On this episode, Nick and Drew interview LSU beat report for the Advocate Ross Dellenger. LSU is one of many teams in the country currently making some tough decisions about their 2015 season, including their starting quarterback, so Ross joins up to break down what is happening at LSU.
Following that, Nick and Drew begin to break down the ACC Atlantic Division, consisting of Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Syracuse and Wake Forest.
ACC - Atlantic
Team: Boston College
Rankings:
Passing Offense– 124 [5th worst]
Rushing Offense – 15
Overall Offense – 83
Passing Defense – 68
Rushing Defense – 2
Overall Defense – 11
Points Scored – 26.2
Points Allowed – 21.3
Offense:
QB – This team runs the ball through and through, so the poor passing ranking is misleading. Tyler Murphy led the team in passing and rushing, and he is gone. Darius Wade is the likely starter to replace Murphy, but overall, I think it’s a pretty safe statement to say that this teams passing attack is going to take a step back.
RB /OL– The OL loses all 5 starters, which is awful. Like I said previously, Tyler Murphy is moving along and his replacement will likely take over a portion of that production. I would not be surprised if we saw Jon Hillman’s production increase, especially earlier in the season while the QB is getting acclimated. I think they also have a good group of freshmen coming in.
WR/TE – With no offense intended to any of the receivers on this team, BC just runs the ball. You’re only looking at 1500-1700 yards of production through the air, and that is likely to be spread over several players. I would not really look at any of these as options here.
Defense: The DL returns 8 of their top 9, which is a major plus, and the LB unit is returning talent similar to last year, so this is front 7 should be able to contain the run again. The DBs do lose quite a bit, so the way to move the ball against this team will continue to be in the passing game.
Players to Watch: Jon Hillman is unquestionably going to be the guy to target on this team.
Team: Clemson
Rankings:
Passing Offense– 39
Rushing Offense – 91
Overall Offense – 61
Passing Defense – 2
Rushing Defense – 5
Overall Defense – 1
Points Scored – 30.8
Points Allowed – 16.7 [3rd least]
Offense:
QB – DeShaun Watson was a revelation when he was healthy last year. You have to hope he is going to go back to the form we know and love in 2015. If he does, he is certainly going to be one of the most exciting QBs in the country to watch, and will be a solid fantasy player. He is returning all his major weapons, so the only concern here is the injury.
RB /OL– Wayne Gallman had some big moments in 2014, and that could continue on into 2015. I think Watson takes a lot of the shine off Gallman with how he handles the ball, so I don’t think he’s going to be over the top in term of production, but he will certainly be serviceable in his role in this offense.
WR/TE – Watson has both of his major weapons returning in 2015 in Mike Williams and Artavis Scott. They are two entirely different types of players. Williams is a much bigger deep threat, and if you are looking for big plays, he is the guy. Scott is more of a mid-range player, but could see more receptions than Williams. It will be a fun unit to watch this year. Don’t sleep on Jordan Leggett either.
Defense: This defense was just dominant in 2014. Can they keep up the pace in 2015? The DL returns only 7 starts. The LBs lose their top 2. The DBs are in relatively the same shape, but overall, I think this defense is down a notch, though it is still a very strong defense.
Players to Watch: Watson is the main attraction here, but don’t discount Williams and Scott. I think they could both easily see over 1000 yards this year and double digit scores are not out of the question. Gallman could be a good play, especially, and we hope this doesn’t happen, if Watson goes down.
Team: Florida State
Rankings:
Passing Offense– 14
Rushing Offense – 98
Overall Offense – 38
Passing Defense – 60
Rushing Defense – 73
Overall Defense – 63
Points Scored – 33.7
Points Allowed – 25.6
Offense:
QB – Florida State loses the guy who led them to a National Championship victory, and a trip to the first ever playoffs in #1 draft pick, Jameis Winston. Stepping in for him will be either Sean Maguire or Everett Golson. I think it is a legitimate competition right now, but I think Golson will end up being given the shot to start, though Maguire probably has a better feel for the offense.
RB /OL– Karlos Williams departs to the NFL this year, leaving Dalvin Cook as the most likely to start in the backfield. There is some unknown at this point due to legal issues with Cook, but I am assuming he will be around for the most part. Mario Pender will be behind him and if Cook is unable to play, Cook will be a good fill in.
WR/TE – Rashad Green and Nick O’Leary are both to the NFL this year, and that is a lot of talent and production to make up for. I think Travis Rudolph and Jesus Wilson can fill in for the departed production just fine, and FSU will end up finding a suitable TE.
Defense: The DL is strong with a lot of high talent coming in. Five of the top 7 LBs return, giving this team more experience than it had in the past. The DBs look to improve as well, so overall, this defense could move back into the top 50 area, which will help the offense immensely.
Players to Watch: The RBs are good looks depending on who is playing, but Rudolph and Wilson could be good plays depending on price.
Team: Louisville
Rankings:
Passing Offense– 47
Rushing Offense – 95
Overall Offense – 72
Passing Defense – 27
Rushing Defense – 10
Overall Defense – 6
Points Scored – 31.2
Points Allowed – 21.8
Offense:
QB – Louisville returns all three QBs in Kyle Bolin, Reggie Bonnafon and Will Gardner. If I had to guess, I would think Gardner will be the guy to go with to lead the team. He needs to stay healthy after an injury plagued 2014 campaign. He played very well in his starts in the beginning of the year, so hopefully that can translate into a good 2015.
RB /OL– The backfield loses Michael Dyer, who provided a good number two to returning Brandon Radcliff. Radcliff is most likely to be the top dog in this group, and I think he could blossom into something special this year. I would fully expect the production to increase.
WR/TE – Leading receiver DeVante Parker exits to play for the Dolphins, leaving this receiving corp needing a new top dog. I believe that role can be filled by James Quick, the teams number two receiver from 2014. They also have some talented freshmen coming in, so there is definitely a hope that they can perform with Gardner.
Defense: This was another solid defense in 2014. 5 of the top 6 DL return, so experience abounds. The LBs lose some, but bring in DeVonte Fields from TCU who was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The DBs lose 111 starts, but bring in transfers from Georgia, and I think this unit maintains its ground.
Players to Watch: I would probably favor Brandon Radcliff if I am forced to pick one.
Team: NC State
Rankings:
Passing Offense– 84
Rushing Offense – 39
Overall Offense – 60
Passing Defense – 31
Rushing Defense – 67
Overall Defense – 47
Points Scored – 30.2
Points Allowed – 27
Offense:
QB – Returning for 2015 will be Jacoby Brissett, who actually played very well and efficiently in 2014. He had a 23:5 TD to INT ratio which is just what you want to see out of a QB. His completion percentage was a hair under 60%, so if he improves slightly on that, he can have a big year. He isn’t afraid to run either, and really started to get into a grove near the end of 2014.
RB /OL– Leading rushers Shadrach Thornton and Matt Dayes both return in 2015. Thornton is most likely going to be the feature back, whereas Dayes is better in the passing game, so I think that’s how they will be used. Don’t be surprised to see Thornton to break 1000 yards and double digit TDs this year, and double digit total TDs for Dayes as well.
WR/TE – Leading receiver Bo Hines is gone, and he was Brissetts safety valve, so that will sting a little. Fortunately, with TE David Grinnage and WR Bra’Lon Cherry, I don’t think this offense will skip a beat, and production could in fact increase for the unit as a whole. This is also the most experienced unit this team has in awhile.
Defense: The DL returns 6 of 10, so that’s a plus, especially if the players can develop. The LBs return 4 of 6, including their most experienced, so this front seven should improve. The DBs return 84 starts, so they should improve as well. Overall, I think this defense could jump into the top 40.
Players to Watch: I like a lot at NC State. Brissett can be used in situations, Thornton could be a great play as well, and Dayes will get his too. My favorite might be Grinnage though, as I think he stands to benefit most in the passing game.
Team: Syracuse
Rankings:
Passing Offense– 105
Rushing Offense – 93
Overall Offense – 116
Passing Defense – 39
Rushing Defense – 31
Overall Defense – 27
Points Scored – 17.1 [8th fewest]
Points Allowed – 24.3
Offense:
QB – The QB situation with Terrel Hunt and AJ Long really suffered last year, going a combined 5:12 TD:INT ratio, with about a 55% completion percentage. This unit will have to increase production immediately to stand a chance in a competitive ACC. Hunt should feel someone breathing on his neck though.
RB /OL– The OL returns 92 starts, so it should help to improve the run game. Both Prince-Tyson Gulley and Adonis Ameen-Moore are gone, so there is a ton that needs replaced here. Devante McFarlane and Ashton Broyld look to be the replacements, and with better OL play, this unit should be able to squeeze out more than 2 TDs this year.
WR/TE – The passing game was not strong at all in 2014, so the hope is that it can change in 2015. Steve Ishmael and Jamal Custis headline this unit, but I am not sure how productive they can be. I think more of the focus will be on using Hunt out of the backfield than standing in the pocket passing.
Defense: The DL only returns 1 starter, but it isn’t as bad as it sounds. The LBs only return 2, so overall, I would rank the front 7 down slightly. The DBs look to be in roughly the same shape, so I’m going to say it is a wash. This defense is probably close to the unit it in 2014.
Players to Watch: Terrell Hunt is the best option on this team.
Team: Wake Forest
Rankings:
Passing Offense– 109
Rushing Offense – 127 [2nd worst]
Overall Offense – 128 [worst]
Passing Defense – 12
Rushing Defense – 83
Overall Defense – 41
Points Scored – 14.8 [2nd least]
Points Allowed – 26.4
Offense:
QB – This offense was noticeably awful in 2014. I think with a year under his belt and a better talent pool around him, John Wolford should improve his production this year. He does nothing with running the ball, but his passing numbers should increase, and hopefully will take less sacks which contributed to his negative rushing numbers.
RB /OL– The OL returns 7, but overall is not very good. That is the worst thing you can say for an offense. This rushing numbers are better than Washington State who doesn’t attempt to run. This unit should be better, but I would not really look for much in terms of fantasy production.
WR/TE – Gone are the Michael Campanaro days for this offense. The talent is basically unproven because of how poor the offense was in 2014. TE Cam Serigne is one of the best in college football, and I expect him to lead this unit. Aside from him, freshman Tabari Hines and Junior Jared Crump lead this unit.
Defense: This wasn’t a totally inept defense in 2014. The DL returns 6 of 8, and are in the 2nd year of the scheme. The LBs are the strongest portion of the defense, so the front 7 looks improved, which is good, considering the production from 2014. The DBs lose half their guys, but keep their top guy, so I think that unit is a wash. Overall, the defense should be slightly better in 2015.
Players to Watch: Cam Serigne is a great tight end to target in daily fantasy formats.
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