Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
Quote:
Originally Posted by
PaladinFan
You forgot a road game to Boiling Springs to play the Runnin' Bulldogs in between road games to Laramie and Chattanooga.
Gardner Webb isn't the 1966 Alabama Crimson Tide, but they are a constant thorn in the side for SoCon teams. They have shown up on Wofford's schedule every season since 2012 except one (2016), and the Terriers are 3-2 against GWU over that span. That one won't be a gimme.
Didn’t forget...It’s 1 of the 4 straight road games...I just think they’ll win it...now that they have made the smart move & hired a former Furman Player (who also has Mercer Coaching DNA - his Dad was Mercer’s first OC, but took an HC job before the Bears really got started), who Coached at G-W for the past 3 years. He’s replacing the final holdover from their former Defensive Staff, their LB Coach, who very recently bolted (abandoned ship?) to a HS job in SC...where Woffy’s former OL Coach is now the AD.
...and...because SoCon >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BigSouth
Oops...forgot, they did retain (so far...stay tuned) their Cornerbacks Coach from last year. He now has 1 year of experience as a ‘real’ position Coach...of 2 guys...under another Coach who was listed as the Secondary Coach & is now at Georgia Tech.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
I just hope Samford can live up to the hype. Without something devastating, like Hodges going down, I think our offense can. It is the defense that is in question. Last year we were the best in the SoCon against scoring, but gone are 6 starters. Those 6 include a beast of a LB and leading tackler, Shaheed Salmon, who is(at least for now) on the roster of the Tampa Bay Bucs. In the secondary, all conference DB Omari Williams is gone. I could list several others who were mainstays, but the point is we will have to have some new defensive players to step-up big time. We do have some good players returning(like All-American DL Ahmad Gooden), and I certainly don't mean we have to count on true Fr, but still there is some question there.
Re: Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SU DOG
I just hope Samford can live up to the hype. Without something devastating, like Hodges going down, I think our offense can. It is the defense that is in question. Last year we were the best in the SoCon against scoring, but gone are 6 starters. Those 6 include a beast of a LB and leading tackler, Shaheed Salmon, who is(at least for now) on the roster of the Tampa Bay Bucs. In the secondary, all conference DB Omari Williams is gone. I could list several others who were mainstays, but the point is we will have to have some new defensive players to step-up big time. We do have some good players returning(like All-American DL Ahmad Gooden), and I certainly don't mean we have to count on true Fr, but still there is some question there.
What are your thought on Woffy, SU DOG - their HC Change; the Coaching churn, especially on D; their PlayersLost/Returning; their Schedule, etc.?
The Terriers & the Paladins are the only SoCon Teams that anyone is giving even 1/2 a chance at just trying to keep pace with your LOADED Bulldogs. Be interested in your thoughts on the Paladins as well.
Re: Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SU DOG
I just hope Samford can live up to the hype. Without something devastating, like Hodges going down, I think our offense can. It is the defense that is in question. Last year we were the best in the SoCon against scoring, but gone are 6 starters. Those 6 include a beast of a LB and leading tackler, Shaheed Salmon, who is(at least for now) on the roster of the Tampa Bay Bucs. In the secondary, all conference DB Omari Williams is gone. I could list several others who were mainstays, but the point is we will have to have some new defensive players to step-up big time. We do have some good players returning(like All-American DL Ahmad Gooden), and I certainly don't mean we have to count on true Fr, but still there is some question there.
In bit of an odd twist, Samford relied more on their defense than offense last year.
The Bulldog offense was demonstrably less effective in 2017, dropping their scoring offense by a touchdown per game (compared to 2016) and notching 12 fewer touchdowns. Their 39 offensive touchdowns was good for right around the middle of the SoCon pack. There was another notable drop off in run production, which has never been a Chris Hatcher strong suit, but 20 yards a game fewer from 2016.
The defense, in many ways, trended in the other direction, which has been the biggest improvement in Birmnigham. I imagine they will go as far as Hodges and their defensive front can carry them. Hodges may be the single most important player to any teams' success anywhere in the FCS.
The schedule does not do them a lot of favors. There is a five game stretch: @FSU, Mercer, @UTC, @KSU, WCU that may well dictate their season. If they can survive that patch, they should be a strong contender for the post season. They also have three of their last four on the road, and each of them will be significant hauls from Birmingham (Johnson City, Greenville, and Charleston).
Re: Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
Paladin Fan you must remember that the O-Line for Samford last year was VERY young with only one upperclassman(a junior). Karel Hamilton was gone, McKnight was injured part of the year, and the bulk of the WRs were Fr. (4) or Soph.(3).
As for FUB's question about other SoCon teams, I will only go on gut feeling and not checking out stats that I probably should consider. I think Wofford will fall off a great deal because of aforementioned comments, and Furman will be right at the top. I have already said that UTC will be better than most think. With Riley returning, Mercer will also be a dangerous upper tier team. I don't think The Citadel will be able to turn it completely around this year, but will in the future. I see them in the lower half with ETSU and VMI. This conference is much stronger than many realize, and predicting anything now is probably foolishness - but admittedly interesting.
Re: Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Catbooster
Based on this and the top 25 article, Haley really likes Bobby Hauck. Seems like he's largely basing that on Bobby's record at UM 9-15 years ago and Montana's reputation (which they haven't lived up to for a while). Hauck may very well get the Griz back to being a perennial contender, but I have my doubts that it will be this quick. They're going to have to win a few games to get much consideration on my poll. They had a decent record last year but it was against some pretty bad teams.
Any Griz fans that want to point out what I'm missing? It's time to start thinking about that Poll Perfection mulligan for doing the pre-season poll.
Youre missing the Bobby Affect!!!!!!
Re: Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
I don’t see Nova as a top 10 or 15 team even with the experience returning from injuries. This team lacks something in the Ferrante era. Losing Talley was inevitable, but losing 2 key asssistants (Crocker to UConn & Trisciani to Elon) really hurts. The staff is either stale or very inexperienced to guide Nova to more than a marginal playoff team at best.
Id say a great season for this Nova team & staff would be to eek in to the playoffs & bow out after getting by the NEC or PL playoff opponent. Easily can see them missing the playoff mark.
Best of this season could be the new turf in the Main Line.
That all said its more than likely Nova will beat the star - studded Delaware Boys. (Cue: Beating the rented mule video) xpeacex
Re: Athlon Sports 2018 Projected Playoff Field
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BadlandsGrizFan
Youre missing the Bobby Affect!!!!!!
Thanks. I knew I was missing something :)