Awesome piece Pat.
Is it just me or does anyone else think that popularity and intrigue will play a part in the quaterback decision when we're suppossed to go
7-5 next year? The fans want to see Jimmy Clausen. I'm sure CW wants to give him experience if he is going to lead us to a national championship. What I want to know is if his "injury" is going to keep him out. Why start DJ if eventually Jimmy C is going to be our guy?

And also...give (or force him to wear) Jimmy Clausen the #3...that would be too perfect.
BCND | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 12:33 am | #

I find it odd that everyone talks about and looks forward to Armando Allen coming in and bringing his great speed...when he missed his entire senior year with a fairly serious injury.

But then, DJ Hord gets referred to with concern about having to shake off a considerable amount of rust and people wonder whether he'll have the same speed.

I'm not picking on you Pat, but I've seen similar comments on other boards and I just don't get it.

Frankly, I don't expect to see Allen contribute much this year. I see a repeat of Aldridge's freshman year. And I think Hord is going to show his stuff big time this year.

By the way, thanks for a good article to break the boredom til the spring game!
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 1:52 am | #

I think the onus is on Tommy Z this year to truly step up as a leader. He's a four year starter now and needs to show that he's more than just a household name. I'm looking forward to seeing if coach brown can bring the best out of him - remember he played safety in college and the NFL too.
suave andrew | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 5:10 am | #

Good point Anon, but Hord has been at ND for three years now and hasn't been healthy for most of it. The Achilles injury that knocked him out for all of last year came after missing the previous spring practice due to abdominal surgery so he really hasn't had all that many chances to get reps in practice. That is why I threw in the comment about being rusty. I certainly do hope he has a great year though.

As for Allen, chatter stemming from the off-season 7-on-7 workouts seems to indicate that he has impressed people with his speed.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 7:45 am | #

Any talk of Zibby possibly moving to LB? Maybe they don't want to make him switch positions his senior (5th) year but, it's always something that has intrigued me. I think Zibby's main problem is that he over-pursues sometimes. He certainly would be better than most of the other options at LB. With Gaines and Brown or maybe even Gordon there could be some depth at safety. Could any of those players fill Zibby's spot? Maybe I'm just grasping at straws here but I've always believed that Zibby would be better suited at LB. At least more so than Travis Thomas. Then again in a defense filled with question marks, you know Zibby will be solid at safety. Maybe they shouldn't mess with it.
Schultz | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 8:38 am | #

One burning question I have: schemes aside, what kind of attitude is this defense going to bring? Here's hoping that Corwin Brown brings the nasty up a notch or two (or three).

I think Clausen is the guy, and I hope his injuries don't keep him from battling for the spot. I'm happy if DJ or one of the others gets it, but the "what if" factor will be high if Clausen doesn't really have a chance to show his stuff this spring.
TJ | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 8:52 am | #

Having been a senior when Powlus was a freshman, I can tell you it would be a big mistake to start Clausen. we would have never gone 11-1 in 1994 with Powlus. The team trusted and rallied around McDougal.

With a relatively inexperienced O-line, it would be way too much pressure for Clausen. At least Jones has a chance to get out of the way if protection breaks down. Also, Jones strikes me as a guy that the players would rally around as well.
Deputy Dog | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 9:15 am | #

I just want everyone to recognize that three of the players Pat wants to "shine" are from the great state of Georgia. I feel very confident that Toryan Smith, Mo Richardson and Paul Duncan will keep up the recent tradition of GA players making tremendous contributions (Darius Walker). Keep it up fellas. I can't wait for September to get here.
Atlantadomer | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 9:35 am | #

Great writing, but Golden Tate was recruited as a WR, and will play that position. He could also return kicks.
Andrew | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 10:00 am | #

Nice catch Andrew. Then again, if Munir Prince switches positions, Tate might find himself a possible RB option as well. I do agree that he will see early time returning kicks.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 10:07 am | #

Thanks Pat. I for one needed the fix.

This Clausen “injury thing” perplexes me. If it was known last summer and Clausen played through it to include the Army All-Star game, and apparently has not had surgery either by the knife or the camera, it would appear it is something they hope will heal on it’s own. Thus the 7 on 7 layoff. Bone spurs and chips from what I read, only get worse. Everything you need to know: http://www.rothmaninstitute.com/...lder/ elbow1.htm

On another note, if Coach Weis and I were sitting around eating pizza and drinking beer, I would suggest leaving Travis Thomas at linebacker, find someone to spell Zibby at punt returning, and light a fire under the special teams, both in returns and kicking. (Punting excluded). But alas, I’m eating cold pizza and drinking warm beer by myself.
Go Irish, Beat the Dawgs.
Subway Alumni | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 10:13 am | #

Sub Alum - Travis Thomas totaled 11 tackles over the last 7 games of the season. I don't think that's exactly the kind of production that should keep him at linebacker. Over that same 7 game span, Crum had 57 tackles and Brockington had 50. TT will be much more useful at running back where he can provide veteran leadership in a huddle full of sophomores.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 10:31 am | #

The Irish are not going to challenge for a championship this year. They will likely be 7-5 or 8-4. So why not put Clausen in and let him gain valuable experience?
gwzimm | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 10:42 am | #

I cringe every time I hear that "11 tackles in 7 games" stat on T Thomas. Glad he'll be back at RB where he belongs...

TJ brings up a huge point...the NASTY was missing last year and we need C Brown to instill it in this Defense.
Tony Spilotro | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 11:00 am | #

Why the love for DD over Frazer or Sharpley (to say nothing of a healthy Clausen)? I feel like Weis' offense is tailored to a drop back passer. I can understand people thinking that with an inexperienced team, potentially poor blocking, etc. Jones is a better fit. But if I'm HOPING one player steps it to grab the QB role, it's gotta be Clausen.
Colin | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 11:03 am | #

I think the thing to keep in mind is that Clausen is a freshman and the rest of the offense is young too. Not a good combo. Plus, this offseason I've become smitten with the idea of DJ at QB so he's got my vote right now.

I feel like Armando will unfortunately be this years James Aldridge. I hope he's as fast as his hype but [I heard Mike Frank say this a few months ago] you've got to remember, Armando has never been the starting running back. Ever. There was someone ahead of him in his junior year that he shared time with and then he was hurt as a senior. To a certain extent, he's unproven but we have him because of potential. With depth now at RB maybe its not a huge concern because he won't need to go every down but its something to keep in mind.

I love the 'breakout player' thing. I love early each year when someone makes a huge play and I say outloud "who's number __? That was awesome!" and by the end of the season I'm of course taking credit for having predicted he'd be a stud this year.

I'm going with Mo because "come on Mo! Crush him!" sounds like fun to yell and Burkhart because we're from the same hometown. And because I'm sick of pacing around my living room in a fit of panic when our kickers and D are on the field.

Thanks Pat, I needed this post.
jaisn | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 11:07 am | #

Is Demetrius' game radically different than that of Tom Brady or Brady Quinn? The Two Bradys are now emblematic of what a Charlie Weis coached QB is supposed to be. Will CW choose to implement a brief departure in style, or will he choose to live and die with the best Brady-clone he can muster? My hunch is that Charlie chooses to not alter his signature. If Demetrius Jones can play Charlieball, terrific. If he cannot, look for Coach Weis to hand the reins to Claussen. He looks to have adequate mobility, and a lightning quick release, both of which will be of significant importance if the O Line struggles.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 11:28 am | #

Colin - I (kind of) agree that Weis' offense favors a drop-back passer, but how many times did we see BQ rolling out last year (think the end of the UCLA game).

I don't think it would be too radical of change to implement an offense where the roll-out plays a substantial role. Doing that would allow the smaller receivers to use their quickness on crossing patterns, allow us to utilize Carlson (remember him?), and allow the pass/run option if DJ is in fact QB.

$.02 out.
B | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 11:33 am | #

Great post guys. Rumor has it that Clausen won't even compete in spring practices yet, which could hurt him. I guess we'll find out at the Blue Gold game here in a month.

On a side note, I'm not sure why people are stating that ND will go 7-5 or 8-4. I understand that we are a young team now, but I still think we can end up 9-3 or even better. The bar has been set, I don't think we need to lower or expectations just because of a new team. USC doesn't lower it's expectations. Neither does Texas. I think our expectations should still be the same, "9-3 (10-3) just isn't good enough." I think this team will still be able to compete in every single game we play. I just don't want to give excuses going into next season. Yes, we're young, but a young team can still be well coached. I think we have everything in place to have just as productive year as the last 2 years. But maybe I'm just thinking too highly of this program.
ND101 | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 11:36 am | #

My picks for breakout years:
1. Patrick Kuntz at defensive line. I felt like he performed well against LSU and was ranked highly out of high school.

2. Anthony Vernaglia at DE/OLB in the "3-4" Someone that was pursued by Pee Weet and his pure size would indicate he has talent enough to contribute on the field.

3. David Bruton was always one of the first guys down the field on kickoffs he was always blocking someone on punt returns, it just seems like this guy can play football.

4. Turkovich, Wegner, Webb, Olsen, Romine, Duncan. All these guys were recruited by Charlie meaning he sees "hard working, nasty, and intelligence" in all of them. Just about anyone will be better than that garbage fat body Bob Morton.

5. Robert Hughes, based on Charlies comments during the signing day press conference and his highlight films I think this guy will start from day one and be the best back we have had since Reggie Brooks.

6. Carlson, Rueland, Yeatman, and Ragone. We may have questions at reciever, but one thing is for sure Weis develops tight end talent better than anyone in coaching: Ben Coats, Marv Cook, Daniel Graham, Anthony Fasano, and John Carlson. If I remeber correctly the Pats had no fear and still have no fear in playing 2 to 3 tight end formations and making them the featured recievers.
Keenan | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 11:49 am | #

If Clausen is unable to compete in spring practices due to injury (as someone above mentioned was a possible rumor), then I'd have to say it would be almost impossible for Clausen to earn the starting position in the Fall. I don't think that's a bad thing -- I think Clausen will have the opportunity to likely play *at least* 2 full years of starting quarterback for ND, whether he takes a "redshirt" (though ND disingenuously doesn't call it a redshirt) this year, or whether he comes in mid-year this year or next.

He will get his snaps, and be a great player -- but let's not ruin his arm.
Andrew | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 12:00 pm | #

I agree with ND101.

I don't care if the team is young. This is ND. 5 losses is NOT acceptable. 4 losses won't be good, unless their is a noticeable improvement in the number of blowout losses.

When Lou Holtz started at ND, he struggled his first 2 years, losing 6 his first year and 4 his 2nd. However, 5 of his loses in year 1 were by a total of 14 points. That's less than 3 point per loss.

I think 9-3 or better is completely within the realm of possibilities for ND in 2007.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 12:03 pm | #

My vote is for anyone other than Clausen to start. Putting him under all that pressure can kill his confidence and could take a while to recover. Look at at Stafford at Georgia and Tebow at Florida. Neither were great QB's their freshman year. (Tebow just ran the ball on short down plays; he was definitely not the feature QB or team leader that Leak was).

Even if he is a phenomenal player, he needs time to adjust. Think of it this way: someone with a little more experience starts off, and if his confidence suffers, it's not the end of the world because Clausen will be in soon. If he starts immediately, however, I think it could take a while for his confidence to be repaired and him to be able to play at the level he will soon be capable of.
JM | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 12:41 pm | #

I think Charlie would love to have a QB that he could throw a wrinkle or two in with (anyone remember how awkward BQ looked trying to run the option against LSU?) I'm telling you, if Clausen is a no-go for Spring, look for a very balanced attack with option type looks utilizing Demetrius Jones at QB. Georgia Tech had an absolutely beautiful offense run by one Joey Hamilton that took advantage of that guys speed, arm, and a stable of running backs.
Atlantadomer | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 12:43 pm | #

It needs to be Clausen. He needs the expierence to set up a title run for '08 and '09
Smitty2183 | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 12:56 pm | #

Not sure if it's been said, but there is a good article in the most recent ESPN The Mag about Clausen. My money is on Sharpley to start against GT and Jimmy will be groomed to start by Mich St. @ ND. Whomever ends up 4th on the depth chart (Frazier or Jones) will be leaving for more PT somewhere.
Hoosier95 | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 1:18 pm | #

I don't see why some people's expectations for next year are so low. 7-5? Are you kidding me? We may split with UM and PSU, lose to USC, and possibly a team like UCLA (or UM and PSU) but we are not going to lose to teams like MSU, Purdue, and BC. 9-3 next yr. At worst and 10-2 likely.
PM | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 1:34 pm | #

It seems like they have a bit of talent but they're pretty wet behind the ears. 7-5 sounds about right to me. They certainly won't be as good as last year's team and they got atomized three times. Hopefully, some guys will get a little experience and maybe they'll compete for a title a few years down the road.

Your hockey team is amazing, though. Well done.
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 2:27 pm | #

Man there are a lot of questions with this team. I guess mine are touched on by Pat's fifth question, but here you go:

6) Will our special teams be able to kick, block and cover? No more 4th down conversion attempts from between the 15 and 35 yard line.

7) Will our DBs be able to cover anyone? At least be on the TV screen. We need at least one lights out, shutdown corner so the safeties can help out the other side and underneath in case the new linebacker scheme adds confusion.

8) Will our team play with a chip on their shoulder and with something to prove? In a season where no one is giving them much credit, it's the perfect opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. CB needs to develop that "nasty" in much the same way T-Willy's team played tough his first year. Hopefully we won't need the defense to score more points than the offense, but a young QB, undersized and inexperienced receivers, and a young O-line sometimes need to be bailed out by defensive and special teams scores. Let's hope CW can put toegether the total package this year.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 2:32 pm | #

Since somebody mentioned Tebow, why couldn't ND employ a little of the "two-headed monster" approach at the QB position?

Clausen/Sharpley/Fraz would be the pure passer option and Demetrius the dual threat guy. I know some folks will dismiss this out of hand - and it may be a stupid idea given our system - but it's been shown to work if implemented with a little finess by the coaching staff...
jeremy52 | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 2:35 pm | #

I wouldn't dismiss a two QB system out of hand, but Charlie has made it pretty clear in the past that he will have one guy at QB who is "the guy".
JohnWA | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 2:43 pm | #

According to Weis's presser today, Clausen is full-go.
TJ | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 2:50 pm | #

We will have one QB this year, and Charlie will pick the guy who does exactly what Charlie tells him to do the best. There will definitely be no 2 QB system.

Zibby will never be a linebacker, though he may be in spirit.

The D will have a lot more punch to it this year. Corwin Brown is a highly energetic young guy, who only a few years ago was playing. Watch for him to infuse this D will a take no prisoners attitude.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 2:57 pm | #

I am wondering why would Charlie recruit Demetrius Jones if he could not find a way to incorporate him into the offense? In a lot of these quotes from recruits I have heard how the coaching staff talks about how that particular player would fit into the current scheme. It seems to me you would not recruit players you could not use...
Matt | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 3:05 pm | #

Thanks for addressing two consistently repeated inanities, Brad. I do not know why people insist on Zibby being the next Brian Urlacher (maybe the Mohawk?), but he isn't. He is not big enough to play the position, especially in a 3-4. Even if he weighed 240, he would still be barely 6'.

CW has said, repreatedly, that he will not use a 2 QB system. Not ever. No way. His history bears this out - hell, he didn't even give his 2nd string guys much PT. I am guessing that if we see 2 starters this year, it will be because of an injury or because one of the young studs (Clausen or Jones) takes it from the initial starter (Sharpley or Jones - obviously with no Jones from Jones taking, which is an physical, if not meta-physical, impossibility.) The latter is most likely if things happen to go poorly in the first 5 games.
Thundershaker | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 3:11 pm | #

I wouldn't put too much faith in the "bone spur" diagnosis regarding Jimmy's elbow. Very rarely do you see bone spurs in the elbow of an 18 yr old unless they have had some type of moderate to severe trauma of the elbow. I would say its probably more of a case of "epicondylitis" or inflammation of the elbow joint. Best solution for that is to immobilize the joint with a guard along with the use of ice and ultrasounds. Don't forget plenty of rest. Don't be surprised to see Clausen on opening day.
sblxdoc | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 3:27 pm | #

Thanks for straightening us out Thundershaker. Lord knows the BGS comments section in March is certianly no place for inanities!

It's all true; 6' is way to short for a linebacker (Mike Singletary who?) and it surely is beyond the realm of possibility that Charlie might not want to divulge publicly that he's considering packages for multiple QB's.
jeremy52 | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 3:50 pm | #

You might want to ask, "Mike Singletary when?" Jeremy. Not in an age of 6'7" OTs and 6'5" OGs. Singletary also had exceptional instincts as a LB and didn't convert from HS QB to SS to LB from what I recall. Of course, the fact that Zibby has 0 experience with LB technique at the Div 1 level shouldn't stop anyone from putting him in that position as a senior. Just look at what a stud TT was at LB, right? And I'm sure CW will consider whatever offensive packages and plays will get us in the W column. Personally, I'm betting on a hybrid form of the triple-option, perhaps with Double D at QB and JC thowing bombs from one of the HB positions on run-pass options plays.

It's all good fun, no need for anyone to feel personally insulted. But some ideas are just a little sillier than others, and annoying enough to merit mockery after about the 500th iteration.
Thundershaker | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 6:43 pm | #

"Keenan," let's not rip our own former players. You can respectfully criticize a guy's performance on the field, but don't call a guy names when he's putting in the kind of time and effort it takes to play D-1 football.

One description about talented but young teams that I think is accurate is that you can expect them to win at least one game that they have no business winning, but lose at least one that they have no business losing, as well. I don't think we're gonna finally break the win streak against Navy this year or anything, but I do think we'll stumble against a lesser opponent, then come right back and stun either USC or UM. My prediction is 8-4, tho 9-3 or 7-5 wouldn't surprise me.
BAirish | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 7:54 pm | #

Here's my take on D Jones not "fitting" into Charlie's system...

1. [already pointed out by Matt above] If he wasn't a good fit at QB for Weis, then he wouldn't have been recruited for it. Charlie specifically praised his arm and ability and mentioned that he's not being brought in at QB only to get switched.

2. From the descriptions I've read and heard, he's a QB first and a runner second. Haven't seen him in person yet, but supposedly his arm is excellent; his legs: just gravy.

3. Even if he's not a prototypical, drop-back passer, I don't think Charlie will have ANY problem w/ taking advantage of his running ability. Don't forget all the times CW has talked about "taking what the defense gives him." I think he'll apply the same approach of taking what you're given to his offensive personel/system this year - not limiting it to what you might "like" to do, but doing what you CAN do w/ what you've got (a la, switching to the 3-4 b/c it might benefit our system based on the personel). BYU 2 years ago we shelled them w/ the passing game b/c we COULD. Other games, we screened so many times I couldn't believe it, but it worked, so Charlie went w/ it. Also, I know it's not the same as the power running game we'd all love to have and lean on, but I'm guessing CW would love having that option of just demoralizing an opposing D with the QB draw.

Good point about rollouts / crossing routes, "B."
BAirish | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 8:01 pm | #

In all future posts BGS should simply refer to Clausen as the 'LBJ of Football.'
indy | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 8:21 pm | #

Has anyone checked out the BGS survey results recently? I think it's kind of funny how the majority of voters think Jones will get the start this fall, but at the end of the season the majority thinks Clausen will have the job. Is this a lack of faith in DJ or just a conviction that Clausen will prove himself by the end of the season?

I'd like to have some really exciting opinion about this, but I think I'm going to keep my mouth shut...at least until after the Blue-Gold game. But whatever the case, I do not believe Coach Weis would EVER put in a player thinking, "We'll get him warmed up this season, maybe go 7-5 and get ourselves primed for a championship in a year or two." Please. Let's be ND again. Let's be sure of ourselves. We haven't even seen the Blue-Gold game yet and already we're tallying losses? Harsh.

But that's just me, and I am largely incapable of being a "realistic" fan.

By the way, whoever said something about the hockey team being amazing--darn right they are. I can't wait for Grand Rapids this weekend.
Domergirl | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 8:53 pm | #

If Clausen participates in spring practice he will have almost as much experience as Jones or Frazier. Remember they ran the "show" team last year, so they were not running our offense. Clausen will be equivalent to a sophmore coming into the fall with a spring under his belt, so his lack of experience will be game experience which Jones and Frazier lack too, and Sharpley has very limited time. So anyone of the four will be thrown to the lions in the fall, but I think our OL will be a lot better than people are thinking. Have some faith, we are already making this team 7-5. How closely does Charlie's first two years resemble Lou's. Lou lost a lot of close games his first year, got blown out a few times his second year, had a team that no one really knew much about his third year and won a national championship. We can surprise a lot of people next year, you let this team win a few games and see what happens.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 9:05 pm | #

I'm so excited
And I just can't hide it
I think I'm about to lose control
And I KNOW I like it.
BillB | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 9:20 pm | #

It would be interesting to see a survey that asks four questions:

1. Why will/will not QB1 be ND's qb?

a.
b.
c.
d.

Repeat above for all 4 QB candidates.

Personally, I think all of the QB's are good enough for ND to be a very competitive team this season.

ND could go Mallet style and start Zach the big man. ND could go Tony Romo style and start Clausen the new kid later in the season. ND could go Florida style, using a dual headed monster, like last years NCAA champs. ND could go the way people are recommending for Brady Quinn in the NFL and start the veteran Sharpley who has been in the system as the #2 man.

All look like interesting choices with good potential.

Now, on the other hand . . . the defense . . . . . .
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 03.21.07 - 9:42 pm | #

so I just drove onto campus to mail something real quick. 12:50am and the lights are burning in charlie's office.

Not concrete evidence, but if that's so, I love our coach.
Tommy O | Email | Homepage | 03.22.07 - 1:32 am | #

i feel the need to comment further on the subject of DJ filling the role of a "Tebow-like" dual threat, even though people have already talked about it. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. His game is nothing like Tebow's. He is a drop back passer who also happens to be very mobile. He would be good for a young offensive line that will inevitably let people through all year long b/c he can get away easier than the other 3 QB's in ND's system. But Weis does not run a spread offense and DJ is not a "running quarterback." and anyone who thinks we are going 10-2 next year needs to wake up. We went 10-3 this year w/ our best team in many many years. 3 blowout losses, two wins that were very lucky (MSU, UCLA). We could have easily finished the regular season 8-4. Having said that, we wont be better than that this year. Plus, our schedule sets us up for more losses. UM and USC are losses. @PSU and @UCLA are probably losses as well. Between BC, MSU, Purdue, and GT, i dont think we will take them all. BC will be especially tough when considering the players they have coming back...hopefully their new coach is an idiot and they suck. 7-5 is a very good estimate. i think if we go 8-4 we will have to steal one. As disappointing as that is to think about, Willingham flat out did not leave us w/ enough depth for this year and unless young guys come out of nowhere not only to play but to star, its going to be a long season.
morrissey mustache month | Email | Homepage | 03.22.07 - 1:43 am | #

I disagree with the "not enough depth". I think that, for the first time in a long time, there are enough real players at every position to push the talent level up. Yes, they are young, but it's also the first time in about the last three years that nearly every position (except Sully's spot at center) is open. The kids Charlie has been bringing in are going to be fighting like crazy for the open slots and playing time. Someone above made the comment that this team is likely to surprise someone they shouldn't this year and lose to someone they shouldn't. I completely agree with that. Yes, the schedule is tough, especially having to play early at PSU and at the Big House, but I think that's just going to put a chip on this team's shoulder. They'll play loose since, in everyone's opinion anyway, they already lost the game before they showed up. Crazy things happen when you put talented, well-coached kids in that kind of situation.
JohnWA | Email | Homepage | 03.22.07 - 10:57 am | #

I've been thinking about Darius Walker's first breakout game against Michigan. Nobody knew who he was and he ran all over them. Hopefully we have a player step up similarly and blow the game wide open.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 03.22.07 - 1:57 pm | #

7-5 or 8-4 is about right.

We stole back the MSU game and squeaked one v. GT. Talent-wise we lose the difference makers that won those games. Also, we still have the same fundamental problems as last year.

1) DB skill / speed. Was it (passive) scheme or personnel? We'll find out soon. 3-4 weakness is v. pass.

2) OL play. Best pass protection is the run game. We didn't do either consistently. QB, frosh FB stronger than OL = big problem. Little "nasty" OL attitude in the weight room.

3) FG kicking (missing?). Expect lots of close games in 2007. Win some, lose some.

2007 is NOT going to be a 10 win regular season.

My goals for 2007:

1) Across the board improvement from each unit
2) Skill position development
3) Don't get blown out by anyone = keep recruits coming
4) WIN the stinking bowl game
ThE LoSt BoY | Email | Homepage | 03.23.07 - 1:36 pm | #

Five losses

atMichigan
USC
atPenn State
At UCLA
Michigan State or Boston College

Jack
Jack | Email | Homepage | 04.14.07 - 3:42 pm | #