The First #WFPTop20

WFP Top 20.... first of 2015

1.      Ohio State (1-0) Win over Virginia Tech – This ranking should come as no surprise to anyone. Ohio State looked like world beaters in the second half against Virginia Tech. To be far, the Hokies had them on the ropes, but an early third quarter injury to VT starting QB Michael Brewer sealed the Hokies’ fate for the game and potentially the Coastal race. Ohio State shouldn’t lose a ballgame this year.

2.      BAMA (1-0) Win over Wisky – Bama’s defense looked as good as it has in about 5-6 years. Bama absolutely DOMINATED the trenches against a pretty good Wisconsin team. If the Tide can get the vertical passing game going…. Look out.

3.      TCU (1-0) Close win over the Gophers – Many folks are doggin the Horned Frogs after a narrow victory over a Minnesota team. The Gophers are not an also-ran that will win only 2 games this year. TCUs defense looked a bit better than last year’s bunch.

4.      Notre Dame (1-0) Obliterated Texas – I’ve been preaching all offseason about how this may be the best Notre Dame we’ve seen in quite some time. The Irish returned basically everyone except for a ball boy. Malik Zaire looked as good as advertised and the defense looked much improved. If Lord Purple Face can keep the team focused, this bunch will deserve CFP consideration.

5.      Baylor (1-0) Big Win over SMU – Baylor may have won the game but the SMU Bros won the day. 

6.      Southern Cal (1-0) Blasted Arkansas State – With all of the hoopla surrounding the SEC and the school from the state of Ohio, Southern Cal’s been under the radar for much of the off-season. The Trojans have as talented of an offense as anyone in the country and the defense looks like it may just be clicking in the Sark’s second year.

7.      Michigan State (1-0) Win over Directional Michigan – The Spartans are the only squad in the Big 10 that can give Ohio State a game.

8.      Auburn (1-0)  Win over Louisville – The Barners Defense looked about 1000x better than they this past year. The run game remains punishing but the passing attack remains a cause for concern. If J Johnson can connect with his receivers, SEC West defenses will have their hands full.

9.      Texas A&M (1-0) Curb stomped Arizona State – I’ve been convinced if the Aggies could get their defense to play half as well the offense, they’ll be in the shortlist to challenge Bama for the SEC West crown. Saturday night we saw a defense that looked downright dominant.

10.  UCLA (1-0) Win over UVA – Josh Rosen looks like he’s the real deal. For a team that returned basically everyone else, this should make for an interesting PAC 12 South Race.

11.  Georgia (1-0) Win over ULM – The Nick Chubb Frieght Train looked well-oiled Saturday but the verdict on the passing game remains to be seen. Georgia still remains the favorite for the SEC East.

12.  FSU (1-0) Win over Texas State – Florida State rolled in their first game without Jameis Winston at the helm since 2012. Everett Golson looks like he’s still learning some of the playbook but dazzled in portions in Saturdays night game. FSU remains a very young team, but based on talent alone, they’re still my pick for the ACC Atlantic.

13.  Georgia Tech (1-0) Obliterated Alcorn State – Paul Johnson and Company picked up where they left off, by frustrating an opposing defense with a vicious triple option attack. GT still has another tune up game before traveling to South Bend in a couple of weeks.

14.  Oregon (1-0) Win over Directional Washington – Oregon looked sloppy on defense against an offense that they have to defend in practice every day. If the defense fails to show up in East Lansing this upcoming weekend, Oregon  could get run out of town.

15.  LSU (0-0) – LSU got the benefit of the doubt and didn’t impress or disappoint this past weekend because Mother Nature won. I think this team has a punishing run game that will keep them in every game this year.

16.  Clemson (1-0) Win over Wofford – Sadly, a Mike Williams neck injury overshadowed a very impressive performance in the trenches for Clemson. Clemson continues to have as much talent as anyone in the Southeast. It’ll be interesting to see how Dabo can get all of the pieces to buy in.

17.  Ole Miss (1-0) SWAG KELLY – Ole Miss looked impressive in the opener, but with a trip to Bama in two weeks it’s worth noting they must not get caught looking past Fresno State next weekend. They also have a 300 lb fullback who runs like a gazelle and doubles as a defensive tackle named Robert Nkemdiche.

Robert Nkemdiche scored a 32-yard TD. On offense. pic.twitter.com/9U2odrV9bR

— SB Nation GIF (@SBNationGIF) September 5, 2015

18.  Arkansas (1-0) Big win over UTEP – Brandon Allen showed that there’s more to Bret’s offense in Hogville than just a punishing rushing attack. A date with Texas A&M three weeks from now looms as a pivotal match up to be considered among the best of the SEC West.

19.  Mizzou (1-0) – Never sleep on Matty Mauk, after all he’s got the SEC East crowns to prove it.

20.  The Smurfs (1-0)  Narrow Win over Washington – The Smurfs seem to be a dark horse candidate for the CFP. I don’t think they have any business being in consideration for it but can make a statement against BYU this upcoming Friday night.

OTHERS:

Oklahoma

Rocky Top

Wisky

Zona

Utah

SLEPT ON IT: INITIAL TAKEAWAYS FROM THE LOSS TO SAKERLINA

Last night, at approximately 9:15pm I spoke the wisest words I have ever spoken about Carolina Football

YOU HAVE A DAMN BULL THAT RUNS NORTH AND SOUTH AND YOU DONT GIVE HIM A TOUCH AT THE GOAL LINE

— Frattisimo (@FootbawFrat) September 4, 2015

These simple words in all capital letters stem from the overwhelming sense of how Carolina Football continuously shoots themselves in the foot. Over and over again we watch Carolina put themselves in a position to break through, to get that program jump starting win, only through a combination of shitty play calling a poor decision burn it all to the ground. This shit is getting old.

Ok, now that I'm gotten my initial vent session out of the way, let's focus on the five main Takeaways from last nights game.

1. The Defensive Line has improved substantially - Besides the production of Elijah Hood, what impressed me the most last night was the the improvement shown at defensive line. Yes, the D Line is young and thin, but it's clear as day how talented and how much of a force this group can be. Between Jeremiah Clarke, Nazair Jones and Tyler Powell in the interior, Carolina has 3 defensive tackles that can control the interior LOS. DE play must get better in contain. Contain breakdowns lead to Sakerlina converting some 2nd/3rd and longs they had no business getting. I'm excited to watch the development of this new look at defensive line with the next true test coming against the Rambling Wreck in 30 days. 
2. Tackling in the back seven of the defense still shaky at best and must improve now. The only members of the back seven I'm not worried about when he breaks down to make a tackle is Donnie Miles and Jeff Schoettmer. Miles was every where last night and put his body in the action time and time again. Schoettmer continues to show the world how hard work, high football IQ and an ability to lead can rally a group. His stop on 4th and short led this guy to bust out one of these:
   
   As for the other members of the Back Seven of the defense, alot needs to happen these next 3 games before conference play begins. Focus on shedding blocks and learning how to full body tackle should the main focus in practice. Chizik's new scheme put players in position, now they have to go out and make plays. 
3. Elijah Hood is a unstoppable force at Running Back and should get a minimum of 20 touches a game Coming out of high school, the college football world knew Elijah Hood for a couple of reasons. First, he was the infamous high school recruit who flushed a Nick Saban offer letter claiming "Roll Toilet." Secondly, and more importantly, he was the high school running back who every major program in the country wanted. Luckily for Tar Heel Nation, he's in our backfield. Elijah Hood is the best running back the Tar Heels have had in many, many years. His combination of size, speed, instincts, and power is what we often see at the Alabamas, Georgias, Southern Californias and Notre Dames of the world. His punishing running style went on full display last night and I cannot wait to watch him carve through defenses the next two years. Offensive Line, you have a very special player in the backfield. Give him a crease and he'll make y'all look very, very good. 
4. There should not be a quarterback controversy in Chapel Hill, Marquise Williams is the starter. I haven't even peaked at the Carolina "Experts" on the blogosphere and Scout Forums this morning because I know the area is a disaster. Folks going after a player who single handedly won several games for the team the last two season is downright foolish. Going into last night Marquise Williams had been stellar in the Red Zone as evidenced by his 20 to 0 touchdown to interception ratio. The kid had the worst game he's every had in a Tar Heel uniform. Fear not, Quise Williams is still a very vital player to this season's success.
5. WE HAVE A KICKER Who can make a field goal longer than 30 yards! Kudos to Nick Weiler stepping up with the big boot last night. We're gonna need it to win a couple of games this year. 
6. Red Zone Play Calling and Situation Coaching was a complete failure last night For as well as Elijah Hood played last night, the offensive coaching and play calling was as bad. Last night was as disappointing of a coaching job as I've watched since Butch give us the 16-3 stinker to a three win UVA squad. I will flash this up once again:

YOU HAVE A DAMN BULL THAT RUNS NORTH AND SOUTH AND YOU DONT GIVE HIM A TOUCH AT THE GOAL LINE

— Frattisimo (@FootbawFrat) September 4, 2015

LARRY, SETH, GUNTER, CHRIS, AND KEITH:

You have an elite, I repeat, an ELITE running back that comes to a program like Carolina's once every 15-20 years. Common Sense Coaching, as I like to call it, would tell you that it'd be in your best interest to give your best player more than ONE touch inside of the Opponent's 25 yard line.



Elijah Hood's deepest touch was from Saklerina's 24. Unreal.

— Frattisimo (@FootbawFrat) September 4, 2015

Or how about a HB Dive playcall in Goal Line Set when you're 2nd and Goal from the effin' three yard line?

Since we're not in the system of Common Sense Coaching, let's put it into terms your crew should understand a tad better

SMART  - When in 4 down territory as your team was on the last offensive drive, a smart coaching and play call decision would be to put the ball in the player's hands who's been unstoppable. Exhibit A: Elijah Hood

FAST - The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Often times in football the shortest distance is the fastest route towards gaining yards, hence the term "north and south running." I'd be willing to bet the fastest way to convert 6 points from the three yard line would be a HB Gut call.

PHYSICAL - You pride tourself that your teams will be one of the most physical in the country..... What better way for your offensive to prove their dominance and physicality over an opponent than punching one in with the game on the line.

As for now, my weekend on the couch is about to begin. I plan on watching loads of 'ball (Viewer's Guide Plug), spitting out a film review or two and taking in the last few bits of summer.

Have a great weekend y'all.

Go Heels.

WFP

SAKERLINA GAME WEEK: 2015 #ACC PROJECTIONS

We're finally another day closer to the 2015 Season and one day closer to another season of the wild and wacky ACC. With no true front runner like this conference has had the past couple of years, it's conceivable that number of teams are within reach of grabbing the 2015 ACC Crown. Naturally the media has it's fair share of darlings this off-season in both the Atlantic and the Coastal, but I've tried my best to not get lost in the hype. With the Coastal as unpredictable as ever and with the gap closing on Florida State's dominance, if a team gets hot, any number of teams could hoist the ACC Championship trophy the first Saturday of December.

To flask back to last year, I wasn't terribly off in my predictions expect for well, the Coastal, again.

Atlantic Division

Predicted Order of Finish

1. Florida State
Predicted Record: 11-1 (7-1 in conference)
3 Key Games: vs Louisville October 17th, at Georgia Tech October 24th, at Clemson November 7th
Nole's Summary: The Noles come off one of the most successful two year runs in recent memory in the ACC, with a winning streak in the conference that dates back to 2012. As much as the Noles have lost on the roster over the last couple of years one must remember how talented and deep this program is. Fisher and Company have recruited at an elite level since arriving in Tallahassee in 2010. I don't expect much of a drop off on this team simply because of the talent in the program and Fisher's ability to develop it. Noles are the ACC's best chance at reaching the College Football Playoff.

2. Clemson
Predicted Record: 9-3 (6-2 in conference)
4 Key Games: at Louisville September 17th, vs Notre Dame October 3rd, vs Georgia Tech October 10, vs Florida State November 7th
Tigertown's Summary: After Clemson's finish in 2014, many around TigerTown see this as the year that Clemson returns to the National Championship discussion with much of FSU's roster from their incredible run moving on. Not so fast, Clemson fans. Let's point out the sheer amount that your program lost from the last couple of years: record setting quarterback and skill players, and most ofa  defense that was head and shoulders the best in the ACC. While Clemson has the ability to reload as well as anyone, their schedule does not set up well for them to make a trek back to Charlotte. Losses to Georgia Tech, Florida State and Louisville send the Tiger faithful back down to earth.

3. Louisville
Predicted Record: 7-5 (4-4 in conference)
4 Key Games: Opener against Auburn, vs Clemson September 17th, at NC State October 3rd, at Pittsburgh November 21st
Papa John's Summary: Lousiville and Virginia Tech will simply have the best defenses in conference if not east of the Mississippi. Behind a re-vamped offense expect Louisville to surprise some folks this year, but in typical Petrino coached fashion, expect the Cards to drop a few they have no business dropping. Louisville's on the cusp of being in the Atlantic discussion, just not this year.

T4. West Raleigh U.
Predicted Record: 7-5 (3-5 in conference)
4 Key Games: vs Louisville October 3rd, at Virginia Tech October 9th, at Boston College November 7th, vs Carolina November 28th
Best Players: #Jacoby4Heisman Quarterback
#Wolpfack U's Summary: As the #Jacoby4Heisman banners line the West Raleigh streets, an outsider may mistakenly view this school as an ACC Championship contender
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLWUT
NC State will get pummeled back down to earth early on during the ACC schedule and will be bowl bound due to their joke of an Out Of Conference schedule.

T4. Boston College
Predicted Record: 6-6 (3-5 in conference)
4 Key Games: vs FSU September 18th, at Duke October 3, vs Virginia Tech October 31, vs NC State November 7th
BC's Summary: THE DUDE, Steve Addazio plays a style of ball that I'd wish upon any program. Physical, hard nosed and punishing run game on offense followed by a fundamentally sound and swarming defense. If Boston College could get the athletes they'd give opponents more than just fits, they'd beat em.

6. Syracuse
Predicted Record: 4-8 (2-6 in conference)
4 Key Games: at UVA October 17, vs Pitt October 24th, at NC State November 21, vs Boston College
Cuse's Summary: In the last couple of years the Orange defense did everything they possibly could to keep the team in every ballgame only to have the offense and special teams ruin their efforts. The Defense should remain stout and hopefully the influx of young talent on offense can begin to turn this thing around for the Orange. The schedule doesn't do this team any favors in 2015 for that turnaround. Cuse is a few wins away from Wake territory and hat's not a good thing.

7. Wake Forest
Predicted Record: 2-10 (0-8 in conference)
4 Key Games: at Army Sept 19th, vs Indiana Sept 26th, at BC October 10th, at Cuse Sept 12th
Wake's Summary: Oh Wake Forest I have nothing but high hopes for your program with the addition of Dave Clausen. He's helped create a culture of swarming defense with an opportunistic offense. One problem: that opportunistic offense was historically awful. With only 5 seniors expected to start on this team, the hope is that 2-3 years from now we're talking about a bowl bound team.

The Coastal

1. Georgia Tech
Predicted Record: 9-3 (6-2 in conference)
4 Key Games: at Notre Dame September 19, at Clemson October 10, vs FSU October 24, vs Virginia Tech November 12th
The Bees Summary: Paul Johnson. How bout him? The man has figured out a way to not only piss off every defensive coordinator in the country by running a offense that should have never left the 1950s, but he's figured out a way to get solid players to buy in to the system.The result: a BCS win over an SEC opponent. Johnson return quite possibly the best questerback he's ever had run his offense plus 9 of 11 starters on defense. Do the math: Expect GT to be back in Charlotte the first weekend.

T2. Virginia Tech
Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3 in conference)
4 Key Games vs Ohio State Sept 7th, at Miami October 17th, at Boston College October 31st, at Georgia Tech
The Hokies Summary: Death, Taxes and Virginia Tech winning 10 games. The certainty that everyone expected has fallen by the way side as Virginia Tech fans have suffered through the effects of lack luster recruiting years and a couple team decimated by injury. Heading into 2015 many believe VT will have the one of the best defenses in the country, if not the best. If the offense can control the clock, with the turnover battle and keep the defense fresh, the 10 win season that Hokie Nation became accustomed to is very, very possible in 2015.

T2. Carolina

T2. Pitt
Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3 in conference)
4 Key Games: at Virginia Tech October 3rd, at Georgia Tech October 17th, vs UNC October 29th, vs Miami Nov 27th
Pitt's Summary: Another year and once again another Coach for Western Pa.'s team. The Panthers, let by Defensive Coordinating Guru Pat Narduzzi will be known for their offensive firepower in year one rather than the smothering defense Narduzzi has been known to produce. With the best running back and best wide receiver in the conference and an efficient quarterback on your roster, expect lots of points. The hope for 2015 is the Pitt squad can stop opposing offenses.

5. The U
Predicted Record: 7-5 (4-4 in conference)
4 Key Games: at FSU October 10th, vs VT October 17th, vs Clemson October 24th, at UNC November 7th
The U's Summary: One has to wonder when Miami plans on getting back to the heights of yesteryear. It seems like a roster this talented, led by a Coach I can't speak enough about will eventually make it to Charlotte for a shot at the ACC title. Until that happens, I predict nothing but mediocrity out of Florida's most overrated football program.

6. Duke
Predicted Record: 7-5 (3-5 in conference)
4 Key Games: vs Georgia Tech, at Virginia Tech, vs Miami, at UNC
Duke's Summary: Duke's had a hell of a run since Coach Cut took over the program. Many believe there's staying power among being considered the best the coastal has to offer as long as Cutcliffe is at the helm. I don't disagree. He's elevated the recruiting to unprecendented levels for Duke's football program and continues to run a clean ship. I see the ball not bouncing Duke's way in the ACC like it often has the last few years. Too many injuries to starters and the program lost a bunch of the core that cranked out those notable seasons.

7. UVA
Predicted Record: 2-10 (1-7 in conference)
4 Key Games: at Pitt, at UNC, vs GT, vs Duke
#MikeLondonFarewellTour:
All of the stops along the #MikeLondonFarewellTour are as follows:
at UCLA September 5th
vs Notre Dame September 12th
vs Bill and Mary September 19th
vs Boise State September 26th
at Pittsburgh October 10th
vs Syracuse October 17th
at Carolina October 24th
vs Georgia Tech October 31st
at Miami November 7th
at Louisville November 14th
vs Duke November 21st
vs Virginia Tech November 28th

I SHOULD MAKE T SHIRTS

How I see it. 75 MINUTES TILL FOOTBAW

GO HEELS

WFP

OPENING WEEK PRIMER: #BEATSAKERLINA

ALL THE LINKS TO GET YOU PREPPED FOR THE 2015 CAROLINA FOOTBALL SEASON

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

UNC BACKFIELD

UNC RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS

UNC O LINE 

UNC FRONT SEVEN

UNC DBs AND SPECIAL TEAMS

UNC 2015 PREDICTION

2015 ACC PREDICTIONS


AND FOR THE OPENING WEEK:

WEEK ONE VIEWERS GUIDE

2015 CAROLINA FOOTBALL PREDICTION

After a less than desirable couple of years for the Carolina Football program, Larry Fedora and Budda Cunningham decided to hit the refresh button on the Program, went out and hired one of the sharpest defensive minds in the college game in Gene Chizik. Chizik has simplified the defense, implemented aggressive looks, and reinforced a foundation of excellent technique to get the defense headed back into the right direction. Hopefully this defensive change helps Carolina avoid the slow starts that plagued the 2013 and 2014 season. This year's schedule sets up nicely for Carolina to get a jump start on getting bowl bound and working out many of the kinks before facing the meat of the schedule that looms, starting in October. But there's several games before that critical Coastal Division date in Atlanta and they start tonight.

Game 1 - Sakerlina Gamecocks (in Charlotte)
Thursday, September 3rd, 6pm on the Mothership
What to expect? Go figure that the most unknown game to me in the 2015 season is the first one. Carolina opens up against a familiar opponent in a Steve Spurrier coached team that ran Carolina out of Columbia two years ago. Spurrier and the Gamecocks are coming their own disappointing season, and off season with lots of personnel and coaching changes (sound familiar?). Sakerlina has faced so much attrition on offense between Graduating Seniors and injuries, I just can't fathom them racking up a ton of points. Their defense like the one Chapel Hill, got carved up like a Christmas Ham and led to many close losses in 2014. Eventhough Spurrier's distate for anything Carolina Tar Heels will rile up his troops in the pregame locker, my gut tells me that they won't be able to stop the Carolina offense. Expect many points to be given up by both teams, with Carolina giving up less.
UNC Win 1-0

Game 2 - North Carolina A&T Aggies
Saturday, September 12t, 6pm on ESPN3
What to Expect? Carolina, fresh off a victory over Sakerlina starts off slow but takes care of business in the second half and runs the Aggies back to Greensboro.
UNC Win 2-0

Game 3 - Illinois Fighting Illini
Saturday, September 19th, High Noon
What to Expect? Prior to troubling news out of Champaign this past week I expected this game to be a very tricky one for the Tar Heels. High Noon at Kenan in front of a so-so crowd doesn't quite get the juices flowing for many folks besides yours truly. Expect this to be an ugly game early with the Heels putting the game out of reach early in the forth quarter.
UNC Win 3-0

Game 4 - Delaware Fighting Blue Hens
Saturday, September 26th,
What to Expect? A second FCS program in 3 weeks, Ohio State pulling out the home-home series really did a number on this year's schedule. I don't see this one close. I mean, it's not like Joe Flacco is walking back through that door for the hens. 
UNC Win 4-0

Game 5 -  at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 
Saturday, October 3,
What to Expect? Haven't won in Atlanta in almost two decades. Until Carolina wins here, I'm not predicting a win. Georgia Tech, despite losing what feels like 6 or 7 running backs will have another potent offense behind the best Quarterback they've ever had in this triple option system: Justin Thomas. While GT's lost about what feels like every running back on the roster, they return a massive chunk of a defense that improved down the stretch in 2014. Expect this to be shootout, with the Jackets continuing to own the Heels in ATL.
UNC Loss 4-1

Game 6 - Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Saturday, October 17th
What to Expect? While I believe Wake Forest Football is trending in the right direction under Dave Clausen, I still expect the Deacs 2-3 years away from making some noise to be middle of the pack.
UNC Win 5-1

Game 7 - University of Virginia Cavaliers
Saturday, October 24
What to Expect? One of my favorite statistics in all of football is my rooting interests are undefeated against UVA with Mike London at the helm. Like my convictions about Carolina playing Georgia Tech in Atlanta, I don't expect Carolina (or Virginia Tech for that matter) to lose to a Mike London coached UVA team until it actually happens. This will be stop #7 on the #MikeLondonFarewellTour
UNC Win 6-1

Game 8 - at University of Pittsburgh Panthers
Thursday, October 29th, 730pm on the Mothership
What to Expect? Short week traveling to play a physical road team? This game scares me to death. Some of the kinks Pitt's had on defense should be worked out by the new coaching staff at this point. James Conner is my pick for the ACC Player of the Year in 2015. Behind a mauling offensive line, expect him to have a field day while I watch in person.
UNC Loss 6-2

Game 9 - Duke University Blue Devils
Saturday, November 7th
What to Expect? Even before half of Duke decided to get injured, I saw this team trending in the wrong direction. Sirk will be a very good quarterback and has enough talent around him to pout up some points. I just don't see Duke getting the better of Carolina this year. After a long week, Carolina responds with getting one in the win column.
UNC Win 7-2

Game 10 - University of Miami Hurricanes
Saturday, November 14th
What to expect? Miami beat Carolina's ass from one end of South Florida to the other in 2014. Brad Kaaya returns for a Miami squad who still has a bitter taste in their mouths following a 6-7 season. I have Carolina losing to the other two physical teams on the schedule prior to this game and the Miami game will be no different. Sensing a trend?
UNC Loss 7-3

Game 11 - at Virginia Tech Hokies
Saturday, November 21st
What to Expect? Just like James Conner scares the daylights out of me, so does the Virginia Tech defense this year. Carolina will face one of the best, if not the best, on most likely a cold Senior Night in Blacksburg. Those don't usually fare too well for opponents, just ask Matt Johns. (h/t @TheKeyPlay for the GIF)

UNC Loss 7-4

Game 12 - at NC State University Wolfpack
Saturday, November 28,
What to Expect? After the shellacking the team from West Raleigh put on us this past year I expect Carolina to come out firin'. I still haven't gotten the disgusting taste out of my mouth following the worst performance I've ever watched the Tar Heels put on the field. Nothing would make this guy happier than spoiling Jacoby and noted female assaulter Shadrach Thornton's Senior Day.
UNC Win 8-4

I expect:

• Carolina to improve a bit on defense this year. Last year demise was not solely on the talent in the program, but also the team had just given up on the system and the coach in charge of running the defense. Don't  the defense to hold every opponent under 30, but don't expect the 50 spots to litter the scoreboard either. 
• Elijah Hood and Bug Howard to have monster years on offense. Hood has had a chip on his shoulder the entire off season after putting together a less than stellar freshman campaign. This year he shows the ACC why he was one of the top recruits coming out of high school. Howard had the best camp of all receivers. Things appear to finally be clicking for the Junior who should see many targets this year with so much focus on stopping Switzer, Davis and Hollins
• Marquise to put together an ACC POY caliber season. He's loaded with weapons and is healthy for the first time in two seasons.
• Carolina to finish in 3 way tie for second in the Coastal.

To another year of Carolina Football.... may you surprise me this year on defense and prove me wrong by ending up in Charlotte the first weekend of December. The time is now. Let's Go!

WEEK ONE #VIEWERSGUIDE: COLLEGE FOOTBALL BACK

THE NEXT 5 MONTHS OF MAYHEM IS BACK. VIEWERS GUIDE IS BACK. COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK Y'ALL.

So without further due, here is your Week 1 Viewers Guide

Thursday Nite 

Late afternoon

• Carolina vs Sakerlina; 6pm; The Mothership - The battle of the visors and the battle for border rights. This one naturally has yours truly's attention. Not only are recruiting battles and bragging rights on the line, the Guv'nahs of each state have wagered a BBQ dinner. Let's hope McCrory can throw the shit stained sandwich Sakerliners love, Maurice's BBQ, in the trash when it arrives in Raleigh. 
• OK state at directional Michigan 7pm espn u - should be a snoozer but you'll need to watch something during the commericas of Carolina vs Sakerlina

Night Games

• MICHIGAN  at UTAH 830 fs1 - Harbaugh's debut as a MICHIGAN MAN features him and his team in a very hostile environment against a very good team. Unless he's been able to give birth to a supernova of a football team, this one could get very ugly for the new MICHIGAN MAN. 
• Tcu at Minnesota 9pm - The Mothership - A sneaky road game for the highly ranked Horned Frogs as they face an inspired and up and coming Gopher squad.
• Road runners at Zona 10 pm pac 12 tv - Larry Coker gets his late night groove on with Rich Rod in a meeting of old Big East Head Coaching Foes.

Late Night

• Colarado at Hawaii - CBS Sports Network 1am - For you insomniacs, Robert Kekaula sings you to sleep with his sweet voice and bedazzled garb
  

Friday Night Lights

Late Afternoon

• Charlotte at Georgia State - Sharlitt is at the center of the college football world for a second straight afternoon with the new FBS Niners traveling Hotlanta to do battle another new Georgia State. This will be all sorts of terrible football so feel free to zone out and recharge after pulling an all nighter to watch Hawaii.

Night Games

• Sparty at directional Michigan 7pm on the U - This one could and should get ugly.
• Baylor bear at pony up 7pm the mother ship - Another Friday Night Snoozer that will get ugly very very early.
• Washington at the smurfs 1015 the mothership - This is the only game, besides your local high school battle, worth watching this Friday Evening. Former Papa Smurf Chris Peterson faces his old program, who has been listed as a dark horse candidate to shake up the big time bowls this year. 

Football Saturday

High Nooners

The noon hour is a bunch of snoozers but ill be tuned into Stanford vs Northwestern to check out the battle of the nerds, ole miss vs ut martin to watch swag Kelly in his ole miss debut.

Mid Afternooners

• Louisville vs Auburn on CBS with VERNE  330pm - Louisville carries the weight of the ACC on their shoulders as they set to due battle with an Auburn offense led by what folks are calling the next Cam Newton. The Cards should have pne of the nastiest defenses east of the Mississippi this season, so this one should be exciting to watch.
• UVA AT UCLA  on FOX at 330pm - UVA has loaded up their schedule on the Mike London Fairwell Tour. 
• Byu vs Nebraska big red ABC at 330 - A sneaky little game in bewteen two historic programs should get the average fan's interest.

Evening Games

• Zona state at A and M on The Mothership at 7pm- Rumors are these teams should both be very good this season. The personalities on the sideline are worth watching too
• Tejas at ND 730 on NBC - Two of the most historic programs in all of college football face in a Week One special that, if played 10, 20, 30 years ago, would be considered the Game of the Century. Lord Purple Face's squad expects to be a CFP contender while Strong's is likely a year or two away. If this Week One Gem from yesteryear re-emerges, then College Football becomes all of the more interesting
  

• Wisky vs Bama on ABC at 8pm - Welcome to Wisconsin, Paul Chryst! You've earned an opener again Nick Saban's best defense since 2011!

Late Night 

• Arkansas st at Southern Cal 11pm on pac 12 tv  - Southern Cal has been called the team to beat in the Pac 12 South for 2015. We'll find out a lot about their defense against the Offense Minded Arkansas State squad that's been known to put up many a' points

Sunday

• Purdue at doc holidays marshall 3pm on the U- .....pass

Monday Night Football

Ohio state at Virginia Tech 8pm The Mothership. It pains me to say I will not be attending this one. Best of luck to the #HokieFam. You can bet your mortgage that Lane Stadium with be ROCKIN.

Enjoy Week One, y'all. 

WFP

SAKERLINA GAME WEEK #UNC DBs and STs Preview

To wrap up the defensive previews. let's shift gears to a group that got carved up like a Christmas Ham this past year: The Defensive Backfield. Despite possessing of the most talent we've seen in half a decade, this group remains a mystery heading into 2015. Between the numerous missed tackles, blown coverages, and unfocused play (like you'll see below), the defensive backfield,in large part, contributed to a record shattering group( not a good record) in terms of points and yards allowed. There's a new sherrif in town coaching up the DBs, his name is Charlton Warren and he seeks to get the Rude Boyz playing back at an elite level.

No more of this, please. (h/t to Inside Carolina for the GIF)

Charlton Warren- Defensive Backs Coach

Warren, currently serving his first year on Carolina's staff, came to Chapel Hill alongside John Papuchis after a year at Nebraska. Prior to that one year term he served on the Air Force Coaching Staff with a number of roles including Defensive Coordinator, Secondary Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. His ties with Larry Fedora go back to the years Warren played at Air Force (1995-1998) when Larry was an Offensive Assistant for the Falcons. He's known for sure tackling and aggressive secondaries that often are known for holding opponents to low completion rates and passing efficiency. He posed the no spot was guaranteed method to all positions in the secondary this off-season and it's let to some fierce competitions for the two deep at each position.

Cornerbacks

Field Corner

The advantage to playing with a Field and Boundary Corner system is even if the Field Corner is the "weaker" coverage corner, the offense is forced to make the Quarterbacks make the tougher throws to the field options. These players generally have better range and play well in space. They also must be sure tacklers because the offense has more room to play around with the field side "space."

1. MJ Stewart (#6) 5-11 200 lbs Sophomore - MJ Stweart has one nothing but impress since setting foot in Chapel Hill. It seems like all of 2014 he pushed Walker for the starting nod at Field Corner. Now a sophomore, this is Stewarts time and many believe he has the potential to be considered among the Carolina Greats at Cornerback before it's all said and done.
2. Brian Walker (#5) 5-11 190 lbs Junior - A two year retunring starter is never a bad thing to have as a backup. Expect to see Walker often on the field serving as the Nickel Back in this defense. Walker has excellent range but must improve his physicality in his play. He often avoids contact in situations when Carolina needs him to get in the trenches. 
3. Kedrick Davis (#19) 5-10 180 lbs Redshirt Junior - Kedrick Davis seems like he's been at Carolina for year. Expect Davis to see most of his action on special teams unless one of the two above players go down.

Boundary Corner

The Boundary Corner always plays on the short side of the field. In college it's much easier for a QB to make a read and throw to the hort side of the field, which leads many offenses to have their first pass option throwing to the boundary side. Often times defenses will put their best coverage corner along the boundary which puts the offense in a bind.

1. Des Lawrence (#2) 6-1 185 lbs Junior - A two year returning starter at Boundary Corner, it didn;t appear that Lawrence had kept hold of the position one the highly toute Mike Hughes started practice. Many wondered if Warren had sent a message to Lawrence ones many saw Hughes at the to of the depth chart. Lawrence has excellent size for a corner, as he's built like a free safety. Carolina needs Lawrence to play less head games this year and to play with much more reckless abandon.
2. Mike Hughes (#1) 5-11 185 lbs True Freshman - The Freshman that the whole Carolina world has heard about is making a name for himself in Chapel Hill. Do not be surprised to see Mike Hughes on the field early and often this year. A freak athlete from New Bern, Hughes expects to contribute as well in the kick return and punt return game.
3. TJ Jiles (#37) 5-11 180 lbs Senior - Jiles has been a lifetime role player and special teamer since arriving in Chapel Hill. Kid's never lived up to the hype.
4. Malik Simmons (#11) 5-11 190 lbs Senior SUSPENDED - Simmons, who played often in Carolina's lost Ram Position the last couple of years finally is back to his more natural position of cornerback. The knuckle head did get into some trouble over the summer and has been suspended for the first couple of games of the season. 

Strong Safety

String safeties tend to be sized somewhat larger than a free safety. They're often called upon to provide run support like a linebacker yet have to have the range of a cornerback or free safety. Generally a strong safety gets matched up with a running back or fullback when in man coverage.

1. Donnie Miles (#15) 5-11 210 Redshirt Sophomore - Donny Miles saw most of his action his redshirt freshman year at the Ram position but has shifted back to his more natural fit of strong safety. Miles is a very physicl player who seeks contact and bring the wood. He saw more and more action as the season progressed and is poised for a breakout season in 2015.
2. Dom Green (#26) 5-11 190 lbs Junior - After having a monster season as a freshman, Green faced a setback year in 2014 and looks to rebound. Never one to shy away from contact, he was often found out of position and struggled in space in 2014. He's once again 100% healthy and 100% focused. Carolina needs Green to step up to assist in changing the defensive culture in the program. 
3. JK Britt (#29) 6-0 195 lbs True Freshman - Britt spent most of the Spring and Fall Camps atop the depth chart at Free Safety but his physicality gives him the versatility to play strong safety as well. 

Free Safety
A free safety tends to watch the play unfold and follow the ball. When in man coverage/run coverage the FS is often assigned the QB but when the QB remains in the pocket expect the FS to provide high or over the top coverage to another DB. Free safeties must have excellent range, closing speed and instincts as they are often called upon to make a read and then the play while covering the furthest distance.

1. Sam Smiley (#3) 5-11 190 lbs Redshirt Senior - Smiley, who's played about every position in the secondary finds himself atop the depth chart at Free Safety for his last season in Chapel Hill. Had a solid comeback year in 2014 after missing all of 2013 with a season ending foot injury. Has been called by the coaches as a sound leader of the group.
2. JK Britt (#29) 6-0 195 lbs True Freshman - Like mentioned above Britt gave Smiley a run for his money for the starting Free Safety spot. Britt has excellent range and football IQ for a freshman. Expect to see him on the field often in 2015.
3. Allen Artis (#4) 6-1 205 lbs Sophomore - Artis played in spots as true freshman most notably down the stretch. Will see lots of playing time on special teams this year

Special Teams

Place Kicker:  Nick Weiler #23 (Jr) gets the nod over  Freeman Jones #98 (Redshirt Freshman)

Kickoff Speacialist: Nick Weiler #23(Jr) gets the nod over  Freeman Jones (Redshirt Freshman)

Punter: Corbin Daly #90 (Redshirt Freshman) gets the nod over Joey Mangili (Jr) #23

Deep Snapper: Kyle Murphy #60 (Soph.) or Tommy Bancroft (Freshman) #61

Holder: Joey Mangili

Kick Off Return: TJ Logan, Romar Morris, Brian Walker, Mike Hughes

Punt Return: Ryan Switzer, Mike Hughes

Between the DBs and Special Teams, Carolina has it's fair share of problems associated in 2014. We had kickers who couldn't connect from outside of 30 yards and we had DBs who often avoided contact or whiffed entirely. If Carolina wants any kind of success in 2015, these two groups must be much improved.