I will focus on these two teams in this thread this year as they are the teams I follow closely.
I was really hoping that Hawaii's great showing on the road last night would help Navy lay a much lower number than first anticipated. Well, maybe it is lower, but -16.5 is a little steep. Not going to play it yet as I think/hoping it will come down based on Hawaii's first game. Also have not seen a total yet, but there will be plenty of points in this one and it may be the best way to play the game. Hawaii was impressive last night and certainly not as bad as everyone thought, but Colorado State was an absolute mess defensively. The change in Hawaii's offense actually plays into Navy's hands as the better teams in their league (Houston, Memphis, UCF, etc.) all play similar offenses. Navy's preseason focus has been on pass defense since they have to improve to compete better in conference. Offensively they have been working non-stop on their passing game. I still do not expect them to pass much but they know they need to have it be more more of a weapon to take the next step. I am expecting a huge year from Perry at QB. Their offense should have many wrinkles in it this year as Abey moves to WR, Lewis will play at QB also and Perry can play RB. Will keep an eye on this line and wait to see a total.
Everyone knows MD is a mess, but it is not nearly bad as ESPN makes it out to be. I really hate what ESPN has become but they seem to think they are some great investigative journalists in this MD scandal. Jordan McNair's death was both tragic and sad, but ESPN has been using it to make more of the MD culture than really is there. I am not making any excuses for MD only simply saying that the "toxic" culture at MD is not as bad as ESPN wants you to think. Every program has disgruntled players who feel wronged, so you can always find a player or two to slam any program in the country. I have been to many division one summer camps over the years and there is not one where coaches are not yelling at players on the field and in the weight room. It is tough to motivate 18-21 year old young men in 90 degree heat when they are tired. I do not think the "culture" at any top 50 program is much different than it is at MD. If it was, MD players would be leaving in droves and that is not happening. With the Board involved now, my guess is Durkin will have to take the fall since it has to be somebody's fault. While I certainly do not have all the facts, I do not believe Durkin to be the ogre ESPN is making him out to be.
I certainly do not want to get into a debate about this or upset anyone, I only say it to set up the game. All that said, I am waiting on the MD line to climb over 14. My thought right now is that the MD players are going to come together, try to honor McNair and try not be that affected by all this noise. Remember they man handled this TX team in TX last year. They will be much better offensively this year. Hill is an elite QB who can run and pass, they have excellent RBs and a veteran offensive line. They will move the ball in this game. Defensively there are certainly some questions, but Texas is no offensive juggernaut. I am a Tom Herman fan, but he still does not have "his" players on the offensive side to do what he wants. For now, I am not seeing a TX blowout on the road. MD's schedule is absolutely brutal as they get about the worse draw you can have in the Big 10. If they do not get off to a good start it could be a long year given all that is going on.
More on both these games as the week progresses.
I was really hoping that Hawaii's great showing on the road last night would help Navy lay a much lower number than first anticipated. Well, maybe it is lower, but -16.5 is a little steep. Not going to play it yet as I think/hoping it will come down based on Hawaii's first game. Also have not seen a total yet, but there will be plenty of points in this one and it may be the best way to play the game. Hawaii was impressive last night and certainly not as bad as everyone thought, but Colorado State was an absolute mess defensively. The change in Hawaii's offense actually plays into Navy's hands as the better teams in their league (Houston, Memphis, UCF, etc.) all play similar offenses. Navy's preseason focus has been on pass defense since they have to improve to compete better in conference. Offensively they have been working non-stop on their passing game. I still do not expect them to pass much but they know they need to have it be more more of a weapon to take the next step. I am expecting a huge year from Perry at QB. Their offense should have many wrinkles in it this year as Abey moves to WR, Lewis will play at QB also and Perry can play RB. Will keep an eye on this line and wait to see a total.
Everyone knows MD is a mess, but it is not nearly bad as ESPN makes it out to be. I really hate what ESPN has become but they seem to think they are some great investigative journalists in this MD scandal. Jordan McNair's death was both tragic and sad, but ESPN has been using it to make more of the MD culture than really is there. I am not making any excuses for MD only simply saying that the "toxic" culture at MD is not as bad as ESPN wants you to think. Every program has disgruntled players who feel wronged, so you can always find a player or two to slam any program in the country. I have been to many division one summer camps over the years and there is not one where coaches are not yelling at players on the field and in the weight room. It is tough to motivate 18-21 year old young men in 90 degree heat when they are tired. I do not think the "culture" at any top 50 program is much different than it is at MD. If it was, MD players would be leaving in droves and that is not happening. With the Board involved now, my guess is Durkin will have to take the fall since it has to be somebody's fault. While I certainly do not have all the facts, I do not believe Durkin to be the ogre ESPN is making him out to be.
I certainly do not want to get into a debate about this or upset anyone, I only say it to set up the game. All that said, I am waiting on the MD line to climb over 14. My thought right now is that the MD players are going to come together, try to honor McNair and try not be that affected by all this noise. Remember they man handled this TX team in TX last year. They will be much better offensively this year. Hill is an elite QB who can run and pass, they have excellent RBs and a veteran offensive line. They will move the ball in this game. Defensively there are certainly some questions, but Texas is no offensive juggernaut. I am a Tom Herman fan, but he still does not have "his" players on the offensive side to do what he wants. For now, I am not seeing a TX blowout on the road. MD's schedule is absolutely brutal as they get about the worse draw you can have in the Big 10. If they do not get off to a good start it could be a long year given all that is going on.
More on both these games as the week progresses.
