¹ 2008 Spring Football/Summer Workouts (updates) ©

[JND1]

who is this? Youtube link?

 

[zs05wc]

^

that defender lost his jock. He actually spun around in a circle.

Michigan got their 11th commitment, LB Jordan Barnes.

 

[honeybbq wings 33]

Jermaine McKenzie at 6:39

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

So, Dee Finley didn't make it in to UF huh???

 

[iye2]

[h1][/h1]

[h1]Bama linebacker Johns charged with selling cocaine, possessing Ecstasy[/h1]

By Chris Low
ESPN.com
(Archive)

Updated: June 24, 2008, 4:32 PM ET

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Alabama's already thin linebacker corps took another hit Tuesday when senior Jimmy Johns was dismissed from the team following his arrest on multiple drug charges.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Rob Carr

Jimmy Johns, the 10th Alabama football player arrested within the last year, is jailed in Tuscaloosa on $120,000 bond.

Johns, who was moved from running back to linebacker this spring, was arrested Tuesday morning in Tuscaloosa and charged with five felony counts of distributing cocaine.
A sixth charge of possession was also tacked on after police officers searched his off-campus residence and found cocaine and Ecstasy pills, according to Tuscaloosa Police Department Capt. Jeff Snyder, who heads up the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force. It didn't take Alabama coach Nick Saban long to react; he dismissed Johns immediately. "This type of behavior obviously will not be tolerated, and he is no longer a part of our program," Saban said in a statement. Johns is the 10th Alabama football player arrested within the last year. Snyder said police received information about two months ago that Johns was involved in the selling of drugs. "Once we were able to get our investigation in place, we were able to buy from him five different times over the last week and a half and were then able to obtain a search warrant for his residence," Snyder said. On two occasions police bought cocaine from Johns on the Alabama campus and, on one of the five times investigators bought cocaine from Johns, they bought as much as seven grams of the drug, according to police. Johns is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $120,000 bond -- $20,000 for each charge. Snyder said Johns was the only member of the Crimson Tide football program who was a part of the investigation. "In fact, over the course of our investigation, he indicated that he tried his best not to let anyone else on the team know that he was selling," Snyder said. "As our investigation goes right now, nobody else in the football program is involved." The Crimson Tide were already without linebacker Prince Hall this spring after Hall was suspended by Saban for disciplinary reasons. Saban said recently, however, that the door was open for Hall to rejoin the team if he met all of the coach's expectations. Linebacker Ezekiel Knight also remains sidelined because of a heart ailment, and there's concern that he might not be able to play again. Depending on what happens with Hall, sophomore Rolando McClain is the lone returning linebacker with extensive experience. McClain, a freshman All-America selection last season, manned one of the other two inside spots in the Tide's 3-4 defense this spring along with Johns. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound Johns was No. 2 on the Tide in rushing in both of his first two years, but he saw reduced playing time last season after missing part of spring practice for academic reasons. Saban moved Johns to linebacker before last season's Independence Bowl game, and he was expected to contribute to a defense already short on experience. Chris Low covers college football for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
A senior. wow. Too much Ross and Jeezy for him I guess.

 

[zs05wc]

Pretty good day for us, we picked up our second commitment of the day. WR Dwayne Peace.

 

[jwill jr]

WOW.... Jim T what are you doing in Columbus.... Buckeyes pick up #22 and #23 ALREADY.... WOW
here is the story on #23
http://bucknuts.com/news/story.php?article=3951

in the link you can find info on the other recruits.. but this class is looking mighty fine... looks like a lot of talented kids want to play along side withPryor

 

[zs05wc]

I heard that osu is trying to fill up their class before the season, any truth to this?

 

[iye2]

Originally Posted by zs05wc

I heard that osu is trying to fill up their class before the season, any truth to this?

Sarcasm? I know thatd be great but kids change their mind.

Jwill

. Tarblooders..Trooouble. Who do you think is gonna break outthis yr??

 

[zs05wc]

Originally Posted by IYE2

Originally Posted by zs05wc

I heard that osu is trying to fill up their class before the season, any truth to this?

Sarcasm? I know thatd be great but kids change their mind.

Jwill

. Tarblooders..Trooouble. Who do you think is gonna break out this yr??

I honestly wasn't being sarcastic. I just read it on one of the premium sites that you guys are trying to fill up your class so you can focuson the season.

 

[jwill jr]

IVY2.... man its hard to say... I think on D heywood is going to be a BEAST... most ppl forgot about him after the injury... for some reason I have a goodfeeling about T.Washington... out of the new class, without a doubt pryor.. word around campus is he gained a solid 15 lbs of muscle and is killing it in thegym... if he is the work horse it sounds like then I think he will get alot of PT...and if boeckman has some trouble with the deep ball like he did at the endof the season last year, then Pryor's day may come sooner than later.....

 

[Original Playa Records]

Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT

I see at least 2 National Titles for O$U while Pryor is there.

them boys DEEP at every position

 

[gobucksbc]

Buckeyes might not be done for the week...safety Vlad Emilien is expected to commit sometime soon per OSU Scout insiders.

 

[jwill jr]

look how many buckeyes on this list
http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?SID=880&Year=2009&ra_key=2073

jaamal berry would be a great addition to this class.. a nice RB and Marcus Hall from the glenville area...dude is a BEAST at LT... seriously if the buckeyesget him.. they will would not give up a sack for the next 4 years.. the O Line coming in from the 07 class and the 08 is already SICK.. now with this class in09...wow.... but per rivals they have him under Illionis but I dont see anywhere that he has committed to any school yet.

 

[ddot7]

Um, Clemson is doing okay on the recruiting trail (not that anyone cares, I'm just trying to break up this Michigan/OSU fest).

10 commits and if you're into rankings & stars: a 5-star, six 4-stars & three 3-stars.

Ben Axon, a 4 star RB out of FL just committed today.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Yeah, I saw that ***@ about Axon...Good pickup.

 

[ddot7]

It's crazy that commitments just keep happening sooner and sooner. I know there was talk and maybe even a vote for an early signing period in collegefootball. Clemson coaches are in favor of it, would allow them to dedicate more time and resources to other things.

 

[iye2]

Originally Posted by gobucksBC

Buckeyes might not be done for the week...safety Vlad Emilien is expected to commit sometime soon per OSU Scout insiders.

..and that could very well be a 'package' deal.

 

[newbs24]

I don't think Hall would sniff the LT spot until he is a senior. Mike Adams will maintain that spot next year when Boone is gone. Adams is damn good. Hallis good but the OT's in this class are weak. Last year was unreal with the talent and this year is a huge step down. The Browneyes class is so good.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

So, Rivals is doing their Preseason rankings from bottom to top (Yeah, I know….), andthey are up to #37 - FSU. They also Ranked some NT relevant teams already: ND (40), Louisville (46), Miss St.(4, Miami (41) , UNC (47) , Nebraska (45, Ithink there is a Cornhusker fan or two on here) and UCLA (43).
FSU

Coach: Bobby Bowden (300-87-4 in 32 seasons; 373-119-4 overall in 42 seasons) | Staff In 2007: 7-6 overall, 4-4 in the ACC (fourth in ACC Atlantic). Returning starters: Offense: 5. Defense: 7. Special teams: 1 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense-T/G Shannon Boatman, G Jacky Claude, WR DeCody Fagg, T David Overmyer. Defense-T Andre Fluellen, T Letroy Guion, LB Geno Hayes, FS Roger Williams. Special teams-K Gary Cismesia. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 46th | Complete Final 2007 Rankings

2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: Last season's transition from Jeff Bowden to new coordinator Jimbo Fisher didn't result in too many schematic changes. Florida State still runs a pro-set offense with two backs most of the time, though an H-back has started replacing a fullback on occasion.

Wide receiver Greg Carr has shown big play ability.

STAR POWER: Senior tailback Antone Smith and senior wide receiver Greg Carr have shown plenty of star potential during their careers, but neither has produced consistently enough to warrant superstar status. Junior wide receiver Preston Parker showed the most big-play ability last season. Parker caught 62 passes for 791 yards and also ran for 270 yards on 52 carries. By the end of the season, Parker had developed into a poor man's version of Florida's Percy Harvin. The bad news for the Seminoles is that Parker must sit out the first two games of the season after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon. He should be back in the lineup in time for the Sept. 20 ACC opener against Wake Forest.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Wide receiver Corey Surrency is expected to move directly from El Camino (Calif.) Community College into a featured role in Florida State's receiving corps. Surrency, a four-star prospect, needs to develop into a reliable third receiver behind Parker and Carr. Surrency could capitalize on Parker's suspension by making a major impact in early season games against Division I-AA teams Western Carolina and Chattanooga.

IT'S HIS TIME: This marks Smith's last chance to deliver on the great expectations that accompanied him out of Pahokee (Fla.) High. Smith rushed for a career-high 819 yards last season, but he also averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. And he has reached the end zone just 11 times in his first three seasons. While Florida State's porous line deserves part of the blame, the Seminoles must get more production out of Smith. Their chances of contending for an ACC title depend on whether Smith becomes Florida State's first 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996.

STRONGEST AREA: Florida State boasts quality receivers in Carr and Parker. Carr's 6-foot-6 frame makes him dangerous in the red zone, and he has 25 career touchdown receptions. Parker was named the Seminoles' offensive MVP last season. The return of Richard Goodman and the additions of Surrency and Rivals 100 freshman Jarmon Fortson could make the Seminoles even more dangerous at receiver this season.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Last season's arrival of line coach Rick Trickett and his no-nonsense approach gave Florida State fans plenty of reason for optimism, but it's going to take some time for the Seminoles to have the kind of success Trickett enjoyed at West Virginia. FSU's starting line probably will consist entirely of freshmen and sophomores now that junior tackle Daron Rose has been declared academically ineligible. Rodney Hudson and center Ryan McMahon moved into the starting lineup as freshmen last season and had big years. Hudson is moving from guard to tackle this season. The Seminoles can only hope a couple of first-year players make similar contributions this season. FSU also has reason to worry at tight end. Junior Caz Piurowski has shown promise, but he has only 12 career catches and is expected to sit out the first three games as part of the Seminoles' academic-related suspensions. The 'Noles don't have much experience behind him.

7-9

That's Florida State's record in ACC games in the past two seasons. The Seminoles were 102-11 in league play in their previous 14 seasons as an ACC member.

OVERVIEW: Florida State overhauled its coaching staff last year, but the Seminoles still broke the 30-point mark just once and finished 91st in the nation in scoring. Perhaps the Seminoles will have a breakthrough now that they've adjusted to Fisher's system. Fisher's biggest task this summer is choosing a starting quarterback. Drew Weatherford is back after starting 33 games the past three seasons, but he could have trouble beating out sophomore Christian Ponder for the job. Ponder got a chance to make his case while Weatherford missed much of spring practice with a knee injury. Florida State looks strong in the other offensive skill positions with Smith in the backfield and Parker and Carr at wide receiver. The question is whether the line will block well enough to let these skill-position guys make the most of their talents.
GRADE: B-

http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: There are no surprises here. The Seminoles run the same 4-3 defense that has proved so successful under longtime coordinator Mickey Andrews, who is entering his 25th season at Florida State.

Everette Brown produced a team-high 6.5 sacks last season.

STAR POWER: Junior end Everette Brown looked like a rising star while recording three sacks during a two-game stretch against Colorado and Alabama last season. Brown slowed late in the season, but he still finished with a team-high 6.5 sacks. Florida State spent most of the 1990s producing outstanding ends (Jamal Reynolds, Andre Wadsworth, Reinard Wilson, Peter Boulware) who went on to get drafted in the first round, but the pipeline has dried recently. Maybe Brown can resume that tradition.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: The Seminoles don't have much depth at end once you get past Brown. That's where junior college transfer Markus White fits in. White, a five-star prospect who signed with Rutgers out of high school, set a school record with 24.5 sacks and also forced six fumbles last year while helping Butler (Kan.) Community College go 12-0 with four shutouts. He should be in the starting lineup at the beginning of the season as Florida State deals with academic-related suspensions.

IT'S HIS TIME: Junior strong safety Myron Rolle arrived at Florida State as a five-star prospect, but he hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Rolle has started 23 consecutive games over the past two seasons but hasn't delivered a whole lot of big plays. Rolle enters his junior season with one career interception, two fumble recoveries and seven tackles for loss.

STRONGEST AREA: Florida State boasts plenty of experience in the secondary, including perhaps the ACC's top cornerback tandem in Tony Carter and Patrick Robinson - though Robinson could open the season on an academic-related suspension that also knocked him out of last season's Music City Bowl. Carter has started 20 consecutive games over the past three seasons, while Robinson picked off six passes a year ago. Depth at cornerback is good, too.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Suspensions could force Florida State to open the season without three of its top players: Robinson, linebacker Dekoda Watson and nose tackle Budd Thacker. Those suspensions will underscore the lack of depth the Seminoles have at tackle now that Andre Fluellen and Letroy Guion have moved on to the NFL.

OVERVIEW: Even as its offense has slumbered through most of the 21st century, Florida State's defense generally has remained as fearsome as it was during that stretch of 14 consecutive top-five finishes from 1987-2000. That changed last season. The Seminoles gave up 80 points during a two-game losing streak that ended the season and finished the year ranked just 43rd in the nation in total defense and 35th in scoring defense. Florida State ought to rebound this year once it gets back to full strength after those early season suspensions. The Seminoles lack a dominant tackle, but they have plenty of talent at linebacker and in the secondary. This might not be a top-10 defense, but it should be good enough to rank in the top 20.

GRADE: B+

http://SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker Gary Cismesia has departed after an exceptional season, which means punter Graham Gano may add field-goal kicking to his duties. Gano would be the first Florida State player ever to handle the kicking and punting chores at the same time. Gano is the top returning punter in the ACC and ranked 17th in the nation last year with his average of 43.4 yards per attempt. Gano already served as Florida State's kickoff man, and he kicked a state-record 65-yard field goal his senior year at Gonzalez (Fla.) Tate High. Parker averaged 10.6 yards per punt return last year, while backup cornerback Michael Ray Garvin set a school record with 697 yards in kickoff returns.

GRADE: B.

http://COACHING

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden deserves an A-plus for career achievement, but he probably only merits a C-minus for how his teams have performed the past three seasons. The staff as a whole earns a much better grade because of the changes that were made before the 2007 season. Although Florida State's '07 performance didn't reflect it, the Seminoles should perform much better on offense now that Fisher and Trickett have come aboard. Fisher earned a reputation as a quarterback guru for the way he helped former LSU star JaMarcus Russell develop into the top overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Trickett's work with former West Virginia standout center Dan Mozes showed he could turn lightly recruited linemen into All-Americans. Trickett's work with former three-star prospects Hudson and McMahon last season shows he hasn't lost his magic touch. On the other side of the ball, Andrews continues to churn out first-round picks on a regular basis.

GRADE: B.

DATE	OPPONENT
Sept. 6	Western Carolina
Sept. 13	Chattanooga
Sept. 20	Wake Forest
Sept. 27	Colorado at Jacksonville
Oct. 4	at Miami
Oct. 16	at N.C. State
Oct. 25	Virginia Tech
Nov. 1	at Georgia Tech
Nov. 8	Clemson
Nov. 15	Boston College
Nov. 22	at Maryland
Nov. 29	Florida

http://SCHEDULE

If Florida State plays up to expectations, its schedule could allow the Seminoles to knock off favored Clemson for the ACC Atlantic Division title. The Seminoles' three toughest ACC opponents - Clemson, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest - must travel to Tallahassee. The Seminoles also have set up their schedule so that all those early season suspensions shouldn't cause too much damage. FSU begins the year against Division I-AA foes Western Carolina and Chattanooga before hosting Wake Forest in its ACC opener. The test comes afterward when FSU leaves home for a three-game stretch: Colorado in Jacksonville, at Miami and at North Carolina State.

http://OUTLOOK

All those changes Florida State made to its coaching staff before the '07 season might start to pay off this season now that the players have had a year to adapt. Those academic suspensions will hurt, but FSU's soft early season schedule should minimize the damage. However, it's still tough to imagine the Seminoles reaching the ACC Championship Game. It's not a fluke that Clemson has beaten Florida State three consecutive times. The 1990s are over. Right now, Clemson boasts more talent on both sides of the ball. There's also a reason Wake Forest has beaten Florida State twice in a row. The Seminoles may have more depth, but Wake Forest probably has a better starting lineup. The Seminoles are taking steps in the right direction to get out of their current funk, but it could take another season or two before they're ready to challenge for a conference title. Right now, a 9-4 or 8-5 season looks more realistic.
http://

OFFENSE QB Drew Weatherford *, 6-3/216, Sr. Christian Ponder, 6-2/212, Soph. RB Antone Smith *, 5-9/190, Sr. Tavares Pressley, 6-1/215, Jr. FB Seddrick Holloway, 5-10/247, Jr. Marcus Sims, 6-0/230, Jr. WR Greg Carr *, 6-6/210, Sr. Corey Surrency, 6-5/210, Jr. WR Preston Parker, 6-0/191, Jr. Bert Reed, 5-11/165, R-Fr. TE Caz Piurowski, 6-7/277, Jr. Matt Dunham, 6-2/255, Jr. T Rodney Hudson %, 6-2/283, Soph. Zebrie Sanders, 6-5/273, Fr. T Antwane Greenlee, 6-6/302, R-Fr. Andrew Datko, 6-6/285, Fr. G Evan Bellamy, 6-4/296, Soph. David Spurlock, 6-5/287, Fr. G Will Furlong, 6-5/262, R-Fr. Brandon Davis, 6-2/273, Soph. C Ryan McMahon *, 6-3/274, Soph. A.J. Ganguzza, 6-3/269, R-Fr. K Graham Gano, 6-1/197, Sr. KR Michael Ray Garvin, 5-8/185, Sr.

DEFENSE E Everette Brown *, 6-4/246, Jr. Neefy Moffett, 6-1/255, Jr. E Markus White, 6-4/245, Jr. Kevin McNeil, 6-2/255, Jr. NT Budd Thacker *, 6-2/282, Jr. Kendrick Stewart, 6-2/269, Jr. T Emmanuel Dunbar, 6-5/284, Jr. Paul Griffin, 6-2/278, Sr. WLB Toddrick Verdell, 6-3/222, Sr. Nigel Bradham, 6-2/227, Fr. MLB Derek Nicholson *, 6-2/234, Sr. Recardo Wright, 6-2/223, Jr. SLB Dekoda Watson *, 6-2/222, Jr. Kendall Smith, 6-1/224, Soph. CB Tony Carter *, 5-9/166, Sr. Ochuko Jenije, 5-10/185, Soph. CB Patrick Robinson, 5-11/189, Jr. Michael Ray Garvin *, 5-8/185, Sr. SS Myron Rolle*, 6-2/218, Jr. Roosevelt Lawson, 5-11/202, Sr. FS Darius McClure, 5-11/207, Sr. Jamie Robinson, 6-2/187, Jr. P Graham Gano *, 6-1/197, Sr. PR Preston Parker, 6-0/191, Jr.

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

Notre Dame:

Coach: Charlie Weis (22-15 in three seasons) | Staff In 2007: 3-9. Returning starters: Offense: 6. Defense: 6. Special teams: 1 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense-TE John Carlson, C John Sullivan. Defense-ILB Joe Brockington, T/E Trevor Laws, SS Tom Zbikowski. Special teams-P Geoff Price. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 84th. | Complete Final 2007 Rankings
2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: The Irish run a pro set.

STAR POWER:You're not going to find much star power on an offense that gained the fewest yards of any team in the nation last year, but sophomore tailback Robert Hughes offers the greatest reason for optimism. Hughes rushed for 115 yards against Duke and 139 against Stanford in the final two games of his freshman season. He followed that up with a 100-yard effort in the Blue-Gold Game.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen will need better protection from his offensive line.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: True freshman wide receiver Michael Floyd is a five-star prospect who should immediately establish himself as one of Jimmy Clausen's favorite targets. Aside from the occasional big play by Golden Tate, the Irish didn't have many long completions last season. Floyd ought to emerge as the deep threat that Notre Dame is sorely missing.
IT'S HIS TIME: Notre Dame's chances of bouncing back depend on how well the line fares after a woeful 2007 performance. And the line probably won't establish itself as a force until right tackle Sam Young lives up to expectations. An injured right wrist bothered Young throughout his sophomore season. Young is entering his third year as a starter, so it's a bit unfair to call him a disappointment, but he hasn't delivered the consistency you'd expect from a five-star prospect.

STRONGEST AREA: Notre Dame has plenty of young talent at tailback. Hughes' late-season surge probably gives him the upper hand to open the season as the starter, but former five-star prospect James Aldridge and four-star prospect Armando Allen have upside. While neither Aldridge nor Allen has delivered many big plays, both certainly are capable of big things - assuming they have room to run. The line's ineffectiveness made it tough to run the ball last season.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: What more can be said about the line? After giving up a school-record and NCAA-leading 58 sacks last season and "paving" the way for a running game that gained just 2.1 yards per carry, there's really nowhere to go but up. The Irish return five linemen who made at least five starts last season. Whether that's a good thing remains to be seen.

OVERVIEW: Notre Dame has plenty of experienced players on offense, but the Irish also have plenty of questions. Will Clausen live up to his potential after a freshman season full of growing pains? Will the offensive line finally give Clausen time to throw the ball? Was Hughes' late-season surge a mirage or a sign of things to come? We're guessing Notre Dame won't have to wait until the fourth game to score its first offensive touchdown this season, but everything rides on the line's performance. If they perform like a typical Notre Dame offensive line, the Irish should regain respectability. If they remain at their 2007 form, it's going to be another long season in South Bend.

58

That's the number of sacks allowed by Notre Dame last season, the most of any team in the nation.

GRADE: C-
http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: The Irish have multiple sets and can alternate between a 4-3 and a 3-4.

STAR POWER: While he often was overshadowed by teammate Tom Zbikowski, senior free safety David Bruton had emerged as the best performer in the secondary by the end of the 2007 season. Bruton had three interceptions and 55 solo tackles to rank first on the team in both categories. He finished the season with 85 total tackles, including 28 stops in Notre Dame's final three games.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Notre Dame's severe lack of depth on the line should allow freshman Ethan Johnson to make an immediate impact as a pass-rushing end. Although a sprained knee caused the four-star prospect to miss almost his entire senior season at Portland (Ore.) Lincoln High, Johnson had a combined 24 sacks his sophomore and junior seasons while playing defensive tackle.

David Bruton was Notre Dame's best defensive back by the end of the 2007 season.

IT'S HIS TIME: After patiently waiting behind Zbikowski the past three years, senior strong safety Kyle McCarthy finally gets a chance to open a season in the starting lineup. McCarthy's solid performance in spring practice suggests he's ready to make the most of that opportunity.
STRONGEST AREA: Remember when the secondary annually was considered Notre Dame's biggest weakness? That's not the case anymore. The Irish have upgraded their recruiting at this position so much that you can make a case they're stronger in the secondary than anywhere else on the field. Bruton has star potential at free safety, while cornerbacks Darrin Walls and Terrail Lambert performed well enough last season to help the Irish rank second in the nation in pass defense and 22nd in pass efficiency defense. While the Irish will miss Zbikowski at strong safety, their secondary still features plenty of playmakers.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: You can make a good argument that no defensive player meant more to his team last season than Trevor Laws, who led all defensive linemen in the nation with 112 tackles while alternating between tackle and end. His departure leaves Notre Dame desperately thin on the line. The Irish need nose tackle Ian Williams to take a giant step forward in his sophomore year and have to hope that someone (Morrice Richardson or converted Pat Kuntz?) has a breakthrough season at end.

OVERVIEW: The back seven should be fine. The secondary is deep and talented, and fifth-year senior Maurice Crum is a solid player who leads a talented linebacking corps. The Irish would love to see Crum deliver more dominant performances that resemble his effort against UCLA last year, but they're not going to complain about a guy who has delivered 184 tackles over the past two seasons. Notre Dame doesn't offer much of a pass rush, but the secondary is good enough to frustrate opposing teams if the Irish's offense ever could give them an early lead. As for the run defense, considering that the Irish ranked 97th in the nation in run defense with Laws, it's tough to imagine them stopping many running backs without him.

GRADE: B-

http://SPECIAL TEAMS

Irish special teams have been a mess the last few years, which explains why coach Charlie Weis visited Virginia Tech this spring. Weis also named himself Notre Dame's assistant special teams coach. If we had to single out one part of the kicking game that needs the most improvement, we'd probably cite sophomore kicker Brandon Walker's inconsistency. He could struggle to keep his job after going 6-for-12 on field-goal attempts last season, including 1-for-7 from at least 30 yards out. Junior Nate Whitaker likely will get a shot at the job. Junior Eric Maust averaged 42.1 yards per punt last year as a backup to Geoff Price. The Irish will miss Zbikowski, an explosive punt returner who averaged 10.2 yards per return last year.

GRADE: D+

http://COACHING

Weis probably deserves an "A" for his first two seasons on the job and a "D" or "F" for his performance last season, but we're not merely grading the head coach here. Weis has assembled a talented group of assistants that garnered even more star power with the acquisition of former Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta as the new linebacker coach. Tenuta's blitzing schemes certainly bothered Notre Dame during the Irish's season-opening 33-3 loss to Georgia Tech last season. It will be interesting to see how the offense responds now that Weis has handed the play-calling responsibilities to Mike Haywood. And how will second-year defensive coordinator Corwin Brown co-exist with Tenuta?

GRADE: B

DATE	OPPONENT
Sept. 6	San Diego State
Sept. 13	Michigan
Sept. 20	at Michigan State
Sept. 27	Purdue
Oct. 4	Stanford
Oct. 11	at North Carolina
Oct. 25	at Washington
Nov. 1	Pittsburgh
Nov. 8	at Boston College
Nov. 15	at Navy
Nov. 22	Syracuse
Nov. 29	at USC

http://SCHEDULE

If you've looked at the letter grades we've handed out, you're probably wondering how we can have the Irish at No. 40. The schedule is a major reason. As much as last season's schedule was the worst possible for an inexperienced team struggling to gain confidence, this season's is ideal for a squad attempting to bounce back from a disappointing season. The Irish have a near-certain victory against San Diego State to open the season and follow that up with a golden opportunity for an eye-opening home victory against a Michigan team that has to replace plenty of key players on offense. Don't be surprised if USC is the only Notre Dame opponent to appear in The Associated Press preseason rankings.

http://OUTLOOK

Don't expect a repeat of last season's 3-9 disaster. The Irish learned too many lessons to let that happen again. Then again, it's also probably asking too much to believe Notre Dame can make it back to BCS contention one year after delivering one of the worst seasons in school history. Clausen still has to prove he's as good as advertised, and he won't get that chance unless the offensive line makes major strides. Even if Notre Dame's offense regains its footing, it might not get on the field if a suspect defensive line fails to stop teams from running the ball. Last season, we figured the Irish would go 7-5 and end their postseason losing streak by winning a second-tier bowl. We were way off the mark with that prediction, but it seems like a legit forecast for 2008.
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OFFENSE QB Jimmy Clausen *, 6-3/212, Soph. Evan Sharpley, 6-2/216, Sr. RB Robert Hughes, 5-11/240, Soph. Armando Allen, 5-10/190, Soph. FB Asaph Schwapp *, 6-0/261, Sr. Steve Paskorz, 6-2/230, Soph. WR Duval Kamara, 6-4/225, Soph. George West, 5-8/200, Jr. WR David Grimes *, 5-10/175, Sr. Robby Parris, 6-3/205, Jr. TE Will Yeatman, 6-6/264, Jr. Mike Ragone, 6-5/241, Soph. T Paul Duncan *, 6-7/308, Sr. Matt Romine, 6-5/290, Soph. T Sam Young *, 6-8/330, Jr. Taylor Dever, 6-5/306, Soph. G Eric Olsen, 6-5/303, Jr. Trevor Robinson, 6-5/306, Fr. G Chris Stewart, 6-5/340, Jr. Mike Turkovich *, 6-6/301, Sr. C Dan Wenger, 6-4/300, Jr. Thomas Bemenderfer, 6-5/300, Sr. . K Brandon Walker *, 6-3/188, Soph. KR Armando Allen, 5-10/190, Soph.

DEFENSE DE Morrice Richardson, 6-2/258, Jr. John Ryan %, 6-5/260, Jr. DE Pat Kuntz %, 6-3/285, Sr. Justin Brown, 6-3/271, Sr. NT Ian Williams, 6-2/306, Soph. Paddy Mullen, 6-3/296, Jr. OLB Brian Smith, 6-3/239, Soph. Scott Smith, 6-3/235, Sr. ILB Maurice Crum *, 6-0/235, Sr. Steve Quinn, 6-2/231, Sr. ILB Toryan Smith, 6-1/244, Jr. Kevin Washington, 6-1/241, Sr. OLB Kerry Neal, 6-2/240, Soph. Kallen Wade, 6-5/244, Jr. CB Darrin Walls *, 6-0/180, Jr. Gary Gray, 5-11/185, Soph. CB Terrail Lambert *, 5-11/195, Sr. Raeshon McNeil, 6-0/187, Jr. FS David Bruton *, 6-2/205, Sr. Harrison Smith, 6-2/206, Soph. SS Kyle McCarthy, 6-0/200, Sr. Sergio Brown, 6-2/197, Jr. P Eric Maust, 6-2/177, Jr. PR Armando Allen, 5-10/190, Soph.

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

Miami:

Coach: Randy Shannon (5-7 in one season) | Staff In 2007: 5-7 overall, 2-6 in the ACC (fifth in Coastal Division). Returning starters: Offense: 4. Defense: 4. Special teams: 1 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense-G Andrew Bain, WR Darnell Jenkins, WR Lance Leggett, G Derrick Morse, C John Rochford, QB Kyle Wright. Defense-E Calais Campbell, SS Willie Cooper, LB Tavares Gooden, T Teraz McCray, FS Kenny Phillips. Special teams-K Francesco Zampogna. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 64th. | Complete Final 2007 Rankings

2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: Miami generally uses a pro set, sprinkling in some three-receiver schemes. At times, UM used both an H-back and a tight end. Patrick Nix is back for his second season as coordinator. Nix was Miami's third coordinator in as many seasons when he arrived last year.

Miami RB Javarris James was plagued by injuries last season.

STAR POWER: Miami's plunge into mediocrity the past two seasons can largely be explained by a remarkable absence of star power on this side of the ball. But tailbacks Graig Cooper and Javarris James certainly have the potential to blossom into one of the nation's top tailback tandems. Cooper, a sophomore, rushed for 682 yards and four touchdowns last season. James ran for 802 yards as a freshman two years ago before enduring an injury-riddled sophomore season in which he totaled 582 yards. They should split carries this fall and could combine for 1,500 yards.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: The Hurricanes already know they're going to start a first-year player at quarterback. The only mystery is the identity of that first-year player. Redshirt freshman Robert Marve is competing with true freshmen Jacory Harris and Cannon Smith. In the spring game, Marve - who was Florida's "Mr. Football" in 2006 - was 10 of 22 for 93 yards, Harris 9-for-17 for 64 yards and Smith 1-for-5 for 66 yards.

IT'S HIS TIME: Guard Orlando Franklin performed so well as a freshman that he had beaten out a fifth-year senior for a starting job by the end of last season. He has the most potential of any Miami offensive lineman. If UM's line is going to become solid again, Franklin is going to be the guy most responsible for making it happen.

STRONGEST AREA: Cooper and James give Miami two solid backs who should allow the Hurricanes to run the ball effectively. Each is good enough that they should be able to keep each other fresh without the running game suffering any kind of drop-off.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Miami will have to run the ball effectively because the passing game has plenty of questions. The 'Canes will have an inexperienced quarterback throwing to a receiving corps that lacks proven playmakers. UM doesn't return anyone who had more than 346 receiving yards last season. The Hurricanes need freshman receivers Aldarius Johnson and Jermaine McKenzie to make immediate contributions.

OVERVIEW: Miami has nowhere to go but up after ranking 102nd in the nation in scoring offense and 111th in total offense last season. But it's tough to imagine the Hurricanes improving too much with a first-year player as their starting quarterback. Miami fans can't expect the passing game to improve much this season. The Hurricanes simply don't have enough experience at quarterback or firepower in the receiving corps. Cooper and James will have to make sure Miami's running game is solid enough to take the pressure off the quarterback.

16

Miami scored 16 or fewer points in each of its final four games last year. The Hurricanes never scored fewer than 18 points in a game while going 35-2 from 2000-02.

GRADE: C-
http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: New coordinator Bill Young, who was at Kansas, runs a 4-3 set.

STAR POWER: Senior end Eric Moncur quietly enjoyed a productive season in 2007. Moncur had six sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss despite making just eight starts. He also defended the run well enough to collect 48 overall tackles. Junior linebacker Colin McCarthy also could develop into a star this season after collecting 74 tackles - 12 for loss - last season.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Miami had such a solid recruiting class that plenty of freshmen could impact the team early. However, the most likely candidate to break through is tackle Marcus Forston. A five-star prospect, Forston enrolled in time for spring practice and made a good first impression. Miami fans also should keep an eye on true freshman Sean Spence, who lined up with the first team at weakside linebacker for much of spring practice. Spence, Forston, Johnson and Harris are among eight players signed from powerhouse Miami Northwestern High.

Spencer Adkins returns to help make the Hurricane linebackers the strength of the defense.

IT'S HIS TIME: Sophomore Allen Bailey moved from linebacker to end in the offseason and should be a natural fit for his new position. However, he tore a pectoral muscle during offseason workouts. Bailey hopes to be ready in time for the season opener and could develop into an intimidating pass rusher if he can stay healthy. If he's out for an extended time, the line will suffer.
STRONGEST AREA: The return of veterans and an infusion of freshman talent give Miami plenty of depth at linebacker. McCarthy could emerge as Miami's most outstanding defensive player this season. He should get plenty of help from the return of Darryl Sharpton, Glenn Cook and Spencer Adkins. Cook, who has made 14 career starts, returns for a sixth season after missing 2007 with a foot injury. Sharpton started four games and Adkins made five starts last season. Spence and highly touted Arthur Brown could make immediate contributions as true freshmen.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Line depth was an issue even before Bailey got hurt. The Hurricanes received even more bad news when junior end Courtney Harris injured his Achilles tendon in the first week of June. Harris is likely to miss the season. Miami can't afford any more injuries along the line.

OVERVIEW: Miami's offensive woes last year overshadowed the fact that its defense wasn't nearly as dominant as usual. The Hurricanes ranked 10th in the ACC in scoring defense, and coordinator Tim Walton was dismissed. Young inherits a defense that boasts plenty of young talent, though the Hurricanes lack marquee names on this side of the ball. Miami needs some freshmen to grow up in a hurry, but we simply can't imagine a defense-minded coach such as Randy Shannon allowing his defense to repeat last season's mediocre performance.

GRADE: B

http://SPECIAL TEAMS

Matt Bosher and true freshman Jake Wieclaw will compete to replace kicker Francesco Zampogna. Even though Miami is breaking in a first-year kicker, the Hurricanes actually may end up with an upgrade. Zampogna and Daren Daly combined to go 13 of 21 on field-goal attempts and just 6-for-11 from at least 30 yards. Bosher averaged 40.2 yards per punt last season, but he could face a challenge this season from true freshman Taylor Cook. UM traditionally boasts explosive kick returners, but the Hurricanes don't know who will handle those duties this season. The Hurricanes ranked 68th in the nation in punt returns and 100th in kickoff returns last season. A team with as much athleticism as Miami needs to create more big plays in its special teams. Cooper is one of many candidates who could add life to the return units.

GRADE: C

http://COACHING

Shannon endured some growing pains as a first-year head coach last season. He earned a reputation as a master motivator during his six-year reign as Miami's defensive coordinator, but the Hurricanes showed no fire at all while ending the '07 season on a four-game losing streak that included a 48-0 setback to Virginia in their Orange Bowl finale. Shannon should benefit from a year of experience. Young is instituting an attacking style that should pay dividends on defense. He arrives from Kansas, where he helped the Jayhawks rank fourth in the nation in scoring defense and 12th in total defense last season. The other newcomer on Miami's staff is wide receivers coach Aubrey Hill, a Miami native - and Florida alum - who replaces Marquis Mosely.

GRADE: C

DATE	OPPONENT
Aug. 28	Charleston Southern
Sept. 6	at Florida
Sept. 20	at Texas A&M
Sept. 27	North Carolina
Oct. 4	Florida State
Oct. 11	UCF
Oct. 18	at Duke
Oct. 25	Wake Forest
Nov. 1	at Virginia
Nov. 13	Virginia Tech
Nov. 20	at Georgia Tech
Nov. 29	at N.C. State

http://SCHEDULE

Miami's new quarterback won't get much of a chance to ease into his new role. After a season-opening cakewalk against Division I-AA Charleston Southern that will serve as UM's first home game in Dolphin Stadium, the Hurricanes have back-to-back road games with Florida and Texas A&M. Miami does benefit from an ACC schedule that includes home games with Florida State and Virginia Tech and avoids preseason conference favorite Clemson. If Miami manages to win one of those early road games, the Hurricanes should have plenty of confidence as they head into a three-game midseason homestand against North Carolina, Florida State and UCF.

http://OUTLOOK

Miami's outstanding recruiting class could go a long way toward helping the Hurricanes regain their footing as one of the ACC's top programs, but it could take a couple of seasons before they're ready to compete for a conference title. The Coastal Division is so wide open once you get past Virginia Tech that it wouldn't surprise us if the Hurricanes finish second this season. However, we can't imagine they'll beat out the Hokies for the division title. Even though Virginia Tech has to play at Miami this season, the Hurricanes probably don't have enough experience to challenge for a conference championship just yet.
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OFFENSE QB Robert Marve, 6-1/203, R-Fr. Jacory Harris, 6-4/175, Fr. RB Javarris James *, 6-0/214, Jr. Graig Cooper, 6-0/202, Soph. H-Back Chris Zellner *, 6-2/247, Sr. WR Jermaine McKenzie, 6-2/173, R-Fr. Leonard Hankerson, 6-2/218, Soph. WR Sam Shields, 6-0/180, Jr. Khalil Jones, 6-2/220, Sr. TE Dedrick Epps, 6-4/255, Jr. Richard Gordon, 6-5/260, Jr. T Jason Fox *, 6-6/306, Jr. Chris Rutledge, 6-5/314, Sr. T Reggie Youngblood *, 6-5/312, Sr. Tyrone Byrd, 6-5/309, Sr. G Orlando Franklin, 6-7/345, Soph. Chris Barney, 6-5/340, Jr. G Joel Figueroa, 6-5/344, Soph. A.J. Trump, 6-3/308, Jr. C Xavier Shannon, 6-1/298, Sr. Tyler Horn, 6-4/295, R-Fr. . K Matt Bosher, 6-0/195, Soph. KR TBA

DEFENSE DE Eric Moncur *, 6-2/250, Sr. Steven Wesley, 6-3/257, Soph. DE Allen Bailey, 6-4/287, Soph. Adewale Ojomo, 6-3/244, R-Fr. DT Antonio Dixon, 6-3/328, Sr. Joe Joseph, 6-3/304, Jr. DT Dwayne Hendricks, 6-4/298, Sr. Marcus Forston, 6-2/309, Fr. WLB Colin McCarthy *, 6-3/230, Jr. Sean Spence, 6-0/202, Fr. MLB Glenn Cook, 6-0/235, Sr. Spencer Adkins, 5-11/230, Sr. SLB Darryl Sharpton, 5-11/232, Jr. Romeo Davis, 6-3/234, Sr. CB DeMarcus Van **** *, 6-1/174, Soph. Carlos Armour, 6-3/206, Sr. CB Chavez Grant, 5-11/180, Jr. Bruce Johnson *, 5-11/172, Sr. FS Randy Phillips, 6-0/208, Sr. Anthony Reddick, 6-0/208, Sr. SS Lovon Ponder, 6-0/219, Sr. Anthony Reddick, 6-0/208, Sr. P Matt Bosher *, 6-0/195, Soph. PR Graig Cooper, 6-0/202. Soph.

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

UCLA:

Coach: Rick Neuheisel (first season at UCLA; 66-30 in eight seasons overall). | Staff In 2007: 6-7 overall, 5-4 in the Pac-10 (tied for fourth in league). Returning starters: Offense: 3. Defense: 4. Special teams: 2 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense - T Brian Abraham, WR Brandon Breazell, WR Joe Cowan, C Chris Joseph, TB Chris Markey, G Shannon Tevaga. Defense - T Kevin Brown, CB Trey Brown, E Bruce Davis, SS Chris Horton, FS Dennis Keyes, LB Christian Taylor. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 47th. | Complete Final 2007 Rankings

2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: Offensive coordinator Norm Chow brings his pro-style offense back to Los Angeles. The Bruins will utilize the fullback and tight end, but also will line up in one-back and shotgun sets.

Running back Kahlil Bell is returning from offseason knee surgery.

STAR POWER: When healthy, senior tailback Kahlil Bell should be UCLA's top offensive player. In eight games last season, he ran for 795 yards and five touchdowns before missing the rest of the year and spring drills following reconstructive knee surgery. Bell, a physical runner, also is the Bruins' best pass-blocking back.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: True freshman Nelson Rosario could make an instant impact at wide receiver. Rosario is a 6-foot-4, 202-pound, four-star prospect. He could help a receiving corps missing its top two options from last season.

IT'S HIS TIME: Unquestionably, this spot belongs to senior quarterback Ben Olson. He was one of the top quarterbacks in the class of 2002, a class headlined by Vince Young. After a transfer from BYU, a Mormon mission and a variety of injuries, he has played only 14 career games. With quarterback Patrick Cowan out for the season with a torn ACL and the arrival of a quarterback guru in Chow, this is a perfect opportunity for a breakout season by Olson. The backup quarterback is Kevin Craft, who was the California junior college player of the year last season.

STRONGEST AREA: Despite the departure of Chris Markey, UCLA has a strong stable of tailbacks. But there is little experience beyond Bell. Redshirt freshman Raymond Carter is explosive - or was, anyway; he is returning from a major knee injury. If Bell and Carter struggle with their recoveries, four-star true freshman Aundre Dean is waiting in the wings.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: New line coach Bob Palcic - who spent the past two seasons as line coach at Wisconsin - has his work cut out for him. Junior tackle Micah Kia is the only sure thing on the line. The new center is senior Micah Reed, a former walk-on who started eight games at guard last season. The rest of the first-stringers are unproven: sophomore tackle Sean Sheller, sophomore guard Darius Savage and senior guard Scott Glicksberg, a converted tight end.

OVERVIEW: Health is a major concern for the new staff. Cowan already has been lost for the season. Olson, who has had trouble staying healthy, missed the end of the spring drills with a broken foot. The loss of projected starting tackle Aleksey Lanis, a senior whose career ended because of chronic knee injuries, was a huge blow. Bell, Carter and senior receiver Marcus Everett are recovering from injuries. It's a good thing Neuheisel and Co. have boosted UCLA's recruiting; the Bruins might need their freshmen sooner rather than later.

8.77

That was how many tackles for loss UCLA averaged per game last season. The Bruins ranked second in the nation in that category behind Oregon.

GRADE: C
http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: Pro and college teams were interested in coordinator DeWayne Walker during the offseason, and for good reason. Walker's defenses have been stout against the run and apply relentless pressure up front.

STAR POWER: All signs point to a huge season for junior linebacker Reggie Carter. After starting for two seasons on the outside, Carter moves to his natural position in the middle. Playing behind UCLA's defensive tackle duo of Brigham Harwell and Brian Price, Carter will have plenty of opportunities to make plays. He had 62 tackles and 12 tackles for a loss last season.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Redshirt freshman linebacker Akeem Ayers, one of the top recruits in the 2007 class, is trying to crack the starting lineup at weakside linebacker. He has good size (6-2/231) and could provide a physical presence at the position. Seniors John Hale and Joshua Edwards also are in the mix but are dealing with injury issues.

Junior Reggie Carter moves to middle linebacker, where he should make a lot of big plays.

IT'S HIS TIME: A special-teams performer and backup safety for the past three seasons, senior Bret Lockett looks like the new starter at strong safety. He has made one start and has 21 tackles in his career. He's looking to parlay a standout spring into a season as a reliable starter, but several freshmen will pressure him for playing time.
STRONGEST AREA: UCLA should have one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the Pac-10 and could have one of the best in the nation. Senior Brigham Harwell returns after missing all but two games last season with a knee injury. He had a combined 18 tackles for loss in 2005 and '06. He's stocky at 6-2 and 292, but has a great first step. At the other tackle spot, Brian Price is a rising star after earning Rivals.com second-team Freshman All-American honors last season. There is good depth, as well, with senior Chase Moline and juniors Jess Ward and Jerzy Siewierski.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Junior cornerback Alterraun Verner (four interceptions last season) is the only returning starter in the secondary. Two seniors and a junior will enter fall camp as the other starters - Lockett at strong safety, senior Michael Norris at corner and junior Aaron Ware at free safety. However, a talented group of redshirt and true freshmen are lurking. Redshirts Glenn Love and Courtney Viney are in the hunt at free safety and cornerback, respectively. The Bruins also signed four four-star defensive backs.

OVERVIEW: Without question, UCLA is counting on its defense to win games. The Bruins were in the top four in the league in every major defensive category last season, a stat that should continue into 2008. The biggest obstacle for UCLA is to find pass rushers to replace end Bruce Davis, who had 24.5 sacks over the past two seasons. If UCLA can continue to find its way to the quarterback, Los Angeles should be the home of the top two defenses in the Pac-10.

GRADE: B+

http://SPECIAL TEAMS

Once again, UCLA should have one of the top kicking tandems in the league. Kai Forbath made 25 of 30 field-goal attempts as a freshman last season, including five from at least 50 yards. Senior Aaron Perez averaged 42.3 yards per punt to rank second in the league. The return men are another issue, though. The jobs remain up for grabs with junior receiver Terrence Austin, backup tailback Christian Ramirez and a number of freshmen vying for the spots.

GRADE: B

http://COACHING

Neuheisel's hiring was met with some criticism because of his dubious past with the NCAA and off-field problems with some of his players. But for now, the future looks bright for the Bruins. Neuheisel's track record suggests a quick turnaround. He brought in the second-best recruiting class in the Pac-10 and has what could be one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Neuheisel retained Walker and added Chow, one of the most accomplished coordinators in recent history. Some of the position coaches also have impressive resumes. Frank Gansz Jr. was a longtime special teams whiz in the NFL, and Palcic is an accomplished line coach who tutored Jonathan Ogden in his previous stint at UCLA.

GRADE: B

DATE	OPPONENT
Sept. 1	Tennessee
Sept. 13	at BYU
Sept. 20	Arizona
Sept. 27	Fresno State
Oct. 4	Washington State
Oct. 11	at Oregon
Oct. 18	Stanford
Oct. 25	at California
Nov. 8	Oregon State
Nov. 15	at Washington
Nov. 28	at Arizona State
Dec. 6	USC

http://SCHEDULE

The schedule doesn't look to be set up for a quick turnaround. The non-conference portion includes Tennessee in the opener and also games against BYU and Fresno State. The trip to Provo will be the third meeting with BYU in a little more than a year; the Cougars and Bruins split two games last season. UCLA plays host to USC, but the Bruins face the rest of the Pac-10's top teams - Oregon, California and Arizona State - on the road.

http://OUTLOOK

Neuheisel's presence should heat up the UCLA-USC rivalry - on the field, on the recruiting trail and in the media. His first season won't be easy, though. The schedule is daunting and the offense is unsettled. Injuries at quarterback are becoming as much a tradition as the Bruins' powder-blue jerseys. While a Pac-10 title is at least a couple of seasons away, UCLA has the overall talent and coaching staff to surprise this season.
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OFFENSE QB Ben Olson, 6-4/230, Sr. Kevin Craft, 6-5/205, Jr. RB Kahlil Bell, 6-0/219, Sr. Raymond Carter, 5-11/208, R-Fr. FB Trevor Theriot, 6-0/237, Jr. Tobi Umodu, 6-0/236, Soph. WR Dominique Johnson, 6-3/206, Soph. Gavin Ketchum, 6-5/209, Jr. WR Marcus Everett, 6-1/212, Sr. Terrence Austin, 5-10/160, Jr. TE Logan Paulsen *, 6-6/252, Sr. Ryan Moya, 6-4/229, Jr. T Micah Kia *, 6-6/298, Jr. Brandon Bennett, 6-4/310, Soph. T Sean Sheller, 6-5/282, Soph. Mike Harris, 6-5/305, R-Fr. G Darius Savage, 6-4/338, Soph. Sonny Tevaga, 6-3/320, Soph. G Scott Glicksberg, 6-4/269, Sr. Nick Ekbatani, 6-4/295, Jr. C Micah Reed %, 6-4/316, Sr. Jake Dean, 6-4/295, Soph. . K Kai Forbath *, 6-0/196, Soph. KR Christian Ramirez, 6-3/212, Jr.

DEFENSE DE Korey Bosworth, 6-1/235, Jr. Chinonso Anyanwu, 6-4/225, Jr. DE Tom Blake *, 6-4/259, Sr. Reginald Stokes, 6-3/254, Soph. T Brian Price, 6-1/297, Soph. Jess Ward, 6-4/280, Jr. T Brigham Harwell, 6-2/292, Sr. Jerzy Siewierski, 6-2/285, Jr. LB John Hale, 6-4/230, Sr. Akeem Ayers, 6-2/238, R-Fr. MLB Reggie Carter %, 6-1/225, Jr. Steve Sloan, 6-3/235, R-Fr. LB Kyle Bosworth *, 6-1/235, Sr. Joshua Edwards, 6-1/230, Sr. CB Michael Norris, 5-9/182, Sr. Courtney Viney, 5-8/157, R-Fr. CB Alterraun Verner*, 5-11/180, Jr. Chris Meadows, 5-11/182, Sr. FS Aaron Ware, 6-0/192, Jr. Glenn Love, 6-4/207, R-Fr. SS Bret Lockett, 6-2/208, Sr. Garrett Rubio, 5-9/189, Soph. P Aaron Perez *, 6-4/225, Sr. PR Terrence Austin, 5-10/165, Jr.

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

Nebraska:

Coach: Bo Pelini (first season) | Staff In 2007: 5-7 overall, 2-6 in the Big 12 (fifth in the Big 12 North). Returning starters: Offense: 5. Defense: 6. Special teams: 2 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense-C Brett Byford, QB Sam Keller, T Carl Nicks, WR Terrence Nunn, TE J.B. Phillips. Defense-FS Tierre Green, CB Cortney Grixby, LB Corey McKeon, LB Steve Octavien, LB Bo Ruud. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 74th. | Complete Final 2007 Rankings

2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: It's basically a West Coast system, except with more of a power running element and zone read options. While there is a new head coach, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson retained his job.

Marlon Lucky is the top returning rusher in the Big 12 and also caught 75 passes last season.

STAR POWER: Last year, senior running back Marlon Lucky had the best season of his career with 1,019 rushing yards. Lucky is the Big 12's top returning rusher. He has rushed for 1,876 yards in his career, and he could break into Nebraska's top-five career list with 1,162 yards this season. He also led the nation's running backs in receptions with 75.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Nebraska is in need of a deep receiving threat, and redshirt freshman Curenski Gilleylen could fill the bill. The fastest player on the team, Gilleylen had a strong showing in the spring.

IT'S HIS TIME: Senior tackle Lydon Murtha is a 6-foot-7, 315-pound specimen who arrived in Lincoln five years ago with great expectations. He has been solid but unspectacular. The Huskers are hoping he'll raise his level of play, especially because he has moved from the right side to the left side this season.

STRONGEST AREA: Just like the good ol' days, the Huskers are talented and deep at running back. Lucky is a proven runner and receiver and has All-American potential. Meanwhile, sophomores Quentin Castille and Roy Helu showed they could contribute as freshmen. Castille rushed for 343 yards in a backup role, while Helu had 209. Helu looked good this spring and figures to get more chances in '08.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Senior tight end Hunter Teafatiller has nine career receptions, which makes him far and away the most experienced and productive tight end on the roster. But he has had some off-field issues, so his availability is uncertain. Sophomores Mike McNeill and Dreu Young each had one catch a year ago. That area definitely needs more production. The Huskers need a big-play threat at wide receiver, too.

OVERVIEW: The Huskers ranked ninth nationally in total offense last season. Senior quarterback Joe Ganz started the last three games of the 2007 season because of an injury to Sam Keller. Ganz threw for more than 400 yards in each game, totaling 15 touchdowns in that span. Lucky is a big-time back and will run behind an experienced line that has four returning starters, though two - Murtha and C Jacob Hickman, who moved from guard - have changed positions. Sure-handed Nate Swift and Todd Peterson are reliable receivers. But the Huskers need to add a receiver who can get behind the secondary. If a deep threat emerges, the offense could be better than it was a year ago.

11

That's the number of turnovers the Huskers forced last season (eight interceptions and three fumbles), which was fewer than every team in the nation except Marshall.

GRADE: B+
http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: Pelini favors a 4-3 alignment with a "Cover-2" scheme. The Huskers will look for creative ways to create pressure and increase turnovers.

STAR POWER: A converted junior college linebacker, Larry Asante established himself at strong safety a year ago by posting 78 tackles, including 38 solo stops. He gives the Huskers a physical presence in the secondary and figures to flourish under Pelini's guidance.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: It would come as no surprise if true freshman linebacker Will Compton, a four-star prospect, contributed immediately. He plays a position at which Nebraska needs help.

The Huskers defense needs end Barry Turner to return to the form of his freshman season.

IT'S HIS TIME: End Barry Turner set a Nebraska freshman record with six sacks in 2005. Unfortunately, he's managed only 4.5 since. The Huskers' pass rush was among the nation's most anemic last season, and Turner's ineffectiveness (three sacks) was a big reason. He needs to upgrade his performance.
STRONGEST AREA: The secondary returns two starters in Asante and senior cornerback Armando Murillo, the only returnee to start all 12 games last season. Free safety Rickey Thenarse is a special-teams standout who may be ready to move into the starting lineup. The Huskers struggled last season in pass defense, but some of that can be blamed on the lack of a pass rush.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Three starting linebackers and the top reserve from last season are gone. This year's starting lineup could feature Phillip Dillard, who started twice last season and made 37 tackles, as well as converted tailback Cody Glenn and former walk-on Tyler Wortman. Blake Lawrence, who appeared in five games last season, also could challenge for a starting job.

OVERVIEW: The 2007 season was historically awful for the defense, which allowed the most points and most yards by a Nebraska team since 1948. The Huskers allowed the most points ever in one game (76, to Kansas), forced the lowest number of turnovers in school history and ranked an abysmal 113th in total defense - ahead of only North Texas, UAB, San Diego State, SMU, UTEP, Rice and Minnesota. But a key returnee has given hope that the "Blackshirts" can return to form: With Bo Pelini as defensive coordinator in 2003, Nebraska's defense ranked 11th nationally and forced 47 turnovers. Pelini's influence surely will boost the defense, but he has some serious holes to fill.

GRADE: D

http://SPECIAL TEAMS

In the past two seasons, punter Dan Titchener has averaged 40.1 yards per attempt. More impressive is that he has had 42 kicks downed inside the 20. Kicker Alex Henery was 8-for-8 on field-goal attempts and was perfect on extra point tries, while Adi Kunalic forced touchbacks on 28 of 66 kickoffs. The kickoff- and punt-return teams were mediocre, and the return specialists have to be replaced.

GRADE: B

http://COACHING

If helping LSU win last season's national championship wasn't enough to impress, Pelini already has a victory at Nebraska. He was on the sideline as interim coach in a 17-3 victory over Michigan State in the 2003 Alamo Bowl, which was one of six games in which Pelini's defense held opponents to a touchdown or less that season. Many Huskers fans grumbled when Pelini wasn't named coach then. Now he's back in Lincoln, where his defensive expertise and intensity are sorely needed to restore the "Blackshirts" to prominence. He brought in his brother Carl as defensive coordinator, but Bo will run the defense. Watson is back for his third season as offensive coordinator. In each of the past two seasons, the Huskers averaged more than 30 points and ranked among the nation's top 14 in total offense. In addition, Ron Brown, who served on the staffs of former Nebraska coaches Tom Osborne and Frank Solich, returns to coach tight ends after spending four years working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

GRADE: B

DATE	OPPONENT
Aug. 30	Western Michigan
Sept. 6	San Jose State
Sept. 13	New Mexico State
Sept. 27	Virginia Tech
Oct. 4	Missouri
Oct. 11	at Texas Tech
Oct. 18	at Iowa State
Oct. 25	Baylor
Nov. 1	at Oklahoma
Nov. 8	Kansas
Nov. 15	at Kansas State
Nov. 28	Colorado

http://SCHEDULE

If home field truly is an advantage, expect Nebraska to make a bowl appearance this season. The Huskers play eight home games overall and have their first five games at home. In fact, the first time they leave Lincoln is a game at Texas Tech on Oct. 11. Furthermore, the schedule includes seven opponents who had losing records last season, and five of those visit Lincoln. But Nebraska isn't facing a cakewalk by any means. Four foes - Virginia Tech, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas - managed at least 11 victories in '07, and Texas Tech is coming off a 9-4 finish.

http://OUTLOOK

Avoiding a third losing season in five years will require improving a defense that gave up 40 points six times last season. Pelini's presence will provide a boost, and he'll squeeze more out of a defensive line that grossly underachieved in '07. But Pelini can only do so much, and with unproven linebackers, the defense still is an issue for the Huskers. If Ganz's performance in the final three games last season is any indication, the Huskers will have a high-scoring offense that can win shootouts. That won't be enough to produce a championship, but it may be sufficient to secure a bowl appearance. Six regular-season victories are expected, and seven or more would be a bonus.
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OFFENSE QB Joe Ganz, 6-1/200, Sr. Patrick Witt, 6-4/220, R-Fr. RB Marlon Lucky *, 6-0/210, Sr. Roy Helu, 6-0/220, Soph. FB Thomas Lawson, 6-0/240, Sr. Justin Makovicka, 6-1/235, Soph. WR Nate Swift *, 6-2/200, Sr. Menelik Holt, 6-4/215, Jr. WR Todd Peterson, 6-4/210, Sr. Curenski Gilleylen, 6-0/210, R-Fr. TE Hunter Teafatiller, 6-3/230, Sr. Mike McNeill, 6-4/225, Soph. LT Lydon Murtha *, 6-7/315, Sr. Mike Smith, 6-6/285, Soph. RT Jaivorio Burkes, 6-5/340, Soph. Marcel Jones, 6-7/300, R-Fr. G Matt Slauson *, 6-5/335, Sr. .J. Jones, 6-5/310, Soph. G Mike Huff, 6-4/300, Sr. Keith Williams, 6-5/310, Soph. C Jacob Hickman %, 6-4/285, Jr. Mike Caputo, 6-1/265, R-Fr. . K Alex Henery *, 6-2/170, Soph. KR TBA

DEFENSE DE Barry Turner *, 6-3/270, Sr. Clayton Sievers, 6-4/245, Sr. DE Zach Potter *, 6-7/280, Sr. Pierre Allen, 6-5/265, Soph. NT Ndamukong Suh *, 6-4/300, Jr. Shukree Barfield, 6-4/310, Sr. T Ty Steinkuhler *, 6-3/285, Sr. Kevin Dixon, 6-3/295, Sr. LB Tyler Wortman, 6-3/230, Sr. Blake Lawrence, 6-2/225, Soph. LB Cody Glenn, 6-0/230, Sr. Latravis Washington, 6-3, 210, Soph. LB Phillip Dillard, 6-1/250, Jr. Will Compton, 6-2/230, Fr. CB Armando Murillo *, 6-0/195, Sr. Prince Amukamara, 6-1/195, Soph. CB Anthony Blue, 5-10/180, Soph. Anthony West, 6-0/195, Soph. FS Rickey Thenarse, 6-0/190, Jr. P.J. Smith, 6-2/205, Fr. SS Larry Asante *, 6-1/210, Jr. Major Culbert, 6-0/210, Jr. P Dan Titchener *, 6-0/200, Sr. PR TBA

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

Louisville

Coach: Steve Kragthorpe (6-6 in one season at Louisville, 35-28 overall) | Staff In 2007: 6-6 overall, 3-4 in the Big East (tied for fifth in the conference). Returning starters: Offense: 3. Defense: 4. Special teams: 1 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense-TB Anthony Allen, G Daniel Barlowe, TE Gary Barnidge, QB Brian Brohm, WR Harry Douglas, T Breno Giacomini, WR Mario Urrutia. Defense-CB Rod Council, LB Malik Jackson, LB Lamar Myles, LB Preston Smith, E Peanut Whitehead, T Willie Williams. Special teams-K Art Carmody. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 58th. | Complete Final 2007 Rankings

2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: Louisville will return to a power running game under new coordinator Jeff Brohm, who was promoted from quarterback coach. After being a pass-first offense last season, Louisville looks to revive the Bobby Petrino-style offense that worked so well with Brian Brohm and Michael Bush.

Brock Bolen is one of three running backs who will lead the Louisville ground attack.

STAR POWER: Patience should pay off for senior quarterback Hunter Cantwell. He spent three seasons backing up Brohm, starting three regular-season games and a bowl in the process. At 6-5 and 236 pounds, Cantwell has the size and the arm to be a top NFL prospect, even though he hasn't started a full season.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Speedy redshirt freshman tailback Victor Anderson (5-9, 182) gives Louisville a nice change of pace from the bruising Brock Bolen and Bilal Powell. Look for him to get a few carries each game.

IT'S HIS TIME: Junior wide receiver JaJuan Spillman is a talented and fast playmaker, but he has had trouble staying in the coaches' good graces. He was suspended for six games last season and finished with nine receptions. The potential is there if he can stay on the field. Without Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia, Louisville is looking for impact wide receivers.

STRONGEST AREA: Perhaps in a case of addition by subtraction, tailback looks to be the strength of the offense. Leading rusher Anthony Allen transferred (though he might have been a nice fit for Brohm's offense), and George Stripling was dismissed. Bolen is a former fullback, who rushed for 456 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Powell averaged 7.8 yards per carry as a true freshman. Anderson could provide additional flash at the position.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Goodbye Gary Barnidge, Louisville will miss you. The tight end position is in dire straits without Barnidge and Scott Kuhn. Johnnie Burns was moved from defensive end and won the position in spring practice.

OVERVIEW: Louisville's high-powered offense faces as many questions this season as in recent memory. There are wholesale changes at the skill positions from a team that led the Big East in yards per game and passing. The line returns two all-conference candidates in tackle George Bussey and center Eric Wood, but the new starters are relatively unproven. With Cantwell and a deep tailback corps, there's reason to believe the offense will remain just as productive.

4

That's the number of games Louisville lost by one score (Kentucky, Syracuse, Connecticut, West Virginia). Louisville also won three games by one score (Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Rutgers).

GRADE: B
http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: New coordinator Ron English has his work cut out for him, but his track record suggests he is up for the challenge. English brings a 4-3 scheme with him that looks to pressure the quarterback and stifle the run.

STAR POWER: Senior Earl Heyman continues to shift between defensive end and defensive tackle. He started 11 games at tackle last year but begins this season as a first-string defensive end. Regardless of which position he plays, he must set the tone up front for a Louisville defense that collapsed last season.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Miami transfer James Bryant is trying to win the job at middle linebacker. Bryant, who played fullback for the Hurricanes, was limited during the spring by injury but is expected to be a contributor this fall.

Earl Heyman will lead the Cardinals defense from his new defensive end position.

IT'S HIS TIME: It's a sign of the times when the defense's top player also is the one with the most to prove. Heyman was a four-star signee in the 2005 class but has only 3.5 sacks in his three-year career, including two years as a starter. It's now or never for Louisville's most experienced lineman.
STRONGEST AREA: Louisville needs to find replacements throughout the defense, but has enough reinforcements on the line to stay competitive. Heyman is the leader here, but he is surrounded by experienced former backups. Fellow end L.D. Scott started at the end of last season while Maurice Mitchell led the team in tackles for a loss (8.5) in a reserve role. At tackle, Adrian Grady returns after missing seven games last season because of a torn pectoral muscle. Louisville hopes two-year backup L.T. Walker will develop into a run-stuffing nose tackle.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: The Cardinals have depth issues because of attrition. Peanut Whitehead (injury) and Rod Council and Willie Williams (both dismissed) could have been starters this season but no longer are with the team. Louisville signed six junior college defenders to fill out the depth chart.

OVERVIEW: Louisville has nowhere to go but up after last season's disaster on defense. After it appeared they gave up on last year's plan, the Cardinals players are re-energized under English's new scheme and discipline. Still, while energy and intensity might be up, Louisville probably needs more talent and depth to contend with the better offenses in the Big East.

GRADE: D

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Trent Guy will be the main return man. Guy took back a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown last season. Cory Goettsche is back at punter after averaging a lackluster 38.9 yards per kick. The biggest void is left by kicker Art Carmody. Purdue transfer Tim Dougherty and true freshman Chris Philpott will compete for the position.

GRADE: C

http://COACHING

It took only one season for Steve Kragthorpe to come under fire in Louisville. A last-minute loss to Kentucky in and a complete collapse against Syracuse in the first half of the season had fans questioning if Louisville made the right hire in replacing Petrino. Kragthorpe, though, walked into a less-than-perfect situation, judging by the exodus of troubled players. Kragthorpe replaced both coordinators in the offseason. Brohm brings back the Petrino offense, and English was a home-run hire on defense. Three more defensive assistants - line coach Ken Delgado, linebacker coach Bill Miller and cornerback coach Eric Lewis - were added to the staff.

GRADE: B

DATE	OPPONENT
Aug. 31	Kentucky
Sept. 6	Tennessee Tech
Sept. 17	Kansas State
Sept. 26	Connecticut
Oct. 10	at Memphis
Oct. 18	Middle Tennessee
Oct. 25	USF
Nov. 1	at Syracuse
Nov. 8	at Pittsburgh
Nov. 14	at Cincinnati
Nov. 22	West Virginia
Dec. 4	at Rutgers

http://SCHEDULE

The schedule sets up nicely for the Cardinals. They open at home with Kentucky, and the other non-conference opponents are Tennessee Tech, Kansas State, Memphis and Middle Tennessee. Only Memphis is on the road. Plus, Louisville gets its toughest Big East games - Connecticut, USF, Cincinnati and West Virginia - at home.

http://OUTLOOK

Literally and figuratively, it all starts with Kentucky. Louisville's loss to the rival Wildcats last season set a bad tone. Another loss to UK increases the heat already on Kragthorpe. On the other hand, a victory could mean a hot start and a return to the postseason. Cantwell and the offense are expected to be fine. It's the defense that's the big question.
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OFFENSE QB Hunter Cantwell, 6-5/236, Sr. Tyler Wolfe, 6-5/216, Soph. RB Brock Bolen, 6-0/238, Sr. Bilal Powell, 6-0/208, Soph. FB Joe Tronzo, 5-11/254, Jr. Brock Bolen, 6-0/238, Sr. WR Scott Long *, 6-2/211, Jr. Troy Pascley, 6-2/190, Soph. WR Doug Beaumont, 5-9/176, Soph. Trent Guy, 5-9/165, Jr. TE Pete Nochta, 6-5/246, Soph. Johnnie Burns, 6-3/245, Sr. T George Bussey *, 6-4/306, Sr. Greg Tomczyk, 6-6/297, Soph. T Jeff Adams, 6-8/318, Soph. Ryan Kessling, 6-5/312, R-Fr. G Mark Wetterer, 6-5/315, Soph. Josh Byrom, 6-5/289, Soph. G Abdul Kuyateh, 6-2/296, Sr. Brian Roche, 6-4/303, Jr. C Eric Wood *, 6-4/309, Sr. Nick Borgelt, 6-4/291, Sr. . K K Chris Philpott, 6-0/180, Fr. KR KR Trent Guy, 5-9/165, Jr.

DEFENSE E L.D. Scott *, 6-2/268, Jr. Maurice Mitchell, 6-3/272, Sr. E Earl Heyman %, 6-3/285, Sr. Rodney Gnat, 6-3/243, Soph. T Adrian Grady, 6-2/305, Sr. Tyler Jessen, 6-1/281, Jr. T L.T. Walker, 6-4/305, Soph. Aundre Henderson, 6-4/284, Soph. SLB Jon Dempsey, 6-0/233, Jr. James Bryant, 6-3/257, Sr. MLB Mozell Axson, 6-1/243, Sr. Antwon Canady, 6-0/235, Soph. WLB Chris Campa, 6-2/215, Jr. Brandon Heath, 6-1/225, Soph. CB Woodny Turenne *, 6-1/182, Sr. Marcus Folmar, 5-11/183, Sr. CB Johnny Patrick, 6-0/184, Soph. Travis Norton, 6-0/196, Sr. FS Richard Raglin, 6-2/198, Sr. Latarrius Thomas, 6-2/206, Jr. SS Bobby Buchanan %, 5-11/199, Sr. Daniel Covington, 5-11,208, Jr. P P Cory Goettsche *, 6-1/219, Jr. PR PR Trent Guy, 5-9/165, Jr.

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

UNC:

Coach: Butch Davis (4-8 in one season; 51-20 overall in seven seasons) | Staff In 2007: 4-8 overall, 3-5 in the ACC (fourth in ACC Coastal). Returning starters: Offense: 9. Defense: 6. Special teams: 1 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense: C Scott Lenahan. Defense: T Kentwan Balmer, LB Durell Mapp, E Hilee Taylor. Special teams: K Connor Barth. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 77th | Complete Final 2007 Rankings

2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: The Tar Heels run a pro-style offense that usually includes one-back sets with an H-back at the line of scrimmage.

Hakeem Nicks set a school-record with 74 receptions last season.

STAR POWER: Junior wide receiver HakeemNicks set a single-season school record with 74 catches last season and also compiled 958 receiving yards - the third-highest total in school history - toearn first-team All-ACC honors from Rivals.com. Nicks ranked second in the ACC in receiving yards per game and should lead a talented and deep receiving corpsagain this season.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Tailback Jamal Womble could see immediate playing time as a true freshman. The formerfour-star prospect from Sierra Vista, Ariz., rushed for 1,787 yards and 21 touchdowns on 170 carries in his senior year at Buena High School. North Carolinadoesn't have too many experienced tailbacks, so Womble should avoid a redshirt and play a backup role if he capitalizes on his opportunities.

IT'S HIS TIME: Greg Little beganhis career as a wide receiver last season, but he really started to thrive after moving to tailback. Little rushed for 89 yards against Georgia Tech and gained154 yards against Duke in the final two games of the season. He heads into his sophomore season as the starter and looks poised for a 1,000-yard season.

STRONGEST AREA: North Carolina may have the deepest receiving corps in the ACC. Nicks, Brooks Foster and Brandon Tate return after teaming up to catch 138 passes for 1,854 yards and 12 touchdownslast season. Throw in the return of H-back Zack Pianalto(24 catches for 208 yards last year) and fullback BobbyRome (16 catches for 183 yards), and the Tar Heels return their five leading receivers for last season. The sixth-leading receiver was Johnny White, who has moved from tailback to cornerback.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: The Tar Heels still have to find someone who can consistently get the ball to those talented receivers. After getting offto a promising start last season, sophomore T.J. Yatesstruggled down the stretch and had offseason shoulder surgery that caused him to miss spring practice. Yates' injury could give redshirt freshman Mike Paulus and junior Cam Sexton a chance to prove they deserve a shot at the job, though Yates remains thelikely starter.

OVERVIEW: North Carolina certainly has experience on its side. The only player not returning after starting the majority of the TarHeels' 2007 games on offense is center Scott Lenahan, who was a senior. But the Heels didn't exactly light up the scoreboard: North Carolina ranked106th in the nation in total offense and 108th in rushing offense a year ago. North Carolina's running game should get a boost now that Little will be inthe backfield all season. Little also ought to benefit from running behind a line that returns All-ACC candidates Garrett Reynolds at tackle and Calvin Darity at guard. North Carolina should score more points this season, but thisoffense remains a work in progress that won't reach its potential until the Tar Heels get more consistency from their quarterback.

15

QB T.J. Yates threw nine touchdown passes with only three interceptions in the first three games last season. He threw 15 interceptions with only five touchdown passes the rest of the season.

GRADE: C
http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: The Tar Heels' base set is a 4-3. The new coordinator is Everett Withers, who spent last season at Minnesota - which had the worst defense in thenation. Before that, Withers spent six seasons as secondary coach of the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

STAR POWER: While this defense features no true superstars now that first-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer has moved on to the NFL, freesafety Deunta Williams probably has the greatest upside ofanyone on this side of the ball. Williams earned first-team freshman All-America honors from Rivals.com last year after picking off three passes and recording57 tackles.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Defensive end Quinton Coples is more experienced than your typical true freshman afterspending last year at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy. The former four-star prospect should play right away as a third-down pass rusher and could emerge as astarter by the end of the season.

Quan Sturdivant should expect plenty of action after moving to weakside linebacker.

IT'S HIS TIME: Linebacker QuanSturdivant made five starts and recorded 47 tackles as a true freshman last year. For his sophomore season, he will move from the strongside to theweakside, where he will try to replace Durell Mapp (secondin the ACC with 132 tackles last season). North Carolina's defense is set up to allow the weakside linebacker to make plenty of plays, so a 100-tackleseason for Sturdivant isn't out of the question.
STRONGEST AREA: While it's tough for any defense to replace a first-rounder, UNC looks to have developed so much depth at defensivetackle that the position should remain a strength even without Balmer. Aleric Mullins, former five-star prospect Marvin Austin, Tydreke Powell, Cam Thomas and Tavares Brown should allow the Tar Heels to rotate players at that spot all game long.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Youth and a lack of depth could prevent North Carolina's defense from living up to its potential. The Tar Heels couldopen the season with a half-dozen sophomores starting on defense. Depth is a particular concern at middle linebacker. Senior Mark Paschal is the clear-cut starter, but the Heels don't have any other scholarshipplayers at that position who saw any game action last season.

OVERVIEW: UNC loses only three full-time starters, but those three guys (Balmer, Mapp and end Hilee Taylor) were the Tar Heels' mostproductive players on that side of the ball. The Heels still have plenty of young talent on defense, but inexperience and lack of depth are major concerns. TheHeels can't afford major injuries on defense because they don't have many experienced backups. But you still have to like the potential of a unit thatwas 35th in the nation in total defense a year ago. If North Carolina emerges as the surprise team in the ACC this season, it will be because of thedefense.

GRADE: B

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UNC must find a new kicker to replace four-year starter Connor Barth, who left campus as the school's career leader in field goals. Redshirt freshmanJay Wooten has the edge at the moment, though Casey Barth- Connor's younger brother - could compete when he arrives as a walk-on this fall. The Tar Heels also have to break in a new snapper and holder. Terrence Brown returns as the punter after ranking sixth in the ACCwith an average of 41.4 yards per attempt last season. Tate already owns ACC career records for kickoff returns (9 and kickoff-return yards (2,383).

GRADE: C.

http://COACHING

Davis seems to have North Carolina headed in the right direction. UNC played 28 freshmen last season, which bodes well for the Tar Heels' future, eventhough they lost two-thirds of their games in Davis' first season at the helm. The major change on the staff involves Withers, who was hired as coordinatorafter the NFL's Baltimore Ravens plucked Chuck Pagano from the Heels' staff. Withers is expected to maintain the attacking style of defense that Paganohad employed last season. Defensive line coach John Blake - theformer Oklahoma coach - received much of the credit for helping Balmer mature into a first-round pick. Offensive coordinator/quarterback coach John Shoop faces a major challenge this season as he tries to get Yatesto recapture the promise he showed early in his freshman season.

GRADE: B-plus.

DATE	OPPONENT
Aug. 30	McNeese State
Sept. 11	at Rutgers
Sept. 20	Virginia Tech
Sept. 27	at Miami
Oct. 4	Connecticut
Oct. 11	Notre Dame
Oct. 18	at Virginia
Oct. 25	Boston College
Nov. 8	Georgia Tech
Nov. 15	at Maryland
Nov. 22	North Carolina State
Nov. 29	Duke

http://SCHEDULE

North Carolina's schedule could allow the Tar Heels to make a major move up the ACC Coastal Division standings. The Tar Heels avoid Clemson, Wake Forestand Florida State - the likely top three teams in the Atlantic Division. North Carolina should discover in a hurry whether it has a legitimate chance tocontend for the Coastal Division title. The Tar Heels open their ACC schedule Sept. 20 with a home game against defending conference champion Virginia Tech andhave a road game with Coastal Division foe Miami the next week. UNC opens its season with a cakewalk against Division I-AA McNeese State, but its other threenon-conference tests (Rutgers, Connecticut and Notre Dame) are challenging games that could go either way.

http://OUTLOOK

If you're looking for a potential breakout team in the ACC, North Carolina is as good a choice as any. Once you get past Virginia Tech, the rest of theCoastal Division is pretty much up for grabs. Georgia Tech is in transition after a coaching change. Miami is coming off back-to-back subpar seasons. Virginiasuffered some major offseason losses. Duke is Duke. Frankly, even the mighty Hokies could slip a notch after losing Vince Hall, Xavier Adibi and BrandonFlowers from their defense. No wonder optimistic Tar Heels fans are wondering if their team could make a surprising run at a conference title. We're notthat optimistic - the Tar Heels have too little experience and too many quarterback questions - but we could see them finishing as high as second or third inthe Coastal Division and earning a bowl bid.
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OFFENSE QB T.J. Yates*, 6-3/210, Soph. Mike Paulus, 6-5/215, R-Fr. TB Greg Little, 6-3/210, Soph. Ryan Houston, 6-2/255, Soph. H-back Zack Pianalto*, 6-4/240, Soph. Christian Wilson, 6-3/235, Fr. WR Hakeem Nicks*, 6-1/210, Jr. Kenton Thornton, 6-4/230, Jr. WR Brandon Tate*, 6-1/195, Sr. Brooks Foster, 6-3/205, Sr. TE Richard Quinn*, 6-4/260, Sr. Ed Barham, 6-3/260, Soph. OT Kyle Jolly*, 6-6/300, Jr. Mike Ingersoll, 6-4/295, Soph. OT Garrett Reynolds*, 6-7/310, Sr. Morgan Randall, 6-6/285, Soph. OG Calvin Darity*, 6-3/310, Sr. Kevin Bryant, 6-7/350, R-Fr. OG Bryon Bishop, 6-3/300, Sr. Mike +%@#!, 6-4/300, R-Fr. C Aaron Stahl%, 6-2/290, Jr. Lowell Dyer, 6-3/280, Jr. K Jay Wooten, 6-3/185, R-Fr. KR Brandon Tate, 6-1.195, Sr.

DEFENSE DE Greg Elleby, 6-4/285, Soph. Darius Powell, 6-2/230, Soph. DE E.J. Wilson*, 6-2/280, Jr. Darrius Massenburg, 6-3/280, Soph. DT Marvin Austin, 6-3/305, Soph. Tydreke Powell, 6-3/310, R-Fr. DT Cam Thomas, 6-3/330, Jr. Aleric Mullins, 6-3/295, Jr. SLB Chase Rice, 6-3/230, Sr. Bruce Carter*, 6-3/225, Soph. MLB Mark Paschal, 6-0/230, Sr. Kevin Reddick, 6-3/230, Fr. WLB Quan Sturdivant, 6-2/230, Soph. Kennedy Tinsley, 6-0/220, Jr. CB Charles Brown*, 6-2/205, Soph. Richie Rich, 5-9/195, Jr. CB Kendric Burney*, 5-9/180, Soph. Jordan Hemby, 5-10/185, Jr. SS Trimane Goddard*, 5-11/195, Sr. Matt Merletti, 5-11/185, Soph. FS Deunta Williams*, 6-2/205, Soph. Da'Norris Searcy, 6-0/200, Soph. P Terrence Brown*, 6-3/190, Sr. PR Brandon Tate, 6-1/195, Sr.

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

Miss. St. :

Coach: Sylvester Croom (17-30 in four seasons) | Staff In 2007: 8-5 overall, 4-4 in SEC (tied for third in SEC West). Returning starters: Offense: 5. Defense: 8. Special teams: 2 | Depth Chart Key losses: Offense: WR Aubrey Bell, C Royce Blackledge, T Michael Brown, WR Tony Burks, T J.D. Hamilton, TE Dezmond Sherrod. Defense: E Titus Brown, E Avery Hannibal. Final 2007 Rivals.com ranking: 33rd | Complete Final 2007 Rankings

2008 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart

http://OFFENSE

THE SCHEME: When Sylvester Croom arrived inStarkville, he installed a West Coast offense he learned from years of coaching in the NFL. The problem: He hasn't had a quarterback capable of adequatelyrunning the system. The offense needs a quarterback who makes smart decisions in the short passing game rather than a physical specimen who can chuck the ball70 yards. The M.O.: know where to go with the football and make the smart, safe throw. That opens up the ground game, which always is punishing on thiscampus.

Anthony Dixon rushed for 1,066 yards last season.

STAR POWER: Look no further than junior tailback Anthony Dixon. He became just the seventh Bulldog to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark (1,066)last season. He's a plow horse who excels at banging between the tackles. Dixon is money when he gets near the goal line, scoring 14 TDs last season - thesecond-most in a season in school history.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Coaches are pumped about redshirt freshman tailback Robert Elliott (6-0/192). He has decent size, but it's his blazing speed andelusiveness that has the staff excited. Elliott is the guy who could put some lightning into what has been a power-based rushing attack since Jerious Norwoodleft.

IT'S HIS TIME: Fingers and toes are crossed for quarterback Wesley Carroll to take the next step in his development. He showed flashes after beingforced into duty as a true freshman last season, taking care of the ball (none of his first 137 passes were picked off) and playing it safe en route to forginga 6-3 record as a starter. Now, Carroll must show a knack for making a play instead of always playing it safe. Still, Rule No. 1 remains the same: Noturnovers.

STRONGEST AREA: Whenever you talk Bulldogs football, the first thing mentioned is the ground game. That won't be different this season.Yes, the line is being overhauled - just one full-time starter returns - but Croom has done a good job stockpiling talent in an area that was in disrepair whenhe arrived. One caveat: Center could be a problem. Is junior Johnny Carpenter ready? The developing unit will have a host of good runners to escort,including Dixon, Elliott, Christian Ducre and Arnil Stallworth. Leading the way will be fullback Brandon Hart, ahole blaster.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: Are there any deep threats at wide receiver? If not, this offense will see a lot of eight-defenders-in-the-box looks.It's hoped senior Jamayel Smith fills that role,especially with Tony Burks gone. It's time for senior Co-Eric Riley to live up to the hype he brought with him from junior college last season.Maybe true freshman O'Neal Wilder, whoenrolled early, will surprise. More bad news: The tight end corps must be rehabbed, with sophomore Brandon Henderson the heir. He'll be pushed by a converted fullback.

OVERVIEW: This has the makings of Croom's best offense yet in Starkville. Alas, that's not saying much. An inability to develop aconsistent passing game is the biggest obstacle keeping this program from taking the next step. It's not for a lack of scheming by coordinator Woody McCorvey. But there's more hope than usual. McCorvey feelsCarroll is ready to emerge and allow the offense to shift from first to second gear. Hey, it's all about progress - even if it's baby steps. It'stime to go from being a bad offense to being an average offense. And it should happen.

3

That's the number of games Mississippi State won by a touchdown or less in 2007. In 2006, when the Bulldogs finished 3-9, they lost four games by a field goal or less.

GRADE: C
http://DEFENSE

THE SCHEME: It's a standard 4-3 set built on athletic ability. The loss of coordinator Ellis Johnson to South Carolina hurts. Croom promoted Charlie Harbison to coordinator from safeties coach, and don't expect any big changes froma defense that's all about being aggressive. This is not a read-and-react system. It's all about letting the athletes be athletes. With what should beone of the top secondaries in the SEC, Harbison will have the luxury of gambling some with his front seven.

STAR POWER: Senior free safety DerekPegues is one of the best in the nation. Before the 2007 season, he moved from cornerback to safety and didn't miss a beat en route to earning All-SEChonors. It has been that way since he stepped on the field as a true freshman following an illustrious prep career. Pegues is all about the big play. He has 10career interceptions with 218 return yards and three scores. He doubles as one of the top return men in the nation, with two career punt returns forscores.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Keep an eye on redshirt freshman strong safety Wade Bonner. He's an electric athlete who turned heads in practice last year becauseof his speed and athletic ability. MSU has a deep secondary, but Bonner - who's also an adept return man - may be too talented to keep on the sideline. Nodefense has enough playmakers, and Bonner is another one.

Derek Pegues thrived after moving from cornerback to safety.

IT'S HIS TIME: Sophomore K.J. Wrightgot his feet wet last season, playing mostly on special teams. But he's primed to move into the strongside linebacker post. He's a quick andinstinctive player who can take on blocks and cover. Coaches feel it's a matter of when - not if - Wright becomes an all-star in Starkville, where some ofthe most underrated defense in the SEC has been played this decade.
STRONGEST AREA: The secondary should be outstanding; all four starters are back. Pegues is a legit All-America candidate who has rareplaymaking ability. Strong safety Keith Fitzhugh is atackling machine who excels in run support. Backup De'MonGlanton is almost the peer of Fitzhugh and will push him. Cornerback Anthony Johnson is expected to return in August after suffering a broken leg vs. Ole Miss,solidifying one corner spot. He led defensive backs with 73 tackles in 2007. Marcus Washington and Jasper O'Quinn, who both started seven times last season, should battle for the otherstarting slot.

BIGGEST PROBLEM: There are no worries at tackle with 300-pounders Kyle Love and Jesse Bowman back to anchor the interior and muck up the works. But the Bulldogs needsomeone to bring the heat off the edge with ends Titus Brown and Avery Hannibal gone. Cortez McCraney and Timmy Bailey are next in line. McCraney came to campus as an end, played tackle lastseason and is back at end. Bailey, a 241-pounder, has played some at linebacker.

OVERVIEW: Losing Ellis Johnson hurts. But with eight starters back for a unit that held eight foes to 17 or fewer points, Harbison has thehorses to makes this one of the better SEC defenses. The veteran secondary will allow Harbison to play man coverage and turn the front seven loose to attack.If this unit can amp up the turnovers and give a still-developing offense short fields from time to time, State will have a good season. The key is avoidinginjuries. Why? The difference between Mississippi State and the SEC elite is depth.

GRADE: B

http://SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bulldogs look good here. In fact, few SEC teams are in this kind of shape. Blake McAdams is a solid punter who is back for his fourth season on the job. McAdams hasaveraged almost 40 yards per boot. Adam Carlson is asteady kicker who has connected on 18 of 29 career field-goal attempts. He enters 2008 on a roll, having hit his past seven. Still, he can improve. Is there ascarier return man than Pegues? He has two punt-return TDs in his career. There are no worries in the long-snapper department, either, with Aaron Feld.

GRADE: A.

http://COACHING

Give Mississippi State officials credit for sticking by Croom, who is building a solid program. If you want flash, look elsewhere: Croom is an old-schoolcoach who was seasoned in the NFL from 1987-2003. His schemes and ideas finally are blooming now that he has stocked the roster with his guys. McCorvey is apatient, steady hand who knows when to pat someone on the head or kick them in the backside. This is Harbison's chance to show he can run what has been oneof the SEC's better defenses in recent years. He developed a standout secondary before earning his deserved promotion. Croom's staff is augmented byveteran minds such as linebacker coach Louis Campbell,offensive line boss J.B. Grimes and running back coachRockey Felker, a former Bulldogs head coach who bleedsmaroon.

GRADE: B.

DATE	OPPONENT
Aug. 30	at Louisiana Tech
Sept. 6	Southeastern Louisiana
Sept. 13	Auburn
Sept. 20	at Georgia Tech
Sept. 27	at LSU
Oct. 11	Vanderbilt
Oct. 18	at Tennessee
Oct. 25	Middle Tennessee
Nov. 1	Kentucky
Nov. 15	at Alabama
Nov. 22	Arkansas
Nov. 28	at Ole Miss

http://SCHEDULE

The non-conference schedule is soft, but that's OK. This is Mississippi State, an emerging program. The visit to Georgia Tech, a team in transition, isa good measuring stick. There's no Florida, Georgia or South Carolina in SEC play. The schedule is built for a fast start and fast finish. It's vitalthe Bulldogs win their first two games, at Louisiana Tech and against Division I-AA Southeastern Louisiana. State will need all of the momentum it can getheading into a rugged three-game stretch that will define the season: Auburn, at Georgia Tech, at LSU. And after a visit from Vandy, State goes to Tennessee.Survive that, and MSU has a chance to be 4-3 heading into the home stretch that could produce four more wins. Really. And would Nick Saban's head explode if Mississippi State beats Alabama for a third year in arow?

http://OUTLOOK

Mississippi State showed tangible progress in Year Four under Croom last fall, earning the school's first bowl in seven seasons. And the Bulldogs won,topping UCF in the Liberty Bowl. Good thing, because some of the natives were growing restless. Buoyed by myriad returning starters across the board, anoffense that's coming alive, a still-rugged defense and - most important - confidence from 2007's success, there's no reason Mississippi Statecan't make back-to-back postseason appearances for the first since the program went to three in a row from 1998-2000.
http://

OFFENSE QB Wesley Carroll*, 6-1/190, Soph. Chris Relf, 6-3/211, R-Fr. TB Anthony Dixon*, 6-1/240, Jr. Christian Ducre, 6-0/215, Jr. FB Brandon Hart, 5-11/240, Sr. Taurus Young, 5-8/228, Sr. WR Co-Eric Riley, 6-1/200, Sr. Aubrey Bell, 6-3/217, Sr. WR Jamayel Smith*, 6-0/183, Sr. Brandon McRae, 6-4/200, Jr. TE Brandon Henderson, 6-1/250, Soph. Marcus Green, 6-2/230, R-Fr. OT Derek Sherrod, 6-5/298, Soph. Quentin Saulsberry, 6-3/286, R-Fr. OT Mark Melichar, 6-5/284, Soph. Addison Lawrence, 6-4/265, R-Fr. OG Michael Gates, 6-4/305, Sr. Craig Jenkins*, 6-4/315, Jr. OG Anthony Strauder*, 6-3/290, Sr. Dakota Merritt, 6-5/302, R-Fr. C Johnny Carpenter, 6-2/290, Jr. J.C. Brignone, 6-1/290, Soph. K Adam Carlson*, 6-4/195, Sr. KR Derek Pegues, 5-10/196, Sr.

DEFENSE DE Cortez McCraney, 6-4/272, Sr. Brandon Cooper, 6-3/240, Soph. DE Timmy Bailey, 6-3/241, Sr. Jimmie Holmes, 6-3/235, Sr. DT Kyle Love*, 6-1/320, Jr. Quinton Wesley, 6-4/315, Jr. DT Jesse Bowman*, 6-1/305, Sr. LaMarcus Williams, 6-1/290, Soph. SLB K.J. Wright, 6-3/215, Soph. Terrell Johnson, 6-2/210, R-Fr. MLB Jamar Chaney*, 6-1/236, Sr. Jamon Hughes, 6-0/230, Jr. WLB Dominic Douglas, 6-2/227, Sr. Jamie Jones, 6-0/215, R-Fr. CB Anthony Johnson*, 5-10/194, Jr. Marcus Washington*, 5-10/180, Jr. CB Jasper O'Quinn*, 5-10/185, Sr. Marcus Washington*, 5-10/180, Jr. SS Keith Fitzhugh, 5-11/206, Sr. De'Mon Glanton*, 6-1/190, Sr. FS Derek Pegues*, 5-10/196, Sr. Zach Smith, 6-0/180, Soph. P Blake McAdams*, 5-10/190, Sr. PR Derek Pegues, 5-10/196, Sr.

(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)

 

[dlo13]

STAR POWER: Senior free safety Derek Pegues is one of the best in the nation. Before the 2007 season, he moved from cornerback to safety and didn't miss a beat en route to earning All-SEC honors. It has been that way since he stepped on the field as a true freshman following an illustrious prep career. Pegues is all about the big play. He has 10 career interceptions with 218 return yards and three scores. He doubles as one of the top return men in the nation, with two career punt returns for scores.

 

[gunna get it]

DLO, I was bout to quote the same thing. I guess me and You only Cats know how great Peques is, cuz we the only ones ever talk bout him

IT'S HIS TIME: Junior strong safety Myron Rolle arrived at Florida State as a five-star prospect, but he hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Rolle has started 23 consecutive games over the past two seasons but hasn't delivered a whole lot of big plays. Rolle enters his junior season with one career interception, two fumble recoveries and seven tackles for loss.

How are you startign Rover for FSU and have 1 career INT and 2 FR in 23 starts.
Shevin Smith, Devin Bush (My Dawg Davin's Brother

) , and Derrick Gibson put this Highly Hyped dude to shame

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

What you know 'bout Shev????

 

[already platinum]

hold up if marcus ball asked to be released from his schlorship i wonder what school he will transfer to any 1 know?

 

[dade b0y]

Originally Posted by IYE2

...and that could very well be a 'package' deal.

It's not. Trust it.