| |
 Transfer threats prompt QB changes
Posted: Saturday September 18, 1999 09:28 AM
More teams are going to the two-quarterback system, and their coaches say its because both athletes deserve to play. But that's just covering up a bigger problem -- young quarterbacks who insist on playing right away or threaten to transfer. Take, for instance, the situation at UCLA. Heralded recruit J.P. Losman graduated high school early to take part in spring drills, then decided to transfer after practicing just 15 days. As Bruins offensive coordinator Al Borges told me, these kids just don't want to compete anymore. There isn't a single head coach who wants to rotate quarterbacks. But if you don't play the freshman and he transfers, you jeopardize the future of your team. Nebraska head coach Frank Solich announced this week that Eric Crouch will start at quarterback while Bobby Newcombe will switch to wide reciever and return kicks. At the same time starting I-back DeAngelo Evans quit the team over lack of playing time, and Solich let him. Those were gutsy moves -- but necessary. Solich needed to quiet the grumbling about playing time that had been growing in the Nebraska locker room.
Vols will enjoy trip to The SwampDefending champion Tennessee travels to Gainesville to take on the Gators. The Volunteers haven't won in The Swamp since 1971, but this year will be different. Florida defensive coordinator Jon Hoke insists we shouldn't read too much into the Gators' less-than-impressive defensive stats. But Florida will have a hard time matching up with Tennessee's physical offense.
Nittany Lions place title hopes on linePenn State travels to Miami to take on the Hurricanes. Joe Paterno got the motiviating tool he needed for this game when outmanned Pittsburgh went to Happy Valley and physically embarrassed the Nittany Lions last week. Look for Penn State's rushing attack to be too much for Miami to overcome.
Taking chances will cripple N.C. StateN.C. State beat Florida State last year and head coach Mike O'Cain told me his game plan hasn't changed. O'Cain says with all 11 Seminole defenders five yards from the line of scrimmage, you must take chances against the 'Noles by throwing deep.But Coach O'Cain admitted that philosophy can blow up in your face and you can lose by 30 if you don't protect the QB. With the Wolfpack's starting center out and a young offensive line, that blow up is what's going to happen.
| |||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. Terms under which this service is provided to you.
| |||||||||||||||||
