NC State @ South Carolina (8:00 pm Thursday)
Neither team has an established quarterback and, up until a week ago both projected starters were blanks on the depth chart that could be filled by up to three possible names. State has settled on redshirt freshman Russell Wilson as the starter, while the Ole Ball Coach has decided to go with senior Tommy Beecher under center for the home opener.
South Carolina's offensive struggles have been heavily documented as has their missing a bowl game while losing six straight games after rising to #6 in the nation in 2007. They struggled mightily offensively and with the Gamecocks losing consistent running back Corey Boyd the offensive struggles seem destined to continue.
The plus for the Gamecocks will be their stout defense, regarded by many to be one of the nations elite units. Returning the likes of Jasper Brinkley, Captain Munnerlyn, Eric Norwood and Emanuel Cook give the 'Cocks a unit that will allow for Beecher's development by stopping the opposition, turning opponents over and winning the field position battle.
Keys to an NC State Win:
-1st year starter Russell Wilson must play mistake limited football. He can't be afraid to throw the ball away or tuck and run in order to avoid sacks and questionable throws. Wilson must approach this game ten yards at a time. Getting first downs will be his major contribution to putting the Pack in position to win.
-Andre Brown and Curtis Underwood. They must work with the Packs offensive line to establish the run early against South Carolina's defense. This will take the pressure off of the inexperienced Wilson and allow for the freshman to settle in to his quarterback role without being forced into many long passing situations. (Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene are injured)
-Tom O'Brien must pick his spots wisely. Widely regarded as a conservative coach, O'Brien is going to have to be smart in picking when to strike against this talented, experienced and confident S. Carolina defense. Winning the field position battle, establishing the run and making use of misdirection and play action passing will be crucial if the Pack plans on pulling off this upset.
-Pressuring Beecher should be job one for the Wolfpack. Their defensive line is their strongest defensive asset and features guys who struggle against the run but are quite capable of getting after the quarterback. With inexperience at safety and linebacker the Pack d-linemen are going to be tasked with the responsibility of making Beecher uncomfortable in the pocket. Without constant pressure Beecher will sit back in the pocket tossing to Kenny McKinley or Jared Cook and picking apart the Wolfpack's back seven.
Wake Forest @ Baylor (8:00pm Thursday)
The Deamon Deacons of Wake Forest head out to Waco, Texas to be the first team to take on Baylor with their new head coach, the energetic, offensive minded Art Briles. Briles, by way of Houston University, looks to rebuild a program that hasn't seen a bowl game since 1994 and a winning season in twelve years.
Briles is going to have his hands full against the Deacs and their misdirection ball controlling offense. Jim Grobe and his offensive coordinator Steed Lobotzke are committed to putting the ball in the air this season, allowing experienced quarterback Riley Skinner to air the ball out to his young receiving core.
On offense Briles returns quarterback Blake Szymanski, four offensive linemen and eight receivers with 30+ receptions. This should be the Bears' strength and they'll look to use their offense as their best defense by keeping the Deacons off the field at Floyd Casey Stadium.
Keys to a Wake Forest Win:
-Handle the pressure. For the first time in a long time the Deacons walk into a season opener as a heavy favorite and instead of surprising folks as they have the past two seasons the Deacons will be the hunted in 2008. They must respond to getting every team's best shot to claim their second ACC title since 2006.
-Tackling in space. The Deacs' secondary, with All-America candidates Chip Vaughn and Alphonso Smith, is the strongest unit on the team and they will be tested by this Baylor Bears receiving core. Briles will spread them out and throw the ball all over the field, Wake must make sound tackles in space to avoid the big plays that would keep Baylor in contention.
-Find a reliable perimeter option to compliment Josh Adams. Gone is Kenny Moore the Deacs' Mr. Do-Everything. With this first game the Deamon Deacons must find a new horse to hitch their saddle to and the leading candidates are DJ Boldin and Devon Brown.
Maryland vs Delaware (3:45pm Saturday)
Fresh off the FCS national title game the Delaware Blue Hens enter 2008 ranked #8 in their division and ready to step up to the challenge of playing their neighboring state of Maryland. Though unsettled at quarterback the Blue Hens do return 14 starters from last years squad, four of which are preseason All-Americans.
The Terps, like most FBS teams playing FCS opposition this week, are well aware of the 2007 Michigan debacle and that they too could be the next big FCS victim if they come out flat against a charged up FCS opponent. Expect Ralph Friedgen to have his boys set to perform and after settling on Chris Turner at the starting spot the Terps look ready to fulfill that projection as the ACC Atlantic dark horse.
Keys to a Maryland Win:
-Establish the run. With the departure of Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball Maryland features unproven backfield talent and this is experience that Morgan Green and Da'Rei Scott desperately need. A plus is the offensive line returns four starters and should be capable of opening up holes for which ever back emerges as the leader.
-Find Darrius Heyward-Bey. The 6'2", 206 pound receiver is one of the nation's best and Turner would be wise to find him in mismatches against the Delaware defensive backs. If Heyward-Bey has a big day the Blue Hens should be put away early.
-Find a defensive identity. Losing Dre Moore, Christian Varner and Erin Henderson have left the Terps without a true defensive calling card for 2008. Stopping the run early and hitting the Delaware quarterbacks will serve as a strong confidence boost for this young but talented defense.
Boston College @ Kent State (7:30 pm Saturday)
Matt Ryan is out, Chris Crane is in as year two of the Jeff Jagodzinski era begins in Chestnut Hill, MA. Facing off against Kent State will be no small task as the Golden Flashes return dual threat quarterback Julian Edelman and the nations reigning rushing champion Eugene Jarvis.
Jarvis posted nine-100 yard games and amassed over 1900 yards a season ago. At 5'5" and 175 pounds the short Jarvis is a powerful guy who gets lost behind his line and explodes through tackles as he gets up field. The BC defense is going to have their hands full finding and stopping the Flashes' running back.
The Flashes defense features Butkus watch list member Derrick Burrell and stand out defensive back Rico Murray. Burrell is an 6'2", 240 pound run stopper who can run sideline to sideline and who tackles with some force.
Keys to a Boston College Win:
-Find a running back. The departure of Andre Callendear and LV Whitworth have left Chris Crane without and established threat at running back. Enter Josh Haden, the true freshman has looked good in workouts and scrimmages and Crane will need him to avoid becoming one dimensional.
-Spread the ball around. The Eagles feature three reliable pass catchers in tight end Ryan Purvis and receivers Rich Gunnell and Brandon Robinson. Crane will hit Gunnell for big plays and expect to see Purvis used often as the senior qb's safety net.
-Control the line of scrimmage. Ron Brace is a monster and probably BC's best pro prospect this season. Brian Toal, the Mike Vrabel Jr linebacker returns this year as does defensive tackle BJ Raji. With their strength up front the Eagles need to control the line and put pressure on quarterbacks, especially since replacing Dejuan Tribble and Jamie Silva is no small task.
Clemson and Alabama is the game of the week in the ACC so check back Thursday for an in depth preview of this ACC vs SEC match up.
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