College Football Week – Preseason 1: Are the pads on yet?
The start of football season is like Christmas

“Every year it seems to get longer and longer between seasons.”

That’s what Gators fan Christy Brigman wrote in an email to me last week.

Christy does have a point. From early January when the national championship game ends to the start of a new season on the following Labor Day weekend, it does seem to take longer and longer each year. It’s like waiting for Christmas to get here when you were a little kid. It took forever.

But it shouldn’t take forever. Not for us older folks. The older you get the faster time seems to fly. No sooner than Christmas is over and it’s here again.

Just last Thursday, I was getting my teeth cleaned and examined. During the cleaning, my dental hygienist – Monica – said to me, “Don’t you think the years go faster the older we get? Where does the time go?”

But if time does go by faster the older we get, then why, as Christy said, does it take so long for football season to get here? Christy, it’s because the start of football season is like Christmas. In our minds, we become little kids again, waiting for it to get here. And it takes forever.

Well, the wait is almost over – just a couple of weeks to go.

By the way, getting my teeth cleaned every four months is another story. You see Monica is a Florida State grad and a big Noles fan. While she’s cleaning my teeth, she goes on and on, saying great things about FSU, and on and on, saying terrible things about the Gators.

And, unfortunately, I can’t disagree with her. More accurately, I’m not about to disagree with her. Not when she has all those sharp objects in my mouth. I’m not that stupid. I just sit there with clenched fists and tell her she’s right. I say the nicest things about Florida State. Then after my appointment is over, I rush home and wash my mouth out with soap for telling all those lies.

Speaking of Florida State (actually, Monica and I are good friends), the Noles have lost quarterback Sean Maguire, for the first two games of the season. During practice last week, Maguire broke a bone in his right foot.

That means freshman quarterback Deondre Francois will start for FSU in its opener against Ole Miss on September 5. Francois may have been the starter anyway, but not having Maguire will hurt.

Sadly, there have been several season-ending injuries, impacting a number of teams. West Virginia lost starting defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry – torn ACL. LSU defensive lineman Christian LaCouture, a starter, is out with a torn ACL, as is backup LSU linebacker Corey Thompson.

Starting NC State wide receiver Jumichael Ramos is out with a knee injury. Vanderbilt has lost two players – starting offensive lineman Andrew Jelks and backup quarterback Shawn Stankavage – with unknown injuries. Washington State starting wide receiver Gabe Marks is out for an unspecified period of time with a leg injury.

Florida has lost three backup players for the season – offensive guard Antonio Riles (torn ACL), corner back C.J. McWilliams (torn ACL) and safety Quincy Lenton (broken foot).

All those injuries makes me think of rugby and the lack of injuries in that sport. I’ve really enjoyed watching the rugby matches during the Olympics. I’m glad they added rugby to the program. It’s fun to watch. The Fiji squad is amazing.

Rugby is a rough sport, but the players don’t where any pads or helmets. Maybe American football should take notice.

Speaking of rugby, I’m not about to start playing the sport, but I did start a new routine in March. Since I have been retired (six years), I have been taking long walks around my neighborhood most everyday – five, six mile walks.

But in March, I decided I needed to do something more. So I began participating in a workout class three days a week over at the fitness center. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 7:30 to 8:30, I work on my core and my upper body strength. My next-door neighbor, Russ Grunewald, goes with me.

The first day I went, I was struggling. About a third of the way into the class, huffing and puffing, I said, “When are we going to take a break?”

The instructor replied, “We don’t take a break in this class.”

I said, “Oh-h-h-h-h, oh-h-h-h-h, oh-h-h-h-h!”

But I endured. And six months later, Russ and I are still going at it three days a week. The other evening while Swamp Mama was watching television, I walked into the room bare-chested and stood in front of her. I held my fists up above my shoulders, stuck out my chest and said, “I’m working on my six pack”

Swamp Mama said, “What? Do you have two beers in the refrigerator?”

Speaking of Swamp Mama, you may have read where Tim Tebow announced the other day that he is going to try to play major league baseball. Within the next month, Tebow will hold a workout where all 30 major league baseball teams will be invited to observe. He hopes he will be signed by one of the teams.

Well, it seems there have been any number of reactions to this – some encouraging, some discouraging and some scratching their heads. Then there was the response from Swamp Mama. Upon hearing about Tebow’s latest venture, Swamp Mama said, “You know, I think Tebow just needs to get laid.”

Yeah, the season hasn’t started yet, but a lot has been going on. The Big 12 is looking into expansion. Some 19 schools, yes 19, are officially seeking membership in the conference. Some are schools that you would expect – Houston, BYU, Boise State, Cincinnati, UCF, etc.

But others are schools you wouldn’t expect – Arkansas State, Northern Illinois, Temple. I mean, can you imagine how thrilled Texas or Oklahoma fans would be about playing Arkansas State or Temple in football?

Speaking of that, Tennessee opens this year against Appalachian State and you would think it’s the biggest game the Vols have ever played. The game is Thursday night, September 1, in Knoxville, and UT has canceled classes that day. Yes-er-rie bubba. Appy State is such a big rival that UT has to give the students a day off to exude their enthusiasm for the game.

And what do Tennessee fans have against Kenny Chesney? The following week, Tennessee plays Virginia Tech at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The night before the game, Chesney is giving a pre-game concert in Bristol. When this was announced, UT fans voiced and tweeted their displeasure – “We don’t want Chesney”….. “Chesney has no business doing this….. “Why Chesney?”….. “Chesney has no right.”

I mean, isn’t Chesney from Tennessee?

It was quite a summer. Baylor fired Art Briles in late May. Ole Miss and Hugh Freeze are in trouble – 14 major violations. Joe Paterno knew about Jerry Sandusky as far back as 1976. After only 15 months on the job, Missouri athletic director Mack Rhodes left Missouri to become AD at Baylor. Really? Isn’t that like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire? Is Missouri that bad? Penn State coach James Franklin slams Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State for negative recruiting against the Nittany Lions. Maybe Franklin should start winning a few games first before he starts that crap.

Oh well, summer is almost over. It’s going to be a fun season. Have you seen the lineup of games on opening weekend? It couldn’t be better. Fasten your seatbelt – Clemson-Auburn, Florida State-Ole Miss, North Carolina-Georgia, Oklahoma-Houston, LSU-Wisconsin, Kansas State-Stanford, Notre Dame-Texas, BYU-Arizona, UCLA-Texas A&M and USC-Alabama. Can’t wait. Oh, I forgot to mention, Appalachian State-Tennessee.

Then from the first weekend to the second weekend, it goes from good to bad. I mean really, really bad. You can unfasten your seatbelt. If you need to take a weekend getaway, go to a wedding, take care of the “honey do’s,” or catch up on your sleep, September 10 is the weekend to do it.

But it’s like the stock market. It goes back up the third weekend. It gets a lot better. You’ll have to refasten your seatbelt for Ohio State-Oklahoma, Alabama-Ole Miss, Michigan State-Notre Dame, USC-Stanford, Florida State-Louisville, Oregon-Nebraska and Texas A&M-Auburn.

On the fifth weekend, Swamp Mama and I will be sitting with friends Sue and Dave Brolhorst in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, watching the Illinois-Nebraska game. And before the game, we’ll be tailgating at the Big Red Meat Wagon. At last!

Bootsie and Rockledge Gator had a busy summer, running around the South – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Bootsie got mesmerized by the wineries in North Carolina. Rockledge had trouble pulling her away. In Georgia, they leaned a new expression, “All that and everything.” They met a lady in a shop who ended every sentence saying, “All that and everything.”

Bootsie and Rockledge hosted Swamp Mama and me for a preseason kickoff dinner Saturday night. I think the three of them had too much to drink during the evening – Irish Mules and wine. They began line dancing – “Crash and Burn,” “Fireball” and the “Electric Slide.” I sat out. Someone had to take the pictures. Swamp Mama got mad at me. I said, “Hey, I did the Electric Slide at our daughter’s wedding reception.”

We’re all set for the fall. The four of us will be in Gainesville the weekend of October 8 for the LSU-Florida game. Then we’ll be back the weekend of November 12 for the South Carolina-Florida game. We’re looking forward to our stay at the Laurel Oak Inn (www.laureloakinn.com), and seeing Peggy and Monta.

This season marks the 25th anniversary of the four of us going to Gator football games together. Our first one together was the Florida-Auburn game up in Auburn, Alabama, in November 1991. We haven’t missed a year since.

It was great hearing from Fern Musselwhite, Christy Brigman and Barry LeBlanc and Bob Willey last week.

You know my workout classes are going so well that when I come home from the grocery store now, I carry all the plastic grocery bags into the house in one trip. Swamp Mama says, “You’re going to hurt yourself.” I respond, “No, I’m Charles Atlas.”

Well, I think I have covered all that and everything. See you next Monday.

Touchdown Tom
August 15, 2016
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Quotes of the Off Season

“I’m glad I’m speaking at Ole Miss. If I were speaking at the University of Alabama, I would have to use smaller words and shorter sentences,” Tom Brokaw, speaking at the Ole Miss Commencement ceremony.

“Amazing to me, Alabama broke NCAA rules and now their head coach is lecturing us on the possibility of rules being broken at camps. Truly amazing,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, taking a shot at Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“I don’t really care what Jim Harbaugh thinks or tweets,” Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“I’m tired of hearing about coach Harbaugh,” former Ohio State tailback Ezekiel Elliott.

“Les Miles never met a running play he didn’t like,” SEC Network commentator and former LSU player Booger McFarland.

“I wouldn’t hire Art Briles to be my dog sitter,” Paul Finebaum, on the former Baylor coach.

“Ole Miss and the moon have one thing in common….They both control the Tide,” former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.

“I think they (Cincinnati) should be in the Big 12,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, giving support to his alma mater.

“We’re all responsible for the image that we have,” Alabama coach Nick Saban.

Quote from the Past

“We live one day at a time and scratch where it itches,” Texas coach Darrell Royal


The Quarterbacks – 2016

Normally at this time of the year – about 16 days or so from opening weekend – three, four or even five quarterbacks would be sharing most of the preseason hype and accolades. But this isn’t a normal year. This year, only one quarterback is receiving a level of praise that far exceeds all the others.

And is it any wonder why? Last year, this quarterback passed for 4,104 yards and rushed for another 1,105 yards. He completed 68% of his passes. We could only be talking about Clemson junior Deshaun Watson, (6-2, 210).

Watson is everybody’s No. 1 quarterback at preseason. Throwing for 35 touchdowns and rushing for another 12 TDs, he led Clemson to the national championship game last season. In that game, the Tigers lost a shootout to Alabama, 45-40. But Watson was no loser. He passed for 405 yards, completing 64% of his throws.

After Watson, there are four quarterbacks that stand out from the rest of the field at preseason. They are Oklahoma senior Baker Mayfield (6-1, 212), Ole Miss senior Chad Kelly (6-2, 215), UCLA sophomore Josh Rosen (6-4, 210) and Ohio State junior J.T. Barrett (6-2, 225).

Leading Oklahoma to the four-team playoffs, Mayfield passed for 3,700 yards, averaging 285 yards per game. He completed 68% of his passes and threw for 36 touchdowns. Kelly was no slouch either. The Ole Miss quarterback tossed for 4,042 yards last season, completing 65% of his lobs. Kelly averaged 311 yards per game. He led Ole Miss to a 48-20 Sugar Bowl win over Oklahoma State.

UCLA’s Rosen was the freshman sensation in 2015. He was called “Chosen Rosen.” For a freshman, his numbers weren’t bad. Rosen passed for 3,669 yards, averaging 282 yards per game. He completed 60% of his lobs.

Of the four quarterbacks, Ohio State’s Barrett had the least impressive numbers last season (992 yards passing), but don’t let that mislead you. After all, throughout the 2015 season, Barrett split duty with Cardale Jones, mostly playing second fiddle to Jones. However, Barrett replaced Jones as the starter late in the season and led the Buckeyes to big wins over Michigan (42-13) and Notre Dame (44-28). He is a dual threat. Barrett rushed for 662 yards last year, averaging six yards per carry.

So, Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, Chad Kelly, Josh Rosen and J.T. Barrett are the top candidates for the No. 1 quarterback at preseason. But looking around the conferences, there are several lesser-known candidates who look to be well-known by the end of the season – maybe even better than well-known.

In the SEC, 2016 is not considered to be the year of the quarterback. Yes, there is Chad Kelly, but Ole Miss is only one of 14 schools in the SEC. However, Tennessee has a quarterback who may be right up there with Kelly. He is senior Joshua Dobbs (6-3, 207). Dobbs is a dual threat, passing and running. Last year, he passed for 2,291 yards (60% completion) and ran for 671 yards.

LSU is hanging its hopes on junior Brandon Harris (6-3, 206). He has the potential. Last season, Harris threw for 2,165 yards. Georgia has a couple of options at quarterback. The Dawgs can choose experience with senior Greyson Lambert (6-5, 220) or choose the future with hotshot freshman Jacob Eason (6-5, 211). Last year Lambert passed for 1,959 yards, completing 63% of his throws.

Again, Alabama enters the season not real sure who its best quarterback may be. But that doesn’t seem to bother the Tide. At this point, junior Cooper Bateman (6-3, 224) is in the No. 1 spot to start for the Alabama. But don’t be surprised if he is replaced during the season. Then again, don’t be surprised if he isn’t.

Meanwhile, two other promising quarterbacks in the SEC are Texas A&M senior Trevor Knight (6-1, 215) and Arkansas junior Austin Allen (6-1, 208). At least the Aggies and the Hogs hope they are promising. Knight, Katy Perry’s favorite quarterback, transferred to A&M from Oklahoma.

Like the SEC, the Big Ten is not loaded with star quality quarterbacks at preseason. After J.T. Barrett, the pickings are slim, but there are a few good ones. For starters, there is Iowa senior C.J. Beathard (6-2, 209). Beathard is solid. Last season, he led the Hawkeyes to a 12-2 season – 12-0 before losing two. Beathard passed for 2,809 yards, completing 62% of his throws.

If Nebraska senior Tommy Armstrong (6-1, 220) can stop throwing interceptions, the Huskers will be in good shape at the quarterback position. Armstrong has lots of experience, including 3,030 yards passing last season. But he also threw 16 interceptions and that has to stop.

Minnesota has a good quarterback returning in senior Mitch Leidner (6-4, 237). Last year, Leidner threw for 2,701 yards, completing 60% of his passes. And if Illinois is to have any kind of decent season at all it may be because of senior Wes Lunt (6-5, 225). Lunt passed for 2,701 yards in 2015.

Aside from Baker Mayfield, the Big 12 has its share of sharp quarterbacks, beginning with Baylor senior Seth Russell (6-3, 220). Before getting injured last year, Russell passed for 2,104 yards, averaging 301 yards per game. He completed 60% of his tosses and threw for 29 touchdowns.

The biggest passer in the Big 12 last season was Texas Tech junior Patrick Mahomes (6-3, 230). Mahomes threw for no less than 4,653 yards, 36 touchdowns, and averaged 358 yards per game. He completed 64% of his passes. Just as impressive in the Big 12 last year was Oklahoma State junior Mason Rudolph (6-5, 235). Rudolph passed for 3,770 yards, completing 63% of his lobs. He averaged 290 yards per game.

West Virginia’s success in 2016 may depend on the play of senior Skyler Howard (6-0, 207). Howard passed for 3,145 yards in 2015, but he also threw 14 interceptions and only completed 55% of his tosses.

Deshaun Watson looks to dominate the ACC this season, but the conference is loaded with several crafty and quality quarterbacks. For starters, new Miami coach Mark Richt is thrilled that he has junior Brad Kaaya (6-4, 210) handling the Canes offense this season. Last year Kaaya passed for 3,238 yards, averaging 270 yards per game. He completed 61% of his lobs.

Louisville is loaded with two experienced and quality quarterbacks – sophomore Lamar Jackson (6-3, 196) and junior Kyle Bolin (6-2, 208). Jackson, a dual threat QB, is expected to get the start. In 2015, splitting time with Bolin, Jackson passed for 1,840 yards and rushed for 960 yards. Bolin passed for 1,154 yards last season. Both quarterbacks need to improve their completion percentage.

Like Louisville, Florida State is sitting pretty at the quarterback position. Well, that is, they were. The Noles have the experience in senior Sean Maguire (6-3, 223) and the expectations with freshman sensation Deondre Francois (6-1, 214). Maguire has had limited action the past two seasons in Tallahassee, playing behind Jameis Winston and Everett Golson. He passed for 1,520 yards last year. Maguire would like to get the start this year, but could lose out to Francois. Unfortunately for the Noles, Maguire’s experience just went down the tubes when he broke a bone in his foot two days ago. He will miss the first two games. Hello Francois.

Georgia Tech and Wake Forest have experience returning at quarterback. That’s a good thing for the Yellow Jackets and the Demon Deacons. Tech has senior Justin Thomas (5-11, 185), while Wake has junior John Wolford (6-1, 205). Duke has the experience too with senior Thomas Sirk (6-4, 220). But Sirk, who passed for 2,625 yards and rushed for 803 yards last year, may get a delayed start this year, after rupturing his left Achilles.

After playing four quarterbacks last season, Boston College is hanging its hat on Kentucky transfer Patrick Towles (6-5, 238). A Kentucky graduate, Towles can play this season for the Eagles. Two years ago, another former SEC quarterback – Florida transfer Tyler Murphy – led the Eagles.

As always, the Pac-12 has a slew of good quarterbacks. Josh Rosen may be the best in the conference, but Washington State junior Luke Falk (6-4, 214) could change that viewpoint. How about these numbers? Last year, Falk passed for 4,561 yards and 38 touchdowns. He averaged 380 yards per game and completed 69% of his throws. Not bad.

Washington is in excellent shape with sophomore Jake Browning (6-2, 205). Last year, as a freshman, Browning passed for 2,955 yards, averaging 246 yards per game. He completed 63% of his lobs. Arizona and Colorado are counting on experience with junior Anu Solomon (6-2, 215) and senior Sefo Liufau (6-4, 230) respectively. Last season for the Wildcats, Solomon passed for 2,667 yards, completing 62% of his throws. Meanwhile Liufau led the Buffaloes with 2,418 yards passing and completing 62% of his tosses.

Oregon is going with a transfer from the Big Sky Conference for the second-straight year. The Ducks will be led by Montana State transfer Dakota Prukop (6-2, 200). Last year Oregon was quarterbacked by Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams.

The top quarterback in the AAC and one of the top quarterbacks in the country is Houston senior Greg Ward (5-11, 185). Ward is a dual-threat quarterback. Last year he passed for 2,828 yards and ran for another 1,108 yards. Ward completed 67% of his throws. He culminated the season, leading Houston to a 38-24 Peach Bowl win over Florida State.

But the AAC has more than just Ward. In fact the conference is loaded with top quarterbacks, perhaps more so than any other conference in the country – Power 5 or Group of 5. Tulsa senior Dane Evans (6-1, 210) is a sharpshooter. Last season, Evans passed for 4,332 yards, averaging 333 yards per game and completing 63% of his lobs.

Cincinnati has not one but two good quarterbacks – senior Gunner Kiel (6-4, 215) and sophomore Hayden Moore (6-3, 205). Moore came in handy last season when Kiel was injured, passing for 1,885 yards. However, Moore was definitely interception prone, throwing 11. Kiel, meanwhile, passed for 2,777 yards, completed 65% of his tosses and averaged 278 yards per game.

South Florida returned to life last season thanks to the play of junior Quinton Flowers (6-0, 210). Flowers is a threat passing and running. In 2015, he threw for 2,296 yards (60% completion) and rushed for 991 yards. Temple is in capable hands with senior P.J. Walker (5-11, 205). Last year, he passed for 2,973 yards.

Boise State sophomore Brett Rypien (6-2, 195) leads a cast of good quarterbacks in the MWC. Last season Rypien passed for 3,350 yards, averaged 305 yards per game and completed 64% of his throws. Competing with Rypien in the MWC will be Utah State junior Kent Myers (6-0, 195). Myers threw for 1,593 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2015. He completed 61% of his tosses.

Colorado State is looking good with junior Nick Stevens (6-3, 205). Last year Stevens threw for 2,679 yards and 21 touchdowns. He completed 61% of his passes. Two other good quarterbacks in the MWC are New Mexico junior Lamar Jordan (5-10, 190) and San Jose State senior Kenny Potter (6-2, 208). Potter passed for 1,984 yards, completing 67% of his tosses.

The MAC has a pair of big-time quarterbacks. They are Central Michigan senior Cooper Rush (6-3, 227) and Western Michigan senior Zach Terrell (6-2, 204). Last season, Rush threw for 3,848 yards, averaged 296 yards per game and completed 66% of his passes. Terrell responded, passing for 3,510 yards. He averaged 270 yards per game and completed 67% of his lobs.

Northern Illinois answers with senior Drew Hare (6-1, 218). Last year Hare passed for 1,962 yards, completing 64% of his tosses. Two promising quarterbacks in the MAC are Toledo junior Logan Woodside (6-2, 210) and Bowling Green senior James Knapke (6-2, 237).

Conference USA enters the season with two star quarterbacks – Southern Miss senior Nick Mullens (6-1, 196) and Middle Tennessee sophomore Brent Stockstill (6-0, 209).
Last year Mullens passed for 4,476 yards and 38 touchdowns. He averaged 320 yards per game and completed 64% of his throws. Meanwhile, Stockstill threw for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdowns. He averaged 308 yards per game and completed 67% of his aerials.

An up-and-comer in C-USA is Marshall sophomore Chase Litton (6-6, 207). In 2015, Litton passed for 2,605 yards, completing 60% of his tosses. Another potential up-and-comer in C-USA is Florida Atlantic sophomore Jason Driskel (6-2, 210). Driskel is the younger brother of former Florida and Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel.

Appalachian State junior Taylor Lamb (6-2, 200) tops the banner of quarterbacks in the Sun Belt Conference. Last season, Lamb threw for 2,387 yards and 31 touchdowns. He completed 60% of his passes. Up there with Lamb in the Sun Belt is Idaho junior Matt Linehan (6-3, 214). Last year Linehan passed for 2,972 yards, averaged 270 yards per game and completed 61% of his tosses.

Troy junior Brandon Silvers (6-3, 214) expects to make a splash this season. In 2015, Silvers threw for 2,378 yards, completing 61% of his passes. Another dangerous quarterback in the Sun Belt is Georgia Southern senior Kevin Ellison (6-0, 195).

The Independents are not lacking for first class quarterbacks and two of the best are Notre Dame sophomore DeShone Kizer (6-5, 230) and BYU sophomore Tanner Mangum (6-3, 215) both of whom had banner seasons as freshman last year. And both got their opportunity last season, replacing injured starters. In fact, Notre Dame and BYU each are set with a pair of capable quarterbacks this season.

Kizer passed for 2,884 yards, completing 63% of his aerials. Backing up Kizer in South Bend is junior and former starter Malik Zaire (6-0, 225). In Provo last year, Tanner threw for 3,777 yards, averaged 260 yards per game and completed 60% of his passes. Tanner is backed by former BYU starter Taysom Hill (6-2, 230), a senior.

The other quarterback to watch out for among the Independents is Army junior Ahmad Bradshaw (5-11, 198). Bradshaw rushed for 468 yards in 2015.

TT’s Top Ten Favorite Quarterbacks at Preseason:

1. Deshaun Watson – Clemson
2. Baker Mayfield – Oklahoma
3. J.T. Barrett – Ohio State
4. Greg Ward – Houston
5. Josh Rosen – UCLA
6. Luke Falk – Washington State
7. Patrick Mahomes – Texas Tech
8. Tanner Mangum – BYU
9. Brad Kaaya – Miami (Florida)
10. DeShone Kizer – Notre Dame

And keep an eye on:

Chad Kelly – Ole Miss; Seth Russell – Baylor; C.J. Beathard – Iowa; Brett Rypien – Boise State; Jake Browning – Washington; Nick Mullens – Southern Miss; Quinton Flowers – South Florida, and Joshua Dobbs – Tennessee.

Also, Cooper Rush – Central Michigan; P.J. Walker – Temple; Zach Terrell – Western Michigan; Brent Stockstill – Middle Tennessee; Gunner Kiel – Cincinnati; Kent Myers – Utah State; Dane Evans – Tulsa, and Ahmad Bradshaw – Army.


The New Coaches – 2016

At the end of last season, 28 programs lost their football coach for one reason or another. Fourteen were fired, seven left for higher-profile positions, five retired and two stepped down for medical reasons. Then in May, Baylor joined the list, firing Art Briles.

So, 29 programs will start the season with a new head coach. Among the Power 5 conferences, the ACC and the Big Ten had the most changes with four each. In the ACC, the schools with new coaches are Miami, Syracuse, Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Mark Richt, fired from Georgia after coaching the Dawgs for 15 seasons (145-51), changed from the SEC to the ACC and moved one state south to his alma mater in Coral Gables, Florida – the U. Richt is the new coach at Miami. Up in Syracuse, the Orange looked to the Mid-American Conference and hired Dino Babers. Babers had been the coach of Bowling Green (18-9) for two seasons and prior to that at Eastern Illinois (19-7) for two years. He’ll bring an up-tempo offense to Syracuse.

Perhaps the strangest hire, definitely the biggest surprise, of all 29 was Virginia naming Bronco Mendenhall as its new coach. Not because Mendenhall didn’t have the credentials – he was 99-43 in 11 seasons at BYU. But the Utah native had never coached east of the Mississippi. Perhaps the best hire of all 29 was Justin Fuente. Virginia Tech made Fuente its new coach. He jumped over to the Hokies from Memphis where, in four seasons, he turned around the Tigers program – something many coaches had tried but failed to do. Fuente coached Memphis to a 9-4 record last season, including a 37-24 win over Ole Miss.

In the Big Ten, the four schools with new coaches in 2016 are Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Rutgers. Illinois’ hire was another strange situation. About a week or so before the season began last year, the Banned Indians fired their head coach Tim Beckman. Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit was named the interim coach for the season. At the end of the season, Cubit was named the full-time coach in December and given a two year contract. Two months later, after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired Lovie Smith, Illinois fired Cubit and hired Smith. Go figure.

About halfway into the season last year, Maryland fired Randy Edsall. At the end of the season, the Terps hired Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin. Prior to Michigan, Durkin, an Ohio native, was the defensive coordinator at Florida under Will Muschamp. He coached Florida to a win over East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl, following the 2014 season after Muschamp had been fired.

Halfway through the 2015 season, Minnesota coach Jerry Kill stepped down for medical reasons. The Gophers defensive coordinator, Tracy Claeys, was named interim coach. Following the season, Claeys was named full-time coach. This appeared to be an easy and cheap hire for Minnesota, but perhaps not the best choice. Time will tell.

Like Maryland, Rutgers reached into the coaching staff of a Big Ten team, hiring its new coach – Chris Ash. An Iowa native, Ash was the co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State the past two years.

The SEC has three schools with new head coaches this season – Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina. After dumping Mark Richt, Georgia made no bones, no pun intended, about the fact that the Dawgs wanted Kirby Smart. And the Dawgs got Smart, again, no pun intended. A former Georgia player, Smart has been on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama for the past nine years, eight of those as defensive coordinator.

After Missouri coach Gary Pinkel stepped down at the end of the 2015 season for medical reasons, the Tigers made Pinkel’s defensive coordinator – Barry Odom – their new coach. Odom, an Oklahoma native, played for Missouri from 1996-1999.

Meanwhile, South Carolina made one attempt after another to find a replacement for the retired Steve Spurrier. The Gamecocks went after the likes of Justin Fuente, Tom Herman, Kirby Smart and others to name a few. South Carolina failed to make a catch. Finally, out of desperation and frustration, the Gamecocks hired Will Muschamp. The former Florida coach from 2012 to 2014, Muschamp was the defensive coordinator at Auburn last season.

Two Big 12 schools will sport new coaches in 2016 – Baylor and Iowa State. After Baylor severed ties with Art Briles in late May, the school named Jim Grobe its interim coach for the 2016 season. Grobe is the former head coach at Wake Forest and Ohio. He was terminated by Wake Forest following the 2013 season. Like Syracuse, Iowa State reached into the MAC for its new coach – Matt Campbell. One of the youngest coaches in FBS (Division IA) football, Campbell, an Ohio native, was the head coach at Toledo for the past five years (35-15).

The lone new coach in the Pac-12 is Clay Helton at USC – but only partly so. He’s not all that new. After just four games into the season last year, USC dismissed head coach Steve Sarkisian. Helton, Sarkisian’s offensive coordinator, became the interim coach. At the end of the season, in December, Helton was named the full-time coach.

Among the Group of 5 conferences, the AAC leads with the most new coaches this season at four – East Carolina, Memphis, Tulane and UCF. East Carolina’s dismissal of head coach Ruffin McNeill was a bit of a surprise by some, but not totally unexpected by others. To replace McNeill, the Pirates hired Duke’s offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery. A North Carolina native, Montgomery had been the Blue Devils OC for the past two seasons.

After Memphis lost Justin Fuente to Virginia Tech, the Tigers tabbed Arizona State offensive coordinator Mike Norvell to be their new coach. At 34, Norvell is the youngest head coach at the FBS (Division IA) level. He was the Sun Devils OC for the past four seasons.

Like Memphis, Tulane has been through several coaches in recent years and most have been disasters. Tulane never found a Justin Fuente. This time it looks like the Green Wave may have found a winner in the hiring of Willie Fritz. Most recently the coach of Georgia Southern, Fritz has compiled a 154-69 record over the past 19 years, coaching Central Missouri, Sam Houston State and Georgia Southern. He was 17-7 coaching the Eagles for the past two years.

UCF made an interesting move and its new coach made the longest move, jumping all the way from Eugene, Oregon to Orlando, Florida. Replacing George O’Leary, UCF reached all the way to the Pac-12, hiring Oregon’s offensive coordinator Scott Frost. Frost, a former quarterback at Nebraska, has been the Ducks OC for the past three seasons. He brings the fast-paced Oregon offense to UCF.

The MAC, C-USA and Sun Belt Conferences each have three new coaches in 2016. In the MAC, the schools with new head coaches are Ball State, Bowling Green and Toledo. After Ball State coach Pete Lembo left the Cardinals to join D.J. Durkin’s staff at Maryland, the school hired one of its alumnae to be the new coach – Mike Neu. A former quarterback at Ball State, Neu has been the quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints to past two years.

Bowling Green, always one of the more successful programs in the MAC, made an interesting hire. The Falcons named Texas Tech running backs coach Mike Jinks as its new head coach. Interesting in that Jinks has never coached outside the state of Texas. He was the running backs coach in Lubbock for the past three years.

Replacing Matt Campbell, Toledo stayed within its own program and elevated Jason Candle to the head coaching position. Candle had been the offensive coordinator at Toledo for the past four years.

The schools sporting new head coaches in C-USA are North Texas, Southern Miss and UT San Antonio. North Texas, looking to improve its program, fired Dan McCarney and hired North Carolina offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. An Oklahoma native, Littrell’s offense at North Carolina last season averaged 40.7 points per game and 7.3 yards per play.

Southern Miss got a jolt during the winter when the Eagles coach Todd Monken decided to leave for a coordinator position in the NFL. Southern Miss then hired Alcorn State coach Jay Hopson. A native of Mississippi, Hopson coached Alcorn State to a 32-17 record the past four years.

LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson was named the new coach at UTSA, replacing Larry Coker who retired. A native of Louisiana, Wilson is considered to be one of the best recruiters in the country.

The three schools with new coaches this season in the Sun Belt Conference are Georgia Southern, Louisiana-Monroe and Texas State. Georgia Southern, which made the transition from FCS (Division IIA) to FBS (Division IA) in 2014, hired Tyson Summers to replace Willie Fritz as its new coach. Summers, a Georgia native, was the defensive coordinator at Colorado State in 2015 and the DC at UCF in 2014.

Matt Viator is the new coach at Louisiana-Monroe. From 2006 to 2015, Viator coached McNeese State to a 78-33 record. He never had a losing season. When well-traveled coach Dennis Franchione (Pittsburg State, Southwest Texas State, New Mexico, TCU, Alabama, Texas A&M and Texas State) retired at the end of last season at Texas State, the school hired James Madison coach Everett Withers. At James Madison, Withers, a North Carolina native, coached the Dukes for two seasons, compiling an 18-7 record. In 2011, Withers became the interim coach at North Carolina for a season, after Butch Davis was fired in late July.

The only school in the MWC with a new coach this season is Hawaii. The Honolulu school hired Nick Rolovich, a former Hawaii quarterback. For the past four years, Rolovich has been the offensive coordinator at Nevada.

And last but not least, the only Independent sporting a new coach in 2016 is BYU. The Cougars hired one of its former players – Kalani Sitake. Sitake becomes the first native of Tonga to land a head coaching job at an FBS (Division IA) school. A long-time assistant in college football, he was the defensive coordinator at Oregon State in 2015. Once on board, Sitake quickly hired former BYU quarterback Ty Detmer as his offensive coordinator.


Coaches on the Hot Seat – 2016

Last year, 12 coaches were definitely fired for lack of performance – failure to win enough ball games. That number could be higher at the end of this season.

The SEC alone has five coaches sitting on the hot seat as the 2016 season begins. Plus a sixth coach sitting on a warm seat who, in his best interest, needs to show some improvement this year. Four of those six coaches are in the SEC West. That alone makes it difficult, nearly impossible, for all of them to show improvement.

Two of the SEC West hot-seat coaches are Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin and Auburn’s Gus Malzahn. Both coaches have winning records at their respective schools, but neither has lived up to expectations. Expectations are high in the SEC. Both were hired to win the SEC, much less, win the SEC West. Sumlin has never accomplished either. Malzahn did both in his first year (2013), but hasn’t come close since.

In four years with the Aggies, Sumlin was hot his first season (2012), going 11-2, including a win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. But it has been all downhill since. Not only have the wins gotten fewer and fewer, only eight each of the last two seasons, but lately Sumlin has had other problems. Players, mainly quarterbacks, have been leaving the program and his coaching staff has been misbehaving.

After winning the SEC and playing for the national championship in 2013, a 12-2 record, Auburn’s Malzahn has been a dismal 8-5 and 7-6 the last two seasons. Last year, Auburn finished at the bottom of the SEC West with a 2-6 conference record.

Both Sumlin, in his fifth year, and Malzahn, in his fourth, are entering the season with a heavy weight on their backs and a hot seat on their butts.

Last year, LSU coach Les Miles was all but fired. It appeared to be a done deal. After beginning the season at 6-0, the Tigers lost three-straight games to Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss. The fans were down on Miles. Entering the final season game against Texas A&M, LSU athletic director Joe Alleva indicated that Miles would be fired. But the Tigers beat the Aggies and went on to beat Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. Attitudes changed, the fans showed sympathy for Miles and the coach held onto his job. In the end it was Alleva who looked like the fool.

Still, LSU has not beat Alabama since 2011. The Tigers have lost five-straight games to the Tide. LSU has not won the SEC West or the SEC Conference since 2011. If something doesn’t change in 2016, the fans will no longer feel any sympathy for Miles.

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema is not on the hot seat, but there is some warmth. Entering his fourth season in Fayetteville, Bielema is 18-20 with the Hogs. Arkansas has shown improvement in each of Bielema’s three years. That improvement needs to continue in 2016.

So, four coaches in the SEC West need to improve this season. That’s just not going to happen given that there are only seven teams in the Division and especially when two of the others are Alabama and Ole Miss. Somebody or some bodies are going to suffer.

In the SEC East, Kentucky’s Mark Stoops and Vanderbilt’s Derek Mason are definitely on the hot seat. Both coaches need to have significant improvement in 2016; else both will be gone at the end of the season. In three years with the Wildcats, Stoops is 12-24. Kentucky hasn’t been to a bowl game since 2010. At Vanderbilt, Mason is 7-17 in two years.

The ACC has four coaches sitting on the edge – two hanging over the edge. The heat is on Boston College’s Steve Addazio and Wake Forest’s Dave Clawson. In three years with the Eagles, Addazio is 17-21, 3-9 last year. Clawson is 6-18 in two years with the Demon Deacons. Both better win in 2016.

Meanwhile in Raleigh, NC State’s Dave Doeren has to be feeling some heat. In three years with the Wolfpack, Doeren is 18-20. Then there is Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson who always seems to be on the hot seat. If the Yellow Jackets have another season in 2016 like last year – 3-9 – Johnson will be banished from the hive.

The Big 12 has two coaches who need to win and win big in 2016 or the curtains will come down on them in December. One of the two has to really win big. That would be Texas coach Charlie Strong. After two seasons in Austin, Strong is 11-14 with the Longhorns – 5-7 last year.

In Morgantown, Dana Holgorsen has a winning record at West Virginia – 36-28 in five years. But Holgorsen seems to have gotten himself in a rut. He hasn’t won more than eight games since going 10-3 his first season in 2011. Holgorsen needs to win at least nine games in 2016.

One more coach in the Big 12 is going to start feeling some heat if 2016 is not a good season. In Lubbock, Kliff Kingsbury has been very popular with the fans, especially the women. After all, he’s a former Texas Tech quarterback. And the women like his looks. But Kingsbury isn’t exactly setting the world on fire with a 19-19 record in three years.

Indiana’s Kevin Wilson and Purdue’s Darrell Hazell are definitely on borrowed time. Wilson and Hazell are the only coaches in the Big Ten who are in big trouble – big time. Wilson is 20-41 in five years with the Hoosiers. Last year, Indiana finished 6-7, Wilson’s best season at the school.

Hazell hung on to his job by the skin of his teeth at the end of last season. By all accounts he was a gonner. But he managed to survive. In three years, Hazell is 6-30 at Purdue.

In the Pac-12, the only coach in serious trouble is Colorado’s Mike MacIntyre. After three seasons, MacIntyre is 10-27 in Boulder. However, there are two other Pac-12 coaches who feeling a little warmth on their bottoms – California’s Sonny Dykes and USC’s Clay Helton.

Dykes got on the positive side last season, as the Bears finished 8-5, including a 55-36 win over Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. But Dykes is 14-23 in three years with Cal. Helton is just in his first full-season with the Trojans. As an interim coach last year, he was 6-4. Expectations are high at USC and Trojans fans aren’t long on patience. Many were against Helton being named the full-time coach in the first place.

Among the Group of 5 conferences, two coaches in the AAC need to have good seasons to hang onto their jobs. They are Cincinnati’s Tommy Tuberville and Connecticut’s Bob Diaco. After four years, Tuberville has a winning record with the Bearcats at 25-14. Still, Bearcats fans have expected more from Tuberville. Last year Cincinnati finished the season with an embarrassing 42-7 loss to San Diego State in the Hawaii Bowl. He better give them more in 2016.

In Storrs, UConn fans may give Diaco some slack. After all, he has only been coaching the Huskies for two seasons (8-17). There was improvement last year. UConn finished 6-6. The Huskies got to a bowl game where they lost to Marshall in the St. Petersburg Bowl. Problem is there may not be more improvement this year. In fact, UConn could slide. That won’t be good for Diaco.

Four coaches are teetering in the MWC, but the hottest seat definitely belongs to Wyoming’s Craig Bohl. In two seasons with the Cowboys, Bohl is 6-18. Wyoming was worse last year than it was in Bohl’s first year in Laramie. The Cowboys haven’t been to a bowl game since 2011.

After a 4-8 start, Brian Polian has been 7-6 each of his last two years at Nevada. That puts Polian at 18-20 in three years with the Wolf Pack. He needs to be better than 7-6 in 2016. Following three years of losing seasons (11-27), New Mexico’s Bob Davie finally had a winning one with the Lobos last year – 7-6 (18-32 overall). And they got to a bowl game, New Mexico’s first bowl since 2007. Davie needs to keep things on the positive side in 2016; else the Lobos may say, “It’s been nice knowing you, Bob.”

Ron Caragher could be in a little bit of trouble at San Jose State. Caragher is 15-22 in three seasons with the Spartans. But he did get San Jose State to a bowl game last season. That’s improvement, even though the Spartans finished at 6-7. The improvement needs to continue in 2016 to give Caragher some breathing room.

There are three coaches on the hot seat in the MAC. But the hottest belongs to Kent State’s Paul Haynes. That’s because Hayne’s has three years under his belt with the Golden Flashes. The other two hot seat coaches are coming off their second seasons at their respective schools. Haynes is 9-26 at Kent State, with only four wins or less in each of his three years.

The other two coaches facing heat are Eastern Michigan’s Chris Creighton and Miami’s Chuck Martin. In two years at EMU, Creighton is no better than 3-21. Meanwhile, Martin is almost as bad, with a 5-19 record in two seasons at Miami. Both are hoping the third time is a charm.

Conference USA has for sure three coaches and possibly four on the hot seat. Florida International’s Ron Turner is in the worst shape. In three years at FIU, Turner is 10-26. But he has shown improvement each year, going from 1-11 to 4-8 to 5-7. He must have a winning season in 2016. Charlotte’s Brad Lambert is 12-22 in three seasons with the 49ers. Lambert may be given some slack since he has been Charlotte’s only coach for the school’s fledgling football program. The 2016 season will be the 49ers’ fourth season of football and Lambert’s fourth season as coach.

Also hurting is UTEP coach Sean Kugler. Kugler is 14-23 in three years with the Miners. To his advantage, his last two years at UTEP were much better than his first year. The fourth C-USA coach on the hot seat is Florida Atlantic’s Charlie Partridge. He is just 6-18 in two seasons with the Owls. Partridge has to hope that FAU gives him a fourth year to redeem himself. A winning season in 2016 would insure that.

In the Sun Belt Conference, there are three coaches feeling the heat, perhaps two more so than the third. Those two are Idaho’s Paul Petrino and New Mexico State’s Doug Martin. Petrino, the younger brother of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino, is 6-29 after three seasons with Idaho. If Paul gets fired, Bobby will have an opening for him next year in Louisville.

Meanwhile, Martin is not much better than Petrino. Martin is 7-29 in three years at New Mexico State. The third coach on the bubble in the Sun Belt is Georgia State’s Trent Miles. He is 7-30 in three seasons with the Panthers. But Miles may be on a roll. After going 0-12 and 1-11 his first two seasons, Miles was 6-7 last year. Georgia State went to its first bowl game, losing to San Jose State, 27-16.

A fourth coach in the Sun Belt is in a precarious situation. South Alabama’s Joey Jones, the Jaguars first and only coach, is 42-35 after seven years in Mobile. A bad year in 2016 and it could be curtains for Jones. An average to good year and figure he will be around for a ninth season.

Among the Independents, Army’s Jeff Monken is 6-18 in two seasons with the Cadets. But regardless of how 2016 fares for Monken, figure he will be back for at least one more season at West Point. However, Massachusetts could say fare well to Mark Whipple after the 2016 season. Whipple is 55-44 in eight years with UMass, but he is only 8-40 in his last four years.

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but as the summer was winding down and college football fans were anticipating the start of another exciting season, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1941 was “Daddy” by Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra

…70 years ago this week in 1946 was “The Gypsy” by The Ink Spots

…65 years ago this week in 1951 was “Come on-a My House” by Rosemary Clooney

…60 years ago this week in 1956 was “My Prayer”/“Heaven on Earth” by The Platters and “I Almost Lost My Mind” by Pat Boone

…55 years ago this week in 1961 was “Tossin and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis

…50 years ago this week in 1966 was “Summer in the City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful

…45 years ago this week in 1971 was “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” by The Bee Gees

…40 years ago this week in 1976 was “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee

…35 years ago this week in 1981 was “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield

…30 years ago this week in 1986 was “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera

…25 years ago this week in 1991 was “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams


Not exactly college football related, but there were three passings of note last week – Bill Dooley, John Saunders and Glenn Yarbrough.

Bill Dooley, the former head football coach at North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, died last week. He was 82. Dooley won three ACC titles at North Carolina. He coached the Tar Heels to their first ever conference championship in 1971, and their first 11-win season in 1972. Dooley, who coached North Carolina from 1967 through 1977, took the Tar Heels to six bowl games. He later moved on to become the athletic director and head coach at Virginia Tech. During his time in Blacksburg from 1978 through 1986, Dooley coached the Hokies to three bowl games, including a 1986 win in the Peach Bowl. His final coaching stop was at Wake Forest from 1987 through 1992. In his final season with the Demon Deacons, Dooley took the team to the Independence Bowl where they beat Oregon. In 26 seasons as a head coach, his teams won 162 games. Dooley was born in 1934 in Mobile, Alabama. In college, he was an All-SEC lineman at Mississippi State. Bill Dooley was the younger brother of former Georgia football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley.

John Saunders, a Canadian-born sports journalist who worked for ESPN and ABC, died last week. He was 61. The cause was congestive heart failure. Saunders was born on February 2, 1955 in Ajax, Ontario. He played ice hockey at Western Michigan University from 1974 to 1976. He worked broadcast jobs in Ajax and Toronto before moving to Baltimore. He joined ESPN in 1986 and filled a variety of roles, both as a host and play-by-play man.

Glenn Yarbrough, who found fame and fortune with the popular trio the Limelighters, but who walked away from it all for a life at sea, died last week at his daughter’s home in Nashville. He was 86. Founded in 1959, the Limelighters were a contemporary folk group in the tradition of the Kingston Trio. The Limelighters were wildly successful, appearing on television, in live performances and selling records. In 1963, Yarbrough left the Limelighters and the group disbanded. He was persuaded by his record label to record solo albums. He had a string of them, toured as a solo act and had a hit single with “Baby the Rain Must Fall,” the title song of the 1965 film starring Steve McQueen and Lee Remick. Later he began a collaboration with poet and songwriter Rod McKuen. Glenn Robertson Yarbrough was born in Milwaukee on January 12, 1930. Yarbrough attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. He served in the Army during the Korean War. During the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, Yarbrough spent much of his time at sea, traversing the world’s oceans.