TopNotchPlays
06-30-2004, 07:48 PM
I will continue to add to this Post daily as I get my Pre-Season Preview's completed...please feel free to chime in anytime!!!
ACC CONFERENCE:
FLORIDA ST -
Offense: I expect they will easily be capable of maintaining last years Scoring Average of 30+ points per game. The entire Offensive Line is back intact and what a Front it is...the "smallest" weighs in at a mere 299lbs, with the avg being 306lbs. Sr QB Rix will hand off, every once in awhile, to another returner in Jr FB B.J. Dean, who will also provide Blocking for TB Projected Replacement, Jr Leon Washington. When Rix is playing catch, he'll have his choice of Returners in TE Paul Irons or Flanker Craphonso Thorpe. The SE duties will be taken up by Projected Replacement Sr Chauncey Stovall. Basically, I can't find any real faults with the Seminoles Offense, which is a great thing for Bowden as this Unit will most likely have to "carry" the team for a few weeks while the Defense settles in.
MY RATING: 9.8
Defense: Veteran players are scarse as 75% of the Front Line is gone...Projected Replacements are - DE Sr Chauncey Davis, NT Jr Brodrick Bunkley and DT Sr Travis Johnson. It doesn't end there either because ALL 3 Linebackers have exited. They will be replaced by 1 Sr and 2 Jrs. Fortunately there is a bit of good news for this Unit as 3 of 4 Secondary Starters are back. The early weeks of the season will really test this Defense...2 Bowl Teams in the first 3 games...with a trip to the Orange Bowl and nemesis Miami opening weekend. They WILL experience some trouble vs STRONG Rushing Teams, but should have few problems defending the Pass. A smart opponent would look to match their Receivers up against the FSU LB's every chance they could, as even the most experienced LB's are generally no match for good WR's. Punting yards may drop a bit as well, but with Sr Xavier Beitia back at PK, FG's shouldn't be any big deal.
MY RATING: 4.5
MY TEAM "20" RATING: 14.3 (out of 20)
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 7th Toughest out of 117
MIAMI -
Offense: Here's an offensive unit that should actually be able to score a few more points over last years Season Average of 28ppg. Even though they have 4 new faces on their Offense, TB Jr Quadtrine Hill actually Started 6 games in 03 and FB Sr Talib Humphrey saw enough action as well...so there's no lack of experience. All but 1 returns on the O-Line so protection of the QB, most likely Brock Berlin unless he falters, shouldn't be an issue. I just don't see the Hurricanes missing a beat on Offense and their recent transfer to the ACC will put alot of pressure on their Conference opponents.
MY RATING: 9.9
Defense: There are definitely going to be some questions that will have to be answered as the entire Linebacking Corp is gone as well as 75% of the Secondary. The Front D-Line returns all but 1, but will that be enough? I think we'll see good opponents racking up more Rushing & Passing yards against the Canes, which means the Offense must be on their game until this Unit has a chance to get their feet wet....and that test will come right away since they open at Home against FSU. This very well could be the year Miami's 5-Game Win Streak against the Seminoles gets snapped. The schedule gets alot easier for a few weeks after Game 1...something this Defense is really going to need. If they can't get it together against LA Tech, Houston and GT it will be a very long season for both the Offense and the Defense.
MY RATING: 3.5
MY TEAM "20" RATING: 13.4 (out of 20)
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 13th Toughest out of 117
VIRGINIA -
Offense: The biggest question the Cavaliers will need to answer---can replacement QB, Jr Marques Hagans get the job done while living in the shadow of ACC Player of the Year, Matt Schaub. If he CAN click, VA will have no trouble lighting up the scorebaord as this Unit is loaded with both experience and depth....8 out of 11 Starters return and 2 of the 3 Projected Replacements are former Starters. This will definitely be a team to keep your eye on for the '04 season...if Hagan clicks, watch out!!!
MY RATING: 9.9
Defense: As hard as it may seem to believe, the Defensive Unit might just be the true Strength of this team. Once again, 8 of 11 Starters Return----6 of the Front 7. This team should be awesome against the Run and will most likely force even the most adept Rushing Teams to put the ball in the air more than they normally would. However, the Secondary is secure as well with both Safties coming back and serious experience by the Projected Replacements at both Corners. I believe we'll see their INT Numbers go up from last year. It doesn't end there, as Conner Hughes, Ranking among the Nation's very best Kicker's, returns also. Last year he was 28 of 31 on FG attempts. I'm really liking this teams chances of capturing the ACC Title in '04.
MY RATING: 9.7
MY "20" RATING: 19.6 (out of 20)
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 15th Toughest out of 117
CLEMSON -
Offense: QB Charlie Whitehurst is only a Jr but is experienced and mature. Clemson also fields an excellent Backfield with 2 Returners at TB and Jr Cliff Harrell taking the snap duties at FB. This unit should find few difficulties when it comes to Rushing as the only Non-Returning Linemen are at LT and RT. The go-to Receiver will be veteran Sr Airese Currie, also the fastest WR in the ACC. He'll get help at TE where Bobby Williams returns, but other WR slots will be taken by a Jr and a So. The Tiger's Offense should be able to put points on the board against every team on their schedule this year and will be invited to a major bowl game.
RATING: 9.2
Defense: The major questions will be on the Line as DE and both DT's must be replaced as well as the SLB. This D will need to come together quickly as the Tiger's face a very tough schedule. The one plus to this is Clemson can fill those slots with 2 Sr's a Jr and 1 So...so they shouldn't lose to much experience wise. The opportunity to be a dominating unit is there as long as these new players gel within the first 2 weeks of the season. The Tiger's strength will come against the elite Passing Teams, as their entire Secondary returns intact. Look for weak Offenses to have trouble both Rushing and Passing, but the elite Ground Teams will get some yardage. They also lost the teams leading scorer in Kicker Aaron Hunt, so Jed Dean will have some big shoes to fill. So. Cole Chase returns for the Punting duties so no real concerns there.
RATING: 7.7
MY 20: 16.9
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 8th Toughest
MARYLAND -
Offense: The biggest question - who will replace QB Scott McBrian? It appears as if it will be So. Joel Statham. But with a new QB, FB, RG and RT, the Offense will need to rely on the play of their stellar TB's to open up the Passing Game - where both WR's are Returning Starters. The most important thing they can do to help out their new Signal-Caller - stay focused and be prepared to come back to the ball whenever necessary. He'll need their help if he is going to become a confident Passer in the ACC. Another way WR Steve Suter can really help his Offense is by getting nice gains on Punt Returns and shortening up the field.
RATING: 6.2
Defense: This was an extremely stingy unit last season, allowing only 16PPG on average. Unfortunately, only 4 Starters return from that unit and Maryland faces a tougher schedule than in '03. We may see some growing pains before this Defense gets back to last year's form. The Front Line only returns 1 true veteran in Sr DE Kevin Eli - he'll be named the Defensive Captain and will need to force his crew to play beyond their experience. They'll also be replacing 2 LB's, CB, FS and SS. It appears as if the Kicking game may be their real strength until the D gets a few games under their belts.
RATING: 4.0
MY 20: 10.2
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 4th Toughest
NORTH CAROLINA STATE -
Offense: There's no doubt this will be a much different team without QB Rivers, who had Started an NCAA-Record 51 consecutive games. Looks like the "lucky" Replacement will be seldom-used Jr Jay Davis....who has a CAREER TOTAL of 177 Passing Yards. The potential for a great Offense is there, but must expect more Rushing Plays with the hope that Davis can settle in and play relaxed ball.
RATING: 5.9
Defense: Defensively, State sucked in '03....Ranking only ahead of intra-state rival NC in Scoring Defense at 30PPG. The good news, new Defensive Coordinator Reggie Herring (with Clemson from '97-'01) inherits the ONLY UNIT IN THE ACC TO RETURN 3 PLAYERS WHO EACH HAD 100+ TACKLES LAST SEASON. The LB Corp will be the finest in the ACC as all are Returning Seniors. Because of their QB situation, may have to have a third straight season where they lead the ACC in NON-OFFENSIVE scores. this will be one hell of a Defense!!!
RATING: 9.8
MY "20": 16.7
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 18th toughest
ACC CONFERENCE:
FLORIDA ST -
Offense: I expect they will easily be capable of maintaining last years Scoring Average of 30+ points per game. The entire Offensive Line is back intact and what a Front it is...the "smallest" weighs in at a mere 299lbs, with the avg being 306lbs. Sr QB Rix will hand off, every once in awhile, to another returner in Jr FB B.J. Dean, who will also provide Blocking for TB Projected Replacement, Jr Leon Washington. When Rix is playing catch, he'll have his choice of Returners in TE Paul Irons or Flanker Craphonso Thorpe. The SE duties will be taken up by Projected Replacement Sr Chauncey Stovall. Basically, I can't find any real faults with the Seminoles Offense, which is a great thing for Bowden as this Unit will most likely have to "carry" the team for a few weeks while the Defense settles in.
MY RATING: 9.8
Defense: Veteran players are scarse as 75% of the Front Line is gone...Projected Replacements are - DE Sr Chauncey Davis, NT Jr Brodrick Bunkley and DT Sr Travis Johnson. It doesn't end there either because ALL 3 Linebackers have exited. They will be replaced by 1 Sr and 2 Jrs. Fortunately there is a bit of good news for this Unit as 3 of 4 Secondary Starters are back. The early weeks of the season will really test this Defense...2 Bowl Teams in the first 3 games...with a trip to the Orange Bowl and nemesis Miami opening weekend. They WILL experience some trouble vs STRONG Rushing Teams, but should have few problems defending the Pass. A smart opponent would look to match their Receivers up against the FSU LB's every chance they could, as even the most experienced LB's are generally no match for good WR's. Punting yards may drop a bit as well, but with Sr Xavier Beitia back at PK, FG's shouldn't be any big deal.
MY RATING: 4.5
MY TEAM "20" RATING: 14.3 (out of 20)
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 7th Toughest out of 117
MIAMI -
Offense: Here's an offensive unit that should actually be able to score a few more points over last years Season Average of 28ppg. Even though they have 4 new faces on their Offense, TB Jr Quadtrine Hill actually Started 6 games in 03 and FB Sr Talib Humphrey saw enough action as well...so there's no lack of experience. All but 1 returns on the O-Line so protection of the QB, most likely Brock Berlin unless he falters, shouldn't be an issue. I just don't see the Hurricanes missing a beat on Offense and their recent transfer to the ACC will put alot of pressure on their Conference opponents.
MY RATING: 9.9
Defense: There are definitely going to be some questions that will have to be answered as the entire Linebacking Corp is gone as well as 75% of the Secondary. The Front D-Line returns all but 1, but will that be enough? I think we'll see good opponents racking up more Rushing & Passing yards against the Canes, which means the Offense must be on their game until this Unit has a chance to get their feet wet....and that test will come right away since they open at Home against FSU. This very well could be the year Miami's 5-Game Win Streak against the Seminoles gets snapped. The schedule gets alot easier for a few weeks after Game 1...something this Defense is really going to need. If they can't get it together against LA Tech, Houston and GT it will be a very long season for both the Offense and the Defense.
MY RATING: 3.5
MY TEAM "20" RATING: 13.4 (out of 20)
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 13th Toughest out of 117
VIRGINIA -
Offense: The biggest question the Cavaliers will need to answer---can replacement QB, Jr Marques Hagans get the job done while living in the shadow of ACC Player of the Year, Matt Schaub. If he CAN click, VA will have no trouble lighting up the scorebaord as this Unit is loaded with both experience and depth....8 out of 11 Starters return and 2 of the 3 Projected Replacements are former Starters. This will definitely be a team to keep your eye on for the '04 season...if Hagan clicks, watch out!!!
MY RATING: 9.9
Defense: As hard as it may seem to believe, the Defensive Unit might just be the true Strength of this team. Once again, 8 of 11 Starters Return----6 of the Front 7. This team should be awesome against the Run and will most likely force even the most adept Rushing Teams to put the ball in the air more than they normally would. However, the Secondary is secure as well with both Safties coming back and serious experience by the Projected Replacements at both Corners. I believe we'll see their INT Numbers go up from last year. It doesn't end there, as Conner Hughes, Ranking among the Nation's very best Kicker's, returns also. Last year he was 28 of 31 on FG attempts. I'm really liking this teams chances of capturing the ACC Title in '04.
MY RATING: 9.7
MY "20" RATING: 19.6 (out of 20)
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 15th Toughest out of 117
CLEMSON -
Offense: QB Charlie Whitehurst is only a Jr but is experienced and mature. Clemson also fields an excellent Backfield with 2 Returners at TB and Jr Cliff Harrell taking the snap duties at FB. This unit should find few difficulties when it comes to Rushing as the only Non-Returning Linemen are at LT and RT. The go-to Receiver will be veteran Sr Airese Currie, also the fastest WR in the ACC. He'll get help at TE where Bobby Williams returns, but other WR slots will be taken by a Jr and a So. The Tiger's Offense should be able to put points on the board against every team on their schedule this year and will be invited to a major bowl game.
RATING: 9.2
Defense: The major questions will be on the Line as DE and both DT's must be replaced as well as the SLB. This D will need to come together quickly as the Tiger's face a very tough schedule. The one plus to this is Clemson can fill those slots with 2 Sr's a Jr and 1 So...so they shouldn't lose to much experience wise. The opportunity to be a dominating unit is there as long as these new players gel within the first 2 weeks of the season. The Tiger's strength will come against the elite Passing Teams, as their entire Secondary returns intact. Look for weak Offenses to have trouble both Rushing and Passing, but the elite Ground Teams will get some yardage. They also lost the teams leading scorer in Kicker Aaron Hunt, so Jed Dean will have some big shoes to fill. So. Cole Chase returns for the Punting duties so no real concerns there.
RATING: 7.7
MY 20: 16.9
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 8th Toughest
MARYLAND -
Offense: The biggest question - who will replace QB Scott McBrian? It appears as if it will be So. Joel Statham. But with a new QB, FB, RG and RT, the Offense will need to rely on the play of their stellar TB's to open up the Passing Game - where both WR's are Returning Starters. The most important thing they can do to help out their new Signal-Caller - stay focused and be prepared to come back to the ball whenever necessary. He'll need their help if he is going to become a confident Passer in the ACC. Another way WR Steve Suter can really help his Offense is by getting nice gains on Punt Returns and shortening up the field.
RATING: 6.2
Defense: This was an extremely stingy unit last season, allowing only 16PPG on average. Unfortunately, only 4 Starters return from that unit and Maryland faces a tougher schedule than in '03. We may see some growing pains before this Defense gets back to last year's form. The Front Line only returns 1 true veteran in Sr DE Kevin Eli - he'll be named the Defensive Captain and will need to force his crew to play beyond their experience. They'll also be replacing 2 LB's, CB, FS and SS. It appears as if the Kicking game may be their real strength until the D gets a few games under their belts.
RATING: 4.0
MY 20: 10.2
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 4th Toughest
NORTH CAROLINA STATE -
Offense: There's no doubt this will be a much different team without QB Rivers, who had Started an NCAA-Record 51 consecutive games. Looks like the "lucky" Replacement will be seldom-used Jr Jay Davis....who has a CAREER TOTAL of 177 Passing Yards. The potential for a great Offense is there, but must expect more Rushing Plays with the hope that Davis can settle in and play relaxed ball.
RATING: 5.9
Defense: Defensively, State sucked in '03....Ranking only ahead of intra-state rival NC in Scoring Defense at 30PPG. The good news, new Defensive Coordinator Reggie Herring (with Clemson from '97-'01) inherits the ONLY UNIT IN THE ACC TO RETURN 3 PLAYERS WHO EACH HAD 100+ TACKLES LAST SEASON. The LB Corp will be the finest in the ACC as all are Returning Seniors. Because of their QB situation, may have to have a third straight season where they lead the ACC in NON-OFFENSIVE scores. this will be one hell of a Defense!!!
RATING: 9.8
MY "20": 16.7
SCHEDULE STRENGTH: 18th toughest