[thesportsguru11]

2017-18 Coaching Carousel

Marshall's Anderson to 'Bama; Rice OC Willingham signs to be Washington St. head coach; UConn loses both coordinators

I'm not exactly sure this is what Bob Trebell signed up for. DrGravyBoat's CAC (we'll touch on that shortly), stated his specialty was special teams. You want special teams? I'll give you special teams!!

But first, read this. Congrats to Kaelyn Willingham on becoming the second CAC to take a head coaching job, joining Quinn Shea in the Pac-12!!!! Here's to continued success for the spread option master!

UConn, you will see, loses both Marty English (my favorite coordinator that I've ever had) and Mike Denbrock to the clutches of desperate schools. Meanwhile, we hire Bill Cubit (Southern Miss OC) and Barry Odom (Memphis DC) for their respective places.

TEAM	COACH OUT	Reason For Departure	COACH IN	Former Job
Alabama	Nick Saban	"Retired"	Blake Anderson	Marshall HC
Ball St.	Todd Berry	Fired	Bobby Wise	South Dakota St. HC
Cincinnati	Ted Roof	Fired	Matt Limegrover	Purdue HC
East Carolina	Ruffin McNeill	Fired	Tom Masella	UL-Lafayette DC
Indiana	Kevin Wilson	Fired	Sonny Dy.kes	Rice
Kent St.	Brian Polian	Left	Brian Rock	Kent St. OC
Marshall	Blake Anderson	Left	Mike Locksley	Marshall OC
Maryland	Randy Edsall	Fired	Scott Shafer	Virginia Tech DC
Miami (OH)	Chuck Martin	Fired	Ted Roof	Cincinnati HC
New Mexico St.	Kyle Flood	Left	Demetrius Carpenter	New Mexico St. OC
Pitt	Rod Carey	Fired	Kurt Roper	Western Michigan HC
Purdue	Matt Limegrover	Fired	Travis Bush	Florida OC
Rice	Sonny Dy.kes	Left	Kirk Ciarrocca	Western Michigan OC
San Jose St.	Chuck Bullough	Fired	Pete Kwiatkowski	Washington DC
Southern Miss	Bill Legg	Left	Brian Polian	Kent St. HC
Stanford	David Shaw	Fired	Bud Foster	Western Kentucky HC
UAB	Bill Clark	Fired	Larry Leonard	UAB WR's
UCF	George O'Leary	Retired	Marty English	UConn DC
UL-Lafayette	James Willis	Fired	Tony Gibson	West Virginia DC
Utah	Doc Holliday	Fired	Scot Loeffler	Virginia Tech OC
Washington St.	Robert Anae	Fired	Kaelyn Willingham	Rice OC
West Virginia	Dana Holgorsen	Fired	Bill Legg	Southern Miss HC
Western Kentucky	Bud Foster	Left	Kyle Flood	New Mexico St. HC
Western Michigan	Kurt Roper	Left	Mike Denbrock	UConn OC

And now....let's meet all 15 of our OS Create-A-Coaches!

Each card shows which job each coach has, with screen names for anyone curious. Click on the spoiler for a brief team preview for each coach. Coordinators will only see previews from the side of the ball they coach. I spent 3 days working on this, so I hope everyone is pleased with what they got. I DO NOT PLAY FAVORITES. Thank you.

If you would like to join this next season, stay tuned toward the end of season 5 and I'll set you up. I've got plenty of room.

Spoiler

Lamar Holycross

The Lodown:

It became clear early that the youthful Shea is definitely cut out to be a big-time head coach. The short nerdy kid from eastern Massachusetts brought USC from a 2 win season to a 10 win season, and the sky is the limit for Shea and his Trojans in 2018. Despite needing to replace a few key starters, SC has one of the top backfield duos in the nation, but they need to get productivity out of career backup Jalen Greene at QB and find some new stars on defense.

The Offense:

Max Browne played well, but Shea could have lived with a more mobile QB, which he gets this year in 5th year senior Greene. One of the nation’s top backups a year ago, there is no question Greene has the talent. But does he have the composure? Junior Brad Ewing is an able backup, but has never thrown a college pass. Sophomore Cam Miles is another to watch.

Dontrell Marshall (206 rush, 1176 yards, 6 TD) went down hurt mid season and was limited after. For USC fans, it looked like the sky might have been falling. But former top recruit Lamar Holycross (196 rush, 1188 yards, 15 TD) went out and posted (I believe) 4 consecutive 100 yard rushing games. With both returning, the Trojans boast one of the top backfields in the land. Charles Leslie and Justin Lewis round out the depth chart, though neither will see many carries.

Sophomores Marshall Dickerson and Matt Jones suddenly become the top wideouts after the losses of Adoree’ Jackson and JuJu Smith, among others. Jones is a blazer, and Dickerson has good hands. However, Dickerson is the only one on the roster with a college catch. Freshman Michael Skinner will be starting this year. I hope he’s ready. After that though, SC doesn’t have much there. Ray Beck, Max Barron and Brandon Long don’t inspire much hope. Pierre Russell is the starter at tight end, a redshirt freshman with a big 6’4 frame and soft hands.

Guard Viane Talamaivao is one of the best in the land, and center Patrick Henry anchors the line. After that, though, the youth shows. Clay Wood and senior Chase Glover can survive, while James Colvin is a good redshirt freshman. But can he hold up? Sophomore J.B. Kirkpatrick and freshman John Retonzes are good building blocks, but should be eased in for now. Junior Joe George provides extra depth.


The Defense:

Relative inexperience shows everywhere on the line, but there are a fair share of veterans down in the front. Junior Simms McAfee is a high first round NFL prospect, but hasn’t played much. Senior Don Hill (2.5 sacks, 11 TFL) is looking to finish with a bang. Junior Jason Turner is underrated, while juniors Logan Hamby and A’Shean White are two more options for Shea. Brian Wallstedt, Matt Ruffin and freshman Anthony Savoy add depth.

Linebacker looks to be in good hands, too. Senior Olajuwon Tucker (36 tackles before injury) emerged in the middle last year and is back, as are senior Uchenna Nwosu (63 tackles) and junior Kenton Suber, who stands tall at 6’4, 245. Junior Heath Thomas is an admirable backup, while Greg Williams and freshman Eric Jamison will see time.

SC loses most of its punch and swagger in the secondary with JuJu Smith and Adoree’ Jackson off to the NFL (along with others), but there is still lots of talent there. The secondary in particular is young and deep. Junior safeties Eric Redd and O.J. Hill (35 tackles, INT, 6 TFL), are potential defensive cornerstones, while senior John Plattenburg can go anywhere. Corners Chatman Cobbs and Lamont Simmons are prepared and ready. Talented sophomore Jay Weaver may be relegated to 3rd string corner again, while Cornell Covington is a name to watch at all three secondary positions. Shen Oliver and Charles Young are ready to go as redshirt freshmen.

The Special Teams:

Kicker Carlos Caldwell and punter Fred Wallace are among the best in the country at their respective positions, and it should show again in 2018. WR Jones is likely to be handling returns, and he is explosive.

In Conclusion: Shea has USC in a serious position to be a CFP team this year, and his energy and game planning are second to none. If the leap they made was quantum last year, I can only imagine what the young genius can do in 2018. Fight On.

Spoiler

Kingston Fernandez

The lodown:

Washington St. hit ultimate lows under recent coaching flops Mike Leach and Robert Anae. Wazzu went 1-11 in Anae’s first and last season at the helm in 2017, their only win coming against equally bad and injury plagued Stanford. With a new A.D. in former head coach Mike Price, Willingham, a talented coordinator at Rice, can take solace in the fact that he likely has time to build up this young, yet unproven, roster. The key is to tap the untapped potential.

The Offense:

Willingham is known for running a modified spread option, making ball distribution and speed at all positions count. All of that was on display last year, as Rice QB Jeremy Jones was in the Heisman race for the majority of the year and Rice ended 2017 with their 4th 10 win season in program history. However, with this roster more suited to an Air Raid offense, Willingham will likely be forced to bite the bullet and use that to his advantage.

Willingham has two options at QB: Junior Crest Hill, a pure pocket passer, or junior Tanner Coffey, a more mobile option who better fits the new coach’s play style. However, Hill has a much better arm than Coffey, and has all 17 passes of the 4 QB’s. It’s sure to be a tight race. But whoever wins the gig, they have a good load of talent around them. Problem is, there’s an asterisk somewhere. Seniors Barry Ware and Keith Harrington are one of the better receiving combos in the west, but the depth behind them is nonexistent. Sophomores Terence Gray and Brandon Sharpe better be ready to step up. Freshman Terry Seward could be one to watch.

Two solid running backs fill up the backfield in speedy senior Dunston DeLuca and sophomore Elson Asa’sina. Both are ready and eager to get some carries with the new coach and playbook. Once again, though, the depth thins out after them. Freshman walk-ons Blake Horne, Luis Brown and Marcus Nealy fill out the depth chart. However, fullbacks Jeremy Jordan and Vai Takalana’ufu could see increased production. I also see Willingham potentially sliding down highly touted recruit Blake Larson from tight end to get some carries and play a utility role.

With lots more running ahead, it’s great to know that Wazzu has a few good ones on the line. Junior Tommy Jean is one of the better blind side protectors in the Pac-12, and seniors Andre Dillard, Sean Krepsz and Brandon Evers could be good this year. Sophomore guard Jeff Stewart could slide in at center and is definitely one to watch. Junior Pua Ailani and highly touted redshirt freshman Tim Torwell could be good, too. Freshmen John Perry and Andrew West will be solid with some seasoning.

The Defense:

While Willingham runs a 4-3, the talent right now more suits a 3-4. But regardless, there are a few names to watch on the Cougs D, and they should be much improved this year.

Senior end Kingston Fernandez (5.5 sacks last year) and junior end Eltez Vakapuku welcome sophomores Derek Robinson (tackle) and Lamont Gray (end). The 4 will likely be starting. Fernandez is a pass rush specialist, so look for him to have a big year.

Willingham has 5 talented linebackers in Greg Hoyd (senior), Justin Tayden (junior), Dylan Hanser (senior), and juniors Jamaal Neltren and Simi Akalana. Hoyd had 80 tackles last year, while Tayden had 51.

Corner Paul Pollard is one of the best in the west, and he is joined by junior Jared Williams on the other end (19 tackles in limited action last year). Sophomores Cory Lester and Ron Bowens being counted on to contribute. Unfortunately, the safeties aren’t much better. Sophomores Chance Fuqua (24 tackles, 6 pass deflections, defensive TD) and Garrett Patterson are the best, and they are not up to par with the rest of the Pac-12. Freshmen Triy Dunne and David Butler may need a year, but they need to be willing to play soon.

The Special Teams:

Freshman kicker Travis Rawlson and punter Terrance Grant are nothing more than average. It is unknown how aggressive Willingham will get in recruiting or coaching at those positions. I’m under the assumption DeLuca will be universal super return man.

In Conclusion:

It will take a few years, but Willingham can recruit, and he knows he has lots of talent as a coach. He just better hope the Washington St. A.D. office is patient.

Spoiler

Joey Duckworth

The Lodown:

Woodard guided Ohio to its second consecutive bowl game last year, though they lost to Wyoming for their second consecutive bowl game loss. This year the expectations are high as Ohio appears to be the favorite in a tight MAC in 2018.

The Offense:

It all begins and ends with Joey Duckworth (213-313, 68.1 comp.%, 3,095 yards, 30 TD, 5 INT, 167 rush, 644 yards, 7 TD) who, behind Rice QB Jeremy Jones, has the most legitimate shot at a mid-major Heisman win. Duckworth is composed, has a strong and accurate arm, and is a gamer. Ohio has talented sophomore Rico Humphrey behind Duckworth. With a veteran receiving group in 5th year seniors Andrew Meyer (29 rec, 368 yards TD), Papi White (16 rec, 222 yards, 3 TD) and Robbie Walker, Ohio is deep and dangerous at wideout. The loss of Duckworth’s top target, Brendan Cope, will hurt though. Sophomore Jeremy Oliver and freshman Justin Sutton will see playing time now. Marcus Davis and Steven Hoffman are two more to watch. Tight ends Gerald Lawson and Jamal Galloway have good hands and should get good numbers.

As for running backs, losing Maleek Irons definitely hurts. Fullback Ken Bush may see the most carries, but Ron Cox has been the understudy the past 2 years and is looking for a chance. Kevin Lundy and Brandon Harris (79 rush, 419 yards, 3 TD) are other veteran options.

Ohio has 4 good linemen in seniors Marcelys Jones, Alex Pfeiffer (a Toledo transfer) and Stephen Langenkamp, as well as sophomore Brian Davis. Freshman David Ware will have to do his best to keep Duckworth upright from left tackle. Mike Tiyoma, Alfred-Dee Brown, Anthony Ross and Alex Jefferson are the best backups.

In Conclusion:

It’s boom or bust right now for Woodard and Ohio. Heisman candidate Duckworth is primed for a huge year with the right amount of supporting help. And without much for the future, if Ohio has a good year, don’t be surprised at all to see Woodard jet off for somewhere bigger and better at the close of 2018.

Spoiler

Cam Stith

The Lodown:

After barely hanging on to his job last year, Crenshaw is in a make or break year. He has the talent on the recruiting trail, now he needs to show he can put it all together on the field.

The Offense:

Junior Darius Wood (150-318, 47.2 comp. %, 2053 yards, 11 TD, 8 INT) had his ups and downs last year, but he is the QB to stay. However, he needs to be more consistent. Fellow junior Paul Weaver is pushing hard, but the guy to watch is redshirt freshman Paul O’Toole. He can do a bit of everything, and don’t be surprised to see Crenshaw push coach Doug Martin to get him reps. He is definitely the future.

Senior Devon Spalding (161 yards, 808 yards, 5 TD) powered through some injuries last year, and that allowed mega-freshman Cam Stith (126 rush, 522 yards, 7 TD) to post some big numbers. Assisting the duo this year is junior Jerry Bailey and speedy freshman Jeff Rooney, who will come in and see some carries. Crenshaw definitely has the freedom to mix and match his formations this year with all 4.

As for wideouts, while the receivers don’t immediately look promising. Brothers Joe and Matt Johnson, Derek Grant and Mike Powers are all veterans, but don’t have much game experience. It will take time for the freshmen to be ready.

The star of the receivers though is tight end Jonathan Carson (56 rec, 815 yards, 4 TD). An All-American two years ago (2nd team), Carson is a huge target who was only slowed by a minor hamstring injury late in the year (he had 68 rec, 1020 yards and 7 TD in 2016). He is back at full strength and will be a monster this year. Clay Walderzak and junior Jeff Bennett return as well to give CMU the best tight end trio in the land.

The big test for the Chips is how well a weak O-Line can hold up. Junior right tackle Walter Goins is the best tackle for the Chips, and that is really scary (75 overall). Tyler Fuller is a weak left tackle, redshirt frosh Kevin Burton can be good at guard, and sophomore right guard Joey Lowery is massive at 6’7, 288 pounds. Redshirt freshman Dominic Cross is 330 pounds and figures to slide in somewhere.

In Conclusion:

CMU has lots of talent this year, and if the line can hold up, CMU can ride the skill players to a bowl game. But if either Wood or Weaver struggle, this may be the last we see of Coach Crenshaw in Michigan.

Spoiler

Chris Williams (left) and Jasper Haley (center)

The Lodown:

After successful 2014 and 2015 seasons under Dino Babers and Lane Kiffin, BG rolled to a pair of MAC titles with Matt Johnson under center. However, it’s been downhill since. BG missed a bowl game in 2016 and went 6-7 in 2017. In year 3 of the Noel Mazzone experiment, coach Freday is banking on better results, despite losing their top two receivers.

The Offense:

Chris Williams had a fair first year, (182-346, 2340 yards, 18 TD, 15 INT, 170 rush, 665 yards, 5 TD), but the junior needs to make better decisions in 2018, especially with a brand new receiving corps. He can be as good as anyone else though when he is on.

Williams has a great duo at running back. Then-Junior Brandon English was thought to be the guy last year, but injuries got in the way and allowed for redshirt freshman Jasper Haley to emerge, running for 945 yards and 9 TD. With both at full health again, the duo can tear up the MAC this fall. Sophomore Steve Morton joins the duo, and his speed will be utilized by Freday in a few ways.

As already mentioned, the receivers are virtually an all-new outfit. Juniors Matt Cooper and Mark Anderson have very little game experience, as do Ryan Bell and sophomores Chris Holly and Josh Williamson. True freshman Jeff Trask had offers from big schools and will make a difference now. Redshirt freshman Sean Owen is another to watch. Senior tight end Will McNeal is a massive 6’5 269 with good hands.

Tackle Isiah Moore is an NFL prospect and the leader of the unit. He did a fantastic job protecting Williams’ blind side last year and will do so again this year. Junior James Paul is the next most experienced, but is short and his footwork needs some help. Redshirt sophomore Joe Scott steps in at right tackle, but a pair of true freshman will start. Guard Mike Wright and center Dale Edwards are big maulers, but may not be ready. Freday needs to get veterans Pat Tate and Joey Cole to step up, as do sophomore Greg Aston and freshman Shelton Jackson.

In Conclusion:

This could be a make or break year for Freday. The defense has lots to work with, but if Freday can rely on his run game (especially the exciting Haley), BG should have just enough diversity to get to 6-6 or 7-5. If Williams finds the curb and turns it in year 2 as the starter, BG can go far.

Spoiler

Kerry Thomas

The Lodown:

UTSA struggled in “The Ace” James’ first year as a big-time coach. The run game never got off the ground, and the pass game was extremely inconsistent. With most everyone back from last year, James is hoping to build upon the late success of last season (upset Western Kentucky on the road at the end of last year).

The Offense:

Josh Thomas had a wild year (161-348, 2376 yards, 19 TD, 11 INT), but the senior built some confidence late in the year and will be the starter. Senior Blake Bogenshutz is the top backup, but he has to fend off dynamic dual threat Justin DeAngelis (JR, 6’4 215). James is looking for the second half Thomas, which passed for twice as much as first half Thomas.

The run game never got going last season. 5’9 senior Ryan Childs had a good season despite the low number of carries (129 rush, 618 yards, 5 TD). Kris Walker played well in mop-up duty (67, 334, 2), and sophomore Matt Nance joins the fold after sitting in 3rd string all year. Sophomore Breston Belt is another speedy back who will fight for time with James this year.

Senior Kerry Thomas emerged as a legitimate #1 last year with a 61 reception, 1032 yard, 8 TD season. Coupled with a pair of tight ends who could be All-American candidates in seniors Triston Crossland (57 rec, 800 yds, 11 TD) and Cam Oliver (14 rec, 197 yds, 2 TD last year but 75 rec, 1036 yds and 10 TD in 2016.)

Senior Kevin Chance and junior Jon Martinez need to step up and prove their worth as #2 receivers, while junior Sean Poole struggled last year and needs to get back on track. Lawrence Burks, Nick Pace, Tommy Winston and nimble tight end Jack Carter are the top backups.

UTSA loses a lot off the O-Line, but they have a few good building blocks for the future. Junior center Aaron Johnson and tackle Brandon Chance become the leaders along with All-C-USA selection right tackle David Anzaldua (senior, 6’6, 345). They will need to mentor inexperienced guards Dave Polland and true freshman Brian Pennington. Young guys like Charles Conrin, Johnn Smith and Keivanu Lockleer will be the top backups.

In Conclusion:

UTSA has a chance to get to 6-6, but the youth on the O-Line will have to grow up quickly and James and coach Kevin Kelly need to get Thomas’ 2nd half performance out for the entire season. There’s plenty of talent for the Runners to get bowl eligible for the first time ever.

Spoiler

Gunner Roach

The Lodown:

Southern Miss is just 5 years removed from 0-12, but after last year, you wouldn't have been able to tell. After outlasting Navy in the Tropicana St. Petersburg Bowl, the Golden Eagles finished 8-5 under Bill Legg. While Legg is off to West Virginia, most of the key catalysts return from last year’s success. As a result, Southern Miss’ high-flying, fun offense will be back in full gear this year.

The Offense:

Gunner Roach had one of the best seasons in Southern Miss history last year, completing 62% of his 431 passes, firing for 3837 yards and 37 TD’s compared to just 8 INT’s. Being a senior this year, Roach’s numbers should be even better. Kentrell Davis is the top backup, with Reg Harris the developmental prospect.

Southern Miss has a pair of great tailbacks in speedy senior Ito Smith (146 rush, 908 yds, 10 TD), and bruising junior Kareem McGee, who could be even better than Smith by the end of his career. Youdlain Dixon dealt with injuries last year, but the speedster is back and healthy, as is sophomore fullback Courtney Parks.

Curtis Mikell is on pace to break every major Southern Miss receiving record, and is primed for a monster year in 2018. The 5’9 senior hauled in 92 passes last year, accounting for 1524 yards and 14 TD’s, good enough to be a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. Senior Korey Robertson had a great year as well, with 55 catches, 831 yards and 8 TD’s. Sophomores George Cody, Ryan Hayes and freshman Anthony Marshall will be broken in while the former two tear up the C-USA.

Tight ends Mike Singletary and Mike Everett are returning as well, and senior Josh Jackson is ready to go in his final year.

Tackle Joe Warren, guard Terrance Blair, and sophomore center Charles Lumpkin make up a nice left side of the line that can hold their own in the C-USA. Sophomore Quinton Royal is among the best in the conference already, and fellow sophomore Jake Richard are solid along the right side. Freshman Dallas Benjamin, Darryl Leak, junior Cedricke Hines, Marcus Thomas, Jovon Griffin, tackle James Patton are able backups.

In Conclusion:

With powerful Marshall out of the C-USA, Southern Miss could potentially be the best team in the C-USA. If Davis plays to the strengths of this offense, the Golden Eagles can be the best Group of 5 team in the land.

Spoiler

Nick Jeanty

The Lodown:

New Mexico St., after 50 years of obscurity, hit new heights under Doug Martin in 2016 and Kyle Flood in 2017. Martin guided NM State to a GoDaddy.com Bowl win, then when he left, Flood came in fresh from Rutgers and led the Aggies to their first ranking since 1960 and a 10-3 season, the most wins in school history. With former OC Demetrius Carpenter now promoted to the head reign, Grant comes in and will take over OC duties at this new..dare we say it...powerhouse?

The Offense:

Nick Jeanty was efficient last year passing (50.1 comp. %, 2460 yards, 20 TD’s, 9 INT), but his running ability helps make up for his average stats through the air. His numbers should be much improved without star tailback Marquette Washington, who graduated in the spring, and the focus all on him. Redshirt freshman Jarred Jackson is sitting out after transferring from Arizona St., but he’ll be ready to go next year. Matt Johnss, another redshirt freshman, is the top backup.

Without Washington, the Aggies are turning to a committee to replace Washington. True freshman C.J. McNeil and sophomore Andrew Ward are the top backs this fall with senior Brent Rivers vying for time as well. Senior fullback Justin Lucas could be a spellback from his fullback spot.

The Aggies have a quartet of very good receivers for Jeanty. Senior Travis Potts has lots of experience, while Mike Shelton, Jake Brown and junior Torice “Mo” Hudson in the mix as well. Willie Wilson and Andy Richardson are emergency receivers, but we’ll be seeing them soon.

Tight end Sean Davis and senior Cott Mendoza are other targets.

Dezmand Candelaria is an NFL prospect and among the best in the conference, and Jack Walker is a serviceable guard. Sophomore Adam Larson has promise, while the right side is crowded with Marty McCormick, Andre Barnes, Travis Daniels and highly touted true freshmen Chris Young and Mark Barnes all candidates to start. This is the deepest line in the Sun Belt.

In Conclusion:

There is no reason to believe New Mexico St. can’t continue their surprising run of success under Carpenter and Grant. Though Grant likes to run a little more than the talent may sustain this year, Jeanty is the best in the Sun Belt and it should show again this year. Another 9-10 win season is not out of reach.

Spoiler

Josh Hicks

The Lodown:

Rutgers has found some success in recent years, being a frequent visitor to the top 25 rankings, and having lost in last year’s Fidelity Bowl to Vanderbilt. All of this, however, came after firing coach Kyle Flood and bringing in hot young gun Steve Spurrier, Jr. The team is plenty talented enough to maybe make a New Year’s Six push, but replacing QB Chris Laviano is the key to success for the Knights in 2018.

The Offense:

What the offense lacks in skill (as compared to their defense -- projected to be one of the best in the nation this year), they make up for in youth and potential.

Junior Lawrence Wilson is projected as the starter, with sophomore Rian Scott and freshmen Stevie Jones and Greg Carter behind. None have ever thrown a pass at the collegiate level. Wilson and Scott are both dual-threats, and I’m sure Coley loves to have that. However, in Coley’s offense it’s going to be senior tailback Josh Hicks (1,091 yards, 10 TD’s) and junior Troy Wilson (816 yards, 6 TD’s) that get the most work and attention on offense, making the inexperience of the QB’s not matter as much. Tyler Cody and Randy Russell are admirable backups. With talented fullbacks in senior Jacob Kraut and sophomore Sean McLaurin, Rutgers has one of the best backfields in the nation, and Coley will certainly find all sorts of ways to exploit his riches.

Coley also has a trio of promising juniors to work with at receiver. John Grant, at a healthy 6’5, is among the best in the Big 10 (795 yards, 7 TD’s), while Matt Mangum (also at 6’5, 539 yards, 7 TD’s) and B.J. Corbett look to fill a few voided spots. Both are plenty talented enough to get the job done. Larry Rogers, Steve Baker and freshman Dave Anderson are ready to go also. Tight end Charles Scarff (6’5) and highly touted freshman Ramon Griffith (6’4) will be big targets for Wilson or Scott.

A big O-Line is ready to go also. Guard Tariq Cole and tackle Ahmad Sims are All-American candidates, while Marcus Applefield, Zach Heeman, Jon Matthews and Lee Sapp will vie for the other 4 spots. Regardless of who is there, this line should be one of the best.

In conclusion:

Coley knows the stout defense alone can find success for Rutgers this year. It’s all up to him to take the Knights soaring in the Big 10.

Spoiler

Tim Cason

The Lodown:

After a few (nay, many) miserable seasons in the Big 10, Purdue finally stopped their wheel of coaches on former Minnesota coordinator Matt Limegrover last December and Purdue stunned teams like Michigan and Penn St., even landing in the top 25 for a week before finishing 6-6. With Limegrover unhappy about the direction of the program, he left, and Florida offensive guru Travis Bush enters as head coach, bringing with him Smith, a former assistant at Northwestern. Though the attention in 2018 will be on star QB David Blough and All-American C Kirk Barron, Smith has one of the best secondaries in the east to play with. However, it will be a tough climb back to bowl season right now for the Boilers.

The Defense:

It all begins with senior corners Tim Cason (6 INT’s), Cedric Dale and Brandon Roberts (2 INT’s), who form one of the better secondaries in the nation with junior safety Gabe Sowell and sophomore Grant Daniels for depth. All 5 will be seeing big minutes, as Smith is looking to play the best players now. Freshman safeties Ahmad Malone, Justin Fisher, Johnny Gardner and sophomore CB Aaron Pearson have Smith excited next year.

Smith needs to sort out the front 7, though, and quickly. Senior Will Colmery (3.5 sacks last year) is easily the star at end, but the quick end is only here one year, and Smith needs to see production out of junior Adrian Weisbecker and sophomore Jimmy Williams. Sophomore Roderick Tyson (31 tackles, 1.5 sacks) will get the start in the middle. And though he may be in over his head this year, he should be very good in a few years’ time. Fellow sophomore Erik West is another one to watch. Sophomores Cameron James, Robert Parks and Nick Moore will be the main backups, but there are a few exciting freshmen, the best being tackle Josh Clayton.

Linebacker holds the most to be desired. Despite not being highly rated, senior Jerrell Weaver and juniors John Upshaw, Tyler Todd and Bryan Winston, Purdue might not be all that bad if seniority and grit prevail over skill. Outside of Upshaw (75 tackles, 3.5 sacks), only Todd has recorded a tackle in collegiate action. Sophomore Derrick Coleman and freshman Chris Lee are the top two youngsters.

In Conclusion:

Despite obvious signs of weakness in some spots, Smith better hope his front 7 can hold up. If they can, Purdue can and should go bowling in 2018. If not, it will be another long season in the Big Ten’s second tier.

Spoiler

Tony Irby, Cafika Samples

The Lodown:

While UTEP has struggled a bit in the past few seasons, failing to make a bowl game in each of the last (3? 4? seasons), Mac comes to UTEP with high expectations and a lot of energy. It may take time, but Mac is very capable of being a good coach, and he has the components in place to make a surprise run for a bowl in 2018.

The Offense:

It all starts and ends with junior QB Cafika Samples, who can do a bit of everything and is developing into one of C-USA’s top QB’s, despite only starting 2 games in his career. Sophomore Mike Smith is the top backup, and he isn’t very good, so the key is to keep Samples healthy and the offense moving around him.

Senior tailback Tony Irby (878 yards, 7 TD’s) is a speedster, and compliments Samples well. He’ll be joined by a physical senior in Bo Turner (496 yards, 6 TD’s) and sophomore Kevin Lewis, who can do a bit of everything. Samples has some good targets to find this year, as Tanard Rodgers is the best (33 catches, 408 yards, 4 TD’s), and Adam Hodges and sophomore Tim Davis are primed for good seasons.

Youngster Drew Brady and senior Jonathan Washington will work their way into the rotation. Tight end Sterling Napier (48 catches, 597 yards, 2 TD) is one of the better (and bigger) targets in the C-USA this year. Sophomore Jared Calhoun could work his way into Napier’s spot next year. He has lots of physical ability and soft hands. Remember that name.

The O-Line may be the among the best in the C-USA. Senior Derron Gatewood is a Rimington contender, while guard Chris Misaalefua is just as good. Tackles Chris Jones and Daniel Lewis are experienced, and Rob Richard and Devon Franklin will battle for the last starting spot. Pat Simon provides a veteran presence off the bench and youngster Dylan Burns is a high-energy player who we will be seeing before long.

In Conclusion:

Mac needs to tap the star out of Samples and Irby. The two alone could carry UTEP to a bowl game for the first time since 2010.

Spoiler

Jarvis Cooper

The Lodown:

With roots in the heart of the midwest, King knows his way around the recruiting field in this part of the nation. King steps into a good situation in Memphis, especially coming off a bowl win, with perennial powers UConn and Houston gone, and with Cincinnati and ECU on the downswing. With some good coaching and enough luck, this Memphis team could win the revamped AAC.

The Offense:

After 4 seasons of Paxton Lynch and a year of Bray Scott, very highly touted sophomore QB Erik Harvey finally has the keys to the offense, beating out senior Clay Holgorsen. The dual threat has lots of speed and athleticism, but can his arm hold up? Only time will tell. Another to watch is redshirt freshman Thad Wall, who has similar skills to Harvey.

Burly Jarvis Cooper (1339 yards, 10 TD’s) is back at tailback this year, and he’ll be doing most of the work with virtually no one behind him. With that said, look for junior fullback Eric Harris to be the spell back. Electric redshirt freshman Napoleon Mason needs to be ready soon, as does incoming freshman Michael Kane.

However, it’s all clear for Harvey through the air, as consistent tight end Cole Cook is back, as is wideout Roderick Proctor (48 catches, 769 yards, 4 TD). But again, some new faces need to show up for the Tigers behind them. Freshman Matt Davis and sophomore Ryan Burton look ready.

The line will need to hold up for Harvey, and that may be too much to ask. Juniors Aaron Joseph (LG) and Isaac Owens (C ) are the top two linemen, and that’s not be saying a whole lot. Tackle David Holmes has 3 years left and a lot of potential, but King is scrapping to find anyone to fill the remaining spots and depth. Geoff Murphy, Greg Harrison, Jason Broussard and Joe Lott need to step up.

In Conclusion:

Memphis is primed for one of their best seasons ever. Much like Rutgers, it’s all up to King to make sure that happens.

Spoiler

Antoine Wilson (will wear #34 in 2018)

The Lodown:

UL Lafayette just hasn’t been the same since Mark Hudspeth left for Oklahoma St. after 2014. Former West Virginia DC Tony Gibson is the new head coach, replacing James Willis, and this means Miller will have lots of say in the offensive playcalling. And that’s good, because he has a budding star in sophomore Antoine Wilson. While he is the clear star, ULL will have to find more out of their veteran skill position players to remain competitive. Anyone can win the Sun Belt, but the Cajuns are still a year away, at least.

The Offense:

Miller does have two experienced dual threat QB’s in Jordan Davis (47.5 %, 1893 yards, 13 TD’s to 14 INT’s) and Julius Townsend, but neither have been all that good in their past reps, but one will have to emerge now, as Miller would love to incorporate as much passing as he can into the offense. Look for sophomore T.J. McPherson to compete for time as well.

Wilson (144 carries, 678 yards, 4 TD’s) should have no problems being the focal point of the offense. He is athletically gifted and can do a bit of everything. He’ll be a blessing for coach Miller. Senior Brian Williams (145 carries, 553 yards, TD) is a nice, experienced complementary piece.

Junior Ben Randle and senior Darius Hoggins haven’t been able to do much, in fact, Hoggins is the only receiver on the roster to have caught a pass at ULL. But both should have productive years. They need to, as there isn’t much behind them. Senior tight end Terrell Holland needs to do something in his final year, and true freshman David Reese will get his feet wet. For backup wideouts, Miller will be relying on freshmen Nick Ostrander, Ben Palmer, Casey Bracken, Youdlain Reid, Ryan Lowe and Devon Ashley. In 3-4 years, this group should be good. But for now, there isn’t much.

The line is much of the same. Senior centers T.J. Brink and Barry Williams guide the way (Williams sliding over to left tackle most likely), with junior guards Brian Scruggs and Chris Charles in to help. Juniors Terrell Kendrick, Dan Mason and Melvin Williams need to compete now. None have a college start to their name.

In Conclusion:

ULL has lots of work to do to get back to the top of the Sun Belt, but if Miller utilizes Jones’ talent properly -- and he should -- ULL may not face that steep a curve back to the top of the Sun Belt.

Spoiler

A.J. Long

The Lodown:

A football laughing stock for decades, Syracuse is a very intriguing team in 2018. For Gilbert, that’s good because the offense looks loaded. It’s just a matter of how good the former D-II All-American QB can do in his first position of high coaching authority. While Syracuse likely won’t win the ACC or stun the land coming off a 3-9 flop, a bowl game for the ‘Cuse is well within reach.

The Offense:

Senior QB A.J. Long (55.1 %, 3,305 yards, 28 TD’s) is among the best in the ACC this year, and his backup, fellow senior Alin Edouard, is just as good. Long will be the starter barring injury, and I’m looking for ‘Cuse’s best passing numbers in a long time with the QB guru in the fold. Sophomore Gus McMartin is the man next year, and he could be just as good as the former when all is said and done. QB is in good hands with Gilbert.

Gilbert loves having a smashmouth running back, and he has that in senior Mike Black (100 carries, 572 yards, 6 TD). Despite being a slight 6’0, 214, Black will do just fine. Speedy juniors Terrell Moore, Joey Wilkerson and Eric Williams are the next men up. Fullback Jay Lumpkin will get a huge role blocking this year.

Corey Cooper returns coming off a 1,000 yard season (66 catches, 1,175 yards, 12 TD’s) and with Steve Ishmael (30 catches, 493 yards, 3 TD’s) and Nick Sanders (19 catches) as solid backups. Sanders has big size at 6’4, 200. Andre Wilson, Clint Connor and sophomore Ralph Duncan got their feet wet and will see increased minutes. Duncan stands at a massive 6’7, 217. Freshmen Jacob Woods, Cedric Grant and Ryan McDaniel will redshirt and play next year.

Tight end Jamal Custis (44 catches, 574 yards, 8 TD) is one of the better TE’s in the nation. Redshirt frosh Jeremy Scott and sophomore Marcus Long have size and will play this year.

The right side of the line is very good. Junior center Keith Anderson has lots of experience. Aaron Roberts and Denzel Ward bookend the line and can be All-American candidates. Mike Rogers and young Andre Wiggins round out the starting 5. Veteran Ty Rollin and Gerald Robinson are the top backups, with Jon Wilson and Justin "Ju" Ramirez ready to go.

In Conclusion:

If everything goes Gilbert’s way, Syracuse can easily make a bowl game with Long and Black putting up potentially big numbers. Success from there, though, falls squarely on the defense -- and he has no control over that.

Spoiler

The Lodown:

Trebell turned down head coaching offers in the FCS (Fordham, Lafayette to be specific), but Trebell will certainly take a job at defending champion UConn. Trebell is a versatile coach, and he should excel at this field.

The Special Teams:

UConn was surprised by freshman kicker Mike Miller last year, who took over Tyler McCray’s job mid-season and only missed one kick all year, a short field goal he pushed wide because he dug his foot in the ground. While Miller didn’t attempt a field goal from 40 yards or further, he did show his accuracy and is an All-American candidate as a sophomore while he develops his leg strength.

McCray, meanwhile, settles back into his punting and kickoff duties, averaging a good 42.7 yards last year (the 32.5 net needs to come up though). McCray too can only get better without having the burden of kicking on his plate.

Arkeel Newsome is quite possibly the greatest return man in college football history. However, as he settles into a role more suited to running back, Jeff McNeal will take over his duties. There shouldn’t be much of a difference between the two, and McNeal should have plenty of success.

In Conclusion:

Trebell has a great shot to become the first CAC to win a national title. However, don’t be surprised to see Trebell take a bigger job next offseason.

Quote: Originally Posted by bryan3169

Dying for the coaching carousel. The suspense is killing me hahahaha Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I could've had this up an hour ago. Photobucket is so unreliable and my computer is slow as molasses in wintertime. (Serious props if anyone gets the reference).