Bishop Media Sports Network
Frederica Academy Knights Coach’s Show w Brandon Derrick August 21
Rule Change
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As the NFL preseason wraps up, the effects of several new rules are becoming clearer, with the revamped kickoff alignment being one of the biggest talking points.
Kickoffs, which had been fading in importance, are making a strong comeback. This preseason, 78% of kickoffs have been returned, compared to just 22% during the 2023 regular season.
The league’s effort to make kickoffs a strategic play again has also led to a big drop in touchbacks, now down to 19% from 73% last year. The average starting field position after a kickoff has improved too, moving up to the 28.3-yard line, a nice jump from 23.9 yards in the 2023 preseason.
This rise in returns has led to more exciting plays, with 11 kickoffs returned for at least 40 yards, almost double the number from last year at this point.
However, some teams are still opting for the safety of touchbacks, and we’ve seen a 10% increase in kickoffs landing in the end zone between Weeks 1 and 2 of the preseason.
About two-thirds of kickoffs have hit the “landing zone” between the 20-yard line and the goal line, showing that teams are trying out different approaches under the new rules. But with touchbacks now spotted at the 30-yard line, there’s some debate about whether teams will stick with this more cautious approach once the regular season kicks off.
Another interesting shift is how involved kickers have become in the action. They’re making tackles a lot more often than before.
Last season, kickers were credited with a tackle roughly once every 15 games, but this preseason, they’re averaging a tackle every four games. This shows how kickoffs are becoming more dynamic again, with some coaches even using their starters on special teams to take advantage of this renewed importance.
The new kickoff rule isn’t the only change this season. The NFL has also introduced a penalty for hip-drop tackles, which has sparked a lot of debate. Despite concerns about how it would be enforced, no flags have been thrown for it so far in the preseason. The rule is aimed at the most obvious cases, where a player drops their hips and body weight onto the runner’s legs to bring them down.
If a player stays on the ground or on their feet while using a similar technique, it’s still considered a legal tackle. The NFL seems to be taking a similar approach to how they enforce the helmet rule, with penalties likely coming after the game during reviews instead of during live play.
Besides these major changes, the NFL has also made some quieter adjustments to its replay system. Replay officials can now review two new situations: whether a passer was down by contact or out of bounds before throwing the ball, and whether the game clock expired before the snap.
These additions fit with the league’s cautious approach to expanding replay, where they focus on fixing obvious mistakes without reviewing everything.
The league has also made changes to player safety with the expanded use of Guardian Caps during training camps and preseason practices.
These foam pads, which attach to the outside of helmets, are now mandatory for more positions, except quarterbacks and specialists.
The NFL also allows players to wear helmets that offer equal or better protection than Guardian Caps during practices and games, leading to more players switching to those models. Some players are still opting to wear Guardian Caps during preseason games.
With just one week left in the preseason, we’re already seeing the impact of these new rules, especially with kickoffs.
Teams are testing out different strategies, and the 2024 season could bring a lot more special teams action, with more returns and big plays than in recent years.
But whether these trends continue into the regular season depends on how teams decide to balance the risks and rewards of the new rule changes.
I can’t wait to find out!
Camden County Wildcats Coach’s Show w Travis Roland August 20
Tide Continue To Roll?
By: Joe Delaney
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Well, it had to eventually happen. Nobody coaches forever. Not even Nick Saban.
Yes, the GOAT of college football has cashed in his big pile of chips and moved on to the announcers booth and the beach in Florida. He leaves behind a legacy like no other.
In steps Kalen DeBoer with the biggest shoes to fill in college football history. DeBoer is a great young coach with a winning pedigree, and a hell of a lot of guts and grapefruit. That’s what it is going to take to follow Nick.
DeBoer took Washington to the final four last year and brings in a nine-year head coaching record of 104-12. He is really the best coach Alabama could have gone out and got.
The only problem is that the Bama faithful look at that and think of Bear Bryant, Nick Saban and the old Shania Twain song…………”that don’t impress me much!” Everyone in Tuscaloosa will give DeBoer the benefit of the doubt. Until he loses a game.
The good thing for DeBoer and the Crimson Tide is that through all the upheaval and portal transfers in and out, the Tide has one of the best rosters in the country. Couple that with what many say was the best recruiting class in the nation in 23-24. And don’t forget that DeBoer’s 2024 recruiting class is currently ranked in the top 3. The pieces are falling into place. Don’t underestimate this guy.
One of the best things for Alabama is the return of Jalen Milroe. The Tide QB came into his own later in the ‘23 season and is very very good. Don’t agree? Ask the Georgia Bulldogs.
Kalen DeBoer made Michael Penix Jr. a first-round pick last year at Washington. Jalen Milroe has the potential to be much better.
Surrounding Milroe will be a solid and huge offensive line with a lot of experience. Counting Parker Brailsford, who transferred in, the Tide return 4 starters and the TE. Tyler Booker the 6’5” 350 guard could be one of the first linemen off the board in next year’s draft.
Running back will be rock solid with Jam Miller and Justice Haynes. Watch out for the former 5-star Haynes. He could break out this year.
The wide outs are solid and will be bolstered by transfer Germie Bernard. Remember that name. All in all, this offense has greatness written all over it. We will know pretty quickly as the Tide have South Florida, Wisconsin and Georgia in 3 of the first 4 games.
Defensively the Tide have some holes to fill. Returning are Backers Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson. They form one of the best duos in the SEC and maybe the country.
Couple them with a defensive line that has experience and talent and the front 6 in DeBoers 4-2-5 could be very good. Watch out for LT Overton the transfer from Texas A&M. He’s a former 5 star and should get on the field immediately.
The secondary is led by Malachi Moore, a returning captain and ALL-SEC caliber player. Throw in 3 transfers in Domani Jackson, Keon Sabb, and DeShawn Jones and the secondary should be very good. Jackson and Sabb are potential all stars.
This group has all the talent they need. We will know how well they have jelled together in the last week of September when Carson Beck and the Georgia Bulldogs come to town.
Oh, and what do you do when you lose your kicker who was the leading scorer in NCAA Division 1 history. Well, if you’re Alabama, you go get the Lou Groza award winner from last year. Graham Nicholson was 27 of 28 on field goals and should fit in nicely. Add in 3-year starter James Burnip, a second team ALL-SEC selection with a 47.6 yd average and things are good in Tuscaloosa.
The schedule is a tough but manageable one. It sets up very well in September. A USF team that surprisingly gave Bama a tough game last year comes to Tuscaloosa on September 7.
Follow that the next week with a trip to Wisconsin that will be a true test.
Start 3-0 and the nation will have all eyes on the September 28th matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs in Tuscaloosa.
It will be one the most anticipated games of the year. If that secondary plays lights out, Bama will give the Dawgs all the want and maybe more.
From there the usual culprits arise. South Carolina, Missouri, and the Iron Bowl all at home with big road games at Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma.
Beat Georgia at home and barring a collapse, the Crimson Tide will be in the 12-team party at the end of the year.
Undefeated? I don’t think so. But a one or two loss Alabama team will be very dangerous when the playoff comes around. VERY dangerous.
Plain Improvement?
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
There’s an old adage in the SEC that talks about head coach expectations and the overabundance of patience granted to new coaches in their first year or so.
That leeway can be limited however when the new hire is a marquee name, and the school underperforms fan expectations in the first year and postseason.
Thus, we find Hugh Freeze in his second year at Auburn.
After taking the Head Coach position from fan-favorite Interim boss Cadillac WIlliams, many of the Plainsmen faithful were already looking sideways at the former Ole Miss coach.
Losing to New Mexico State in the final weeks of the season as well as a loss in the Music City Bowl to a thoroughly mid Maryland squad didn’t win any favors, either.
Combine that with the retirement of the legendary Nick Saban and expectations are for a vastly improved record from the 6-7 totals that were put up in his first year.
This might be the year that happens.
The Tigers offense looks to be speedy to say the least.
Fourth-year RB Jarquez Hunter looks to improve his numbers and a pair of transfer WRs, Robert Lewis (Georgia State) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Penn State), should pair well with incoming true freshman WR Cam Coleman and TE Rivaldo Fairweather in his final year of eligibility.
Their only limitation could prove to be returning signal caller Payton Thorne. While the fifth-year QB looked pretty nimble running the ball last year, he didn’t have nearly the vertical game that he did while at Michigan State. He’ll need to improve on his 2023 ranking of 101st in the nation if Auburn plans to make any noise on offense.
The offensive line should give them plenty of time to cook. Tackle Percy Lewis comes to the squad from Mississippi State, and should pair well with returning Center Connor Lew. Some speculation coming into camp suggests that Tackle Dillon Wade might be better suited as a guard, but regardless they, along with 300lb+ Guard Jeremiah Wright should gel as a unit, if not in fall camp then definitely during the five-game home stand that Auburn starts the season with in 2024.
The bellwether of this year’s team may prove to be the defense.
DJ Durkin makes a lateral move in the SEC, coming into the same position he held at Texas A&M last year.
The biggest concern is the interior, where the loss to the draft of notable pass rusher Marcus Harris and 350lb DT Justin Rogers could prove to be significant, considering transfer replacements Trill Carter (Texas) and Gage Keys (Kansas) aren’t quite in their league.
The secondary gives pause as well. They’re an inexperienced squad, which is understandable considering the loss of Nehemiah Pritchett, DJ James, and Frederica Academy alum Jaylin Simpson.
True, Jerrin Thompson should be a more-than-workable starter at Safety after jumping from the Longhorns, and Keionte Scott should be as serviceable at CB as he was at Safety last year. All in all, this particular room on the team will need to grow up quickly if it wants to avoid being the weak link.
Linebackers should be the strong point of this year’s defensive squad. Don’t be surprised if Jalen McLeod doesn’t lead the league in several statistical categories, and DO be surprised if Eugene Asante doesn’t make his presence known after taking the portal from the Tarheels. He’s quick, nimble, and (as one scout praised him) “disruptive.”
All-in-all, this season could really go either way. The first five games of the season should set them up well for the tough middle stretch of @Georgia, @Mizzou, and @Kentucky.
Once the Iron Bowl concludes on November 30th, expect this squad to be either 9-3 or 5-7. Neither outcome would be surprising.
Break Outs
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
We are less than one week away from start of the 2024 college football season. Let’s take a look at some of the preseason All-American players that are expected to have breakout seasons.
QB Carson Beck, Georgia: He’s the quarterback on the #1 team in the country. Last season was his first as the starter and he made it look easy. He led the SEC and ranked third nationally in passing with 3,941 yards. Star tight end Brock Bowers is in the NFL but UGA still has playmakers on the roster. He completed 72.4% of his passes with 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina: He was a true sophomore in 2023 and he finished fifth nationally in rushing with 1,504 yards. He led all FBS players in yards after contact with 1,072 yards. He scored 16 TD’s (15 rushing & 1 receiving) and he averaged 5.9 yards per carry with 254 attempts.
OT Will Campbell, LSU: The 6’6, 323 lb. junior might be the first lineman drafted in the 2025 draft. He was First-Team All-SEC and SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2023. He’s started 26 straight games and he’s a great pass protector. He didn’t give up a sack last season in 491 pass attempts.
OG Tate Ratledge, Georgia: Not to be confused with original gangster, Ratledge is a right guard. The senior is 6’6, 310 lbs. and one of the leaders on the offensive line. He was named Second Team AP All-American in 2023. He is on the preseason Outland Trophy watch list and the Lombardi Award watch list.
C Parker Brailsford, Alabama: Head coach Kalen DeBoer is now the head ball coach in Tuscaloosa. He got his center to transfer with him. Brailsford was a Freshman All-American last season with the Huskies. He started 13 games at center and 2 at right guard. He was also All-Pac-12 Second Team. He had an 80.7 run-blocking grade that ranked second among Power Five centers.
OG Tyler Booker, Alabama: He was First-Team All-SEC last season as a true sophomore. He only missed the USF game last season with back spasms. Booker had 41 knockdown blocks in 2023, which led the team with an average of 3.4 per game. He’s 6’5, 325 lbs. and he’s good at pass and run blocking. The Crimson Tide should excel at running between the tackles.
DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee: He is one of the best pass rushers in the country. He tied for the SEC lead with 10 sacks last year and fifth nationally with 38 pressures. He also had 14.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception. He’s 6’5, 243 lbs. so he looks like the prototypical defensive end. He could be the first defensive player drafted in 2025.
DT Deone Walker, Kentucky: He was Third Team All-American and First Team All-SEC in 2023. He led the Wildcats with 12.5 TFL and he had 7.5 sacks. Walker is 6’6, 348 lbs. so he eats up space in the middle of the defensive line.
LB Barrett Carter, Clemson: He’s a versatile player that has played several positions along the back seven. Carter has been described by his head coach Dabo Swinney as “one of the best pure football players I’ve had in 20 years”. He had 62 total tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks and an interception.
S Malaki Starks, Georgia: He was fourth on the team last year with 52 total tackles and he had 3 interceptions. He was a consensus All-American in 2023 and First-Team All-SEC.
McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers Coach’s Show w Bradley Warren August 20
Brantley County Herons Coach’s Show w David Shores August 15
Jason Bishop Show August 15 2024
Space U
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
UCF has been a stable competitive team in college football, and a team to never overlook, and that is the case again this season. UCF is projected to be at top of the BIG 12 conference but have some interesting games on the 2024 slate.
Here is a look at my game-by-game predictions for the 2024 Central Florida Knights:
August 29 New Hampshire Wildcats
September 7 Sam Houston Bearkats
2 Cupcake UCF Wins
September 14 at TCU Horned Frogs: We expect the TCU Horned Frogs to be better on offense than they were a season ago. Never easy to go into Fort Worth and win. UCF defense steps up and Knights start 3-0. UCF 31 TCU 27.
September 28 Colorado Buffaloes: The Bounce House will be lit. Coach Prime will watch his Buffaloes melt in the Orlando heat. In a shoot-out, the Knights win. UCF 45 Colorado 38.
October 5 at Florida Gators: Never easy to go to Gainesville and win a game. Florida wants to be better this season, now we will see if that actually comes to fruition. The Gators grab a win. Florida 31 UCF 28.
October 12 Cincinnati Bearcats: The Knights roll and take care of Cincinnati. This is the military appreciation game at the Bounce House and the defense will come to life. UCF 28 Cincinnati 10.
October 19 at Iowa State Cyclones: Iowa State plays a defensive style game here and keeps the Knights from moving the ball too quickly. Iowa State finds a way in late October in Ames. Iowa State 24 UCF 20.
October 26 Brigham Young Cougars: The Cougars are slayed, as UCF gets another in the win column. UCF 38 BYU 17.
November 2 Arizona Wildcats: I think this could be the best game of the season. In a shootout, the Knights win at home. This is a game they really need. UCF 48 Arizona 42.
November 9 at Arizona State Sun Devils: The Knights travel to Tempe and leave with a huge win. The Knights have too much offense and they’ll overwhelm the Sun Devils. UCF 34 Arizona State 16.
November 23 at West Virginia Mountaineers: It could be cold in Morgantown just before Thanksgiving. The rushing attack is strong for the Mountaineers. The Knights run through West Virginia. UCF 24 West Virginia 13.
November 30 Utah Utes: The Utes are projected to be one of the best teams in the BIG 12. This could be game 1 of a 2-game series for a playoff berth. UCF with home field advantage takes game one. The crowd, heat, and rushing attack wear down the Utes. UCF 27 Utah 24.
UCF with 1 BIG 12 loss will be heading to the conference championship game and a game to make the College Football Playoffs.
