs Big Guy got there they seemed to be entirely unwinded. The Big Guy was curious “You didn’t use the escalators?” There were escalators??!! Arrrgh. Now he tells me.
The game was fun but we missed the best part. With the Braves up 2 runs we left at the bottom of the 8th (using the much easier down ramps). As we walked our way back the SaxManMobile we listened as the Nats tied it up. As we got to the car, the fireworks went off. Walk off winning homer for the home team!
Nothing like getting your day started on a unicorn Friday continued into the wee hours with conversation, board games and more adult beverages. We woke up a bit later than normal and as the hangovers subsided, proceeded to a great day on the lake. The inflatable unicorn was a big hit again. It easily floats a half dozen ever larger adults, a handful of smaller children and all the stuff that makes for a good time. We even gave it a name - MUPI as in Massive Unicorn Party Island. MUPI was a workhorse all afternoon.
The weather had been forecasted to be scattered thunderstorms but the weather was great. Even the weather knows to not mess with Mrs Doofus.
The party continued on again into even weer hours full of tons of fun. A great weekend all as the Mrs directed. Can’t wait until next year.
And I can’t wait until football start up again. I haven’t had as much time as I would like getting ready for the season but I have found the time to get caught up on the major teams.
The weather had been forecasted to be scattered thunderstorms but the weather was great. Even the weather knows to not mess with Mrs Doofus.
The party continued on again into even weer hours full of tons of fun. A great weekend all as the Mrs directed. Can’t wait until next year.
And I can’t wait until football start up again. I haven’t had as much time as I would like getting ready for the season but I have found the time to get caught up on the major teams.
AJ Dillon is a load Boston College – Vegas Win total 6.5 – Things were going so well. The Eagles were 7-2, Game Day was coming to Chestnut Hill as they hosted Clemson and then…a tail spin. Clemson blew out BC, the start of a three game losing streak. They made a bowl only to have it canceled.
The Eagles have flipped the script the last couple of years. The offense was humming last year until the Clemson game (The Tigers have a way of doing that) while the defense which was typically in the top 10 overall plummeted to 70th last year, 11th in the ACC.
The Eagles will have a new OC as Scott Loeffler left to become HC at Bowling Green. New OC Mike Bajakian, formerly the QB coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has some good tools to play with. Star RB and dark horse Heisman candidate AJ Dillon returns. He has over 2,600 yards and 24 TDs over the last two years. He’ll need to be a better threat out of the backfield though. He had only 8 catches for 41 yards last year.
QB Anthony Brown returns but needs to step up his game too. He completed on 55% of his passes (a big reason why DC converted a woeful 34% of third downs). It could be a tall order as 3 of last years top four targets including All ACC TE Tommy Sweeney. He’ll also be behind an OL that lost 4 starters to graduation.
The defense also has a new DC as Bill Sheridan was promoted from LB coach. He has his work cut out for him. Only five players on the defense have started at least one game. Only one starter returns for the DL after Zach Allen and Wyatt Ray left for the NFL
The Eagles also have big shoes to fill in the secondary. Hamp Cheevers, who led the nation with seven interceptions last year, declared early for the NFL Draft. Safeties Lukas Denis and Will Harris are gone as well.
The Eagles are stuck in mediocrity. Despite making five bowl games in Addazio’s six seasons, BC has yet to win more than seven games or finish better than .500 in the ACC. Expect the Eagles to start out fast and beat up the sisters of the poor and then skid into another bowl.
The Eagles have flipped the script the last couple of years. The offense was humming last year until the Clemson game (The Tigers have a way of doing that) while the defense which was typically in the top 10 overall plummeted to 70th last year, 11th in the ACC.
The Eagles will have a new OC as Scott Loeffler left to become HC at Bowling Green. New OC Mike Bajakian, formerly the QB coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has some good tools to play with. Star RB and dark horse Heisman candidate AJ Dillon returns. He has over 2,600 yards and 24 TDs over the last two years. He’ll need to be a better threat out of the backfield though. He had only 8 catches for 41 yards last year.
QB Anthony Brown returns but needs to step up his game too. He completed on 55% of his passes (a big reason why DC converted a woeful 34% of third downs). It could be a tall order as 3 of last years top four targets including All ACC TE Tommy Sweeney. He’ll also be behind an OL that lost 4 starters to graduation.
The defense also has a new DC as Bill Sheridan was promoted from LB coach. He has his work cut out for him. Only five players on the defense have started at least one game. Only one starter returns for the DL after Zach Allen and Wyatt Ray left for the NFL
The Eagles also have big shoes to fill in the secondary. Hamp Cheevers, who led the nation with seven interceptions last year, declared early for the NFL Draft. Safeties Lukas Denis and Will Harris are gone as well.
The Eagles are stuck in mediocrity. Despite making five bowl games in Addazio’s six seasons, BC has yet to win more than seven games or finish better than .500 in the ACC. Expect the Eagles to start out fast and beat up the sisters of the poor and then skid into another bowl.
Trevor Lawrence would be the #1 pick if he eligible Clemson – Vegas Win total – 11.5 – It’s really just a battle for 2nd place in the ACC. Clemson has this thing wrapped up. Unlike the SEC where LSU, Florida and Georgia can challenge Bama and the Big Ten where scUM, MSU Penn State and Wisconsin can take down Ohio State no one can really challenge Clemson. Sure, Syracuse, Miami or Florida State can have a Buster Douglas night and upset the Tigers. But they would still go 11-1 and make the Playoffs.
Back in 2017 when Clemson defeated Bama for the National Championship, Dabo said the best is yet to come. How right he was. Two years later the Tigers not only beat but destroyed the Tide 44-16.
The scary part is most of the team returns. QB Trevor Lawrence would likely be the top pick in the NFL next year if he weren’t a sophomore this year. His favorite targets, Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins were last seen running wild through the Bama secondary. The former is back for his sophomore season. The latter is poised to have a stellar junior season and then turn pro. And keep an eye out for freshmen Joseph Ngata and Frank Ladson Jr. Both enrolled early, and are future stars.
Junior RB Travis Etienne returns after a stellar 8.1 yards per carry and 24 rushing touchdowns sophomore season. Sophomore Lyn-J Dixon returns too. Clemson could have the most explosive backfield in college football.
The defense will take a step back after DL Christian Wilkins, DE Clelin Ferrell, and DE Austin Bryant graduated to the NFL. They alone were enough to snuff out the Bama attack. Compounding DC Brent Venables problems, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, corner Trayvon Mullen and linebacker Tre Lamar all declared for the NFL Draft.
But he does get back linebacker Isaiah Simmons and safeties K'Von Wallace and Tanner Muse. It’s enough to slow down opponents while the offense rips them to shreds. Pencil in Clemson for wither a #1 or #2 seed right now.
Back in 2017 when Clemson defeated Bama for the National Championship, Dabo said the best is yet to come. How right he was. Two years later the Tigers not only beat but destroyed the Tide 44-16.
The scary part is most of the team returns. QB Trevor Lawrence would likely be the top pick in the NFL next year if he weren’t a sophomore this year. His favorite targets, Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins were last seen running wild through the Bama secondary. The former is back for his sophomore season. The latter is poised to have a stellar junior season and then turn pro. And keep an eye out for freshmen Joseph Ngata and Frank Ladson Jr. Both enrolled early, and are future stars.
Junior RB Travis Etienne returns after a stellar 8.1 yards per carry and 24 rushing touchdowns sophomore season. Sophomore Lyn-J Dixon returns too. Clemson could have the most explosive backfield in college football.
The defense will take a step back after DL Christian Wilkins, DE Clelin Ferrell, and DE Austin Bryant graduated to the NFL. They alone were enough to snuff out the Bama attack. Compounding DC Brent Venables problems, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, corner Trayvon Mullen and linebacker Tre Lamar all declared for the NFL Draft.
But he does get back linebacker Isaiah Simmons and safeties K'Von Wallace and Tanner Muse. It’s enough to slow down opponents while the offense rips them to shreds. Pencil in Clemson for wither a #1 or #2 seed right now.
The douche bag doesn't fall far from the tree Florida State – Vegas Win total – 7.5 – FSU went 5-7 in Willie Taggert’s inaugural season. Jimmy Carter was in the White House the last time the Noles had a losing season. Ronald Reagan was in the White House the last time they didn’t go to a bowl. Not a great start for Taggert.
And it doesn’t look to get any better. The OL was pathetic last year allowing the most sacks in the ACC and now replaces three starters. The QB will likely be grad transfer, former Badger Alex Hornibrook. Hornibrook is maddeningly mediocre with 47 career TDs vs 33 picks.
Worst is the new OC Kendall Briles. He’s every bit the douche his father is.
Got to root for the DC, former Spartan legend Harlan “Da Bang Stick” Barnett. He has more to work with 16 of his top 20 tacklers returning. The DB’s will be the strength (naturally) and the LB corp will be solid too. The DL will need to adjust after losing star Brian Burns to the Carolina Panthers.
It’s going to be another rough year in Tallahassee. Taggerts hot seat should start warming up around the GO JUMBO trip.
And it doesn’t look to get any better. The OL was pathetic last year allowing the most sacks in the ACC and now replaces three starters. The QB will likely be grad transfer, former Badger Alex Hornibrook. Hornibrook is maddeningly mediocre with 47 career TDs vs 33 picks.
Worst is the new OC Kendall Briles. He’s every bit the douche his father is.
Got to root for the DC, former Spartan legend Harlan “Da Bang Stick” Barnett. He has more to work with 16 of his top 20 tacklers returning. The DB’s will be the strength (naturally) and the LB corp will be solid too. The DL will need to adjust after losing star Brian Burns to the Carolina Panthers.
It’s going to be another rough year in Tallahassee. Taggerts hot seat should start warming up around the GO JUMBO trip.
Don't be surprised to see Malik under center more this year Louisville – Vegas Win total – 3.5 – To say last season was a train wreck is being gentle to trains. The defense gave up at least 52 points over the last five games and was outscored by an average of 26 points per game.
Louisville got a good one in new HC Scott Satterfield from Appalachian State. He is the only HC to take an FCS team to the FBS and go to three straight bowls. Problem is he doesn’t have a lot to work with. The OL gave was 127th in sacks allowed and 122nd in allowing tackles for loss. That said, OT Mekhi Becton is considered a potential 1st round draft choice so the tool chest is not completely empty.
It’s hard to replace a Lamar Jackson but Mrs Big Guy has a better arm than returning QB Jawan Pass. Satterfield likes QBs who can run so don’t be surprised if Malik Cunningham takes over. He was the teams leading rusher last year.
The defense was even worse than the offense often giving up on plays. They were dead last in giving up third downs and if teams didn’t make it they would go for it on 4th as the Cardinals were 119th in giving up 4th downs too.
Satterfield is an excellent coach and will get this thing turned around. Louisville will be tougher but the wins will be few. Consider 2019 a transition year.
Louisville got a good one in new HC Scott Satterfield from Appalachian State. He is the only HC to take an FCS team to the FBS and go to three straight bowls. Problem is he doesn’t have a lot to work with. The OL gave was 127th in sacks allowed and 122nd in allowing tackles for loss. That said, OT Mekhi Becton is considered a potential 1st round draft choice so the tool chest is not completely empty.
It’s hard to replace a Lamar Jackson but Mrs Big Guy has a better arm than returning QB Jawan Pass. Satterfield likes QBs who can run so don’t be surprised if Malik Cunningham takes over. He was the teams leading rusher last year.
The defense was even worse than the offense often giving up on plays. They were dead last in giving up third downs and if teams didn’t make it they would go for it on 4th as the Cardinals were 119th in giving up 4th downs too.
Satterfield is an excellent coach and will get this thing turned around. Louisville will be tougher but the wins will be few. Consider 2019 a transition year.
Emeka Emezie should star at WR NC State – Vegas Win Total – 7.0 – There’s a new QB, new RB, 2 new WRs and three new OL. Oh, and the previous OC is off to coach App State. It’s a total rebuild for Dave Doeren’s offense after two straight 9 win seasons. The QB position is still a wide open horse race but whoever wins the starting nod will look to WR Emeka Emezie in a breakout season
The secondary will need to improve after finishing 108th in pass defense. The main culprit was the DL which struggled to pressure the passer. The secondary should be a strength with five of the eight returning starters in the backfield. The DL will continue to struggle though keeping the pressure on.
After losing 13 players to the NFL over the last two years, it’s time to restock the shelves. Doeren is a good enough coach to get them to a bowl but not much more.
The secondary will need to improve after finishing 108th in pass defense. The main culprit was the DL which struggled to pressure the passer. The secondary should be a strength with five of the eight returning starters in the backfield. The DL will continue to struggle though keeping the pressure on.
After losing 13 players to the NFL over the last two years, it’s time to restock the shelves. Doeren is a good enough coach to get them to a bowl but not much more.
Alton Robinson looks to buils on his double digit sack total Syracuse – Vegas Win Total – 8.0 – Now that is what Orange fans have been looking for. 2018 resulted in their first 10 win season since 2001 and their highest ranking since 1998. Now they want more, an ACC championship and a spot in the playoffs. It’s not that far-fetched. Syracuse has been Clemson’s biggest pain in the butt the last two years with a win in 2017 and near miss last year. This year’s game is in the Carrier Dome.
But to pull it off, they will need to revamp the offense that loses star QB Eric Dungey. Dungey did it with his legs while new AB Tommy Devito is more of a pocket passer. He will need to get up to speed quickly as the OL replaces both starting tackles and a OG. Expect to see the passing game shift to screens and check downs.
The defense returns pretty much intact. Sr edge rushers Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman hope to build of double digit sack seasons. The secondary should be outstanding with the return of Andre Cisco who tied for the lead in picks last year.
Can Syracuse reload rather than rebuild? We will know on Sept 14th when Clemson comes to town.
But to pull it off, they will need to revamp the offense that loses star QB Eric Dungey. Dungey did it with his legs while new AB Tommy Devito is more of a pocket passer. He will need to get up to speed quickly as the OL replaces both starting tackles and a OG. Expect to see the passing game shift to screens and check downs.
The defense returns pretty much intact. Sr edge rushers Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman hope to build of double digit sack seasons. The secondary should be outstanding with the return of Andre Cisco who tied for the lead in picks last year.
Can Syracuse reload rather than rebuild? We will know on Sept 14th when Clemson comes to town.
Newman has the better arm. I knew it Wake Forest – Vegas Win Total – 6.0 – HC Dave Clawson has been quietly doing a solid job at WtF. He put them into a bowl for the third straight season. Something that has never been down before.
He may be facing his biggest challenge yet. It starts with a brewing QB controversy. Sam Hartman led the team for nine games and was 4th in offense in the ACC. He went down with a broken leg and replaced by Jamie Newman. All he did was win three of four completing 60% of his passes. Regardless of who starts, he will play behind a solid OL. They lose 3 starters but both OTs return as well as their strong blocking TE
The defense has been a mess for years now. In 2018 the finished 116th overall giving up 33 points per game. They lose there best players on the DL and are switching to a gimmicky 4-2-5 defense.
The offense will need to outscore an atrocious defense next year. Won’t be done. Wake will be staying home for the Holidays.
He may be facing his biggest challenge yet. It starts with a brewing QB controversy. Sam Hartman led the team for nine games and was 4th in offense in the ACC. He went down with a broken leg and replaced by Jamie Newman. All he did was win three of four completing 60% of his passes. Regardless of who starts, he will play behind a solid OL. They lose 3 starters but both OTs return as well as their strong blocking TE
The defense has been a mess for years now. In 2018 the finished 116th overall giving up 33 points per game. They lose there best players on the DL and are switching to a gimmicky 4-2-5 defense.
The offense will need to outscore an atrocious defense next year. Won’t be done. Wake will be staying home for the Holidays.
Quentin Harris is more of a running threat Duke – Vegas Win Total – 5.5 – Its going to be a rough season for the Blue Devils. The non conference slate features Bama, Notre Dame and a challenging Middle Tenn State. And they face the onslaught without star QB Daniel Jones. He’s off to get booed by Giants fans. Fifth year senior Quentin Harris will pick up the reins. He’s adequate going 2-0 in relief last year. He's more of a runner than Jones.
He won’t have many targets. The WR corps is subpar so the Blue Devils will rely on the 1-2 punch of Deon Brittain Brown behind a average OL
To make another bowl the defense will need to improve. It was maddeningly incoherent. In games when the defense held the opponents to less than 27 points they went 7-0. Over 27 and they went 1-5. The secondary is the only strength.
Duke will be a tough out but not make a bowl this year.
He won’t have many targets. The WR corps is subpar so the Blue Devils will rely on the 1-2 punch of Deon Brittain Brown behind a average OL
To make another bowl the defense will need to improve. It was maddeningly incoherent. In games when the defense held the opponents to less than 27 points they went 7-0. Over 27 and they went 1-5. The secondary is the only strength.
Duke will be a tough out but not make a bowl this year.
Look for Tre Swilling to bring the heat from the secondary Georgia Tech – Vegas Win Total – 3.5 – There’s some work to do. After years of recruiting to the triple option, new HC Geoff Collins is going with more conventional pro set offense. Rather than go to the transfer portal the Jackets will try to find QB already from the current roster. There may be a rotation early on between Lucas Johnson (the better passer) and Tobias Oliver who has game day experience.
The OL will be fine and RB depth is deep and productive but the WRs will need to do more than block downfield.
Georgia Tech was at its best not when the offense was humming but when the defense was stout. That was not the case last year as the Jackets got zero pressure on the QB. With no pressure, opponents rolled down the field. Tech was 2nd worst in getting off the field on 3rd down. Collins will need to find a way to turn up the pressure.
There’s not much returning. The top three and seven of the top eleven tacklers are gone, Of the meager 17 sacks last year, those responsible for 13 won’t be returning. The secondary will be the strength in 2019.
Collins is a great defensive coach. He’ll have to do it with smoke and mirrors but he’ll get something going. Just not enough to go bowling.
The OL will be fine and RB depth is deep and productive but the WRs will need to do more than block downfield.
Georgia Tech was at its best not when the offense was humming but when the defense was stout. That was not the case last year as the Jackets got zero pressure on the QB. With no pressure, opponents rolled down the field. Tech was 2nd worst in getting off the field on 3rd down. Collins will need to find a way to turn up the pressure.
There’s not much returning. The top three and seven of the top eleven tacklers are gone, Of the meager 17 sacks last year, those responsible for 13 won’t be returning. The secondary will be the strength in 2019.
Collins is a great defensive coach. He’ll have to do it with smoke and mirrors but he’ll get something going. Just not enough to go bowling.
Garvin will get plenty of turns with the Turnover Chain Miami (FL) – Vegas Win Total – 8.5 – Head fake. Manny Diaz was set to replace Geoff Collins at Temple until Mark Richt surprisingly retired. Diaz agreed to stay and promoted from DC to HC.
First, he will have to fix the 104th ranked offense. He started by bringing in former Spartan QB Dan Enos to be the OC. His most important decision will be choosing a QB among returning N’Kosi Perry, redshirt Fr Jarren Williams and Ohio State transfer Tate Martell. The fact that none have taking the reins yet is not a good sign.
The WRs will be a strength. Leading WR Jeff Thomas decided to stay when Richt left and KJ Osborn is a talented transfer from Buffalo. Leading RB Travis Homer bolted early for the NFL leaving a hole in the running game. The OL replaces 2 of five starters so should be OK
Diaz got the nod after his defenses were #1 in tackles for loss and pass defense. They were #4 overall. The LBs are outstanding and could be the best in the business. Losing DE Joe Jackson hurts but the DL will be just fine thank you with returning stars Jonathan Garvin and Pat Bethel.
The secondary will be the (relatively) weakest link but will still be strong. The turnover chain will get plenty of use in 2019.
If the QB situation becomes merely adequate the Canes should challenge for the Coastal.
First, he will have to fix the 104th ranked offense. He started by bringing in former Spartan QB Dan Enos to be the OC. His most important decision will be choosing a QB among returning N’Kosi Perry, redshirt Fr Jarren Williams and Ohio State transfer Tate Martell. The fact that none have taking the reins yet is not a good sign.
The WRs will be a strength. Leading WR Jeff Thomas decided to stay when Richt left and KJ Osborn is a talented transfer from Buffalo. Leading RB Travis Homer bolted early for the NFL leaving a hole in the running game. The OL replaces 2 of five starters so should be OK
Diaz got the nod after his defenses were #1 in tackles for loss and pass defense. They were #4 overall. The LBs are outstanding and could be the best in the business. Losing DE Joe Jackson hurts but the DL will be just fine thank you with returning stars Jonathan Garvin and Pat Bethel.
The secondary will be the (relatively) weakest link but will still be strong. The turnover chain will get plenty of use in 2019.
If the QB situation becomes merely adequate the Canes should challenge for the Coastal.
If the WRs can become a threat, UNC could challenge for a bowl North Carolina – Vegas Win Total – 5.5 – UNC went to the way back machine and brought back Mack brown to be the HC. He last roamed the sidelines in Chapel Hill when Braveheart won Best Picture. Not one to be stuck in the past he brought on Phil Longo from Ole Miss to be OC and implement an Air Raid attack,
But its going to struggle. The QB situation is a mess. No one has emerged as the leader among three candidates. To top it off the WRs showed a distinct propensity to drop balls during spring practice. The strength of the offense was the RB but that is not how an Air Raid works. Hopefully Longo adjusts and sets up the run game with the pass.
The defense was an absolute sieve last year. Only 23 teams gave up more points. The DL did its part though notching 27 sacks. New DC Jay Bateman from Army recognizes this and plans on switching between and 4-3 and 3-3 sending a lot more blitzes. The secondary will be tested. They lost 3 CBs during spring ball.
Can the offense score faster than the defense lets up the points? It will be tough. After winning only 3 games against FBS foes over the last two years don’t expect much improvement.
But its going to struggle. The QB situation is a mess. No one has emerged as the leader among three candidates. To top it off the WRs showed a distinct propensity to drop balls during spring practice. The strength of the offense was the RB but that is not how an Air Raid works. Hopefully Longo adjusts and sets up the run game with the pass.
The defense was an absolute sieve last year. Only 23 teams gave up more points. The DL did its part though notching 27 sacks. New DC Jay Bateman from Army recognizes this and plans on switching between and 4-3 and 3-3 sending a lot more blitzes. The secondary will be tested. They lost 3 CBs during spring ball.
Can the offense score faster than the defense lets up the points? It will be tough. After winning only 3 games against FBS foes over the last two years don’t expect much improvement.
Pickett needs to step up his game or it will be a long season Pitt – Vegas Win Total – 6.0 – The Panthers may have gone .500 on the year but they did win the Coastal and the right to be an appetizer to Clemson before the playoffs.
In order to build on a solid year, the Panthers only have to replace two 1,000 yard runners, four OL and 12 starters.
The offense stumbled down the stretch combining for only 26 points over the last three games. So Narduzzi brought in former UMass HC as OC. There will never be an Air Narduzzi but the Panthers will go to the air more than in years past. They will need to get more production out of QB Kenny Pickett. He led an offense that ranked 121st nationally in passing yards, 98th in total offense,) and 94th in points (25.6 ppg).
The defense was up and down last year ending up 5th overall in the ACC. The Panthers get six starters back but lose three of their top five tacklers. Expect the pass rush to be decent and the LB and secondary to be adequate.
Pitt will go bowling but with a resurgent Va Tech, Virginia and Miami (FL) they won't get near the championship game.
In order to build on a solid year, the Panthers only have to replace two 1,000 yard runners, four OL and 12 starters.
The offense stumbled down the stretch combining for only 26 points over the last three games. So Narduzzi brought in former UMass HC as OC. There will never be an Air Narduzzi but the Panthers will go to the air more than in years past. They will need to get more production out of QB Kenny Pickett. He led an offense that ranked 121st nationally in passing yards, 98th in total offense,) and 94th in points (25.6 ppg).
The defense was up and down last year ending up 5th overall in the ACC. The Panthers get six starters back but lose three of their top five tacklers. Expect the pass rush to be decent and the LB and secondary to be adequate.
Pitt will go bowling but with a resurgent Va Tech, Virginia and Miami (FL) they won't get near the championship game.
Perkins led the ACC in offense last year Virginia – Vegas Win Total – 8.0 – The league’s leader in total offense isn’t that guy over in Clemson. It’s Virginia QB Bryce Perkins. He led an offense that wasn’t explosive but it was efficient leading the ACC in 3rd down conversions. The question is does he have the pieces surrounding him? 1,026 yard rusher Jordan Ellis is gone with PK Kier and Wayne Taupala expected to be this years thunder and lightning.
The WRs return four of their top five pass catchers and will be solid. The OL returns three as well and should continue to shine,
The ACC’s third best defense returns nearly intact. The LBs are among the best and the secondary got great news when CB Bryce Hall decided to return. The DL will be the relatively weakest link but still talented.
This is the year Bronco Menenhall gets his Virginia squad over the hump and beats Va Tech. It’s been 15 years. With the win the will advance for the opportunity to get beat by Clemson in the ACC championship game.
The WRs return four of their top five pass catchers and will be solid. The OL returns three as well and should continue to shine,
The ACC’s third best defense returns nearly intact. The LBs are among the best and the secondary got great news when CB Bryce Hall decided to return. The DL will be the relatively weakest link but still talented.
This is the year Bronco Menenhall gets his Virginia squad over the hump and beats Va Tech. It’s been 15 years. With the win the will advance for the opportunity to get beat by Clemson in the ACC championship game.
What in the world was going on with Bud Foster's defense? Virginia Tech – Vegas Win Total – 8.0 – Last year was not up to Hokie standards. There was a 14 point loss to 27.5 point dog Old Dominion and an overall losing record. Their first losing record since 1992.
The defense was the main culprit. It was long time DC Bud Foster’s worst in his 23 years. When Va Tech lost, they lost big, with six losses by double digits and four by over 20 points. It was a young defense with nine freshman and sophomores starting in the Military Bowl.
Whether they learn and grow from last year’s disaster will determine the Hokies fate. The LBs are a strength and all five secondary players return so it should improve. The DL is a weakness.
The offense was inconsistent and returns five starters. Sr QB Ryan Willis returns. He is not that accurate but did throw for 2,716 yards,24 TDs and only 9 picks. The Hokies lose their leading rusher and the OL returns only two starters. If your best player on the OL is a sophomore, it will struggle.
Bud Foster is a great DC and will get the defense back closer to to his standard but the offense is a concern. In the parity that is the ACC coastal, Va Tech will finish in the middle of the pack and make a bowl again.
The defense was the main culprit. It was long time DC Bud Foster’s worst in his 23 years. When Va Tech lost, they lost big, with six losses by double digits and four by over 20 points. It was a young defense with nine freshman and sophomores starting in the Military Bowl.
Whether they learn and grow from last year’s disaster will determine the Hokies fate. The LBs are a strength and all five secondary players return so it should improve. The DL is a weakness.
The offense was inconsistent and returns five starters. Sr QB Ryan Willis returns. He is not that accurate but did throw for 2,716 yards,24 TDs and only 9 picks. The Hokies lose their leading rusher and the OL returns only two starters. If your best player on the OL is a sophomore, it will struggle.
Bud Foster is a great DC and will get the defense back closer to to his standard but the offense is a concern. In the parity that is the ACC coastal, Va Tech will finish in the middle of the pack and make a bowl again.
Trivia Question - Who is the only ACC coach with an overall losing record? FSU's Willie Taggert is 52-57 all time
Don't forget the GO JUMBO trip is Oct 26th at the Westgate SuperBook
Don't forget the GO JUMBO trip is Oct 26th at the Westgate SuperBook
