2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 5

Carolina and yours truly were both in the win column this past weekend. Carolina bested Pitt for the 6th consecutive time since the Panthers joined the ACC and yours truly went 15-13-1 in last weeks picks. Those results have Carolina sitting with a 1-2 record, tied for the lead in the Coastal while I'm enjoying the 37-28-1 picks position that's put me in the green. Week 5 is L.O.A.D.E.D. and it's starts for yours truly's alma mater on Thursday.

THURSDAY NIGHT BALL

Carolina at The U - 8pm on the Mothership - Arguably the biggest game of the year that isn't a rivalry game. Carolina looks for a season altering win after sputtering out of the gate. Miami is an 18 point fave. Pick coming later.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Memphis (-14) at Tulane - 7pm on the Deuce - Memphis heads to the Big Easy for a lil Friday night stroll down Bourbon street. The Tigers air raid won't be stopped in the Bayou. 

UCLA at Colorado (-10) - 9pm on the FS1 - I'm predicting the continued free fall from the Bruins this Friday night. Chip is burning it all to the ground this year.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

As I alluded to it, this Saturday is LOADED. Ranked matchup is something we'll get to tune into all damn day. Absolutely cannot wait. 

High Nooners

Main Event - West 'By God' Virginia (-3.5) at Tejas Tech - High Noon on the Deuce - Big Game Billy Grier looks to add another line item for his quest for the Heisman.
Next Option - UVA (+5.5) at State - 1220 on ACC Net - I'm all in on the UVA squad. They have a somewhat decent defense aand has shown explosiveness in the run game. Here's to a Wahoo win in West Raleigh.
This is about it for the Nooner slate. Here's your Honorable Mention picks.
Klimpsun (-24) over Cuse courtesy of Trevor Lawrence, OK State -18 over Kansas.

Mid-Afternooners

The spread of mid-afternooners has the potential for complete and utter chaos with several ranked teams as double digit faves against sneaky opponents. Here are my favorite games with Chaos potential.
Baylor (+23.5) at Oklahoma - 330 on ABC
UCF (-17) vs Pitt - 330 on the U
Texas (-9) at Kansas State - 330 on FS1
VAWLS (+31.5) at UGA - CBS, you know what time
Southern Miss (+27.5) at Auburn, 4 on SEC Net

Evening Games

Given the stretch of ballgames in the afternoon slate that may have blow out potential, it's worth noting the ballgames and picks that'll peak your interest in the wedge between afternooners and night games.

Main Event - Florida (+8) at Mississippi State - 6pm on the Mothership - Thought about a bounce back game from the Dawgs but that run defense got straight EXPOSED last weekend.


Night Games

This Saturday night is likely the biggest since opening weekend. There are two main events which you'll want screens for:
Main Event A: Ohio State (-3.5) at Penn State - 730pm on ABC - A likely playoff elimination game and B1G East crown is on the line for this one. Happy Valley. White Out. Saturday Night. Sign me up.
Main Event B: Stanford (+6) at ND - 730pm on NBC - The annual meat grinder between the Cardinal and the Golden Domers arrives a tad earlier than years past. Again, this is a likely playoff elimination game for both programs. A win for Notre Dame sends the world on a full fledged Irish HYPE TRAIN.
Next Screen: BYU (+17.5) at Washington - 830 on Fox - I like Washington to get the dub in this one, but 17.5 felt like too many points against a rejuvenated Mormon empire.
Another good option: Ole Miss (+12) at LSU - 9pm on the Mothership - I somewhat wanted to take the Rebels outright in this one but Saturday Night in Death Valley prevented me. Maybe I'm living too much in the past....
Another Good Option - Virginia Tech (+5) at Duke - 7pm on the Deuce - I think Duke wins outright, but in a tight one.

Late Night

Lovely lil slate of night caps for your viewing and betting pleasure. It ven includes a matchup between two top 25 squads.

Main Event: Oregon (-2.5) at Cal - 1030 on FS1 - The Carolina fan in me wants Cal to keep winning to help my psyche out with the early season loss. However, Oregon looked straight dominant for 3 quarters last week.
Next Option - Southern Cal (-3.5) at Zona - 103 on the Deuce -  Southern Cal may have a shot at being a 9 or 10 win team after all. Too much talent to sleep on them.
Toledo at Fresno State (-8) - 1030 on the U - This is the degenerates pick this week. By no means should be interested in the game other than if you have money on it.

Enjoy the weekend. Go Heels. 

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 4 (we skipped 3)

After a week off it was time to bring the thunder and set y'all up with a weekend full of ballgames and picks. Hope this weekend doesn't disappoint as we build off a 11-5 performance in Volume 2. We're currently sitting pretty at 22-15 on the year. 

Thursday Night Football

Tulsa at Temple (-6.5) - 730 on the Mothership

We're looking insanely BLESST for a mid week American Conference snoozer. Based on what Temple did to Maryland last week, I'm all in on them and the points.

Friday Night Lights

A trio of ball games worth your time await us this Friday evening which are worth every bit of your attention

FAU (+14) at Directional Florida (UCF) - 7pm on the Mothership

90 degrees at kickoff in Orlando between two spread teams that love to run n' gun. ALL OF THE CRAMPS.

Penn State at Illinois (+28) - 9pm on B1G Net

I sorta believe in a Lovie cover. Just a hunch.

WaZu (+4) at Southern Cal - 1030pm on the Mothership

Four Verts vs a struggling SC team that looks slow? Hello Mike Leach.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

High Nooners

Another football Saturday is upon us. This week has several sneaky ballgames that could end up where Wisky found themselves around 330pm this past Saturday. The mayhem could start as early as the Noon ballgames.

Main Screen - Notre Dame (-8) at Wake Forest - High Noon on ABC

Wake showed us last week that they can put some points up on the scoreboard, while ND showed us that they still have a bad habit of overlooking opponents in their squeaker against Vandy. Will Lord Purple Face appear for his 2018 debut?

Next Screen - Louisville at UVA (-4.5) - 1230 on ACC Net

UVA looked pretty solid last week in their romp of Ohio. We're still trying to figure out L-ville. Expect lots of points in Cville this Saturday with UVA edging out the Birds.

Third Screen - UGA (-14)  at Mizzou - High Noon on the Mothership

If you enjoy watching UGA bludgeoning another squad to a pulp, tune into this one.

Fourth Screen Nebraska BIG RED (+17) at THE MICHIGAN MAN  - FS1 at High Noon

Scott Frost is burning down the house this year.  They'll keep it close for a half only for Michigan to turn on the jets in the third quarter.

My Screen - Carolina vs PITT - Pitt is currently favored by 3.5. - ACC Net at 1220pm

This is the ballgame I'll be tuned into. Will Carolina make a QB change? Will Carolina show up? Is this this just another continuation of the crumbling of the Carolina Football program. Pick in separate post.

 Honorable Picks: BC -6.5 at Purdue on the Deuce at Noon, Buffalo -7 at RUTSgers on B1G Net Deuce, Minnesota at maryland (-2.5) B1G Net at Noon

Mid-Afternooners

Main Screen- Bama vs Texas A and M (+26.5) - 330 on CBS

Never bet against Saban when  he's a double figure favorite. Never do it, well unless there's 26.5 points involved. Kellen Bond keeps this one within striking distance.

Next Screen - TCU at Texas (+4) - 430 on Fox

Safe to say Texas is finding a groove? I love this team at home especially if McConaughey is on the sideline.

Third Screen - Sakerlina at Vandy (+2.5) - 4pm on SEC Net

Vandy showed me a lot last week against ND. Defense is stingy and they play the ball control game very well. Fans of them at home in a game that'll most likely end 11-8.

Fourth Screen - Kansas State (+16.5) at West By God - 330pm on the Mothership

Will Grier keeps showcasin to the country that he's a Heisman frontrunner. Kansas State keeps reminding folks that you can never sleep on them even if you're an FCS team. I'm leaving toward a classic Bill Snyder effort that luls you to sleep and keeps this one too close for the Neers' comfort.

Honorable Picks - Virginia Tech (-28) at ODU at 330 CBSSN, Clemson -17 at Georgia Tech on ABC at 330, Northern Illinois +10 at at FSU 330 on the U

Night Games

Main Screen - Stanford at Oregon (+1.5) - 8pm on ABC

Saturday Night is Cristobal's shining moment. Ducks big at Home.

Next Screen - Wisky (-3.5) at Iowa - 830pm on Fox

A pissed off Wisky squad with a nightime roadie in Iowa City; Lawd have mercy.

Third Screen - FLOrida at Vawls (+4.5) - 7pm on the Mothership

This game used to be an elimination game for the SEC and sometime Natty Title crown. Now, it's a battle for 4th or 5th in the SEC East race. Things just aren't the way they used to be.

Fourth Screen - Sparty (-4.5) at Indiana - 730 on B1G Net

Sparty looked dreadful against HERMMMMMM out in the desert. Gotta think they'll sloppily bounce back in Bloomington.

Honorable Picks - Arkansas (+29.5) at Auburn 730 SEC Net, NC State (-5.5) at Marshall CBSSN 7pm, Miss State BULLDOGS (-10) at Kentucky on SEC Net

Late Night

Main Screen - Zona State (+18) at Washington - 1030 on the Mothership

Here's to hoping this HERM TRAIN keeps a rollin'

Second Screen - Directional Michigan at SDSU (-10.5) - 1030pm on CBSSN

SDSU introduces the Mac to Man Ball.

Third Screen - Air Force(+10.5) at Utah State - 10:15pm on the Deuce

Two options teams late at night. Yes indeed.

One Minute Before Midnight - Duquense (SHOUTS TO DA BURGH) at Hawaii  featuring this beautiful man 

SLEPT ON IT (TWICE): A Debacle Two Years in the Making

Saturday afternoon, circa 6 pm, from a little bar called Curbside Cafe, in the Fan District in Richmond, VA, I watched Carolina's Football program hit rock bottom. Following a thorough ass kicking at the hands of what many thought was a candidate for the worst program in FBS, the boys in Carolina Blue, and the coach, showed little regard for what occurred in Dowdy-Fickett that afternoon. Midway through third quarter, I too, quit. I had had enough. I promptly asked the bartender to turn off that embarrassing effort and the submersed into the rest of the afternoon and evening slate. Watching the likes of A&M vs Clemson, Georgia vs Sakerlina, and Stanford vs SC, I felt the ever growing itch for big time 'ball to find a home in Chapel Hill. While we sniffed periods off big time 'ball finding a home in Chapel Hill in 2015, that kind of program never settled there. Instead, it pulled a quick move (like yours truly in Ohio) and vanished as quick as it came. Does Big Time College Football have a place in Chapel Hill? Sure it does. However, Head Coach Larry Fedora is no longer the captain to man that ship.

The date is December 6th, 2015. Carolina had just taken eventual National Runner-Up Clemson to the brink in the ACC Championship Game. Many argued that Carolina had been shorted off a chance to tie the ball game following a terrible offside penalty on a successful onside kick. Excitement and program trajectory was the highest it had been since the off-season prior to the 2010 season. Needless to say, that excitement was short lived. A measly 24 days later, UNC was pasted by a Baylor team led by their 4th string quarterback. I should have seen the writing on the wall. What followed the highest of highs was followed by performances where the defense was straight dominated by Baylor and UGA. The issues of 2013-2014 began to resurface in 2016 when the defense couldn't stop a beach ball and offense lacked rhythm and cohesiveness. Inconsistency, undisciplined play, questionable coaching and in-game decision making returned as the overwhelming theme of Carolina's Football program. These themes are as apparent as ever in the box score:

Since the end of the 2015 regular season:
- UNC has failed to finish the year ranked in the Top 25
- UNC is 2-8 against Top 25 competition
- UNC is 7-15 against P5 competition
- UNC is 0-4 against In-State Rivals NC State and Duke. They will be 0-6 by the end of this season unless a miracle occurs.
- UNC recruiting ranking average is on a consistent downward trend since 2011 (even post sanctions)

These figures are completely unacceptable.

With each transition, there's plenty at stake: money, the human element, the right fit, timing, etc. I cannot see UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham making a move without a plan and unfortunately a plan takes time. My bet is Larry Fedora's time in Chapel Hill ends following the 2018 campaign. There's too much money on the line ($13M+) to decide to fire a head coach following game two. My bet is the situation will be handled similar to John Bunting, an announcement sometime during October or early November. Fedora will be and SHOULD BE allowed to coach the rest of the season. You can't overlook Larry guiding the ship when the NCAA owned all real estate in our program's shorts.

Concurrently Bubba and his team will work to have a succession plan in place, one that gives them the right hire and the right time. While hire timing has a new variable with the early signing period, it's worth reminding folks, the upcoming hire isn't about saving the 2019 class. The next hire about setting up the foundation for the incoming classes of 2020 and beyond. It's about finding the coach who'll finally get big time 'ball to stay in Chapel Hill.

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE: VOL. 2

back and better than ever, ready to kick off another weekend in the college football world. Like in years past, the excitement surrounding Week 2 isn't quite the hype that surrounds week 1. With the the slate of games this upcoming weekend, I suggest to the readership to enjoy what may be the last lowkey weekend of football until early February. This week's line up of games will likely be just be a tad "meh," but it also could be the first CHAOS WEEK of the 2018 season.

Last Weeks Picks: 11-10

THURSDAY NIGHT BALL

- No Thursday Night Action in the College Realm. Instead here's to the Philadelphia Eagles dropping half a hundred on that trash NFL organization located in Atlanta. GO THERS. 

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

TCU at SMU (+23) - 8pm on the Deuce - We have some action this Friday night that shouldn't disappoint. SMU looks to pull themselves out of the wreckage that comes from getting blasted by a directional Texas school (lost 46-23 to North Texas), while TCU is riding high after tattooing a AA school. I sorta like the Frogs running away with this one but for SMU to at least put up a fight for a half. BELIEVE IN SONNY DYKES.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

High Nooners

Main Event - Arizona at Houston (-3.5) - ABC/The Deuce Combo at High Noon - Khalil Tate vs Ed Oliver. Need I say more?

Next Option - CLANGA (-9) at Kansas State  - High Noon on the Mothership - Kansas State showed absolutely nothing in their opener. Gptta think Billy Snyder did that on purpose.

Another One - GiT at South Florida (+3.5) - ABC/The Deuce Combo at High Noon -Blake Barnett and Charlie Strong look like the have some solid chemistry. I like them straight up against Paul "Backwoods" Johnson. 

Honorable Mention - UCLA (+31) at Oklahoma - 1pm on Fox - the Sooners looked like they hadn't missed a beat with Bake Mayfield headed to the pros, while UCLA looked dreadful in Chip's debut. Bounce back potential in a game where there's a ton of points to cover?

Mid-Afternooners

Main Event: UGA (-10) at Sakerlina - 330 on CBS -  Sorta wish Verne tha GAWD would come out of retirement and make a guest appearance. Cola will be insane for this ballgame between border rivals, but UGA has a few too may weapons in the arsenal.

Next Option: Memphis at Navy (+6.5) - CBSSN at 330 - The American conference is coming in hot with this opener between squads that are usually in the running for the title come year's end. Early elimination game on CBS's extra network.

Another One - Colorado at Nebraska BIG RED (-3.5) - ABC at 330 - one of the fiercest rivalries that rarely played anymore. Nebraska fans and Colorado fans hate each other. What better way to celebrate Frost's debut after last week was rained out. 

Toilet Bowl - Carolina (-14) at ECU - The U at 330 - The battle for the worst FBS football team in North Carolina is set to kick off in Greenville this Saturday. Lord help me if Carolina loses this one.

Late Afternoon

EL ASSICO - 5PM ON FOX - Thank you so much to the Shutdown Fullcast guys for their preview of Iowa vs Iowa State 

Night Games

Main Event - Clemson at A and M (+12) - 7pm on the Mothership - Jimbo's first crack at Dabo at his new gig. We also may catch Trevor Lawrence if Kelly Bryant implodes. 

Next Option - Southern Cal at Stanford (-5.5) - 830 pm on FOX - After week 1 one, we still don't know much about either one of these teams. Just root for chaos.

Another One - Penn State at Pitt (+9) - 8pm on ABC - Could be the last Penn State vs Pitt game for a very long time. Let's see how the Nittany Lions respond after last week with a night game against a self proclaimed non-rival.

Honorable Mention - UVA (+6) at Indiana - B1G Network at 730 -  I'm gonna believe in Bronco in this one, although I'm fully prepared to get Mike London'd. 

Late Night

Go ahead and order those extra few pitchers and that pizza you don't need but deserve.... late night finna be lit. 

Main Event - Sparty (-6) at Zona State - 1030pm on the Mothership - This gonna be Herm's first upset or nah?

Next Option - Cal (+3) at BYU - 1015 on the Deuce - Cal made me a believer last week. \

Streaming Option - Rice at Hawaii (-17.5) - Midnight - Watchstadium.com - Bobby K bringing that fire. 

SLEPT ON IT (Twice): Cal Aftermath

Full disclosure: I did not watch the Carolina game in it's entirety until yesterday (Sunday) morning. A wedding full of yard work/concrete work, a Bar Mitzvah and a wedding of a close friend sorta took precedence.

Carolina boasted in the off-season about how this past year was sort of the effect of many unfortunate causes. However, what many of us watched this past weekend, seemed to be the same ol' thing, just in another season. While I worked to pull myself of the wreckage that came from watching two not very good football teams battle in front of what many in the Southeast and Midwest would deem as a "meh" crowd, I struggled to put this one to bed Saturday night. I fear that this program has fallen off of a cliff since their brief peak in 2015. But, instead of getting all worked up about yesterday, it's time to at least focus on the positives and the areas needing improvement to not let this season spiral.

What Went Well

The defense was not awful 
- Linebacker play looked like the best it's been since 2015. I really liked what i saw out of Dominique Ross. While he didn't wow you on the stat chart, he made crucial stops in situations Carolina needed to give them a shot at a comeback. I also loved how he was always around the ball when a tackle was made. The kid flows great from sideline to sideline and was tremendous in coverage.
- At Defensive Line, the levees didn't break. Time and time last year and in 2016, it seemed like the DL would be gassed from being on the field the entire game and our opponent would put Carolina away with a big play late. Despite numerous opportunities in the second half for Cal to blow the game wide open, they couldn't get it done. The front four provided pressure all game and I'm hopeful this front seven can carry this team. Malik Carney is a Grown Ass Man.
- No Quit. Last year, we watched the fire exit the team mid game. Didn't happen in Berkeley. Carolina roared back in the second half after being down 3 scores only to have a botched call prevent them from a shot at tying the ball game. This team will have to fight all year long.

Special Teams 
- This may end up being our best unit for the year. Punt coverage was tremendous and the return men showed signs of being able to break on big. Freeman Jones showed he can split the uprights from 40 yards plus and that he's got a pretty good leg for onside kicks. Special teams play will win us a game this fall.

What Didn't

Quarterback Play 
- Definitely the "uhhhhh ya think" take for this thread, Nathan Elliot was dreadful Saturday. He never looked comfortable, made the wrong reads on run/pass option time and time again, and play scared and timid. While he didn't get much help from his offensive line, he never looked like he was in control of the offense. This is certainly a cause for concern because rumors were we was the favorite to start over Surratt, even before the suspension.

Offensive Line Play
- We got whipped up front schematically and at the point of attack. Whether in pass pro or in run fits, the offensive line struggled to block the undersized 3-4 base attack from the Cal Bears. This is exceptionally concerning given that their defense is really nothing to write home about. Some of the vets and youngsters that make up this unit need to grow up fast.

 The "Smart" part of Smart, Fast, Physical
- Bad turnovers, poor play calling and a plethora of turnovers seem to be the big takeways from Saturdays ball game. Carolina hit that trifecta with ease in a season opener where we were promised otherwise. It's one thing to take a penalty and to take it making a a play or being aggressive in pursuit. However, when the the penalty yards pile up (13 penalties for 124 yards) for procedures and late hits, that's on the coaching.

Where does Carolina Football go from here?

Literally only one result is acceptable next week: Beat ECU. A loss sets this team and program back, and Larry will be looking for a new job in 2019.

As always, Go Heels.

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 1

As I mentioned, we're headed back to our roots. Rooted early on on this forum was a game preview, that highlighted the week's biggest games, which soon evolved into a Viewers Guide, which was made more fun and interesting with picks where pride and money was on the line. 2018 will continue that tradition. Here is your Week 1 Viewers Guide....

THURSDAY NITE

It all starts Thursday Night. This year we may be lost on opening night because Sakerlina isn't the center of the College Football Universe on a Thursday in late August. Instead we get a smorgasbord of openers that features Peak B1G and The conFLiCT.

Main Screen -  Northwestern (+1) at Purdue - 8pm on the Mothership - Brohm is definitely the guy Purdue needs to grow the brand and program at Purdue. Gotta remember he's in year two. NW but close.
Secondary - UCF at UCONN (+23.5) - 7pm on the U - A game that features a trophy tthe winner doesn't want to acknowledge or bring home. Expect UCF, BIG.
Last Option - Wake Forest at Tulane (+6.5) -  CBSSN at 8pm - Y'all don't sleep on Willie Fritz. He's gonna land a big job in the next couple of years as long as he keeps up his momentum.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Friday doesn't really have any ballgames that jump off the screen at ya, but there are some sneaky ballgames that'll keep you plugged in.

Main Screen (Early) - Army (+14) at Duke - 7pm on the U -  I love the Army value this Friday. Duke should be solid, as the normally are under Cutcliffe. Army's Triple Option Threat was downright dirty last year and bested Duke nearly 9 months ago.
Main Screen (Later) - San Diego State (+14.5) at Stanford - 9pm on FS1 - San Diego State could give Stanford everything they can handle with so many questions looming at Quarterback for the Cardinal.
Secondary - Directional Kentucky Hilltoppers (+37) at Wisky - 9pm on the Mothership - Big Red is headed to a buzzsaw in Madison, but they'll force a late cover.
Last Option - Colorado at Colorado State (-7.5) at 9:30 on CBSSN - Bobo's hoping to bounce back. He will against in-state rival, Colorado.



FOOTBALL SATURDAY

High Nooners
The High Nooner slate features three ball games that I think you'll want to put action on a stay tuned in to. It also features a game we're putting on UPSET ALERT.
Texas at Maryland (+13.5) - Noon on FS1 - With all of negatives press swirling around Maryland, it just seems obvious that Texas is primed for a near letdown moment.
FAU (+21) at Oklahoma - Noon on FOX - Future University of North Carolina Head Coach Lane Kiffin looks to play spoiler in Norman in a year that the Sooners believe is "the year." It'll be a treat watching former stars from Last Chance U give the Sooners everything they can handle.
Ole Miss (+2.5) vs Tejas Tech in Houston - High Noon on the Mothership - The Landsharks are now official. Ole Miss is gonna surprise some folks this year as the program is still loaded with talent.
UPSET ALERT: James Madison over State in Raleigh...... BELIEVE

Mid-Afternooners
The Mid Afternoon slate has a bit more variety and excitement than the Nooners. We have a top 10 match up that could be repeated in the playoff and the door is oppen for more FCS Upsets.

Main Event - Washington (+2) vs Auburn in ATL... on the Mothership at 330 - Big game Chris Peterson makes an appearance early on in a city he's had success. Barners lose their mind shortly after.

Next Up - Tennessee (+10) vs WVU - 330 on CBS - Vol Nation starts a new era and I think they're gonna like what they see. 

Last Option - App State(+24) at Penn State on B1G Net at 330 - II sorta love the Neers for a value pick in this one.

UPSET ALERT - U of R over UVA. 

Night Games 

The night game slate should be so much better than it acutally is, but on paper there's a bunch of snoozers.

Main Event - Michigan at Notre Dame (-1) at 730 on NBC - Sorry Harbaugh.... I'm picking ND big at home at night. 

Next Up - Boise State at Troy (+10) - ESPN News at 6 - Never sleep on a Troy team at home. Never. 

Last Option - Louisville vs Bama (+24.5) - 8pm on ABC - Bama by 100 on this one. Bobby P will be interviewing for a new job this time next week.

UPSET ALERT - SDSU over Iowa. This would be PEAK Kirk Ferentz. Lose to SDSU, Beat Wisky and Penn State.

Late Night

Main Event - BYU (+12) at Zona - 1045 on the Mothership -BYU's gonna surprise some folks this year. Sumlinhas a lot to fix.

/TSA at Zona State (-17.5) -FSI at 1030 - HERMSSSSSSS BIG DEBUT

Navy (-11.5) at Hawai'i - 11 on CBSSN -  Hawaii Football afterdark means one thing and one thing only.... the GAWD 

WE BACK: INTRO TO 2018

Following that sappy post, it's time to get back to what we do best here: college football opinions, sometimes intelligent and insightful, with a sharp Carolina Tar Heel bias. After a disappointing 2016 8-5 campaign where Carolina couldn't find rhythm and a dreadful 3-9 season in 2017 littered with attrition, there seems to be some passive optimism that 2018 should provide an uptick in excitement. Let's explore to see the last times Carolina had a "dreadful season" and whether or not the program bounced back.

1988 and 1989 under Mack Brown - Both Seasons 1-10
Mack Brown posted the two worst football seasons in modern history his first two seasons at the helm as Carolina's Head Ball Coach. In a time when cross-town rival Duke was at it's late 20th Century Peak under Spurrier, it was a tough time to root for the Heels. Fortunately the off season prior 1990 brought Carolina the talent that helped Mack turn the program around and string together what would become the most prominent football years Carolina's ever had. 6-4-1 and 7-4 preceded Carolina's first bowl game under the Mack, when Carolina won the Peach Bowl and finished 9-3.

1999 under Carl Torbush - 3-8
Carolina hit a valley like they had a decade prior in Carl Torbush's second complete season, following up a somewhat disappointing 7-5 1998 campaign. This team, like 2017's Carolina squad was riddled with injuries. Rumors are school officials wanted to fire him following this season but player and fan support kept him around for another season. After another rough season in 2000, Torbush's time in Chapel Hill was up. 6-5 was not enough to keep around the man who led Carolina's wrecking ball, NFL talent filled defenses of the mid and late 1990s.

2003 Under John Bunting - 2-10
Bunting, a Carolina alum, led one of the most inconsistent eras in the history of Carolina Football. His first season at the helm produced an exciting 8-5 stint that included a huge upset of then 6th ranked Florida State. His 2001 was followed up with 3-9 in 2002 and 2-10 in 2003. Bunting assured folks around the program that they were on the right path and for at least one year, he walked the walk. Under Darian Durant, Bunting's squad posted a 6-6 record and earned a spot in the Continental Tire Bowl.

2006 Under John Bunting - 3-9
The 2006 Campaign was the final under Bunting's tutelage. His departure opened the door for Carolina to make the biggest name hire since the Mack, when the Heels brought on board Butch Davis. Davis, who built Miami back into a national power in the late 1990s, had just become available after a several year stint in the NFL. Butch had a new challenge ahead of him: to make Carolina a name.

2007 under Butch Davis - 4 -8*
I have to put an asterisk on that record for, while on paper, the record appears dismal, there was so much excitement and upward trajectory surrounding the Carolina program. Carolina lost 6 of 8 games by a touchdown or less and had just landed a top 10 recruiting class the previous February. Excitement was high for the program and Butch was building a foundation.

2017 under Larry Fedora - 3-9
Just two season removed from an ACC Coastal title and near upset of National Runner Up Clemson Tigers, Carolina sputtered to a 3-9 finish, which included 6 game skid in the heart of the schedule. The reasons for the set back of year mounted throughout the season and off season. Carolina saw wicked attrition on the offensive side of the ball from 2016, faced a plague of season ending injuries from 75% of the original 24 starters, and struggled with coaching cohesiveness as coaches shared play calling and formation duties. Carolina was forced to combat the attrition and youth with ramping back the offense and defense and focus on fundamentals. The team could barely tread water.

So where does this program go from here?

Of of the best ways to gauge a program trajectory in the college football realm is a combination of the following: previous results, returning experience and talent level, incoming/future talent level and player development through recruiting and coaching. Since Fedora set foot in Chapel Hill, he and his staff have preached recruiting the right type and best talent available and developing them through their system. His recruiting rankings at Carolina to date are as follows (Thanks 24/7 Sports for your composite rankings)
2012 (inherited class) - 41st nationally/6th in the ACC
2013 (first true class) - 28th/5th
2014 - 30th/4th
2015 - 28th/4th
2016 - 32nd/5th
2017 - 29th/5th
2018 - 20th/4th
2019 (current) - 64th/13th...

Despite Carolina's worst season since 1999, Carolina posted their best recruiting ranking since Larry set foot in Chapel Hill. Most of this was built off of the peak years during Larry's stint in 2015 and 2016, where Carolina was at the top of the ACC Coastal. However, sort of like how Carolina trailed off in the 2016 season and plummeted in 2017, next years recruiting rankings have taken a hit. Carolina only has two commits from the Top 50 recruits in the State of North Carolina, while state has several. If Carolina wants to get back to the level of play we saw in 2015 and parts of 2016, they have to get their recruiting back in order. At least for 2018 and 2019, Carolina should benefit the talent that's been brought in and developed the past few season. A positive, all of last year's suspensions yielded opportunities for Carolina to gain experience across the returning the two deep. The negative, 13 players were suspended for trying to make money off of their namesake (GOD FORBID) which was mostly comprised of returning starters (. Early on, Carolina will have to overcome the suspensions handed down and once again develop young, inexperienced talent. Carolina is able to stagger the suspensions to minimize the damage early on. With a September that includes roadies at Cal, ECU and The U and a home date against a hot UCF program, Carolina will need players to play above their heads as they ease into another season.