CFN Louisville Preview

[Brad]

By Pete Fiutak

Well that was certainly interesting. Louisville came up with its best season ever crushing and killing everything in its path with an 11-win campaign leading the nation in offense and finishing 15th in total defense. Even after losing QB Stefan LeFors, RB Eric Shelton, leading receiver J.R. Russell and top defensive player Robert McCune, the team has the potential to be every bit as good. Can there be the same results? Absolutely, and it's because the schedule is nice and squishy with the toughest game coming against Pittsburgh.  

Oh sure, Louisville pushed Miami to the wall, but it didn't come away with a win. There was the classic Liberty Bowl victory over Boise State, but that's not like beating a Tennessee or Michigan. The fact of the matter is that Louisville beat the living sneeze out of a horrible Conference USA. Of course, there was also a dominant 34-0 win over a North Carolina team that beat Miami.

Forgetting about schedules, Louisville should have one of the nation's most fun teams and will certainly be considered among the favorites for the Big East title thanks to as talented an offense as the league has seen since Miami was ruling the world. The defense has several replacements, but it shouldn't suffer a major drop-off. In other words, get ready for another fantastic run.

The Schedule: There's not a game on the schedule that, as it looks in the preseason, Louisville shouldn't be the favorite. The toughest road game is at West Virginia and the season closes out with a good battle at UConn. The other nasty battles? Oregon State, Pittsburgh and ... Syracuse? North Carolina? Demand 11-0 Louisville fans, but expect 9-2.

Best Offensive Player: Senior OT Travis Leffew. QB Brian Brohm is going to be the superstar and RB Michael Bush will be one of the most productive scorers in college football, but they need a good front wall to operate behind. Travis Leffew has been a long time starter for the Cardinals and will be one of the best tackles in the country.

Best Defensive Player: Senior DE Elvis Dumervil. He's small, powerful and very, very quick as a tremendous pass rusher who'll be the leader on the line. The tackles are good enough to occupy blockers so Dumervil can be a double-digit sack artist.

Key player to a successful season: QB Brian Brohm. The much-heralded recruit got his feet wet as well as he possibly could've last year coming through with some big throws in vital moments. Departed starter Stefan LeFors was an underrated producer and Brohm would be successful to be just as good. He must stay healthy because the machine will break down if the inexperienced backups have to start.

The season will be a success if ... Louisville wins the Big East title and is off to the BCS. A ten-win season is a must for a team this talented. The bar was set high last year, and there's no reason to expect anything less in a Big East that's not all that fantastic.

Key game: October 15th at West Virginia. With the main contender, Pittsburgh, coming to Papa John's, Louisville's trip to West Virginia becomes the biggest obstacle. The Mountaineers aren't quite as talented as last year, but they're still going to be tough at home.

2004 Fun Stats:

- Rushing touchdowns: Louisville 47 - Opponents 10

- Average yards per play: Louisville 7.2 - Opponents 4.6

- Third down conversions: Louisville 82-158 (52%) - Opponents 56-176 (32%)

- Points per game: Louisville 49.8 - Opponents 19.7

Basically ... Talk about reloading. Louisville loses all-star quarterback Stefan LeFors, NFL-caliber, 20-touchdown running back Eric Shelton, and 73-catch receiver J.R. Russell, but should be just as strong as the offense that was the nation's best last year. There's plenty of talent returning and several great options among the reserves to keep the party rolling. QB Brian Brohm will instantly become one of the nation's top quarterbacks now that he's the full-time starter. The Cards are loaded with talented running backs and receivers and blessed with one of the nation's deepest and most athletic lines. However, the party could crash if Brohm gets hurt with no experience behind him.

Star of the offense: Sophomore QB Brian Brohm

Player that has to step up and become a star: Brohm

Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore TE Gary Barnidge

Best pro prospect: Brohm

Top three all-star candidates: 1) OT Travis Leffew, 2) Brohm, 3) RB Michael Bush

Strength of the offense: Talent, depth, and balance

Weakness of the offense: Backup quarterback

Quarterbacks

The Louisville coaching staff handled the quarterback situation almost perfectly last year getting Brian Brohm enough quality reps to make sure that he'd be able to hit the ground running this season. He has all the tools to be a superstar from mobility to poise to size to a cannon for an arm. His health is the key to the Cardinal season with nothing to rely on among the backups. Freshman Davis Manning was a top recruit with the skills to soon be a player, but he chose to leave with Brohm and Hunter Cantwell the main men for the next few years. The ranking would be higher if there was just the slightest bit of experience among the reserves.

Player to keep an eye on: Hunter Cantwell, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 7.5

Projected Starter

- Brian Brohm, Soph. - 2004's superstar recruit is ready to become one of college football's new stars. He got to ease his way into D-I life used in planned situations in relief of Stefan LeFors. Not just seeing mop up time, Brohm was left in to face several tight situations and came though like a star throwing six touchdown passes and only two interceptions. He's a huge, 6-4, 224-pound bomber, but he's hardly a statue with excellent mobility.

Top Backups

- Hunter Cantwell, RFr. - Yet another big Cardinal passer, the 6-4, 230-pound walk-on has had a year to learn the system. He was great in spring ball and is the likely number two going into the season.

- Davis Manning, Fr. - Manning is a big thrower who graduated high school early and appeared to be ready to handle the workload, but he chose to leave the team with Brian Brohm and Hunter Cantwell sure to get all the playing time over the next few years.

Running Backs

It's asking a lot to match the 3,005 yards and 47 touchdown runs the Cardinals cranked out last year, but the backs will be every bit as dangerous. The early departure to Eric Shelton to the NFL hurts a little bit, but Michael Bush is more than ready to handle more of the workload. Kolby Smith is an exciting second option finally getting his chance to shine after being the fourth man in the mix last year. There are good backs to provide even more options with tremendous speed. Reggie Bradshaw can flat-out fly and George Stripling should be the runner of the future.

Player to keep an eye on: Kolby Smith, Jr. ... Running back rating: 8.5

Projected Starters

- Michael Bush, Jr. - Bush is one of college football's more interesting players. One of Kentucky's top high school quarterbacks of all-time, Bush has become a jack-of-all-trades and bulked up to become a bruising running back. He's now up to 250 pounds on a 6-3 frame and ready to handle the full-time running back job. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry with seven touchdowns as Eric Shelton's backup and should approach the 1,200-yard, 20 touchdown mark. Also look for him out of the backfield as top safety valve receiver for Brian Brohm.

- Fullback Deriontae Taylor, Soph. - Only 5-8 but a strong 219 pounds, Taylor is used only as a blocker. He got a touchdown on two carries last year.

Top Backups

- Kolby Smith, Jr. - The fourth back in the rotation last year, Smith ran for 347 yards and four touchdowns as the team's top home-run hitter. Even though he was mostly used as a fullback, the 215-pound junior averaged 0.4 yards per carry and caught nine passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.

- George Stripling, RFr. - Stripling ripped it up as a scout teamer last year with fantastic speeds and moves. He has excellent quickness and should be used often on third downs.

- Reggie Bradshaw, Soph. - Bradshaw has seen a few carries rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown, but he's the odd man out in the running back rotation and will mostly be used on special teams. He's the fastest of the backs with good size.

- Fullback James Jackson, Soph. - The 6-1, 238-pound junior is a bigger blocker than projected starter Deriontae Taylor, but he'll likely move to tight end to use his all-around talents.

Receivers

J.R. Russell and his 73 catches, 968 yards and seven touchdowns are gone, but Louisville has three receivers with enough talent to replace the production. Joshua Tinch, Montrell Jones and Broderick Clark form an experienced and explosive trio that will be among the best in the nation. The top reserves (Harry Douglas and Marin Urruttia) have as much talent as anyone on the roster. The tight ends will once again be a strength with Gary Barnidge about to blossom into a star.

Player to keep an eye on: TE Gary Barnidge, Soph. ... Receiver rating: 9

Projected Starters

- Montrell Jones, Sr. - Jones finished last year as the team's number two receiver with 37 catches for 564 yards and three touchdowns and was a big-time deep threat. The former Tennessee transfer isn't just fast, he's physical and can handle going across the middle.

- Joshua Tinch, Sr. - The 6-3, 233-pound senior has been a reliable target since day one with 95 career catches for 1,340 yards and six touchdowns. While not a speedster, he can make the big play highlighted by a 74-yard touchdown play against Houston. He's big enough to line up at tight end, and experienced enough to be the go-to receiver.

- Broderick Clark, Sr. - Clark is one of the nation's most dynamic kick returners along with being an exciting receiver coming off a 27-catch, 441-yard, four touchdown season averaging 16.3 yards per catch. He had problems with an ankle injury keeping him from having a huge season, but he's expected to shine this year now that he's 100%.

- Tight end Gary Barnidge, Soph. - Louisville tight ends are always among the nation's best, so the hope is for the 6-6, 230-pound sophomore to be able to fill in for Adam McCauley. Barnidge made his limited time count with four touchdowns on seven catches. He has all the skills to be another great one.

Top Backups

- Harry Douglas, Soph. - Douglas has mostly been used on special teams so far, but this year he'll take his tremendous speed and be more of a factor in the passing attack. He only made one catch last year, but it was a big one going 65 yards for a touchdown against Boise State.

- Mario Urruttia, RFr. - One of the team's most intriguing receivers, the 6-6, 220-pound redshirt freshman is expected to make a big impact. Despite putting up great high school numbers, he was a little raw when he first joined the team. Now he's ready.

- Tight end Scott Kuhn, Soph. - At 255 pounds, the hope is for Kuhn to grow into more of a blocking role. He has nice hands and will be used as a receiver in two tight end sets, but his real worth will hopefully be in the running game.

Offensive Line

Lost in the ridiculousness of the big numbers put up by the Louisville offense was a great year from the line. This is one of the most experienced and athletic lines in America led by tackle Travis Leffew and guard-turned-center Jason Spitz. Versatility is the key among the backups with several options to play around with as the season goes on. JUCO transfer Marcus Gordon should quickly grow into one of the Big East's best guards.

Player to keep an eye on: Marcus Gordon, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 9

Projected Starters

- Tackle Travis Leffew, Sr. - Leffew is one of the nation's most experienced, and most talented, tackles with 38 straight starts and a host of All-Conference USA and All-American honors. The 301-pound senior is a next level pass blocker on the weak side and has grown into a dominant run blocker.

- Guard Marcus Gordon, Jr. - Pencil Gordon in as the line's new star. The 6-6, 320-pound JUCO transfer can play guard or tackle and will be a perfect fit on the weak side next to Travis Leffew.

- Center Jason Spitz, Sr. - A steady and reliable blocker, the 308-pound Spitz has started 25 straight games and was an All-Conference performer at guard. He'll move to center this season where he'll be a top candidate for the Rimington Award. He's among the league's best run blockers.

- Guard Kurt Quarterman, Jr. - Quarterman is a solid 6-5, 348-pound junior and looks like he can handle even more weight. Don't look for him to get too much bigger as his strength is his quickness and athleticism. There are few guards with his speed.

- Tackle Jeremy Darveau, Sr. - Darveau quickly became one of the line's most valuable players stepping into the starting lineup when injuries struck and played like a long-time veteran. The 6-7, 321-pound former JUCO transfer has good feet to go along with his size.

Top Backups

- T Renardo Foster, Jr. - Foster was an All-Conference caliber tackle before tearing his ACL midway through last year. He still has to get healthy, but the hope is for him to at least be a reliable reserve behind Jeremy Darveau at some point this year.

- G/C Eric Wood, RFr. - One of the line's most versatile players, the 6-4, 290-pound redshirt freshman was groomed as a tackle but will be the top backup at both weak guard and center.

- T Michael Sturgeon, Jr. - Technically a tackle, Sturgeon will see time as the main backup for several spots on the line. He'll start out backing up Jeremy Darveau on the strong side until Renardo Foster gets healthy.

- T Brent Giacomini, Soph. - The former tight end is a very big, very athletic 6-7, 280-pound understudy to Travis Leffew on the weak side. The hope is for Giacomini to get his feet wet to be ready to start next year.

Basically ... The Louisville defense was overlooked last year due to the brilliance of the offense. The Cardinal D ranked number one in Conference USA in almost every category and finished second in pass defense. It won't be quite as strong this year replacing three starters in the secondary, some stars on the line and leader and top tackler Robert McCune. Even so, it's a very fast, very athletic defense that should rank near the top of most Big East categories.

Star of the defense: Senior DE Elvis Dumervil

Player that has to step up and become a star: Safeties Antoine and Brandon Sharp

Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore LB Matt Sanders

Best pro prospect: Havner

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Dumervil, 2) LB Brandon Johnson 3) CB William Gay

Strength of the defense: Athleticism, outside linebacker

Weakness of the defense: Depth, experienced second cornerback

Defensive Line

The line loses two top producers in Marcus Jones and Bobby Leffew, but should be fine as long as there aren't any major injuries. Elvis Dumervil is a tremendous pass rushing threat who needs a few other players on the line to take the heat off. The tackles are big with Montavious Stanley good enough to potentially be a strong pro prospect. The problem is depth as there isn't much for any spot. Will this group be against the run as last year's line? No, but that doesn't mean it won't be good.

Player to keep an eye on: DE Brandon Cox, Soph. ... Defensive Line rating: 6.5

Projected Starters

- DE Elvis Dumervil, Sr. - 52 tackles, 10 sacks, 11 tackles for loss ... Was Dumervil a tremendous pass rusher because teams spent time dealing with Marcus Jones, or was he just that good? At barely 6-0 and a strong 256 pounds, Dumervil is great at scooting around tackles and has a non-stop motor at getting into the backfield. He's also strong against the run.

- DT Montavious Stanley, Sr. - 30 tackles, 4 sacks ... The rock in the middle, the 321-pound Stanley is the team's top run stuffer and got better last season at getting into the backfield. He's tremendously quick for a player of his size athletic enough to play end if needed.

- DT Amobi Okoye, Jr. - 26 tackles, 1 sack ... In one of the strangest situations in college football, the 6-1, 317-pound junior just turned 17 after playing last season as a 16-year-old. He was more than good enough to be a contributor even though he had problems with a shoulder.

- DE Brandon Cox, Soph. - 3 tackles ... The hope is for the young talent to be the next, great Cardinal defensive end. He's 255 pounds, but he has room on his frame to get bigger. Mostly a special teamer last year, he has excellent speed and will have to shine with all the attention paid to Elvin Dumervil on the other side.

Top Backups

- DE Chad Rimpsey, Sr. - 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles ... Rimpsey has been a solid reserve over the last three years and will push Cox for one of the starting end spots. He's a strong athlete, but he's average against the run. He'll be a strong spot pass rusher.

- DT Adrian Grady, RFr. - Very big but very raw, the 291-pound Grady will be in the rotation playing behind Amobi Okoye at tackle.

- DE Zach Anderson, Jr. -  At 6-4 and 270 pounds, Anderson has the size. The JUCO transfer is also a ridiculous all-around athlete with speed and strength. He was a two-year starter at East Mississippi Community College making 85 tackles and ten sacks as a junior college freshman.

- DE Maurice Mitchell, RFr. - Mitchell is one of the team's faster defensive ends and needs to quickly develop to add some depth behind Elvis Dumervil. He was a originally supposed to be a linebacker and was a receiver in high school.

Linebackers

Robert McCune got all the attention last year, and deservedly so, but the rest of the corps more than held up its end. Abe Brown and Brandon Johnson are talented on the outside and should combine for around 150 tackles. Matt Sanders is a good looking young prospect on the inside to replace McCune. The depth is very, very raw needing at least half the season to develop.

Player to keep an eye on: Matt Sanders, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 6.5

Projected Starters

- Abe Brown, Jr. - 55 tackles, 6 sacks ... Brown is a tall, thin, fast, 6-4, 230-pound playmaker on the strong side always seeming to come up with the really big play. His biggest highlight was an interception to seal the win over Memphis. He came up with six sacks as a good pass rusher when sent into the backfield.

- Matt Sanders, Soph. - 26 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... Sanders has the unenviable task of trying to replace 115 tackles left by Robert McCune. He was mostly used on special teams last year and started to come on at the end as a good reserve against the run. While not McCune, he should be faster from sideline to sideline.

- Brandon Johnson, Sr. - 84 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 7.5 tackles for loss ... Johnson is only 218 pounds, but he can move and is strong against the run. At 6-5, can hit even though he doesn't look the part of a strong linebacker. He finished second on the team in tackles.

Top Backups

- Malik Jackson, Soph. - 8 tackles ... At 6-2 and 230 pounds, Jackson is a good sized backup on the strong side behind Abe Brown. He isn't as fast as Brown, but he's a bigger hitter.

- Johnnie Burns, RFr. - While not the player Matt Sanders is supposed to be, Burns has the potential to be a great backup in the middle as the year goes on.

- Nate Harris, Jr. - The JUCO transfer is a sure tackler and a top recruit ready to come in and shine right away. At the very least, he provides some quality depth.

Defensive Backs

Three starters are gone along with some of the backups. William Gay suddenly goes from being a critically acclaimed unknown to the leader and top cornerback. He's due for a huge year even though it won't show up on the stat sheet. There's speed to burn at safety as the Sharp brothers, Brandon and Antoine, will take over. Rod Council will be the one to watch at corner as teams will test him early to stay away from Gay. The reserves have potential, but little experience outside of the big hitting Terrance Butler. The pass defense benefited from a tremendous pass rush last year, but that might not be as much of a luxury this season.

Player to keep an eye on: CB Rod Council, RFr. ... Secondary rating: 6

Projected Starters

- CB Rod Council, RFr. - A tremendous prospect, the speedy Council could end up being a valuable kick returner as his career goes on along with his duties at corner. He earned raves from the coaching staff for his play on the scout team last year and is expected to quickly become a shutdown corner.

- FS Brandon Sharp, Jr. - 11 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... Sharp might be the key to the defense. The 190-pound junior has to replace All-Conference star Kerry Rhodes and his 57 tackles. Mostly a special teamer so far, Sharp is one of the secondary's fastest players.

- SS Antoine Sharp, Jr. - 29 tackles, 1 interception, 3 broken up passes ... Sharp has mostly seen time in nickel situations and has to prove he can handle the full-time strong safety job after spending most of his time at corner since coming to Louisville. Sharp started his career as a receiver at Florida.

- CB William Gay, Jr. - 21 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 broken up passes ... The lone returning starter to the secondary, Gay had a tremendous season as opposing receivers were very quiet when going against him. He has legitimate 4.4 speed and is great at erasing receivers from the gameplan. Now he has to make more plays when the ball is in the air. That might be hard since everyone will test the other side.

Top Backups

- CB Deon Palmer, RFr. - The walk-on will get every shot at the starting corner job on the other side of William Gay. At 200 pounds, he's a bit bigger than Rod Council, but not as fast and without the upside.

- SS Terrance Butler, Soph. - 16 tackles ... The 6.3, 217-pound Butler is a guided missile and a fantastic insurance policy to have at either safety position. He'll mostly spend time on special teams, but he'll be in the mix right away behind Antoine Sharp.

- CB Marcus Folmar, RFr. - Consider Folmar one of the cornerbacks of the future. He's expected to be one of the team's better tackling corners with tremendous all-around athleticism.

Special Teams

The kicking game should be among the best in the country if the left-footed Arthur Carmody can do what he did last year. As accurate as he was, he needs to prove he can hit from longer distances. Todd Flannery is the new punter and shouldn't have a problem blasting it; accuracy is his concern. The return game has explosion and should be tremendous with Montrell Jones returning punts again after averaging 10.4 yards per kick last year, and Broderick Clark handling kickoff returns averaging 21.5 yards last year.

Special Teams rating: 9

- Placekicker Arthur Carmody, Soph. - 12-15 FGs, 77-77 extra points ... Carmody turned out to be fantastic in his freshman season nailing all 77 of his extra points and was consistent from mid-range on his field goal attempts. Two of his three misses were blocks. He still has to prove he can boom it with his longest kick coming from 42 yards out.

- Punter Todd Flannery, Soph. - Brett Moody had a decent year averaging 40.8 yards per kick putting five inside the 20. He transferred to Florida State making Flannery the likely replacement. He has a monster leg and is used on kickoffs.

With a fresh set of downs…

1st and Ten – Are you with us or against us? – There may not be a better offensive coach in America than Louisville’s Bobby Petrino.  If you’re a heavy film watcher, you know that is absolutely 100% fact.  Petrino and his offensive staff know how to find and exploit a mismatch and put their offense in an advantageous situation in almost every offensive formation, down and distance, hashmark location and defensive setup.  It’s pretty obvious when scoring over 40 points in a bowl game against a top ten team is considered a so-so day.  But, with success comes interest, and Petrino’s flirting with other programs has raised the ire of the local proletariat.  Petrino has been considered as a potential candidate for every BCS job that opened up over the past two years.  Shoot, pick your SEC West school and Petrino’s name has been bandied about.  So, what happens in 2005 when Petrino and the Cards rule the Big East?  And, don’t think that can’t happen.  Is his name going to be thrown out again as a potential candidate?  At some point, enough is going to be enough.  Louisville put up with the Auburn debacle.  Louisville put up with the timing of the LSU decision.  One more time might be the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back.  Do players lose trust in Petrino?  Do the alums and fans grow weary of the season-ending Petrino watch?  Perhaps, but, folks, this guy is a good coach, bordering on being one of the great active coaches in the nation.  This doesn’t mean that Louisville followers should revel in seeing their coach flirting with other girls, err, schools, but understand this is only the beginning.  If he puts Louisville in a BCS game, it’s only going to get more intense.  But, then again, BCS bowl games and shots at a national championship can happen in the Big East.

2nd and Seven – Pepe Leffew – No, Travis Leffew, the Cardinals big-time offensive tackle, does not stink like Pepe LaPew, in fact, that’s the farthest thing from the truth.  The Cardinal senior is one of the nation’s best linemen and is the leader of one of the best offensive lines in the nation, if not the best.  Leffew has tremendously quick feet and has been a rock at the weak tackle position (open side – typically the side without a tight end).  With the loss of QB Stefan LeFors, the return of all five linemen is key to keeping the offensive machine on track.  Leffew will ensure that QB Brian Brohm is protected and that the RBs have room to run.  Take a look at #78, he’ll have an April 2006 date with some guy named Tagliabue.

3rd and Three – Jack of all Trades – It’d wouldn’t take much to convince this writer that junior stud RB Michael Bush (and former hotshot quarterback recruit out of Male HS) could take over at the QB position in an emergency and become a poor man’s Vince Young.  But, in his present position, Bush is one of the most impressive ‘slash’ football players in the nation.  He doesn’t have the whippet quickness that Ted Ginn and Reggie Bush possess.  He doesn’t have 10.8 sprinter’s speed like Adrian Peterson.  But, put the ball in his hands and there’s not a player in America that can make the type of plays that #19 can make.  The run he makes in the Liberty Bowl against Boise State on the designed option pass showcased his entire package – ability to make people miss, power and speed.  He’ll have to carry the ball a little more.  He’ll have to catch a few more passes.  Heck, he may even have to throw a few more balls.  Man, that’s just bad news for the Big East.

4th and One – Sharp Dressed Men – The Louisville secondary has arguably taken the biggest graduation hit, especially with the loss of all-Conference USA safety Kerry Rhodes.  However, the Sharp Brothers, Brandon and Antoine, are ready for their shot at the big time.  They have huge shoes to fill, considering what a big-time playmaker Rhodes was in last year’s secondary.  The Jacksonville products (what a pipeline that city is to the Louisville program) are athletic and rangy as Rhodes was, so with continued experience, this position could turn into a strength by mid-season.

LINK (and depth chart)

[Brad]

By Pete Fiutak

Every once in a while a program needs a breath of fresh air. Former head coach Paul Pasqualoni never received enough credit for helping to keep Syracuse football solid, but the program became stagnant and maxed out under his watch. There needed to be a new infusion of ideas, some more excitement, and above all else, better players.

There was a time when Syracuse was loaded year-in-and-year-out with great athletes and top-notch NFL prospects. While the Orangemen, as they were called way back when, almost never got the elite of the elite recruits, they got enough to become a part-time powerhouse and yearly Big East threat. To get the talent back to Syracuse, there needed to be a coaching change and a new direction.

In comes Greg Robinson to take over after helping to craft the sliding Texas defense into a brick wall and full of the enthusiasm that only a first time head coach can bring. The offense will become more flashy with more passing, and the defense will get an instant upgrade with the good coaches coming in. There isn't enough overall talent in place to win the average Big East, but the Orange can come close with enough experience on both sides of the ball to come up with a bounceback season and provide hope for next year.

The Schedule: It's sneaky tough early with an interesting opener to the Robinson era, and the Big East season, against West Virginia in the Dome. If Syracuse wants to be a player, it has to find a way to beat Virginia before going to Florida State. There's little margin for error at home with the road games over the second half of the season at Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and Louisville.

Best Offensive Player: Senior RB Damien Rhodes. After splitting time with Walter Reyes, the rushing duties belong to the big, quick senior. Rhodes has to prove he can be an every game workhorse, but he'll be a sure All-Big East performer, and possible All-American, if he can handle rushing 25 times a game, every game. He can catch as well.

Best Defensive Player: Senior FS Anthony Smith. Overshadowed by Diamond Ferri last season, now Smith is the leader of the Orange secondary. He has corner speed in the big-hitting body of a safety.

Key player to a successful season: QBs Perry Patterson and Joe Fields. The receiving corps was average, but the quarterbacks didn't help the problem with their inconsistent play. Now one has to emerge as the clear-cut starter and leader of the offense to improve on the nation's 100th ranked passing attack.

The season will be a success if ... Syracuse wins seven games and goes back to a bowl while making strides towards being a power again. The road slate is way too tough to win the Big East, so the key will be for Robinson to point things in the right direction with a couple of upset wins mixed in with some competitive losses as an underdog. Just as important, there can't be any losses like the one to Temple last year.

Key game: September 3 vs. West Virginia. The Orange have to get off to a big start at home to win the fans back and avoid a rocky first month. There schedule is too tough late to afford a loss to the Mountaineers right off the bat.

2004 Fun Stats:

- Passing touchdowns: Opponents 23 - Syracuse 8

- Syracuse lost its first game of last year (Purdue) and last game (Georgia Tech) by a combined score of 102-14.

- Field goals: Syracuse 14 of 25 - Opponents 12 of 24

Basically ... The offense struggled way too much failing to get anything going in the passing game and finishing 100th in the nation in passing. Quarterbacks Perry Patterson and Joe Fields have to be more consistent, but they also need help with a young receiving corps that could struggle early on. The attack is being changed up a bit to throw it more in a West Coast attack, so the opportunities will be there. The offensive line is decent, but non-descript.

Star of the offense: Senior RB Damien Rhodes

Player that has to step up and become a star: Quarterbacks Perry Patterson and Joe Fields

Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman OG Ryan Durand

Best pro prospect: Rhodes

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Rhodes, 2) C Steve Franklin, 3) G Jason Greene

Strength of the offense: Running back

Weakness of the offense: Experienced receiver

Quarterbacks

Texas legend Major Applewhite directs the talented, but erratic group of quarterbacks and should find a way to get more production in the new West Coast offense. Perry Patterson has the best combination of skills with his size, mobility and arm, but he has to be more consistent. The switch to a more passer-friendly offense should help get him in more of a rhythm. Joe Fields isn't out of the race for the starting spot by a long shot and it he shows he can improve on his 45% completion percentage, he could be the opening day starter for the second straight season.

Player to keep an eye on: Matt Hale, Soph. ... Quarterback Rating: 7

Projected Starter

- Perry Patterson, Jr. - Patterson has shown flashes of being a big-time passer and leader, but he has to put it together for a full season. He's a huge 6-4, 242-pounder with a good arm and great mobility rushing for 143 yards and three touchdowns while throwing for 1,851 yard and seven touchdowns completing 58% of his passes. The problem has been interceptions with ten last season and at least one in each of the final four games. Granted, he hasn't had the greatest of receiving corps to work with, but he has to make his pass catchers look good too.

Top Backups

- Joe Fields, Soph. - Fields saw a little bit of starting work getting the nod in the opening three games throwing for 192 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions. While mobile, he's not the rushing threat Patterson is, but he's a smart player who was thrown to the wolves too early. He'll get every shot to win back the starting spot this fall.

- Matt Hale, Soph. - At 6-5 and 235 pounds, Hale is a big, athletic passer who has the arm, but appears to be the clear number three in the mix.

Running Backs

The running game got used to not having Walter Reyes last year as the star was never quite healthy. Now he's gone meaning Damien Rhodes gets to be the full-time back and should shine with an increased workload. If he can handle running the ball around 225 times, he should flirt with 1,500 yards and catch around 25 passes. The backups are a bit iffy with Jeremy Sellers an unproven number two and Tim Washington needing to be over his concussion problems to add his speed to the mix. 2004 top recruit Kareem Jones needs to be a factor to add more talent to the reserves. Breyone Evans is a good-looking young fullback.

Player to keep an eye on: Jeremy Sellers, Soph. ... Running back rating: 7.5

Projected Starters

- Damien Rhodes, Sr. - The 6-0, 217-pound senior is an experienced home-run hitter leading the team with 870 yards and ten touchdowns with a 5.7 yard-per-carry average and serving as a kickoff returner. He's a solid receiver with 18 catches for 246 yards and a touchdown and will be the centerpiece of the attack until the passing game comes around.

- Fullback Breyone Evans, Soph. - The starter for most of last year, the 234-pound Evans should be used more as a rusher than just a pure blocking back after rushing for 50 yards and a score and catching seven passes for 46 yards and a touchdown as a freshman.

Top Backups

- Jeremy Sellers, Soph. - After having a cup of coffee at receiver and safety, Sellers will be the number two back behind Damien Rhodes rushing for 31 yards. He has been a special teamer as well, but he'll spend most of his time as a backup back.

- Tim Washington, Jr. - Hurt for most of last year with a concussion problem, Washington is a quick back who ran for 168 yards and a score in 2003. He'll push for backup time adding more speed to the backfield.

- Kareem Jones, RFr. - A top recruit last year, Jones ran for 2,596 yards and 43 touchdowns in his senior season with good size and big time speed.

- Fullback Stephen McDonald, Jr. - Hurt for all of last year with a broken leg, the 242-pound McDonald will combine with Tony Fiametta for the backup fullback job behind Breyone Evans. He hasn't had much luck so far in his career, but he's big and should be a decent blocker.

Receivers

The top two receivers, Jared Jones is gone and Steve Gregory moved to defensive back, but they're replaceable. This is an extremely young corps that got a little bit of playing time last year as freshmen. Now-sophomores Rice Moss, Quinton Brown and Landel Bembo have to form the nucleus of the new passing attack. Tim Lane is a big receiver who'll likely get the opening day call at the Z, but there are more talented players behind him. Incoming freshman Lavar Lobdell is the type of talent the program has been starving for over the last few years. The tight end situation is interesting with some massive players who have to turn into more dangerous receiving threats.

Player to keep an eye on: Rice Moss, Soph. ... Receiver rating: 6.5

Projected Starters

- Tim Lane, Jr. - Lane was mostly a special teamer last year, but now the 6-2, 212-pound junior will have to be one of the top go-to receivers on the X. He has good hands and is physical, but he has to prove he can be a dangerous and consistent target.

- Rice Moss, Soph. - Slowed down by a thumb injury, Moss didn't have quite the first season he could've catching four passes for 40 yards in only six games of action. He showed enough flashes in practice to earn one start and will get the nod on the outside at the X position. At 6-2 and 185 pounds, he's a good-size receiver with good deep speed.

- Tight end Joe Kowalewski, Sr. - The 6-4, 262-pound senior is now a full blown tight end after starting out his career as a defensive end and linebacker. He was out this spring with a shoulder injury, but he's a big blocker and a decent receiver with 14 catches for 181 yards. Now he'll be more of a factor in the passing game with more of an emphasis on getting the ball to the tight end.

Top Backups

- Quinton Brown, Soph. - Brown became a factor as a true freshman and caught five passes, but somehow only gained -1 yard with a long catch of two yards. He's going to get every opportunity to win the starting job on the Z combining with Tim Lane for the job. He could be used on kick returns as well.

- Landel Bembo, Soph. - Small but very, very quick, the 5-8, 168-pound sophomore was a decent reserve as a redshirt freshman catching 14 passes for 115 yards. He'll be used on the outside as a deep threat on the X.

- Larar Lobdell, Fr. - Lobdell was a major coup for the new coaching staff snagging him away from Miami at the last season. When he arrives this fall, he has the potential to be an instant impact player with good size and tremendous speed.

- Tight end Alex Shor, Sr. - At 6-8 and 277 pounds, Shor is a huge tight end with decent athleticism and good strength. He caught one pass last year and will be used almost like a third tackle.

Offensive Line

The line doesn't have any sure-fire stars with the loss of Matt Tarullo and Adam Terry, but there's enough experience to hope for a solid season with three returning starters and some big reserves waiting in the wings. The group needs to be a bit better in pass protection after allowing 24 sacks, but it was decent at opening up holes for the running game. Expect more of the same.

Player to keep an eye on: G Ryan Durand, RFr. ... Offensive line rating: 6

Projected Starters

- Tackle Kurt Falke, Sr. - A smart, athletic tackle, the 6-6, 287-pound senior has been used a bit as a blocking tight end and saw a little bit of time at tackle. Now the former JUCO transfer will get the starting nod on the left side.

- Guard Jason Greene, Sr. - Greene started every game last season and became one of the team's better run blockers. He's 6-6 and 300 pounds and with enough experience to be counted on as one of the anchors on the left side.

- Center Steve Franklin, Sr. - The former guard started almost every game over the last two seasons and will now take over in the middle. He's a smart player as a two-time member of the Big East All-Academic team and should be able to handle the responsibility of making the calls on the line. At 6-5 and 321 pounds, he's a big, pounding blocker.

- Guard Ryan Durand, RFr. - It'll be Durand's time to shine at right guard combining with Mike Sklarosky for the job. At 6-5 and 320 pounds, Durand is a bigger prospect with big credentials coming out of high school.

- Tackle Quinn Ojinnaka, Sr. - The senior started every game last season showing good athleticism and decent run blocking skills. He'll start at right tackle and be expected to become one of the team's best pass protectors.

Top Backups

- G Mike Sklarosky, Jr. - The former JUCO All-American will battle with Ryan Durand for the starting left guard spot. He didn't get off the bench last season, but he has the practice time, and the time at Lackawanna JC, to hope for a reliable season as, at least, a backup.

- G Carroll Madison, Soph. - The backup at left guard behind Jason Greene, the 322-pound Madison provides a bigger option with great upside.

- C Marvin McCall, Soph. - McCall worked out as a guard last season playing in three games, but now he'll push for time in the middle along with sophomore Justin Outten.

Basically ... The hiring of Greg Robinson as head coach should do nothing but help a defense that slipped into the abyss finishing 101st in the nation. There was little production against the run, nothing happening against the pass, and few clutch stops. There should be an improvement with a ton of returning experience led by a good-looking front seven. The corner is in the secondary where the corners have to make more plays after getting repeatedly torched last season.

Star of the defense: Senior FS Anthony Smith

Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior CB DeAndre LaCaille

Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore DE Ryan LaCasse

Best pro prospect: Smith

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Smith, 2) DE James Wyche 3) LB Kellen Pruitt

Strength of the defense: Defensive line, linebacker depth

Weakness of the defense: Cornerback, pass defense

Defensive Line

Expect head coach/defensive coordinator Greg Robinson to use his talents to get make this one of the team's bigger upgrades with three returning starters and a newcomer to the starting mix, DE Ryan LaCasse, who has serious all-star potential. There's size inside and promising reserves, but the group has to be far, far better against the run after being shoved around for 187 yards per game. LaCasse and James Wyche should be terrors at getting to the quarterback, but they could use some help with more of an interior pass rush.

Player to keep an eye on: DE Ryan LaCasse, Soph. ... Defensive Line rating: 7

Projected Starters

- DE James Wyche, Sr. - 68 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback hurries ... An All-Big East selection, the 6-6, 267-pound left end is an intimidating presence with a great step getting to the quarterback. He was camped out in the backfield last season and should be even better being turned loose in Greg Robinson's defense.

- NT Tony Jenkins, Soph. - 49 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 4 broken up passes ... A slightly smaller man in the middle than the 313-pound Chris Thorner, the 293-pound Jenkins had a big freshman season earning Freshman All-America honors. He's good at getting into the backfield and bats down passes.

- DT Kader Drame, Sr. - 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 4 broken up passes ... Drame started every game looking like a pure tackle after starting his career on the offensive side. He's a decent run stopper and good at getting into the backfield, but he has to use his experience to be more of a presence.

- DE Ryan LaCasse, Sr. - 32 tackles, 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback hurries ... A reserve all of last year, LaCasse was a great situational pass rusher and was solid against the run. At 255 pounds, he has good size and All-Big East potential now that he's in a full-time role.

Top Backups

- DT Chris Thorner, Jr. - 23 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... The former offensive lineman turned into a decent tackle as one of the team's better run stoppers, At 6-4 and 313 pounds, he should be in for a huge season now that he knows what he's doing.

- DE Lee Williams, Soph. - A special teamer so far, the 256-pound sophomore is a good-sized backup on the right side behind Ryan LaCasse.

- DT Eugene Brown, Sr. -  Brown needs to be a factor behind Kader Drame after not doing much of anything so far. He has the size at 6-3 and 295 pounds to be effective against the run, but has actually has to produce.

Linebackers

The might be a dizzying array of linebacker prospects to work with, but Greg Robinson's philosophy is to find three starting linebackers and stick with them. That's why the competition is so fierce despite the return of starters Kellen Pruitt, Jerry Mackey and Kelvin Smith. Mackey was sidelined this spring recovering from shoulder surgery making the puzzle even tougher to put together. With so many prospects, it's clear the best three will play to get more production than there was last year. Seniority doesn't mean much.

Player to keep an eye on: Tommy Harris, Sr. ... Linebacker rating: 8

Projected Starters

- Kellen Pruitt, Sr. - 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 4 broken up passes ... Pruitt is starting his third year in the corps moving from the weakside to the strong, at least for a little while. He has 201 career tackles and 14 tackles for loss, and he has been strong in pass coverage. Now he'll be asked to do more against the run.

- Jerry Mackey, Jr. - 106 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks ... The team's leading tackler last year was sidelined all spring recovering from shoulder surgery. While he's not a lock to get his starting spot back under the new regime, he'll get every chance to earn it again this fall. At 241 pounds, he's a good-size run stuffer inside with decent range.

- Kelvin Smith, Jr. - 53 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions ... Smith moved from the weakside to the middle this spring while Jerry Mackey was out, but he projects to move back once Mackey is healthy. Smith is likely getting reps in case Mackey goes down this fall as he's needed more for his pass coverage skills outside.

Top Backups

- Tommy Harris, Sr. - 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss ... After starting out at defensive end, the 238-pound senior will stick at linebacker where he'll be a challenger for the starting weakside job after working extensively with the first team this spring. He's a good, versatile hitter who can also play in the middle.

- Jamar Atkinson, Jr. - The transfer redshirted last year and is being given a hard look on the strongside. He's battling with Vincenzo Giruzzi for the number two job behind Kellen Pruitt, but the coaching staff has made it clear that the job is there for the taking.

- Jameel McClain, Soph. - 11 tackles ... At 250 pounds, McClain is the biggest of the linebacker prospects and will start out pushing for time in the middle.

- Luke Cain, Jr. - 24 tackles ... A part-time starter, Cain is vying for the weakside job after a good season as a reserve. He didn't get the reps Tommy Harris had this spring, but he's still considered a contender for the starting job.

- Vincenzo Giruzzi, Soph. - The fastest player in the corps, the 6-2, 230-pound sophomore is being given every shot to win the strongside job after spending last year nursing a leg injury.

Defensive Backs

The secondary was abysmal last season finishing 90th in the nation allowing 240 yards per game and 23 touchdown passes. Anthony Smith is a sure-thing at free safety and Tanard Jackson has a line on one of the corner jobs, but that's all that's set with wide open races for the other two spots. There's experience for the other cornerback slot with receiver Steve Gregory moving back to corner and DeAndre LaCaille the returning starter. Sophomores Reggie McCoy and Dowayne Davis will combine at strong safety.

Player to keep an eye on: SS Reggie McCoy, Soph. ... Secondary rating: 6

Projected Starters

- CB Tanard Jackson, Jr. - 56 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 broken up passes ... Jackson started every game last year and was good, but not great. He has decent size and has to be the clear-cut shutdown corner on the left side being asked to take on everyone's number one receiver.

- FS Anthony Smith, Sr. - 85 tackles, 3 interceptions, 4 broken up passes ... Smith is one of the Big East's best defensive backs and most intimidating hitters. He's a good ball-hawker and great at helping out in pass coverage. He can be a physical corner if needed.

- SS Reggie McCoy, Soph. - 1 tackle ... McCoy will combine with Dowayne Davis for the strong safety job. While not assured the job, he logged the most reps with the first team this spring and appears to have a lead in the race.

- CB DeAndre LaCaille, Sr. - 34 tackles, 3 broken up passes ... LaCaille started eight games and became a bit of a playmaker, but the starting job is hardly his. At 6-0 and 210 pounds, he's physical and a sure tackler. Now he needs to prove he can be a difference maker when the ball is in the air.

Top Backups

- SS Dowayne Davis, Soph. - 7 tackles ... Almost neck-and-neck with Reggie McCoy for the strong safety job, Davis has cornerback speed with safety size. At the very least he'll be a regular special teamer.

- CB Steve Gregory, Sr. - 4 tackles ... Gregory moved from corner to receiver and back to corner again. Technically he's the team's leading returning receiver, but now he'll try to win the starting corner job on the right side.

- CB Thomas Whitfield, Sr. - 18 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... Whitfield will get a little bit of a shot at the right corner job, but will more likely push for playing time behind Tanard Jackson. While not a star corner, he's a decent reserve.

Special Teams

Brendan Carney is a solid punter but likely won't be the answer kicking field goals. The hope is for Ricky Krautman to take over so Carney can go on to be an All-Big East punter. There has to be more pop to the punt return game after averaging a paltry 6.5 yards per return. The coverage units were average and could use a little work.

Special Teams rating: 6

- Placekicker/Punter Brendan Carney, Jr. - 0-2 FGs, 7-7 extra points ... Carney has been an all-star punter averaging 42.8 yards per kick getting to work inside the Dome. Now he'll get the first look at placekicker, but will likely give way to sophomore Ricky Krautman as the year goes on.

With a fresh set of downs…

1st and Ten – Guys.  Guys!  Wake up, it’s over – Even though the Orange won six games and made another bowl trip, the 2004 season wasn’t one of those Cinderella story years that you end up logging in the mental Rolodex.  In its long and storied history, last season was one of the more surreal seasons for the Orange, which started with a 51 point blow out against Kyle Orton and Purdue, and finished in the Champs Bowl where the defense gave up, well, another 51 points.  Okay, so outside of the bookend 51 point outbursts by their opponents, there were strange and unusual moments; so much so that at any one point in the season, the Orange was going to be home for the holidays, then they were possibly headed to a BCS bowl, then no bowl again, then finally they were on their way to Orlando.  Along the way, they lost to Temple (TEMPLE?!?), giving up a million yards to the Owls’ versatile signal caller Walter Washington.  They beat conference champion Pittsburgh in double overtime, but needed 21 points in the fourth quarter to save the Rutgers game at home.  They got smashed by West Virginia, but went to Chestnut Hill and blew out Boston College, who had just hammered WVU the week prior.  They played hard throughout the season, but the up and down nature of the season took its toll on the Orange when they flew to Orlando to take on Georgia Tech.  Tech brought the hammer down on Syracuse and former coach Paul Pasqualoni on national television.  But, with rain often comes a rainbow, and with the emergence of former NFL and University of Texas defensive coordinator Greg Robinson as head coach, the Orange will be moving in the right direction for a good long while.  Regardless as to what happened last year, Robinson’s intense but caring demeanor should provide the Orange fans and alums with a more consistent on the field product to root for, and a team that will never, never give up 51 points in a game again.

2nd and Seven – All Rhodes lead to Damien – Although he had to share carries and playing time with Walter Reyes, Damien Rhodes flourished last season, and with the ball all to himself in 2005, he’s primed for a big year.  Rhodes’ slashing style helped him put up 870 yards on only 153 carries last season, which amounted to about 12 or 13 carries per game.  This year, he’s got to be the horse that gets 22 to 25 carries per game and dominates the ball and the clock.  Rhodes’ ability to control the football is the best defense the Orange could have, and don’t think that a defensive minded coach like Robinson doesn’t value having a guy like Rhodes on defense, err, offense.  

3rd and Three – A Wyche Guy – Although comparisons to former Orange DE star Dwight Freeney are a bit premature at this point, current DE James Wyche is moving in that direction.  The senior was a disrupting force off of the edge in 2004, registering 14.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks.  However, this defense is going to need more of that effort in 2005 to help avoid those 51 point offensive outputs.  Robinson knows how to utilize big time defensive talent, so keep an eye on how he and the defensive staff utilize #90 this fall in their various defensive schemes.

4th and One – The Apple of Their Eye – The name Major Applewhite is known throughout most college football circles for his exploits at the University of Texas, but the man has his work cut out for him as the new quarterback’s coach at SU. QBs Perry Patterson and Joe Fields have been more of a detriment than an asset, but with the help of their new QB coach, expect more improvement and consistency from this position in 2005.  Just remember, an Apple a day, keeps the Orange offense in play.

LINK (with depth charts)

[Brad]

By Pete Fiutak

UConn spent the last five years climbing the ladder with last year's 39-10 Motor City Bowl destruction of Toledo putting a cap on an amazing building job done by head coach Randy Edsall and the Connecticut athletic department to make a D-I program from almost scratch. With 17 wins over the last two years, now it's time to see if UConn can not only maintain its recent success, but also push ahead to another level.

It won't be a walk in the park with the loss of cornerstone stars who helped make the program what it is now. OT Ryan Krug, CB Justin Perkins, LBs Alfred Fincher and Maurice Lloyd, and of course, QB Dan Orlovsky, all need to be replaced with their loss leadership the toughest to overcome. Even so, don't write off the Huskies quite yet.

The defense will be solid with enough experience and depth to once again finish on top of the Big East. The backfield is one of the most productive in college football thanks to the return of Terry Caulley from a knee injury to help out Big East rushing champion Cornell Brockington. The quarterback situation will turn out fine with two good prospects, Matt Bonislwski and D.J. Hernandez, each capable of keeping the offense moving. The offensive line could be the team's downfall, but there are two cupcake games to tune it up. If the painfully inexperienced line comes together, Edsall's club could climb the next step and become Big East champions.

The Schedule: Thank goodness for Buffalo and Liberty to start off the season to get everything tuned up before the road trip to Georgia Tech. In Big East play, West Virginia and Pittsburgh are on the road, but Syracuse and Louisville have to come to Storrs. If the Huskies can split with the Mountaineers and the Panthers, they'll have a shot at the title and the automatic berth in a BCS game.

Best Offensive Player: Junior RBs Cornell Brockington and Terry Caulley. It has taken Caulley almost two years to recover from a knee injury, but he's back joining the reigning Big East rushing champ to form the best 1-2 running back punch outside of USC. The downside could be their offensive line which won't open up too many big holes for a while.

Best Defensive Player: Senior LB James Hargrave. Never getting any love in a linebacking corps with Alfred Fincher and Maurice Lloyd, now Hargrave can show off his All-Big East skills as the leader of the defensive front seven from his strongside spot.

Key player to a successful season: The entire offensive line. Joe Akers might be supremely talented, but he's a true freshman starting at center. Craig Berry and Grant Preston are guards playing tackle, Matt Applebaum is a defensive tackle playing guard, and Brian Kersmanc has only a few plays of experience at the other guard spot. This starting five will make or break the season.

The season will be a success if ... the Huskies win eight games. The offensive line is too green and too many stars need to be replaced to honestly think about the Big East title, but 2006 should be a huge season for this young team. Eight wins and a bowl game would keep the momentum of the last two years going.

Key game: October 7th vs. Syracuse. UConn already established new Rentschler Field as a tough place to play with a win over Pittsburgh and a tough loss to West Virginia, and it can't lose the Big East home opener to an improved Syracuse if it wants to keep a home field advantage.

2004 Fun Stats:

- First quarter scoring: Connecticut 103 - Opponents 59

- Punt return average: Connecticut 13.5 yards per return - Opponents 7.9

- Time of possession: Connecticut 31:24 - Opponents 28:36

Basically ... All the focus is on the quarterback situation where Matt Bonislawski and D.J. Hernandez will try to replace heart-and-soul leader Dan Orlovsky, but the winner of the derby will be more than capable of putting up big numbers. The backfield is the best in the Big East with Terry Caulley returning from a knee injury to join defending Big East rushing champion Cornell Brockington. The receiving corps is more than solid despite some key losses. And then there's the offensive line. The interior could be a nightmare early, there aren't any true tackles and there's no depth whatsoever.

Returning Leaders

Passing: Matt Bonislwski

4-7, 22 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT

Rushing: Cornell Brockington

238 carries for 1,218 yds and 11 TDs

Receiving: Jason Williams

44 catches for 661 yds and 4 TDs

Star of the offense: RBs Cornell Brockington and Terry Caulley

Player that has to step up and become a star: Guards Brian Kersmanc and Matt Applebaum

Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman WR Nollis Dewar

Best pro prospect: Senior FB Deon Anderson

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Brockington, 2) Caulley, 3) Anderson

Strength of the offense: Running back

Weakness of the offense: Offensive line

Quarterbacks

All Dan Orlovsky did was throw for 10,706 yards and 84 touchdowns as the face of UConn football as it entered the Division I world. While there's no replacing Orlovsky right away, the new starting quarterback prospects offer something new to the mix: mobility. Matt Bonislawski has the inside track on the job because of his practice experience, but athletic all-around playmaker D.J. Hernandez is getting a shot to win the gig. Don't expect much to be settled until this fall.

Player to keep an eye on: D.J. Hernandez, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 6.5

Projected Starter

- Matt Bonislawski, Jr. - A very big, very strong passer, the 6-4 junior has a little bit of experience throwing for 22 yards on four of seven attempts last season. His main worth was as the holder on kicks, but he has seen plenty of practice time as the number two quarterback. "Bones" is athletic able to run better than Orlovsky did, but the key will to quickly establish himself as a leader.

Top Backups

- D.J. Hernandez, RFr. - A great dual threat, Hernandez ran for 45 touchdowns and throwing for 31 scores in high school. He's not all that big and isn't a polished passer, but he's being given every shot to win the starting job. The key is for him to keep improving and get better and better at fighting through his mistakes.

- Perder von Harten, Jr. - The former walk-on is a big passer with a live arm, but he's battling to hang on to the number three spot. He's not all that mobile and doesn't have anywhere near the skills of Matt Bonislawki or D.J. Hernandez.

Running Backs

If Terry Caulley is the same back he was in 2003 before his knee injury, UConn will have one of the nation's best 1-2 rushing punches. Cornell Brockington was last year's Big East rushing champion and is more than good enough to handle the whole workload, but Caulley is a special sparkplug that can make a good rushing attack something amazing. Soon-to-be four year starter Deon Anderson is one of the best fullbacks in America able to do a little of everything well. The overall depth is promising with some big young backs waiting in the wings. The rating is assuming Caulley is 100%.

Player to keep an eye on: Larry Taylor, Soph. ... Running back rating: 10

Projected Starters

- Cornell Brockington, Jr. - The offense needed Brockington to have a big year, and he more than came through winning the Big East rushing crown with 1,218 yards and 11 touchdowns and a pounding 238 carries. He also showed he can be a top receiver with 34 catches for 231 yards and a score. He's a quick runner, but not a homerun hitter, with excellent power and a nose for the goal line.

- Fullback Deon Anderson, Sr. - The three year starter has established himself as one of the nation's unsung run blockers paving the way for several big seasons. Even though he's a strong 240 pounds, he won't see too many carries being used more as a receiver. Even so, he has 91 career runs for 342 yards and a touchdown.

Top Backups

- Terry Caulley, Jr. - A devastating knee injury cost Caulley over two years, but now he finally appears back and ready to go. He ripped through a great freshman season with 1,247 yards and 15 touchdowns and tore off 607 yards and seven scores in 2003 before the injury. He's not big, but he's very, very quick with a six-yard-per-carry average and great hands as a receiver.

- Matt Lawrence, Jr. - Lawrence is a big backup with a little bit of starting experience and 267 career yards with three touchdowns. His workload will decrease with the return of Caulley, but he'll have to stay ready in case Caulley isn't the exact same back he was before the knee injury.

- Larry Taylor, Soph. - A superstar kick returner, the 5-6 Taylor averaged 14.6 yards per punt return and 31.3 yards on kickoffs. He's lightning fast and will see a little more time in the offense to get his speed involved, but he'll still make the most noise on special teams.

- Fullback Lou Allen, RFr. - Allen is a big, fast option at fullback behind Deon Anderson, He has to prove he can be a steady blocker, but he'll be a key player next year. Now he has to learn the ropes.

Receivers

The loss of leading receiver Keron Henry and his steady running mate Matt Cutaia would leave a gaping hole if Brandon Young wasn't coming back off a year spent recovering from injuries suffered in a car accident. Jason Williams goes from being a good third option to a potentially dangerous go-to receiver, while Nollis Dewar will stop tearing it up as a scout teamer and be a new playmaker. Dan Murray is a rising star tight end.

Player to keep an eye on: Nollis Dewar, RFr. ... Receiver rating: 6

Projected Starters

- Brandon Young, Jr. - Young missed all of last year after getting into a car crash, but he's back and ready to pick up where he left off in 2003 as one of the team's top midrange threats. He's physical with elite deep speed with 50 career catches for 668 yards and six touchdowns. Expect him to quickly emerge as a number one target.

- Jason Williams, Sr. - Williams was a good number three receiver and spot starter over the last three seasons breaking through with 44 catches for 661 yards and four touchdowns in 2004. He came up with a 90-yard touchdown against Temple showing off his track star speed.

- Tight end Dan Murray, Jr. - Murray was a good, but not consistent starter last year turning into a strong deep receiver averaging 14.1 yards per catch with five touchdowns, but having a few problems as a steady blocker. He'll once again be a top target whose blocking appears to have improved. Expect him to be more physical.

Top Backups

- Nollis Dewar, RFr. - A great prospect at 6-2 and 189 pounds, Dewar was a star high school high jumper who was a killer scout team performer last year. Now he'll likely be the number three receiver playing behind Brandon Young.

- Brandon McLean, Soph. - McLean is small at only 157 pounds, but the 5-10 sophomore is a tremendous athlete with a little bit of experience catching 14 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. He was used in short patterns and end-arounds to utilized his speed in open space.

- Tight end Steve Brouse, RFr. - Brouse is a good runner who beefed up 25 pounds in the off-season to handle the job at tight end. He'll have to battle for the number two spot, but he looks like a good receiver and a nice backup behind Dan Murray.

Offensive Line

Uh oh. This is going to be the team's biggest problem over the first half of the season with two returning starters, Grant Preston and Craig Berry, who were solid guards last year, but nothing special. They now have to move outside to give the line a little bit of experience at the two key spots. The interior will be a nightmare for a few games with former defensive tackle Matt Applebaum getting the first look at left guard and career backup Brian Kersmanc starting on the other side. Center Joe Akers is the most talented lineman of the bunch, but it's never a positive when you have to start a true freshman. Forget about any reliable depth.

Player to keep an eye on: C Joe Akers, Fr. ... Offensive line rating: 5

Projected Starters

- Tackle Grant Preston, Sr. - Only a bout with pneumonia kept Preston from the starting lineup over the last few years. The 6-4, 307-pound senior has started 35 games at right tackle and will now move over to the left side. He can play guard if needed, but his primary job will be to perform as the steadiest force on the young, inexperienced line.

- Guard Matt Applebaum, Jr. - The former defensive lineman after making three tackles as a reserve defensive tackle. He's strong, but he has to prove he can be a steady pass blocker against quicker tackles.

- Center Joe Akers, Fr. - Akers graduated from high school early to join the team and get his feet wet. He's smart and strong for his age at 6-1 and 297 pounds, but he'll have to handle a lot of responsibility early on taking over for Billy Irwin in the middle. On the plus side, he has a great résumé as the first player in Maryland history to earn consensus all-state honors for three straight seasons.

- Guard Brian Kersmanc, Soph. - At 6-5 and 299 pounds, the coaching staff is looking for him to be a big presence inside right away as the team's most experienced guard. He only saw action in a few plays last year, but that qualifies him to be the crusty veteran of the interior.

- Tackle Craig  Berry, Sr. - Berry started every game at guard last year as the green newcomer to a veteran line. Now he'll move to right tackle to use his experience and 6-6, 324-pound frame.

Top Backups

- T Donald Thomas, Jr. - Thomas made the move from the defensive line to give the line another big body. The 6-3, 274-pound junior is the only non-freshman reserve who'll play a big role

- G Pat Shortell, RFr. - At 305 pounds, Shortell is one of the team's biggest backups and needs to play a key role behind Matt Applebaum at left guard.

Basically ... Is this the Big East's best defense? It'll be close with a deep and experienced front four and secondary. While the numbers are there as far as good retuning players, the star quality is gone with the departure of LBs Alfred Fincher and Maurice Lloyd along with CB Justin Perkins. Even so, don't expect much of a drop-off from the D that finished 27th in the nation last year unless there's a major fallout from losing five players to suspension due to the shooting of a vehicle window with a pellet gun.

Returning Leaders

Tackles: James Hargrave, 88

Sacks: Shawn Mayne, 5.5

Interceptions: Ernest Cole, James Hargrave, 1

Star of the defense: Senior LB James Hargrave

Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior MLB Taurien Sowell

Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore DT Afa Anoai

Best pro prospect: Hargrave

Top three all-star candidates: 1) Hargrave, 2) DT Deon McPhee 3) DE Shawn Mayne

Strength of the defense: Depth, defensive line

Weakness of the defense: Linebacker experience, defensive backs who pick off passes

Defensive Line

This is a good looking line with veterans and talented depth. Expect this group to be even stronger against the run after finishing second in the Big East last year, but the key will be to generate more of a pass rush. The linebackers were the sacking stars with little production from the ends after Tyler King got knocked out midway through the season. Shawn Mayne has to grow into a terror on the edge, while Deon McPhee and Rhema Fuller have get in the backfield more from the inside.

Player to keep an eye on: DT Afa Anoai, Soph. ... Defensive Line rating: 7.5

Projected Starters

- DE Shawn Mayne, Jr. - 41 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss ... Mayne was the team's most productive defensive lineman finishing sixth on the team in tackles and leading the way with his 5.5 sacks. When he's on, he's devastating with a good first step and enough strength to handle the bigger tackles.

- DT Deon McPhee, Sr. - 24 tackles, 4 tackles for loss ... The leader on the line and a team captain, McPhee is a hard-nosed tackle who has grown into a good run stopper. While not a true anchor, he's good enough to occupy two blockers.

- DT Rhema Fuller, Jr. - 31 tackles, 2 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss ... The Academic All-Big East honoree also shines on the field where he was the team's best interior pass rusher. At 283 pounds, he's strong against the run and should shine with the rest of the good line taking away some attention from blocking schemes.

- DE Jason Ward, Jr. - 15 tackles, 2 tackles for loss ... Ward got a little bit of starting time when Tyler King went down with a broken leg. While not a strong pass rusher, he's physical against the run and will see plenty of one-on-one situations with teams looking to stop Shawn Mayne on the other side.

Top Backups

- DE Dan Davis, Soph. - 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks ... The 280-pound Davis was looking more and more like he could find his was somewhere on the line as a starter, but he was suspended from the team in the case of a window of a parked car being shot out by a pellet gun.

- DT Afa Anoai, Soph. - 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss ... The rising star in the middle, Anoai got a ton of work as a true freshman backup. At 6-1 and 284 pounds, he's strong against the run and showed surprising quickness.

- DT Ray Blagman, Jr. -  8 tackles, 1 sack ... At 322 pounds, Blagman is by far the biggest tackle on the roster. He's good in short-yardage situations and is a nice backup behind Rhema Fuller.

Linebackers

There's no replacing the leadership of Alfred Fincher and Maurice Lloyd and their 257 tackles of last year, but there are several good pieces to work with. James Hargrave is on the verge of All-Big East stardom, but he needs Taurien Sowell to step up in the middle and Johnathan Smith to be a producer on the weakside now that Danny Lansanah has been suspended. The reserves need time to develop.

Player to keep an eye on: Julius Williams, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 6

Projected Starters

- James Hargrave, Sr. - 88 tackles, 4 sacks, 15 tackles for loss ... The All-Big East candidate had a tremendous season on the strongside finishing third on the team in tackles and was great at getting into the backfield. He's the team's most productive returning defender with 208 career tackles, ten sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss. He's not all that huge at 5-11 and 224 pounds, but he can move.

- Taurien Sowell, Sr. - 4 tackles ... A special teamer so far, it'll be up to Sowell to try to replace the 140 tackles of Alfred Fincher in the middle. At 236 pounds he's big enough to play inside, and quick enough to see action on the weakside if needed.

- Johnathan Smith, RFr. - With Danny Lansanah suspended, it'll be up to Smith to take over on the weakside. He's only 218 pounds, but he's tough with decent speed.

Top Backups

- Julius Williams, Soph. - 7 tackles ... Williams saw a little bit of action at linebacker as a true freshman, but he spent most of his time on special teams. He's 6-2 and 232 pounds and expected push for playing time behind Taurien Sowell in the middle.

- Johnathon Smith, RFr. - Smith is only 218 pounds, but he has good speed on the weakside. He'll use his speed as a pass rusher on the outside.

- Danny Lansanah, Soph. - 23 tackles .. Lansanah saw enough backup time behind Maurice Lloyd to have been ready to step in and take over on the weakside. At 247 pounds, he was the team's biggest linebacker with moves like a safety, but he was suspended from the team in the window shooting incident.

Defensive Backs

There's some rebuilding to do in last year's best Big East secondary. The Huskies finished 19th in the nation in pass defense thanks to playmakers like Justin Perkins and John Fletcher, but Ernest Cole appears ready to fill in quickly. There's excellent depth with three good looking sophomores ready to push for playing time. The key will be to make more interceptions and break up more passes to make up for everything Perkins was able to do.

Player to keep an eye on: CB Tyvon Branch, Soph. ... Secondary rating: 7.5

Projected Starters

- CB Allan Barnes , Jr. - 14 tackles ... Barnes was a key backup for the first half of the season before getting hurt. He's a sure tackler and one of the team's fastest players, but he has to make more plays when the ball is in the air.

- FS M.J. Estep, Jr. - 66 tackles, 4 broken up passes ... A big hitter and great athlete, Estep will be one of the leaders in the secondary after finishing fourth on the team in tackles. He isn't much of a ball hawk, but he's strong against the run.

- SS Rickey McCollum, Soph. - At 217 pounds, McCollum is the team's biggest defensive back. He spent most of last year on special teams, but he now has to take over for Donta Moore at strong safety.

- CB Ernest Cole, Jr. - 25 tackles, 1 interception, 4 broken up passes ... Cole has been a strong corner for the last two seasons with 69 career tackles, but he only has one interception. He'll get the starting slot again and has to be more of a pickoff artist as the team's number one corner.

Top Backups

- SS Donta Moore, Jr. - 12 tackles, 1 broken up pass ... Moore spent most of his time on special teams and was going to take over for John Fletcher with good size and has the potential to be one of the team's top five tacklers. But he was suspended from the team in the shooting of a vehicle window.

- CB Tyvon Branch, Soph. - 20 tackles ... Branch spent most of his freshman year on special teams, but he also showed some good skills in the secondary. He's lightning fast with decent size for a corner. He can also play free safety if needed.

- FS Marvin Taylor, Soph. - Taylor got some good experience as a key reserve, and now he'll push for time behind M.J. Estep at free safety. He also played on special teams finishing with 12 tackles.

Special Teams

If Shane Hussar can have a stronger punting season, the UConn special teams will be among the best in the nation. Larry Taylor is an All-American waiting to happen after averaging 14.6 yards per punt return and 31.3 yards per kickoff return. The coverage units should be good again.

Special Teams rating: 8.5

- Placekicker Matt Nuzie, Jr. - 20-28 FGs, 37-42 extra points ... Nuzie has a great midrange led, but not a deep one despite hitting a 51-yard shot last year. He struggled from behind 35 yards, but he can get hot nailing ten in a row in the middle of the season. He'll be one of the Big East's best.

- Punter Shane Hussar, Soph. - Hussar struggled a bit as a freshman only averaging 36.9 yards per kick, but he put 16 inside the 20. He needs more blast, and more consistency, to keep UConn from being 106th in the naiton in punting again.

With a fresh set of downs…

1st and Ten – Embarrassment of Riches or Trouble in Paradise? – Harken back to 2002.  Yes, go all the way back with me for a moment.  Freshman Terry Caulley was one of the biggest surprises in the nation, rushing for just over 1,200 yards.  But, a few weeks into his 2003 season at Virginia Tech, Caulley went down with an ACL tear, and hasn’t gotten back on a football field in a regular season game since that tragic day in Blacksburg.  But, the Huskies found themselves one heck of a running back in 2004.  Cornell Brockington was the leading rusher in the Big East, piling up 1,218 yards and helped lead the Huskies to the Motor City Bowl.  Brockington was as impressive as any running back not named Peterson, Benson, Williams or Brown.  He was quick to the hole, ran with power and was extremely consistent.  The Husky offense has lost its share of quality football players, including QB Dan Orlovsky, but not only have they not lost a starting RB, they’ve gained another.  Caulley was as close to 100% this spring as he had been since before the injury and the word ‘or’ has suspiciously popped up on the spring depth chart next to Brockington and Caulley’s name as first string starter.  Oh man, this is Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams all over again (maybe just a little bit different).  Except it’ll be up to Norries Wilson, Husky offensive coordinator, and not Al Borges (who should be on Wilson’s speed dial for assistance), to find a way to utilize his two big time running backs as much as possible together.  With Brockington in the fold, Caulley doesn’t have to be rushed if he’s not quite ready, but the quickness and shiftiness that he runs with is a tad different than the power downfield running style that Brockington possesses.  If played right, the two can feed off of each other and give teams a multitude of problems stopping the run.  If selfish egos get in the way, it could be trouble in paradise.

2nd and Seven – Fearsome Foursome – Last year, the Huskies’ defensive front was perceived to be a massive weakness, and was the one area on the defense that could have held that defense back.  However, DT Deon McPhee, DT Rhema Fuller, DE Shawn Mayne and DE Jason Ward piled up a total of 42 starts last year, and all return together for another season.  The reason that linebackers Alfred Fincher, Maurice Lloyd and James Hargrave had such great output last year was due in large part to the havoc that this foursome generated.

3rd and Three – Bonafide Bonislawski? – The Connecticut machine had been driven for four years by QB Dan Orlovsky.  Quite simply, Orlovsky owns just about every passing record in Connecticut football history, and he’s left the building, so to speak.  In steps Matt Bonislawski to take over for the decorated but departed Orlovsky.  With so much upheaval on offense, expect OC Wilson to rely on the running game, until Bonislawski can get his ‘sea legs’, if you will.  Hopefully for Husky fans, that won’t be too long in coming.

4th and One – Where Now? – It’s sad that there hasn’t been much mention of the job that head coach Randy Edsall has done at the University of Connecticut.  U Conn had been a Division 1 program for only five years before Edsall led his troops to Detroit’s Motor City Bowl for, perhaps, a program changing win over Toledo.  In a state that lives and dies for both of its hoops programs, Edsall has quietly, perhaps too quietly, turned this program into one that can vie for bowl games and Big East championships year in and year out.  Just like the, gulp, basketball program.  Sure, national prominence is a bit far off, but then again, when Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma took over, no one thought the Husky hoops programs were on the verge of becoming national powers on an annual basis.  Boy, were those people wrong

Link and Depth Chart

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We will be lucky to win two conference games this season.