HOW TO GET TO POSTSEASON
At this stage in Tech's evolution it's not so much a matter of how it'll get to the postseason (it has gone to bowls in 19 consecutive seasons), but rather how good the postseason will be for the
KEY SCHEDULE STRETCH
The last time Tech played Clemson and FSU in the same season was 2007, and the Hokies came away with a win on the road against the Tigers and a victory in Blacksburg against the
STRENGTH
Though James Gayle insists Tech's defensive line is getting slightly undue praise this preseason, there's no denying the Hokies have a ton of ability and quality depth at both end and tackle spots. Gayle, a Bethel High graduate, has All-ACC caliber skills at end. Junior J.R. Collins has similar potential at the other end. While Derrick Hopkins will man one of the starting tackle jobs for a second straight season, his brother, Antoine (back from a torn ACL), and Luther Maddy are interchangeable pieces at the other tackle. Corey Marshall, who plays end and tackle, and defensive end Tyrel Wilson, a Hampton High graduate, have enough experience to make them potential starters if they were on other teams. Zack McCray, who also plays both line positions, and defensive tackle Kris Harley are both highly recruited backups. Tech was 14th in the nation in rushing defense last season (giving up 104 yards per game). With this kind of depth up front, Tech could hold opponents under 100 yards rushing per game for first time since '07 (87 yards per game that season).
CONCERN
Since becoming a member of the ACC, Tech has had more first-team all-conference representatives at kicker and punter (four players) than any other team in the conference, which has to frustrate coach
NEWCOMERS/RESERVES
While the impact of new faces will obviously be felt at punter, there's also going to ample opportunity for true freshmen to step in and get a ton of reps in the backfield and in the secondary. J.C. Coleman will split carries with redshirt freshman Michael Holmes, and freshman Trey Edmunds could find his way on the field in certain situations, or if injuries take a toll on other running backs. In the secondary, cornerback Donaldven Manning enrolled in January, participated in spring practices and established himself right away as a No. 2 option. Donovan Riley has also had a promising preseason, working at No. 2 cornerback. After sitting out last season following his transfer from Georgia, sophomore Brent Benedict has taken over the starting job at right guard. At wide receiver, there's a chance true freshmen Joel Caleb and Joshua Stanford could see significant playing time after making favorable impressions from the start of preseason practice.
ASSISTANT COACH
It wouldn't be too surprising to see outside programs begin to covet secondary coach Torrian Gray for a defensive coordinator role. At 38 years old, his star is definitely still on the rise. For the past 21 consecutive seasons, Tech has had at least one defensive back earn first- or second-team honors in the
BEST/WORST CASE SCENARIO
By the end of the season, Tech could have a school single-season passing yardage record-setting quarterback in Logan Thomas and All-America caliber defensive standouts in James Gayle and Kyle Fuller. The bad news is all three of those guys are juniors and could take off for the
HOW TO GET TO POSTSEASON
It's pretty simple: win the games they should win.
KEY SCHEDULE STRETCH
We'll discover everything we need to know about U.Va. this season before the end of September. Sure, U.Va. can stink up the joint pretty bad in September and still have a decent chance to make a bowl game, but the slate in the first month will let us know if U.Va. has taken a big step forward or if the season will be an uphill climb. After opening with Richmond, U.Va. will play Penn State, at Georgia Tech, at Texas Christian and against Louisiana Tech (not a pushover by any stretch) — all in September. A winning record at the end of the month could propel U.Va. to a special season, especially if that winning record is an unexpected 4-1 or better. The last time U.Va. got out of September with more than two wins was 2007, when it went 4-1 in the opening month, played in the
STRENGTH
There's a wealth of running back options, and yet, there's plenty of room for improvement in the ground game. With senior Perry Jones (915 yards last season), sophomores Kevin Parks (709 yards last season),
CONCERN
Coming into preseason practices, cornerback Demetrious Nicholson was the only projected returning starter in a secondary that also included projected first teamers Drequan Hoskey at cornerback and
NEWCOMERS/RESERVES
No new arrival in the entire ACC may have come with more buzz than quarterback Phillip Sims, a graduate of Oscar Smith High in Chesapeake who transferred from Alabama. He was deemed immediately eligible by the
ASSISTANT COACH
Getting Lazor back for another season didn't look like a sure thing in February when he was flirting with the
BEST/WORST CASE SCENARIO
If U.Va. can get past Penn State, and can slip in a victory either at Georgia Tech, at Texas Christian, at
— By Norm Wood
HOW TO GET TO POSTSEASON
Keep doing what they've done. In just the third season of football and first year as a full member of the best FCS league in the country, all
KEY SCHEDULE STRETCH
The schedule gods smiled on ODU in its final season of FCS football. Eight games in the state of Virginia. No road trip north of Baltimore. Mid-season bye. No daunting stretches, no matter how much the coaches try to convince you otherwise. The closest thing to a gauntlet the 'Narchs face is the three-week October stretch of
STRENGTH
Offensive playmakers everywhere you look. The 'Narchs averaged 36.7 points per game last season. They return four of the top six rushers, six of the top eight receivers and nine guys who scored touchdowns. They're led, of course, by Heinicke, the sophomore triggerman who seems built for this offense. He's accurate, elusive, a little quicker than you think and nearly always makes good decisions. His primary targets are All-CAA Nick Mayers (62 catches, 11 TD), Antonio Vaughan (47, 4) and Larry Pinkard (37, 9). There are a wealth of options at running back, as well, starting with 210-pound Angus Harper (633 yards, 4.5 avg) and Colby Goodwyn (581, 4.5). Goodwyn (Phoebus) was slowed by injuries at mid-season, but should be healthy. The Monarchs also get back sophomore Tyree Lee (Phoebus), whose freshman season was cut short by a torn meniscus in his knee. Harper and Goodwyn also are capable pass catchers. Elsewhere, it's hard to overlook punter Jonathan Plisco (Woodside). The All-American averaged 46.1 yards per kick and had 20 punts of at least 50 yards. Heinicke also proved himself an effective punter, when ODU chose to quick-kick in attempts to pin opponents.
CONCERNS
The defensive line. Yes, the Monarchs return all-conference nose guard Chris Burnette (49 tackles, 8 TFL), but they must replace tackle Ronnie Cameron, the CAA Defensive POY, and end Ed McClam. The 'Narchs hope that Burnette will be able to do for his mates what Cameron and McClam did for him — occupy blockers and permit those around him to make plays when he can't make them himself. Redshirt senior tackle Erik Saylor (20 tackles, 4.5 TFL) is the most experienced returning lineman. Redshirt sophomore Dominique Guinn-Bailey (15 tackles) and junior Nate Barnes (Heritage) were in the tackle rotation last season. To add depth and experience along the front, the Monarchs moved Kai Blanco from tight end to defensive tackle and Alex Arain from linebacker to end. Problems up front were illuminated in the playoff loss to Georgia Southern and in the first half against James Madison.
NEWCOMERS/RESERVES
Both lines and the defensive secondary will feature some new faces. Connor Mewbourne, a redshirt freshman from Virginia Beach, is in the mix to replace three-year starter Jeremy Hensley at center. D.J. Morrell, a 6-6, 300-pound lineman from
ASSISTANT COACH
When the head coach fires the defensive coordinator three days after a tremendously successful season that includes a playoff appearance, it's not hard to figure that the new guy is under the microscope.
BEST/WORST CASE SCENARIO
Best case: Heinicke plays like, well, Heinicke. The running backs and receivers remain healthy. The offensive line gels. Special teams continue to create headaches, flip the field and result in more offensive possessions. The defense improves incrementally. Shoot, just a 15-percent improvement would reduce opponents' scoring to under 24 points per game and fewer than 330 yards per game. That would take some heat off of the offense to win shootouts. Such a formula will get them nine wins, which would guarantee a playoff berth. Worst case: What happened in the second quarter of the UMass game. When three-year starting QB Thomas DeMarco went down with an ankle injury, it left the position in the hands of an untested rookie. If Heinicke were to get hurt, it's hard to imagine his backup pulling off a similar run. The O-line is erratic, which will hurt the run game more than the Monarchs' quick passing attack. The D-line gets run on. ODU gets everyone's best shot and loses a couple of games it shouldn't.
HOW TO GET TO POSTSEASON
William and Mary made the playoffs two of the previous three years, so there are coaches, and players, who know what's required. Knowing and doing, however, are horses of a different stripe. First order of business is identifying a consistent, productive quarterback and a couple of playmakers at wide receiver. Unlike any number of Jimmye Laycock's previous teams, offense was the issue for last year's 5-6, bottom-half squad. The closest thing to a star player the Tribe has is cornerback B.W. Webb, but he can be marginalized. Without a transcendent figure, a truly collective effort is needed. The offense must average at least 24 points per game. Kicker Drake Kuhn must extend his range a bit and improve his accuracy. The defense must force a few more turnovers and the team record a positive turnover margin. Details and as few as three or four plays per game can make the difference.
KEY SCHEDULE STRETCH
The Towson-Delaware exacta in mid-September will provide an early glimpse into the Tribe's conference, and national, prospects. But given the strength of the league and the fact that nobody is going unscathed, the four-game stretch of James Madison, Maine, New Hampshire and Old Dominion, from mid-October to mid-November, is the test. All four teams made the playoffs last year. JMU, New Hampshire and ODU are on the road, with only Maine at home. And don't think it escaped the Black
STRENGTH
Several areas, but we'll go with the defensive secondary. Senior cornerback B.W. Webb (Warwick) is first-team All-CAA and one of the best in FCS. He has 37 starts, by far the most of any Tribe player. There's depth and talent at safety with senior Brian Thompson, junior Jerome Couplin III and sophomore Ivan Tagoe. Thompson was second-team all-conference at strong safety in 2011, with 68 tackles. Couplin started seven games at free safety last season, with 47 tackles. Tagoe played 10 games last year and started against ODU. Those guys, along with underclassmen DeAndre
CONCERNS
Quarterback and wide receiver. The Tribe's at-times anemic passing attack last season was due to injuries and inconsistency at both positions. Passing game issues in the Tribe's system are as often a result of a receiver missing a read as a quarterback missing a throw. W&M experienced plenty of both. The QB battle likely comes down to upperclassmen Brent Caprio and Michael Graham. Both started games last season. Graham set himself apart in the middle of the season until a broken finger shelved him. Caprio finally developed some comfort and traction at the end of the season. Notably, he led the game-winning, last-second drive at Richmond in the season finale. At receiver, talented Ryan Moody will try to remain healthy for an entire season. Sophomore Tre McBride tries to get his decision making and route running to catch up to his physical gifts. Behind them, there is little experience, but much opportunity.
NEWCOMERS/RESERVES
Redshirt freshman DeAndre Houston-Carson will line up at cornerback opposite Webb, guaranteeing that he will see more throws than his all-conference compadre. Houston-Carson, 6-1 and 190 pounds, was on the travel squad all last season, but didn't play a snap. Coaches and players have touted him since he arrived on campus. He was a two-way, all-district player from Woodford and Massaponax High. Redshirt freshman Luke Rhodes could see action at outside linebacker, where he is penciled in behind starter Airek Green. Rhodes, 6-2 and 230 pounds, was a two-time 3A all-state pick in Pennsylvania. Redshirt freshman Jared Templeton could figure into the rotation at defensive tackle. The coaches like redshirt freshman safety Jared Velasquez from Fairfax, but he'll have a hard time getting on the field with the folks in front of him. He could see time as a punt returner. The Tribe typically has few freshmen or redshirt freshmen as every-down players, though wide receiver Tre McBride played last season as a true freshman — as much a reflection of depth at wide receiver as his ability.
ASSISTANT COACH
Longtime offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Zbig Kepa has much work ahead. He must prepare a relatively untested group of receivers, and formulate game plans and call plays tailored to quarterbacks with their own skill sets. Kepa, in his 29th season, has just one proven receiver in Ryan Moody, though Moody (6 games, 10 catches last season) has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. Gifted sophomore Tre McBride (14 catches) may have played last season before he was ready. Senior backups Joey Brady and C.J. Thomas had two catches between them in 2011. In the Tribe's system, playing receiver is as much mental as physical, with receivers expected to make adjustments based on coverages and play calls. At quarterback, Brent Caprio and Michael Graham have different strengths. Neither separated himself in the spring, meaning summer camp performance and evaluations are critical. Though to be fair, at least three quarterbacks have played significant snaps each of the past two seasons because of injury and inconsistency — further complicating Kepa's life.
BEST/WORST CASE SCENARIO
Best case: Graham and/or Caprio do a passable Mike Callahan imitation — especially the TD-to-INT ratio. Moody remains healthy, and at least one other receiver emerges. The Tribe's multiple backs combine for 1,500 yards rushing. On defense, opposing passers challenge Webb too often. The speedy, versatile back seven complements the front four, allowing the Tribe to blitz when it wants, not as the only means of generating pressure. Worst case: No quarterback emerges, leaving the offense as vanilla as Amish nightlife. Somebody again sticks pins in the Moody voodoo doll and the receiver corps reprises 2011. Injuries and inconsistency affect the defensive front four. The Tribe's smallish linebacker corps gets handled by opposing lines and cannot shed blocks. The defensive backs get worn down by constant run support, except when they find themselves chasing receivers that have snuck behind them. Early losses to Towson and Delaware leave them disheartened in advance of a difficult four-game stretch at the end of the season.
HOW TO GET TO POSTSEASON
Not this time around. The NCAA red-flagged the
KEY SCHEDULE STRETCH
First, a hearty "Job well done" to the athletic administration for this season's 10-game schedule. They honestly couldn't find a third non-conference opponent? Or maybe they wanted to emulate the
STRENGTH
Linebacker, without question. The Pirates have two all-conference candidates in Delbert Tyler and Lyndell Gibson. The third starter, middle linebacker DeVonte' Hawkins, apparently gave the rest of the defense the day off versus
CONCERNS
The Pirates need people to catch the ball, since they're implementing the Air Raid system. Senior Javaris Brown (44 catches, 10.5 avg., 2 TDs) is the only experienced receiver, and he, like everyone else on the roster, is new to the scheme. HU lost three of its top four receivers from last season and has a bunch of holes to fill. The sophomore trio of Leon Shorter, Jorrian Washington and Andre Griffin are penciled into the early two-deep, but they totaled just four receptions among them last season. The Pirates also have a handful of freshmen and redshirt freshmen wide receivers who could earn playing time. They vary from small and quick (5-9, 170-pound J'Rod Beard and 5-9, 180-pound Rashad Riddick) to tall and rangy (6-4, 200-pound Matrick Belton and 6-5, 220-pound SeQuan Gill). The Air Raid also includes running backs in the passing game. The Pirates appear in good shape there, since lead back Antwon Chisholm caught 29 passes for 192 yards last season.
NEWCOMERS/RESERVES
Want to engage head coach Donovan Rose? Mention strong safety Carvin Johnson. The 6-2, 205-pound junior transfer from
ASSISTANT COACH
Earnest Wilson is the Pirates' fourth offensive coordinator in four years, but he is productive, imaginative and likely to stick. A disciple of the Hal Mumme/Mike Leach Air Raid system, he turned Jackson State's 1987 Buick station wagon of an offense into the No. 1 statistical group in the Football Championship Subdivision in just two years. He has coached at a lot of places, including Division II and D-III schools and Arena League ball. Last season, Jax State led in total offense (490.91) and was ninth in scoring offense (35.82), setting a slew of school records in the process. He aims to do similar things at HU. He doesn't have a big-time quarterback or experienced receivers, but he believes the present personnel give the Pirates a chance to succeed right away. The Pirates were solid on offense last year, but had trouble making plays when necessary. The players are becoming increasingly comfortable with the system and think it will propel them to the top of the MEAC.
BEST/WORST CASE SCENARIO
Best case: Wilson's new offense takes hold. Travis Champion, or one of the other quarterbacks, get the ball to the playmakers. The new scheme catches early opponents off guard, before they can adequately scout and compile a book on the offense. The defensive line plays opposing offensive lines to a push, allowing potentially excellent linebackers and secondary to make tackles. The team cuts in half last season's ridiculous penalty yardage (115.1 per game). Kicker Taurean Durham is money inside 40 yards. Punter Jordan Stovall gooses his average a bit and is better at pinning opponents. A fast start and early wins provide momentum for the remainder of the season. Worst case: The offense sputters early and takes time to produce. The young receivers play tight. The defensive line gives up far too much at the point of attack. The Pirates lose a few games early that they might have won later in the season, when everyone was finally on the same page. But those early losses become discouraging, without the promise of postseason or a conference championship.
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT
HOW TO GET TO POSTSEASON
Two ways: Win the USA South Conference title again (which creates its own special brand of dyspepsia among certain league honchos, who would like the Captains gone yesterday); or, defeat the three quality non-conference opponents to start the season and tie for the league title with, say, one loss. Without the conference title and accompanying automatic playoff berth, a 9-1 record should be sufficient to earn an at-large bid. CNU has made the playoffs eight of its 11 years of existence, winning the title outright or the tiebreaker for the automatic bid seven times. The Captains are on a 12-game league winning streak, dating back to 2010. They return at least 20 guys who started games on last year's unbeaten conference team, including all three quarterbacks, and playmakers on both sides of the ball. If they don't make the playoffs again, it will be a disappointment.
KEY SCHEDULE STRETCH
Out of the chute and October. The Captains open at home against national power Salisbury and then travel to defending ODAC champ and league favorite Hampden-Sydney. The
STRENGTH
Depth almost everywhere. The Captains came out of spring workouts believing that they might have their deepest team ever in 2012. Start at quarterback, where they have three players who started games last season: seniors Christian Woelfel-Monsivais and Aaron Edwards, and junior Lyndon Garner. All-conference runner Markeese Stovall (970 yards, 11 TD) and second-leading rusher Marcus Morrast (556 yards) are back. The coaches felt good enough about the depth at running back that they moved productiv Evan Moog (519 yards, 8 TD) to linebacker. He could play on both sides of the ball. Juniors Carus Boone and Jarod Lindner lead the offensive line, Justin Navarro the defensive line. Corners Tyshawn Harris and Marvin Mills are solid and experienced.
CONCERNS
Placekicker, middle linebacker and tight end on the field, a handful of new faces off the field. Stephen Denuel handled the bulk of the kicking duties last year and made 16 of 18 field goals. Sophomore Mason Studor and junior Nick Henderson are the leading candidates to replace him. The Captains must replace all-conference middle linebacker and leading tackler Mike King, though senior Daniel Bowen stepped in and did a decent job when King was injured. Kelchner has four new assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Justin Wood, and a new trainer (hey, football coaches get antsy if their parking spots are changed). Wood was an All-America linebacker with the Captains and has been with the program the past two years, but this is his first year as coordinator.
NEWCOMERS/RESERVES
As mentioned before, underclassmen Mason Studer and Nick Henderson will battle to replace kicker Stephen Denuel. Justin Ricks (Hampton) was hurt much of last season, but will be counted on at free safety. Senior Travis Bruns backed up steady center Michael Meredith last year and has a leg up on the starting job. Tight end Chris Coiner's role should expand this season. He caught 14 passes, two for touchdowns, last year. Senior Dorion Jackson and juniors A.J. Schmetzer and Dequan Chatmon will challenge for playing time at outside linebacker.
KEY UNIT
The Captains' front four on defense has some experience, but is still young. They lost linemen Malcolm Jones and Paul Bresnan off of a group that was third in the USA South in total defense (323.9 ypg) and third against the rush (139.5 ypg). Junior end Justin Navarro (25 tackles, 5.5 TFL) appears to be the leader. Sophomores Hakeem Garner and Chris Roth also figure into the end rotation after getting playing time last season. Junior Kendal Rivers and soph Shaun Copening will be in the mix at tackle. Expect a lot of guys to get looks in preseason camp, and the Captains may rotate as many as 8-10 players along the line in games.
BEST/WORST CASE SCENARIO
Best case: A quarterback separates himself among the three candidates and remains healthy, as does Stovall. The defensive line develops into a productive unit, allowing the linebackers to get to plays and make tackles. A kicker as efficient as Denuel emerges. The Captains get off to a quick start, winning at least two of their three non-conference games, providing a springboard into the league race. Nine wins almost certainly gets them into the playoffs for the ninth time in 12 years. Eight wins might do it as well, if they're the right eight wins. Worst case: No quarterback stands out, leaving Kelchner and the staff with a weekly decision on who and how many to play. The Captains get stuffed in their first couple of non-league games, shaking their confidence. Funny thing is, CNU experienced something close to a worst-case scenario last season, with quarterback injuries and losing Stovall at the end of the season. Yet the Captains still went unbeaten in the conference and made the playoffs, with a fairly young team.