Da Bum's 2017 College Football News-Rumours-Etc !

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Missouri hopes to build on late success

A 4-8 record in the 2016 may be nothing to celebrate, even in the Southeastern Conference, but two wins in the final three games gives coach Barry Odom something to build on at Missouri for 2017.

The Tigers return 10 offensive starters and get some welcome returnees on a defense that sorely needs a boost with the return from injury of defensive end Terry Beckner Jr. The Tigers allowed nearly 247 yards a game to opposing rushers and gave up over 50 points in two different games last year, one of which was a 63-37 loss at Tennessee that came between wins over Vanderbilt and Arkansas to close the season.

Brian Odom, the head coach's younger brother, takes over the linebackers. Brick Haley, who spent the last two years at Texas and has SEC experience after a stint a LSU, comes in to coach the defensive line.

He expressed confidence in the group he inherited.

"My confidence on the defensive end is high," Haley said after a recent scrimmage. "We've got enough bodies to find a few guys to get us some help, maybe some younger guys.

One of the younger guys is sophomore Franklin Agbasimere, who is moving to end.

"Frank had a good week last week, then had a great scrimmage on Saturday," Haley said. "I tell the guys all the time, I don't make the depth chart every week, they do. It's all based on performance."

Offensively, Damarea Crockett and Ish Witter give the Tigers a one-two punch at running back, and quarterback Drew Lock is entering his third year as the starter. Lock has been inconsistent at times, especially in some of the bigger games, but he still ranked first in the SEC at the end of the regular season in passing yards with 3,339.

He is enjoying a solid fall and earned Odom's praise after the scrimmage along with Beckner and linebacker Cale Garrett.

"I thought Drew Lock did a really nice job of getting guys in the right position a couple of times," Odom said. "He took control of that, which was really nice to see.

"Beckner did a couple of really nice things defensively, Cale Garrett did some nice things also, defensively. We've got a lot of playmakers and they consistently caught the football, which was really fun to see."

Missouri gets a break to start the season with four consecutive home games in September. The Tigers open against Missouri State, then get South Carolina in an SEC East matchup followed by Purdue and Auburn.

Their first road game comes after an open date, Oct. 7 at Kentucky.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: RB Damarea Crockett -- Crockett got only two carries in the opener and missed the finale while serving a one-game suspension, but in between he set a program freshman rushing record with 1,062 yards, which included a single-game freshman record 225 yards against Tennessee along with 10 rushing touchdowns. His four rushing touchdowns against Middle Tennessee tied a school record. He has the power to run inside and the speed to capitalize once he breaks through. Crockett credits running backs coach Cornell Ford with his development. "Coach Ford and the rest of the staff deserves the rest of the credit," he said. "They kept my head into it mentally and showed me all the little things it takes to take my game to the next level."

BREAKOUT STAR: WR J'Mon Moore -- Moore is the only returning 1,000-yard receiver in the SEC, and he has the opportunity to increase his numbers (62 receptions, 1,012 yards) if he can overcome the drops that seem to plague him from time to time. He earned a starting job as a junior and finished No. 1 in catches and yards, though with only 29 for 250 yards. He has 103 receptions for 1,395 yards in his career.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: DT Rashad Brandon -- Brandon finally got to practice after a 10-wait for clearance over issues on his transcript from junior college. He was a second team junior college All-American at ASA College in Brooklyn, New York, and was a standout in the spring after enrolling early. He should provide valuable depth if not compete for a starting position this fall.

--Suspended DE Nate Howard was already facing a felony drug charge when he was arrested in Columbia on an out of county warrant. Howard failed to pay a speeding ticket in Montgomery County, Missouri, and subsequently failed to appear in court. His court date on the drug case is Aug. 24. He is not currently on the roster with his suspension.

--C Jonah Dubinski, who started two games after walking on, is now on scholarship.

--RB Nate Strong is competing for a backup spot behind Damarea Crockett and Ish Witter in the backfield after serving a suspension that cost him some days in the spring.

--DT A.J. Logan, a returning starter, has missed time after sustaining a concussion in early camp.

--DT Terry Beckner Jr., who 2016 season was cut short by a knee injury, looks to lock down a starting spot after his standout performance in the first major scrimmage.

--DE Marcell Frazier, who finished the 2016 season strong (6.5 sacks over the final three games) and looks to be recovered from the broken forearm he sustained in the spring.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Mississippi State focused on fixing its defense

Mississippi State backed into its seventh straight bowl game last season with a 5-7 record, thanks to its high APR score.

This year the Bulldogs are hoping they can close out more games to keep their postseason streak alive without a technicality. MSU's losses to South Alabama, LSU, BYU and Kentucky all came on the game's final drive.

One area of concern coach Dan Mullen needed to address was the defense. It ranked at the bottom nationally in nearly every statistical category, including 120th in pass defense and 110th in total defense under first-year coordinator Peter Sirmon.

Mullen made a move, hiring Todd Grantham, a veteran of college and the NFL, to head his defense.

"I want people, when they watch your defense play, to see an intimidating defense. I want people to see 11 guys flying to the ball with a chip on their shoulders and a nasty disposition to get after it. When you are led by a guy who is that way, your defense is going to play that way."

To help fill some of the experience gaps on the roster, State signed several junior college prospects who arrived on campus in January. Among those additions are four former Division I defensive players -- outside linebacker Montez Sweat (Michigan State), defensive end Chauncey Rivers (Georgia) and safeties Johnathan Abram (Georgia) and Brian Cole (Michigan).

"They have really transitioned well into the program," Mullen said.

On offense, the Bulldogs bring back one of the SEC's top quarterbacks in Nick Fitzgerald. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder led the conference in total offense last season, racking up 4,160 yards and 37 touchdowns while setting nine school records and two league marks.

Fitzgerald proved to be a force on the ground, rushing for 1,375 yards and 16 scores, but he wants to improve upon his 54.3 completion percentage.

"Obviously I have to be more of an accurate passer," Fitzgerald said. "I have to be more consistent in that aspect, but still keeping in tune with the run game and making sure I can still make plays with my feet."

Helping carry some of the rushing load will be running back Aeris Williams. Williams rushed for 450 yards during November, including 140 yards against Texas A&M and 191 against Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, both of which were victories for the Bulldogs.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: QB Nick Fitzgerald -- Fitzgerald's importance goes far beyond the fact that he led the SEC in total yardage last season. He is one of only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, the other being true freshman Keytaon Thompson. Fitzgerald has to stay healthy while still maintaining the physical running prowess he displayed last fall.

BREAKOUT STAR: CB Cam Dantzler -- Dantzler missed most of his redshirt year with a fractured ankle last season but made up for lost time during the spring. The long, lean cornerback picked off two passes during the spring game -- one of which he returned 81 yards for a touchdown. Dantzler's size gives the Bulldogs a strong match-up option against taller receivers.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: LB Willie Gay -- Gay is likely to see the field immediately as a true freshman after arriving at MSU as the No. 3 outside linebacker in the nation and a U.S. Army All-American. The 6-foot-2, 231-pounder is a local product out of Starkville High School who the Bulldogs were able to flip back from Ole Miss during the recruiting process. Gay possesses the size, strength and speed to make an impact right away.

--CB Tolando Cleveland is returning from a torn left ACL suffered in 2016 fall camp that kept him out all of last season. Cleveland was set to be MSU's starting corner last year and will assume that role this fall.

--C Elgton Jenkins has made eight career starts -- five at left tackle, two at left guard and one at right tackle. But Jenkins shifts to center this season after missing all of spring due to injury.

--WR Malik Dear tore his ACL during spring practice and his status for this season is in jeopardy. Dear was not among the 105 players who reported for fall camp; he will join the team when school starts.

--G Darryl Williams is projected to be the Bulldogs' starter at left guard in 2017. Williams suffered a neck injury against Kentucky last year and missed the remainder of the season and spring.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

LSU's Orgeron can lean on run game, defense

LSU will start a season with someone other than Les Miles as its head coach for the first time in 13 years.

Ed Orgeron, who was promoted to interim coach when Miles was fired after a 2-2 start last season, was named head coach in December after leading the Tigers to a 6-2 record, including a 29-9 victory against Louisville in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.

LSU didn't land a big-name hire, such as Tom Herman, who flirted with the Tigers on his way to becoming head coach at Texas, but Orgeron as a Louisiana native was a mostly popular choice among players and fans, despite a failed stint as Ole Miss' head coach. He has a long, impressive resume as an assistant coach and recruiter, and his performance as interim head coach was well received, as was a similar stint at USC when he stepped in for Lane Kiffin in 2013.

Orgeron's first staff features former Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who was brought in to try to boost an offense that struggled for much of Miles' overall successful tenure, particularly in the final few seasons. LSU hopes that Canada will have a comparable impact to that which Dave Aranda had last season in his first year as defensive coordinator when LSU ranked 10th nationally in total defense. Convincing Aranda to stay was as big a priority, as was hiring Canada after Orgeron got the full-time gig.

The Tigers received a lift when Orgeron took over for Miles, but the challenge of running a program full time is different than the one that came with grabbing the steering wheel in late September with no guarantee of remaining on board beyond November.

Canada faces similar a question to those that faced his most immediate predecessors -- Cam Cameron and Greg Studrawa -- which is developing a playmaking quarterback who provides a consistent threat in the passing game to complement a traditionally rock-solid run game.

Senior Danny Etling, who was mostly efficient but a limited playmaker after replacing Brandon Harris during the second game of last season, held off challenges from a group of talented but untested youngsters early in preseason camp.

Etling, who appears recovered fromback surgery after spring practice, is likely to be the starter when LSU opens the season against BYU on Sept. 2 in Houston, but freshman Myles Brennan was earning some first-team reps during the early stages of camp.

The Tigers once again are poised to have an outstanding running game with junior Derrius Guice running behind a solid offensive line, but the wide receiving corps features just one proven player -- D.J. Chark -- among a talented group.

Aranda has a talented group on defense, led by outside linebacker Arden Key, but LSU has to replace its top six tacklers. There's potential for another top-flight defense, but there could also be growing pains with so many untested players taking on starting roles.

"There are a lot of question marks that we have to answer, but we have the talent to answer them," Orgeron said.

BYU and Syracuse represent the only potential stumbling blocks among the non-conference opponents, but the SEC schedule features road games against Alabama, Tennessee and Florida, the last of which is the result of last year's meeting being moved from Gainesville to Baton Rouge because of Hurricane Matthew's threat to the Sunshine State.

Under Miles, the Tigers won the 2007 national championship and was undefeated and ranked No. 1 prior to its loss to Alabama in 2011 title game -- a result that started a gradual descent from national champion contender status.

Orgeron figures to have a brief honeymoon period before being expected to return LSU to where Miles had it during the pinnacle of his tenure as the second-winningest coach in school history.

"My goal is to build a championship program fast, very fast," Orgeron said. "I understand the expectations at LSU and I invite them."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: RB Derrius Guice -- He burst out of Leonard Fournette's shadow for good last season, rushing for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns. His big-play ability as Fournette's backup, as well as Fournette's ankle injury that sidelined the future first-round draft choice of the Carolina Panthers, made Guice one of the most productive running backs in the SEC last season. With Fournette gone, Guice will be the featured back and just might put up numbers approaching those a healthy Fournette put up two years ago when he had 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns.

BREAKOUT STAR: LB Devin White -- The sophomore stepped in for injured Kendell Beckwith late last season and demonstrated that he is on his way to being a defensive leader. He finished the season with 30 tackles in limited playing time. He forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in the regular-season finale victory against Texas A&M, and he made five tackles, including a sack of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson for a 19-yard loss in LSU's bowl victory. His rare combination of size (6-foot-1, 250 pounds) and speed (roughly 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash) make him a strong candidate to be a primary playmaker in the Tigers defense this season.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: S Grant Delpit -- The true freshman enrolled in January and was impressive during spring practice, leading coach Ed Orgeron to compare Delpit to former LSU S Jamal Adams, who was the New York Jets' first-round draft choice last April. After the Tigers' second scrimmage of preseason camp, Orgeron said he considered Delpit -- who received additional first-team reps after Ed Paris missed practice time because of a leg injury -- a starter, even with Paris' return.

--OL Maea Teuhema, a junior who was expected to start at right guard, was granted his release shortly after being suspended during preseason camp. Orgeron indicated that Teuhema's suspension was related to academic difficulties. SI.com reported that Teuhema was given permission by the Tigers to speak with five schools about transferring -- USC, UCLA, Houston, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

--QB Lindsey Scott Jr., a redshirt freshman, quit the team midway through preseason camp and planned to transfer. Scott was caught in a logjam among several young backup quarterbacks.

--WR Justin Jefferson, a freshman, became academically eligible after the start of preseason camp. His presence means the Tigers will have a Jefferson brother on its roster for a 10th consecutive season. Jordan Jefferson was a quarterback at LSU from 2008-11 and Rickey Jefferson was a safety with the Tigers from 2012-16. "That was a big signing for us," coach Ed Orgeron said.

--TE Aaron Moffitt signed as a defensive end but has been moved to offense. Moffitt is a son of LSU strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt. "He's tough," coach Ed Orgeron said. "We originally thought that he could play defensive end or fullback for us. That's why he was originally recruited here. We're very deep on the defensive line. We're very thin on offense so we wanted to get some blockers over there and maybe he could help us over there."

--TE J.D. Moore has moved to tight end, although he might still see action at his former fullback position. Last season he caught 10 passes for 58 yards.

--OL Seth Stewart, a three-star recruit, reported to campus in the summer but quit the team and left before the start of camp, coach Ed Orgeron said.

--DL Breiden Fehoko will sit out this season after transferring from Texas Tech. He has two years of eligibility remaining. "Fehoko would play for us this year if he was eligible," coach Ed Orgeron said. "He is beyond our high expectations."

--TE Thad Moss, a transfer from North Carolina State, seems capable of having an impact after sitting out this season.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Ball protection a priority for Kentucky quarterbacks

Stephen Johnson might have rescued Kentucky's 2016 season when he took over for injured quarterback Drew Barker, leading the Wildcats to seven wins in their last 11 games.

But he also comes into this fall with some work to do to get his team back into the postseason. And not just on his passing accuracy, which was a mere 54.7 percent last year (10th in the SEC).

Johnson also was responsible for six of Kentucky's 16 lost fumbles in 2016; fixing that is a major goal.

"I think we could have won a couple more games if we don't turn the ball over," coach Mark Stoops said. "So, everybody's well aware of that."

Johnson and Barker, who is competing to get his starting job back, have gotten the message.

Though the offense lost one fumble near the goal line in Kentucky's first scrimmage of fall camp -- it was a closed scrimmage so the culprit is unknown -- Stoops noted how the quarterbacks took care of the ball.

"I saw both guys really do a good job protecting the football, first and foremost," Stoops said. "I thought both guys really showed up with some impressive throws and threw it in some really tight windows.

"I liked seeing that. I liked seeing the competitive plays when it's good defense, good offense and somebody making a play. And you saw that at times today."

Stoops rated the overall scrimmage as just "OK" and gave thanks that the Wildcats have more time to get ready for the Sept. 2 opener at Southern Mississippi. But one of the few players who did "show up" -- offensive coordinator Eddie Gran's words -- was freshman Lynn Bowden. Rated the team's top recruit, Bowden is making up for lost time after reporting late to clear up some issues with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

"Lynn is really coming on," Stoops said after the scrimmage. "He's just a good football player. It's hard to force-feed them. There's so much learning involved. He just got here. The other day he had a really good practice. He showed up today with a couple nice catches. I believe he's got a really good future.

"I love his attitude. The kid comes in and is what I expected. He's a great kid. He's a competitor. He doesn't want anything handed to him."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: RB Benny Snell -- Snell set six program freshman records in rushing for 13 touchdowns and 1,091 yards last year despite not logging a carry until the third game of the season. With Stanley "Boom" Williams (1,170 yards) and Jojo Kemp not around anymore, Snell becomes the primary ball-carrier this time around. "He goes hard in practice, every snap, every day," coach Mark Stoops said. "And if he keeps that mentality, he'll continue to be successful like he has. But he has a good, tough competitive mentality about him."

BREAKOUT STAR: LB Josh Allen -- Allen had nine starts as a sophomore last year and recorded a team-high seven sacks among his 62 tackles. Coach Mike Stoops expects him to make "a very big jump this year" as he continues to fine-tune his game. "He's a guy that when he puts the fine strokes on things, he's going to be a very good football player," Stoops said. Allen recorded seven or more tackles in four games and a tackle for loss in nine of his 13 appearances.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: WR Lynn Bowden -- The much-heralded signee out of Youngstown, Ohio, missed a week of fall camp to clear up some academic issues and was being eased into practice. Playing quarterback last fall, he rushed for 2,277 yards, passed for 1,366 yards and accounted for 57 touchdowns. He is fitting in at receiver, where he can use his open-field running ability. He also likely will get a look as a returner.

--LT Cole Mosier, who had 13 starts among his 32 appearances, is lost for the season after tearing his ACL in a scrimmage. The senior, a former walk-on, had been slated as a starter in his final year. "Coming here as a walk-on and then earning a scholarship was a dream come true," he said.

--DB Mike Edwards made second-team All-SEC last year at safety but is slated for time at nickel back this season. He had three interceptions last year to tie for team honors in the category.

--RG Nick Haynes is coping with Type 1 diabetes as he tries to maintain the 300 pounds listed on is 6-foot-3 frame. He is down to 260, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Haynes started at left guard last year and is flipping to the other side this fall.

--DT Tymere Dubose is back with the team after sitting out the spring. He played in 11 games as a sophomore last year. "He needed to get focused, and he needed to put all of his attention on academics," coach Mark Stoops said. "I'm proud to say that he did that."

--DB Davonte Robinson moved back to his old position in high school at safety in the spring after getting a look at corner as a redshirt freshman last year.

--P Grant McKinniss is getting a challenge from Matthew Panton, a graduate transfer from Columbia. McKinniss averaged just 39.2 yards as a freshman last year with only 10 of his 58 punts downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

--LB Jaylin Bannerman, a redshirt freshman, is getting a look at tight end after spending last season on the scout team at linebacker, although he could also move into the defensive line. "We're just trying to find the right position for him," coach Mark Stoops said.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Georgia eyes improvement in passing game

The focus for coach Kirby Smart in his second season at Georgia is to make sure his team is considerably more offensive than it was a season ago.

Last year the Bulldogs ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring (24.4 points per game) and total offense (384.7 yards per game), subpar numbers that led to Georgia finishing 8-5, tying for its fewest wins in a season since 2013.

Between a freshman quarterback in Jacob Eason, inconsistencies on the offensive line and the lack of big-play receivers, Georgia scored only 30 or more points four times in 13 games. On four other occasions, they tallied fewer than 17.

"Offensively, obviously throwing the ball more efficiently is a big goal of ours, because I think if you throw the ball efficiently, you'll be able to run ball with the backs we've got," Smart said. "When you can't throw the ball, it makes it hard. It doesn't matter who your backs are."

With Georgia's stable of backs, if the passing game can take a step forward -- watch out.

Now two years removed from a devastating knee injury suffered at Tennessee, senior Nick Chubb is primed for a huge year. With Chubb and Sony Michel, Georgia's backfield should be one of the best duos in the country.

Defensively, there's a lot of optimism in Athens as Georgia returns 10 starters from a unit that finished fourth in the SEC in total defense and features junior defensive tackle Trenton Thompson and junior linebacker Roquan Smith, a pair of preseason All-SEC selections.

But Smart still has concerns.

"We've got to improve in the red area," said Smart, whose team finished next-to-last in the SEC in red zone defense. "That was probably statistically the worst thing we did on defense last year."

With another tough SEC schedule, plus a highly anticipated game Sept. 9 at Notre Dame, the Bulldogs will have to be ready if they are to do as predicted at SEC Media Days -- win the SEC East.

"I think the big demand for us is what can we do to do a better job helping our players be successful," Smart said. "To pinpoint one of those, the No. 1 goal for me is to reach our goals."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: QB Jacob Eason -- Statistically, Eason did not have a bad freshman year, completing 204 of 370 passes for 2,430 yards and 16 touchdowns with just eight interceptions, but his lack of efficiency was a big problem for the Bulldogs as it stifled numerous drives and kept Georgia from reaching its full offensive potential as a team. Assuming Eason can iron out those issues and do a better job getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers -- which are abundant -- the Bulldogs could be a much different animal and, as a result, might find themselves playing for higher stakes come season's end.

BREAKOUT STAR: WR Mecole Hardman -- A former five-star performer in high school, Hardman played cornerback as a freshman last fall, seeing little action, before moving back to offense in the spring. At 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, Hardman is one of the fastest players on the team and is back where he's more comfortable -- on offense -- where he figures to be one of the team's better deep threats, as well as seeing action in the "Wild Dawg" where he will take direct snaps in Georgia's version of the option. Hardman is also expected to return kicks.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: OL Isaiah Wilson -- Georgia has several key newcomers, but we'll offer Wilson, a five-star performer from Brooklyn, N.Y. The freshman blocks out the sun at 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds and is currently working at right tackle for the Bulldogs. Although he might not start to begin the season, Wilson is expected to become an anchor on the offensive line for Georgia sooner rather than later.

--WR Riley Ridley and RB Elijah Holyfield, both sophomores, are expected to miss the season-opener against Appalachian State on Sept. 2 following their respective offseason arrests for misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

--DT Trenton Thompson, a junior, is healthy following offseason shoulder surgery.

--PKs Rodrigo Blankenship and David Marvin, a graduate transfer from Wofford, are battling to be the team's starting kicker.

--S Dominick Sanders, a senior, has 12 career interceptions and needs four more to tie Jake Scott for first on Georgia's career list.

--RB Nick Chubb needs 1,835 yards to tie Herschel Walker for the most career rushing yards. Walker holds the Bulldogs record with 5,259, which he accomplished in three seasons at UGA.

=

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Gator goal: get more offensive

Through his first two years at Florida, coach Jim McElwain has won a pair of SEC East titles and recorded 19 victories, including 13 in conference play.

But for the Gators to take the next step and win the entire SEC, McElwain will need to complete what he was tasked to do when hired as an offensive-minded coach from Colorado State -- fix UF's offense.

The Gators finished 116th out of 128 FBS teams in total offense last season, averaging 344 yards per game. In McElwain's first season in 2015, Florida's offense was 112th at 334 yards per game.

"As we all know, that's what I was brought here to do, and it hasn't been done yet," McElwain said. "And yet, it's been obviously something that is continually evolving as we get to the competition phase and the roster balance on that side of the ball.

"With that being said, I was also instructed when I took this job to figure out how to win, and I guess maybe we've won a couple and nobody really thought we would. And yet in the art of coaching, in the art of business and whatever that is -- let's call it the art of poker -- whatever hand you're given, you figure out how to play that hand."

McElwain said he feels good about the experience and depth of UF's offensive line, which returns all five starters from the end of last season. There's also more depth at wide receiver and running back. The question mark is quarterback play, which has been shaky at UF since Tim Tebow left campus in 2009.

The quarterback competition in camp has come down to a three-player race between redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks, redshirt junior Luke Del Rio and Notre Dame graduate transfer Malik Zaire.

Franks started in UF's spring game, passing for 119 yards and one TD. Del Rio passed for 1,358 yards with eight TDs and eight interceptions in six starts last season, while Zaire has passed for 816 yards with six TDs and no interceptions in his three-year career with the Fighting Irish.

"Malik coming in has really elevated both Feleipe and Luke," McElwain said. "I see a real drive to get those reps."

Defensively, the Gators lost seven starters, all of whom were picked in the NFL Draft. But the Gators are looking to reload behind a talented group that includes junior defensive lineman Cece Jefferson and sophomore defensive back Chauncey Gardner Jr.

Florida gets a tough test in its opener Sept. 2 against Michigan at the AdvoCare Classic in Arlington, Texas. That has heightened the intensity at camp as well.

"The guys realize it's for real right off the bat," McElwain said.

"You know, it's an opportunity for them to go on national television in a great environment and find out who they are. I think that this is one of those games where you get to find out who you are, and yet you've also got time to recover. You also have time to learn from it and continue through the season."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: OL Martez Ivey -- It's rare to consider an offensive lineman an impact player, but Ivey is not your typical college offensive lineman. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Ivey is a third-year junior and preseason All-SEC first-teamer who has started since his freshman season. Ivey will move from left guard to left tackle this season and will be counted on to protect the blind side of whichever QB wins the starting job for Florida this season. Ivey is the leader of UF's most improved unit, an offensive line that flourished late last season once T.J. McCoy moved into the role of starting center and Jawaan Taylor took control of the starting job at right tackle. UF's offensive line this season should be able to protect the quarterback better and open more holes in the run.

BREAKOUT STAR: DB Chauncey Gardner Jr. -- Gardner has a chance to be the next to uphold Florida's "DBU" tradition. With defensive backs Marcus Maye, Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson all departed for the NFL, the 5-foot-11, 204-pound Gardner will get a chance to emerge as the next playmaker in UF's secondary. Gardner earned Outback Bowl MVP honors as a true freshman last season, finishing with two interceptions, including one returned for a TD, in UF's 30-3 win over Iowa. Gardner is versatile enough to play cornerback and safety, and he will be counted on in the return game because of his breakaway speed.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: QB/WR Kadarius Toney -- The 5-foot-11, 180-pound true freshman was recruited to Florida as an athlete and has impressed Florida coaches in workouts with his hands and route-running ability. In UF's spring game, Toney played quarterback and had 74 yards rushing, 9 yards passing and one passing TD. Toney could be used in some direct-snap wildcat formations against Michigan and may also need to be counted on at receiver with Antonio Callaway suspended for the season opener.

--WR Antonio Callaway is one of seven players suspended for UF's season opener against Michigan due to alleged misuse of a student aid credit card during camp. Also suspended are DL Richerd Desir-Jones, DL Keivonnis Davis, LB James Houston, LB Ventrell Miller, OL Kadeem Telfort and DL Jordan Smith. "We have a small group of players that have made some choices that are extremely disappointing," Florida coach Jim McElwain said in a statement. "Action has been taken -- they have missed some practice and will miss the Michigan game. We will use this as a learning opportunity and we will have some players step up as we move forward." Callaway had 54 catches for 721 yards and three touchdowns last season, along with one punt return for a TD and one kickoff return for a score.

--S Marcell Harris is out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during summer workouts. With Harris out, the Gators could move cornerback Chauncey Gardner Jr. to safety. Other options at safety include sophomore Jeawon Taylor and freshman Brad Stewart.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Auburn moves forward with Stidham at QB

After two weeks of camp drama, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn picked the quarterback most everybody expected would win the job.

Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham will be the guy going into the Sept. 2 opener against Georgia Southern, beating out incumbent starter Sean White and talented freshman Malik Willis for the job. A big date at defending national champion Clemson awaits the second week.

"He has done a lot of good things," Malzahn said of Stidham after the Tigers' second major scrimmage of camp. "He's a talented young man."

In a bow to modern-day mores, Malzahn announced his decision in a tweet:

"Just told team Jarrett Stidham will be the starting QB. The team is excited for Jarrett and ready for the season."

Malzahn said Stidham earned the job because of his leadership, talent and work ethic.

"He's performed very well the last two weeks," the coach said. "He performed very well in the spring, too. We're excited about that. I know the team's excited about that when we announced it. He had a different step out there in practice today."

The decision gives the offense the down-the-field threat in the passing game it lacked a year ago. Although White completed 63.9 completion percent of his passes, he averaged only 153 yards a game. In 2015 at Baylor, Stidham averaged more than 311 yards in three starts after taking over for injured starter Seth Russell before going down with a broken ankle.

The receivers look capable of giving the Tigers more of a threat as well. Malzahn praised their play in the second scrimmage.

Junior Ryan Davis, the leading returning receiver with 25 catches last year, leads an inexperienced but promising group as the Tigers look to take some of the pressure off what should be another strong running game. The only senior among the receiving corps is now gone. That would be John Franklin III, who was transitioning from quarterback. He announced he was leaving the team Tuesday as a graduate transfer.

Sophomores Eli Stove, Darius Slayton, and Kyle Davis were in double figures in catches last year,.

"I thought the young receivers really responded well," Malzahn said following the scrimmage. "A couple of them made something happen after they caught the ball, broke some tackles. It's just a matter of that group taking that next step."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: RB Kamryn Pettway -- Pettway has a very specific target for 2017. "My individual goal is to break the school rushing record," he said, "but whatever I can do to help my team." Pettway rushed for 1,224 yards last year, which is well short of Tre Mason's school record 1,816, but he missed three games to injury. The one thing that could keep him from an even more productive season is Auburn's depth at running back, where fellow junior Kerryon Johnson rushed for 895 yards in 2016.

BREAKOUT STAR: DE Marlon Davidson -- Davidson was All-Freshman SEC after starting all 13 games for the Tigers last year and recording 38 tackles (2.5 sacks). He was the first true freshman to start on Auburn's defensive line in the opener in 30 years. He has been out with an undisclosed injury in camp, but that is not thought to be a long-term problem. "He has a chance to be an impact player," coach Gus Malzahn said. "I can't say enough good things about Marlon."

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: QB Jarrett Stidham -- Stidham had the spring mostly to himself but had to fend off a challenge from returning starter Sean White before earning the starting job. The Baylor transfer gives the Tigers' passing game a major boost. Stidham was 75 of 109 passing for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns as a true freshman for the Bears in 2015. He was a backup early in the season, then started three games before going out with an injury. "I haven't played since Nov. 21 of 2015," Stidham said. "I know exactly when my last snap was. I'm itching to get back out there."

--C Austin Golson, a returning starter, is getting some time at guard in fall camp. The senior started on the offensive line the last two years after transferring from Ole Miss in 2014.

--WR John Franklin III, who picked up his degree at Auburn's recent graduation ceremony, announced he was transferring Tuesday. The converted quarterback -- he started one game last season as an injury replacement -- is eligible immediately. Coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement that Franklin wants to play closer to his Fort Lauderdale, Fla., home. "John has been an outstanding young man during his time here and leaves Auburn with a degree," Malzahn said in the statement. "We wish John nothing but the best and thank him for his time at Auburn."

--S Jason Smith spent last season as a wide receiver. He played quarterback at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

--S Jaylen McGriff was moved to the secondary from wide receiver, where he started for Savannah State in 2014.

--TE Tucker Brown, who joined the team as a walk-on offensive lineman, is now at tight end full time. The junior played the position in some offensive sets last year.

--S Carlito Gonzalez, a 2017 signee who didn't qualify academically, was thought to be headed for a junior college but instead has enrolled at Memphis.

--S Mike Sherwood, a former walk-on, left Auburn to seek a spot on another team as a graduate transfer.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Bielema's blueprint: Run to win

There is no shortage of storylines for the Arkansas Razorbacks as they enter Bret Bielema's fifth season as head coach.

Bielema's Hogs limped to a 7-6 finish in 2016, giving up big halftime leads in the regular-season finale at Missouri and the Belk Bowl against Virginia Tech.

Arkansas fans have been mostly patient with Bielema, who is 25-26 with the Razorbacks after going 68-24 in seven seasons at Wisconsin. But after Arkansas went 8-5 with a victory in the Liberty Bowl in 2015, last season's 7-6 finish was a disappointment. Arkansas' 10-22 record under Bielema in SEC play isn't what Razorback fans were hoping for, either.

When Arkansas has won under Bielema, it's been with a straightforward strategy: Run the ball effectively behind a big offensive line, control the line of scrimmage and avoid turnovers.

With four starters returning on the offensive line this fall, the Razorbacks have a chance to build on that blueprint, although the offense suffered a significant loss when a spring neck injury forced running back Rawleigh Williams III to give up football after rushing for 1,360 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2016.

With Williams sidelined, the Hogs will instead count on sophomore Devwah Whaley as their top running back. Whaley is capable, having rushed for 602 yards and three scores on 110 carries last season.

Senior Austin Allen returns for his second season as the starting quarterback. Allen completed 61.1 percent of his passes for an SEC-leading 3,430 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, but he also led the SEC with 15 interceptions and was sacked a league-high 34 times.

Arkansas' offensive line will be anchored by senior center Frank Ragnow, a first-team preseason All-SEC pick who has started 26 consecutive games.

Defensively, the Hogs have a new coordinator in Paul Rhoads, a former Iowa State head coach. Rhoads will oversee a shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4 base defense. The Razorbacks have five defensive starters returning, led by junior linebacker Dre Greenlaw and sophomore defensive end McTelvin Agim. Arkansas' secondary is deep and talented. A key on defense could be senior Bijhon Jackson, a 339-pounder who is expected to start at nose tackle.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: RB Devwah Whaley -- Rawleigh Williams III and Whaley were expected to give Arkansas one of college football's top backfield tandems. But with Williams' career ending prematurely because of injury, the Razorbacks will be counting on Whaley, a sophomore, to carry more of the load. Whaley has great speed and acceleration. His durability could be a major key to the Razorbacks' chances of a successful SEC season.

BREAKOUT STAR: DL McTelvin Agim -- Agim, a sophomore, was among the most sought-after recruits in the country coming out of high school, and he started Arkansas' final five games last season as a true freshman. Arkansas' shift to a 3-4 defense could give the 6-3, 286-pound Agim more freedom to use his outstanding speed, and that could be a problem for Arkansas' opponents.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: WR Koilan Jackson -- Jackson, a freshman who is the son of former Oklahoma All-American and NFL All-Pro tight end Keith Jackson, has made some impressive catches in preseason camp and could benefit from Arkansas' lack of experienced depth at wide receiver. Arkansas returns just three wide receivers who caught passes in 2016, and only one of those, senior Jared Cornelius, caught more than two.

--RB David Williams has enrolled at Arkansas and is immediately eligible as a graduate transfer from South Carolina. Williams rushed for 794 yards and five touchdowns during his career at South Carolina, including 239 yards and three touchdowns in 2016.

--OL Hjalte Froholdt, a junior who started all 13 games at left tackle last season, is a native of Svendborg, Denmark, who didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school, when he was a foreign exchange student in Ohio.

--Arkansas' No. 2 quarterback likely will either be sophomore Ty Storey or redshirt freshman Cole Kelley. Senior starter Austin Allen was responsible for 401 of the Razorbacks' 406 pass attempts in 2016, with Storey completing 1 of 4 attempts for three yards.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

No. 1 Alabama to lean on talented backfield

Alabama has the consensus No. 1 team in the nation, and the best part of the best team is its backfield.

The Tide has stars all over the field -- including defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who headlines 10 Alabama players ranked among the preseason national top 100 by NFLDraftScout.com -- but it's the backfield depth that is particularly stunning.

Running Back U. -- stretching in the Nick Saban era from Glen Coffee to Mark Ingram Jr. to Trent Richardson to Eddie Lacy to T.J. Yeldon to Derrick Henry -- will be in full effect when Alabama plays Florida State in an epic college football season-opener on Sept. 2 in Atlanta.

Pick a headliner: Is it powerful Bo Scarbrough, healthy again after suffering a broken leg in the national title game? Is it Damien Harris, who rushed for 1,037 yards on 146 carries last season? Is it five-star freshman Najee Harris?

Don't forget that Josh Jacobs ran for 567 yards as a true freshman last season. And true freshman Brian Robinson Jr., a top 100 recruit, might yet find a way to factor into the mix as a versatile, big back.

Coach Nick Saban says Harris can be a "dominant player," but it was the oft-injured Scarbrough who stole the spotlight late last season in a brief window of full health. He rushed 63 times for 454 yards and six touchdowns in the final four games against the stout defenses of Auburn, Florida, Washington and Clemson.

Good news for the Tide is the burly Scarbrough (6-foot-2 and 235 pounds) has been fine in camp, recovering from his injury against Clemson.

"I'm feeling pretty good. My legs feel good," he said after the first week of camp. "I'm feeling pretty great right now."

He's ready to turn the page from the loss in the national title game.

"That's something that I can't go back and speak on," he said. "That book is closed. So, I'm only focused on what's going on now and not the past."

How the coaching staff will juggle all these running backs is something of a mystery as first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll puts a new spin on the offense while Alabama moves on from the play-calling of Lane Kiffin. In Daboll's preseason media availability, he talked about installing a variety of new plays.

Maybe that means more downfield passing with improving quarterback Jalen Hurts and star wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Perhaps it means a stop-me-if-you-can ground game. The Tide can't go wrong leaning on its running backs and a talented offensive line, led by center Bradley Bozeman, guard Ross Pierschbacher and sophomore Jonah Williams, emerging as the Tide's next great left tackle.

"I don't call it competition. I call it creation," Scarbrough said of the running back depth chart. "We're all on the same team and trying to help each other out."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: QB Jalen Hurts -- He took Alabama to the national title game as a true freshman, winning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors, which are huge accomplishments. But his room to grow was evident at the end of the season, when he completed only 31 of 65 passes for 326 yards in the final three games. "The goal was stated many times before that we wanted to improve his ability to be more efficient, effective, confident passer," coach Nick Saban said at the start of fall camp. Hurts has been in control in camp, showing better leadership and confidence as a passer as he works on his mid-range accuracy and deep throws. Not only will that improvement help unlock the full potential of the Tide's offense, but Hurts' value is further seen when noting that Alabama has two true freshmen behind him on the depth chart.

BREAKOUT STAR: LB Rashaan Evans -- The senior didn't make his first career start until last season's College Football Playoff, subbing in nicely for the injured Shaun Dion Hamilton. Evans made seven tackles against Washington and 11 stops vs. Clemson, giving him enough confidence that in February he tweeted, "I'll win the Butkus Award." Becoming the nation's best linebacker is a big goal, but he does appear poised for a huge season lining up next to Hamilton at inside linebacker. Alabama's first scrimmage was closed to the media, but reports were that Evans was dominant.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: WR Jerry Jeudy -- So much to choose from, as Alabama had the nation's top-ranked class, but the 'Bama buzz started particularly early with Jeudy, who was MVP of the A-Day spring game, when he caught five passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. The five-star recruit already reminds many of teammate Calvin Ridley. Jeudy (6-1, 187) might not be in the starting lineup -- look for Ridley, Robert Foster and Cam Sims -- but he'll be a big-play option in Alabama's attack.

--DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, a returning consensus All-American, has practiced at every spot in the Alabama secondary during camp. He has lined up at corner, safety, star (nickel back) and money (a sixth defensive back who replaces the middle linebacker in some formations). Where he ends up in the starting lineup likely depends on where he is needed most after the coaches see how other defensive backs are stepping up at their respective positions.

--OL Alex Leatherwood, a five-star true freshman, has been working as a backup at right and left tackle in camp. Another true freshman tackle, Jedrick Wills, has been getting reps as a backup right tackle, with coach Nick Saban saying, "We think both of those guys have potential to help us."

--RB B.J. Emmons left a crowded backfield and transferred to Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College in the summer.

--RB Josh Jacobs was dealing with a hamstring injury midway through camp that kept him out of the first scrimmage.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Demon Deacons ready to build on success

Wake Forest finally realized some of the rewards after a series of rough seasons. Now, the Demon Deacons face the task of pushing further upward.

"We're looking forward to building off the momentum and the improvement that we made in the '16 season," fourth-year coach Dave Clawson said.

The Demon Deacons had an uplifting victory in the Military Bowl by defeating Temple to finish with a 7-6 record and snap a three-game losing streak from the end of the regular season.

Before last season, the team posted losing records in seven consecutive years, including three-win marks in 2014 and 2015.

So it's probably no surprise that the preseason polls haven't looked all that favorably on the Demon Deacons entering this season.

"We're used to it," senior tight end Cam Serigne said of low preseason ratings. "We want to be there. We want to be that team."

That underdog mentality is a mindset that seems to be spreading throughout the roster.

"We want the other teams to doubt us," senior defensive lineman Wendell Dunn said. "We want them to think, 'Oh, it's just Wake Forest we're playing,' so when we get out there and punch them in the mouth (it feels better)."

An upgrade on the offensive side is in order, and with a cast of promising running backs competing behind an upgraded offensive line that could be in the works.

Running backs Matt Colburn and Cade Carney could be major factors, particularly with the quarterback situation unclear amid the competition between Kendall Hinton and John Wolford.

After all, it's a Wake Forest team that failed to score more than 14 points in half of its regular-season games last year.

"I think on offense for the first time, you're looking at a lineup that isn't freshmen and sophomores," Clawson said.

"Even last year I think there was a game that we started nine freshmen and sophomores on offense. ... That's the thing I'm most excited about is you can become more creative when kids understand the system."

Wake Forest was involved in its share of close games last year, going 4-2 in outcomes decided by eight points or less.

Yet Clawson points out that his Wake Forest teams have yet to register a real eye-catching result.

"We want to have that big, signature win against one of the top teams in the conference," he said. "That's something that we still haven't accomplished, and that is certainly a big goal for this year is you win one of those games, you're like, 'Wow, Wake got it done.'"

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: DB Jessie Bates III -- He made a big impact a year ago as a redshirt freshman and now the stakes are raised. The Demon Deacons lost a large chunk of their experience in the defensive backfield, so now it will be Bates' turn to provide some leadership as well. He was second in the ACC last year with five interceptions, returning two of those for touchdowns so he has displayed the big-play capabilities. He's also a punt returner who the Demon Deacons would like to see break loose.

BREAKOUT STAR: QB Kendall Hinton -- He ended up taking a redshirt season in 2016 despite a promising stretch in the first couple of games before an injury. He entered the 2017 preseason camp atop the depth chart, although he's battling QB John Wolford for the first-string role for the second year in a row. The Demon Deacons know the benefits of Hinton winning the job, with the redshirt sophomore potentially holding that role for a few years. He has breakaway speed and shows a good knack when he's able to tuck the ball and run. He has made three career starts, including once last year before going out for the season with a knee injury in the third week.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: WR Sage Surratt -- The true freshman is competing at a position where the Demon Deacons have needed to find more production, so there could be opportunity there. He received largely positive reviews through the early part of camp, so he won't be overlooked when the coaching staff determines what roles he can fill. He received state Player of the Year recognition in football and basketball in high school in North Carolina, so his athleticism is well-documented. His brother, Chazz Surratt, is a candidate for the starting quarterback role at North Carolina.

--S Traveon Reed, a redshirt freshman, has an elbow injury that's expected to keep him out of action until at least October.

--S Thomas Dillon is back on the field after missing the 2016 season with an injury. He has been moved from cornerback to safety.

--DT Deon Young, a graduate transfer from Northern Arizona, is expected to be in the mix along the defensive front.

--CB Cedric Jiles, a graduate transfer from Mississippi State, has missed preseason workouts because of a hip flexor.

--RT Je'Vionte Nash has taken reps with the first team. He's a redshirt freshman competing for a starting role.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Cavaliers pin bounce-back hopes on defense

Optimism quickly turned into gloom last season as the first year of the Bronco Mendenhall era turned sour in the blink of an eye.

While many hoped Mendenhall could revive Virginia football, the Cavaliers instead went 2-10 and again face underdog status heading into 2017. Virginia was picked to finish last in the ACC Coastal Division in a preseason poll of the league's media.

The Cavaliers do have some bright spots, and their strength this season should come on defense, where they return eight players who started at least seven games last season, including two potential All-Americans in safety Quin Blanding and linebacker Micah Kiser. Both skipped the NFL Draft and returned with the hopes of helping Virginia curb their struggles.

Blanding and Kiser -- as well as cornerback Juan Thornhill -- are considered top 100 prospects for the 2018 draft, according to NFLDraftScout.com.

"I believe in the system," Blanding said. "I trust the system. I trust the process. (So) why not go one more year and go out with a bang and increase the status of Virginia?"

Even with some star power on defense, Virginia allowed 446.6 yards per game last season, ranking 93rd nationally.

Three consecutive home games to start the season may be exactly what Virginia needs to build some momentum before entering ACC play. Last season, the Cavaliers played two of their first three contests on the road and stumbled to an 0-3 start.

The defense won't be able to do it alone, and senior quarterback Kurt Benkert will likely have to be the Cavaliers' answer on offense. But where will his help come from?

Virginia is thin on the offensive line and has little depth behind Benkert. Incoming freshman Lindell Stone and redshirt freshman De'Vante Cross, who was planning on making the transition to wide receiver, will be Benkert's only protection on the depth chart.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: QB Kurt Benkert -- Healthy, leaner and poised to build on a solid 2016 campaign, Benkert will need to pilot the Virginia offense in order for the Cavaliers to compete this season. He threw for 2,552 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, returning as the conference's second-leading passer. He should be more consistent and confident after playing through a shoulder injury that hampered him at times.

BREAKOUT STAR: DE Andrew Brown -- Touted as a five-star recruit out of Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Va., in 2014, Brown has yet to live up to expectations in a Virginia uniform -- but there have been signs. Brown started 10 games as a junior in 2016 and led the team in tackles for loss with 13 after making a minimal impact during his first two years. Look for Brown to anchor coach Bronco Mendenhall's 3-4 defense up front, with dangerous weapons in linebacker Micah Kiser and safety Quin Blanding lined up behind him.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: RB Jamari Peacock -- One of 15 three-star recruits the Cavaliers nabbed for the class of 2017, Peacock will likely see enough time to make an immediate impact on offense. The 5-foot-11, 245-poiunder from Yulee, Fla., will provide a fullback-like stature to help the running and the blocking aspects of Virginia's offense. Peacock, who was an early enrollee, could also be a key part of Virginia's success at the goal-line with his ability to muscle the ball into the end zone -- something he did 34 times as a senior in high school last season.

--OL Jack McDonald had his knee scoped during camp and could likely miss the first part of the season. McDonald was expected to be an anchor for an already-thin Virginia offensive line.

--QB/WR De'Vante Cross committed to the Cavaliers as a quarterback and is currently listed as one on the depth chart, but he could also make the shift to wide receiver with his playmaking abilities.

--QB Sonny Abramson, who is a rising sophomore, left the Virginia football program during the spring but remains enrolled at the university, making the Cavaliers even thinner at the quarterback position.

==

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Fuente urges right perspective for Hokies

Justin Fuente's successful opening season as Virginia Tech's head coach can now be spun two ways.

There will be pundits who say Virginia Tech can't possibly repeat last season's success -- a 10-4 record, ACC Coastal Division championship and Belk Bowl win -- after losing so much talent in the offseason.

Other observers will assume last season was just a launching pad to bigger success for the Hokies, who were ranked 22nd in the preseason coaches' poll.

"I don't buy into the whole, 'We can't be good because guys aren't here,'" Fuente said. "Or, 'We should be good because guys are here.'

"I told my team when we were starting back after Christmas break, they've got a difficult job, because people are going to say two things about them. One, they're going to say that they can't have success because all the good players have left. And that's not true. We have this opportunity in front of us. It's up to us.

"And then the other half of the people are going to say you're going to have success because you had success last year. You've arrived. And that's not true either. It's right here in the middle. We're neither born winners or losers, but we are what we make ourselves. Every single day, let's go about building this thing forward."

The Hokies tied or broke 10 school offensive records last season, including for points (490), touchdowns (61) and total yards (6,223), but they must replace a group of players that accounted for most of that production.

Tech must replace its starting quarterback, Jerod Evans, its top wide receiver, Isaiah Ford, game-breaking tight end Bucky Hodges and versatile fullback Sam Rogers.

Much of the spotlight this preseason is on the quarterback battle among redshirt freshman Josh Jackson, freshman Hendon Hooker and junior college transfer A.J. Bush, but the Hokies also have critical battles at running back, wide receiver and along the offensive line.

"Regardless of what we lost, I still think we have a large nucleus of talent, especially on defense, and on the offensive side we have experience as well along with great coaching, which is very important," said wide receiver Cam Phillips.

"The senior leadership and the experience that we have in myself and (running back) Travon McMillian and (offensive lineman) Wyatt Teller, I think that can help us greatly to bring along some of these young guys."

Tech will have an elite-caliber defense, however, capable of keeping opponents at bay while the offense comes around.

Led by longtime coordinator Bud Foster, the Hokies' defense returns seven starters and a host of other players who saw critical action last season in reserve roles.

Tech is especially deep in the back seven, where it returns three starting linebackers, three big-play cornerbacks and a strong group of safeties led by Terrell Edmunds, who had a team-leading four interceptions last season.

"I think we're going to have a pretty thin margin for error," Fuente told reporters at the start of camp. "We're going to have to do some things really well. Execute on a fundamental level and a consistent basis in terms of taking care of the football, taking the football away.

"There are going to be some young guys in there mixed in with some very experienced, very good players. And I'm anxious to continue camp and get to see those young guys grow and develop and mold in there with some very talented older guys."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: WR Cam Phillips -- Phillips is the most seasoned skill player on the roster following the departures of top wideout Isaiah Ford, tight end Bucky Hodges and jack-of-all-trades fullback Sam Rogers. The experienced Phillips caught 76 passes for 983 yards and five touchdowns last year and is on pace to break the school career records for receptions and receiving yards. He will help ease the transition of a new quarterback and an otherwise unproven cast of wide receivers.

BREAKOUT STAR: DT Tim Settle -- A much-ballyhooed recruit out of high school, the 6-foot-3, 335-pound redshirt sophomore spent his first couple of years in Blacksburg learning the ropes. Now is his time to star as a gap-plugging, disruptive defensive tackle, one of the biggest interior linemen to ever suit up for the Hokies. Settle had seven tackles for loss as a reserve last year. His contributions as a backup provided a welcome glimpse of what he could be as a starter. The Hokies will need Settle and junior Ricky Walker to fill the sizeable shoes of Woody Baron and Nigel Williams on a re-tooled defensive line that could use more depth.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: SS Devon Hunter -- The five-star freshman is arguably Virginia Tech's most touted recruit from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, aka "The 757," since quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Hunter may not crack the starting lineup right away -- he has competition for the strong safety spot from sophomore Reggie Floyd -- but if his credentials are any indication, he may force his way into the rotation sooner rather than later. Hunter was rated the No. 3 player in Virginia last year by ESPN and was selected to play in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

--CB Brandon Facyson has been limited this preseason after having surgery on his right wrist in the offseason. He ramped up his activity through the first couple of weeks of preseason practice, however, and has participated in non-contact drills while wearing a cast on his right forearm.

--WR Caleb Farley suffered a season-ending knee injury while doing non-contact drills on the first day of preseason practice. Farley is a true freshman who enrolled early and made the move from defensive back in the spring. He was expected to at least provide depth at a thin receiver position this season.

--OL Parker Osterloh has returned after sitting out spring practice with an ankle injury. He is battling with Braxton Pfaff and Kyle Chung for the open right guard spot.

--DE Houshun Gaines has been reinstated after missing spring ball because of an academic suspension. Gaines had five tackles as a reserve last year.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Orange must get defensive in Babers' second season

The irony of Dino Babers' first go-round with Syracuse was -- despite an overhaul in rhetoric, scheme and process -- the Orange had the same record (4-8) as the previous season.

First-season doldrums were predictable. Babers lacked the personnel for his up-tempo offense, inheriting more bruisers than speedsters. Injuries exacerbated problems at crucial spots, and the Atlantic Coast Conference schedule brutalized an inexperienced roster.

There are positives heading into year two.

Back under center is Eric Dungey, who battled injuries last season but managed to complete 230 of 355 passes for 2,679 yards, with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Dungey, who also scored six touchdowns on the ground, distributes the ball well to playmakers like wideouts Erv Philips and Steve Ishmael.

Replacing last season's breakout star wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo is an obstacle, but Syracuse has unusual depth at the position.

By and large, it was a lackluster defense that derailed Syracuse's season.

The Orange was one of seven teams in the nation that allowed 500 yards per game. Syracuse was 115th in sacks (16) and 122nd in passes defended (26). Injuries this summer left the Orange with one practicing scholarship contributor (Kendall Coleman) at defensive end. Junior college transfers, converted linebackers and freshmen round out the position group in camp.

Linebacker will presumably be a position of strength for the defense, as seniors Zaire Franklin, Parris Bennett and Jonathan Thomas are set to start. Up front at defensive tackle are Chris Slayton and McKinley Williams, two of the more gifted athletes, pound for pound, on the roster.

This season might boil down to the performance of Syracuse's defensive backs. Graduate transfer cornerbacks Devin Butler and Jordan Martin are expected to see significant snaps right away. But Babers has said as many as six cornerbacks could play, with sophomores Scoop Bradshaw and Chris Fredrick having entered camp listed among the first team.

Antwan Cordy returns at strong safety after suffering a season-ending forearm injury last September. Next to him at free safety will be Evan Foster, who saw limited time as a freshman.

The difficulties facing Syracuse in 2017 are immense, as highlighted by a schedule featuring LSU, Clemson, Miami, Florida State and Louisville. To compete for a bowl bid, Syracuse will need to win its first three games (mild contests in the Carrier Dome) and stay reasonably healthy into November.

Late season home games against Wake Forest and Boston College could determine whether or not Babers can claim his first postseason berth at Syracuse.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: LB Zaire Franklin -- He likely will be named as the first three-year captain at Syracuse since 1990. It is difficult to imagine where Syracuse would be without Franklin manning the middle of the defense, bridging the gap between systems and ushering in young starters across the board. Franklin had 101 tackles and tied for the team lead with 10 tackles for loss in 2016. If Franklin is complemented by more competent play in the secondary, he could be more of a factor rushing the quarterback.

BREAKOUT STAR: S Antwan Cordy -- Any chance at defensive stability last season took a huge hit when Cordy suffered a season-ending injury in week two. A dynamic player with great instincts, Cordy amassed 12 tackles for loss and two interceptions as a starter in 2015. Two years later, Cordy should benefit the most directly from coach Dino Babers' move to the Tampa-2 system. Protection from an experienced linebacker corps should allow Cordy to roam the field and make plays on the ball. Leading the ACC in defensive turnovers is not out of the realm of possibility for the 5-foot-8 Cordy, who was nicknamed "Giant" under the previous coaching staff.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: TE Ravian Pierce -- For years, it has been puzzling that Syracuse could not cultivate the tight end position into more of a threat in the passing game. Perhaps coach Dino Babers has finally brought a player into the fold who can change that. Pierce, from Southwest Mississippi Community College, was ranked 21st among all junior college transfers by 247Sports.com. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end was also offered by Mississippi State and LSU. Back in February, the coaching staff described Pierce as a potential downfield threat in the ACC.

--QB Tommy DeVito was coach Dino Babers' most prized recruit in 2017, listed by 247Sports.com's composite ranking as the No. 15 pro-style quarterback in the country. After committing to Syracuse in 2016, DeVito rose in popularity after being named an Elite-11 finalist and Under Armour All-American. DeVito received attention from schools around the country, including in the SEC, but Babers credits the quarterback's unwavering commitment to Syracuse in bringing the rest of the class together.

Time will tell when DeVito gets his first crack at playing quarterback for Syracuse, as incumbent starter Eric Dungey has two years of eligibility left. DeVito is currently behind former walk-on Zack Mahoney for the backup quarterback job. Mahoney has appeared in 16 games and thrown 253 passes for the Orange over the past two seasons. Untimely injuries to Dungey thrust Mahoney into games against nationally-ranked opponents such as LSU, Clemson and Florida State.

--CB Devin Butler comes to Syracuse with promise but also some baggage that he hopes to put behind him. The 6-foot-1, 189-pound Butler appeared in 37 games for Notre Dame between 2014 and 2016. He was pushing for a starting job with the Fighting Irish before being suspended following a controversial altercation with a police officer last August.

--S Kielan Whitner burst onto the scene in his second season, starting three games at safety. At 6-feet, 200 pounds, Whitner has excellent size for a safety, and he can also be used at strong-side linebacker.

--WR Jamal Custis (6-5, 224) has long tantalized Syracuse fans as an apparent basketball prospect in shoulder pads. Used minimally for two seasons under Scott Shafer, Custis has only two remaining seasons of eligibility after redshirting in 2016. Custis reportedly caught a pair of touchdowns passes from Eric Dungey in a closed scrimmage early in camp, perhaps an indication he will help see the field consistently for the first time.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Pitt's defense will start season short-handed

Pitt had five players selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, so the Panthers knew there would be a difficult transition at some positions.

But the Panthers had even more adversity to get through before they ever set foot on the field for training camp.

Senior defensive linemen Rori Blair and Jeremiah Taleni were dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons, leaving that unit without a returning starter and just one senior.

Senior linebacker Quintin Wirginis and junior safety Jordan Whitehead were suspended for the first three games of the season, meaning they will miss an important rivalry game against Penn State in Week 2 and a visit from nationally ranked Oklahoma State in Week 3.

Wirginis is the team's lone senior linebacker; Whitehead was an All-ACC selection a year ago. That is a lot of experience and talent that will be temporarily missing from a defense that finished 101st in the country in yards allowed per game a year ago.

Pitt's offense wasn't exempt from offseason losses, either. Running back James Conner declared for the NFL Draft with a season of eligibility remaining, sophomore wide receiver Tre Tipton suffered a season-ending injury in an off-the field accident over the summer and his likely replacement, sophomore Aaron Mathews, missed the first two weeks of training camp due to personal reasons.

In the press box, offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who managed the Panthers' attack in 2016 to the tune of a program-high 532 points and a top-10 national finish in scoring, left for the same job at LSU, meaning that new offensive coordinator Shawn Watson will be installing the third offense in three seasons under Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi.

The offseason wasn't all doom and gloom, though.

The Panthers brought in three graduate transfers, by far the biggest of whom was quarterback Max Browne, who spent four years at USC. Browne was one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school, but got limited opportunities to show what he could do with the Trojans and was passed by Sam Darnold on the depth chart early in 2016.

Eager to show what he's capable of, Browne joined the Panthers for their spring practices and summer workouts. Browne has been able to spend valuable time meshing with his new offensive teammates.

"I think if you get an offensive tackle in August, it will be OK, but if you get a quarterback in August, it's little bit more difficult," Narduzzi said. "He's been able to go through spring ball, and go through the entire summer, which the summer is a major thing."

Said Browne: "With each week, I become less and less a new guy. Learning a new offense isn't the easiest thing, but now I have it down, which is a big reason I came in January and I'm glad I did that."

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: OT Brian O'Neill -- O'Neill made headlines a season ago for doing some very unlineman-like things. The 300-pounder scored two touchdowns, one on a screen pass and the other on a reverse handoff. But this season, the converted tight end will shift from right tackle to left tackle and while there's still a chance for some chicanery, the serious task of protecting Max Browne's blind side will be his primary duty.

BREAKOUT STAR: DE Dwayne Hendrix -- A transfer from Tennessee before the 2015 season, Hendrix spent an entire year getting rave reviews as a defensive lineman with a mean streak on Pitt's scout team. He seemed poise for a starting role and breakout season in 2016, but was lost for the season to an injury in the opener against Villanova. A healthy Hendrix would go a long way to replacing the production of graduated end Ejuan Price, who finished third in the ACC with 13 sacks a year ago.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: OL Brandon Hodges -- Hodges came from the University of Texas as a graduate transfer at the last minute, joining the team a week into training camp. The former junior college star started eight games for the Longhorns last year and could be an immediate upgrade to the depth on Pitt's offensive line. Hodges is starting out at right tackle, competing with senior Jaryd Jones-Smith, who has worked back from a catastrophic knee injury in 2015.

--DB Paris Ford, a four-star recruit, had yet to be cleared academically as of the start of the third week of camp. Ford was expected to compete for a starting job at one of the safety spots, but his lengthy absence brings into question whether he'll play this season, even if he is eligible.

--RG Alex Bookser will serve a one-game suspension for an off-the field incident in which he was arrested and charged with DUI in March. Bookser started all 13 games at right guard in 2016.

--FB George Aston is expected to miss considerable time with an undisclosed injury. Aston scored 10 touchdowns in 2016. Instead replacing Aston directly, QB Max Browne said the offense is utilizing more tight ends and three-receiver sets.

--RB Qadree Ollison will attempt to hold off a deep group at the running back position in an effort to replace James Conner, who moved to the other side of the building shared by the Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ollison rushed for 1,121 yards when Conner was sidelined with a knee injury in 2015, but talented young backs A.J. Davis, Darrin Hall, Chawntez Moss and Todd Sibley will challenge for playing time.

--WR/KR Quadree Henderson was one of the nation's most dominant players with the ball in his hands a year ago. A consensus All-American at kick returner, Henderson also had 630 yards rushing and 286 yards receiving. Now a junior, Henderson is expected to be asked to do a lot more down-the-field pass catching than he has in the past.

[StarDust Bum]

INSIDE SLANT
August 15, 2017

Wolfpack looks poised for a breakthrough

North Carolina State has been mostly flying under the radar going into the season, but there are reasons to tab the Wolfpack as having Top 25 potential.

Those reasons mostly come because of a well-tested defense, led by defensive end Bradley Chubb and a defensive front that is bound to receive accolades.

The offense is seasoned, as well, with key playmakers such as Ryan Finley, who is in his second season as the starting quarterback after transferring from Boise State.

"I feel the sky is the limit on everything we do," Chubb said.

So it's a matter of keeping things in perspective for N.C. State, which competes in the stout Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Almost all preseason predictions place the Wolfpack behind Florida State, Clemson and Louisville.

"We don't worry about the outside," junior running back Reggie Gillaspy said. "Put our heads down and work hard."

The Wolfpack is coming off a 7-6 season, winning three of its final four games. Earlier, narrow losses to Clemson (24-17 in overtime) and Florida State (24-20) showed the team's potential.

N.C. State will have a chance to make some early waves, opening the season against South Carolina in a neutral-site game Sept. 2 in Charlotte, N.C.

Finley, a redshirt junior, proved to be efficient in directing the offense in his first season. He has tools to use, most notably H-back Jaylen Samuels and speedy running back Nyheim Hines, who had played at receiver and also is a key returner on special teams.

"We're worried about getting better every day," Finley said, noting that going against an experienced defense in practice should help the offense's growth. "Our whole team is closer than ever."

On defense, Chubb is bound to receive extra attention, so that could benefit the teammates around him on the front. Plus, senior linebackers Airius Moore and Jerod Fernandez each have 30 career starts.

With so many players having already established themselves, the Wolfpack hasn't had a lot of competition at some positions.

"There are still some places that we've talked about that are in competition and that could go for a while," fifth-year coach Dave Doeren said. "Last year, there were so many open positions. We don't have a lot of competitions we're dealing with right now. Just trying to develop some depth."

Doeren's record with N.C. State is 25-26 in four seasons, so this figures to be a crucial year, particularly with the amount of returning players.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: H-back Jaylen Samuels -- Yes, defensive end Bradley Chubb is the team's headliner, but the offense really needs Samuels. He can line up in a variety of roles, often making it difficult for defenses to keep track of his whereabouts. He's coming off an MVP performance in the Independence Bowl, when he caught three touchdown passes against Vanderbilt. He enters the season with 126 career receptions (including a streak of at least one catch in 28 consecutive games), already ranking seventh in school history in receptions. He also has racked up 700 career rushing yards.

BREAKOUT STAR: S Shawn Boone -- He goes into his senior season as the most experienced of the defensive backs, and he is embracing his new leadership role in the secondary. He'll be shifting among the safety spots depending on the defensive packages, and there's no doubt he wants to take advantage of opportunities that might come for defensive backs because of the expected pressure applied by the defensive front.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: K Carson Wise -- He arrived from Division II Carson-Newman as a graduate transfer with two seasons remaining. Given the Wolfpack's kicking woes the past two seasons, Wise could be a critical upgrade at the position. He has range up to 55 yards, but consistency will be something that could be most important. "He has definitely started with the 1s (first team), and hasn't given it back," coach Dave Doeren said during preseason camp.

--RB Reggie Gallaspy, a candidate to be the starting tailback after two seasons as the backup, has shed some weight in an effort to be sleeker. He's checking in at about 223 pounds and figures to be shiftier with the ball.

--C Garrett Bradbury, a redshirt junior who started every 2016 game as a guard, is moving to center.

--WR JuMichael Ramos has made plays during the preseason as he attempts to come back after missing the 2016 season with a knee injury. "We don't want to rush him," coach Dave Doeren said.

--K Kyle Bambard, who was the starting kicker as a freshman in 2015 and for more than half of the games last year, is pegged to continue to handle kickoffs.

--TE Dylan Parham, a redshirt freshman, has switched from quarterback to tight end. The tight end position has been identified as an area of need by the coaching staff.