Knights Are Golden

Nobody gave the Golden Knights much of a fighting chance.

They entered the Fiesta Bowl as 17 point underdogs according to odds-makers.

They were facing an offensive powerhouse in the 6th ranked Baylor Bears and were playing in a BCS bowl game for the very first time.

But the University of Central Florida Golden Knights came out swinging and never stopped for 60 minutes, led by as many as 17 points late in the game, and wound up sending the Bears straight into winter hibernation with an impressive and resounding 52-42 victory in Tempe, AZ.

And in doing so UCF, a team struggling for National recognition and and an exclusive membership into the "Big Four" in Florida (UM, UF, FSU, UCF), did what Miami could not do during the 2013 college football season:

They beat the Louisville Cardinals and won their bowl game in impressive fashion over a highly ranked opponent.

The Knights beat the Cardinals on the road in Kentucky earlier this season. That same Louisville team then beat Miami badly 36-9 at a "neutral site" in the Russell Athletic Bowl played on Orlando.

UCF head coach George O'Leary has had 10 years to build the UCF program into a major player in college football. The wise and experienced O'leary beat another wily, veteran head coach in Art Briles of Baylor.

The most impressive fact is that it appears that coach O'leary and the Golden Knights did it with less talent when measured by recruiting class rankings over recent years.

We did a little research of the past five recruiting cycles (2009-2013) to evaluate where these four teams (UM, UCF, Baylor, Louisville) have ranked in the annual evaluation of recruiting classes. According to the data at Rivals.com here is what we found:

UCF averaged a class ranking of #65, with a high of #39, and a low of #90.

Louisville averaged a ranking of #50, with a high of #29 and a low of #77.

Baylor averaged a ranking of #43, with a high of #31 and a low of #55.

Miami averaged a ranking of #19, with a high of #9 and a low of #36.

That means that UCF's highest ranking class (#39) was lower than Miami's lowest ranking class (#36) and that Miami's recruiting classes averaged 46 spots higher over the five year period (UCF #65, UM #19).

We also noted that Miami's average class ranking was also 31 spots better than Louisville and 24 spots better than Baylor over the five year period.

When comparing all four teams over the five year period, Miami had the highest recruiting class ranking for any one year at #9 in 2012, still 20 spots better than Louisville's best class (#29), 22 spots better than Baylor's best class and a full 30 spots better than UCF's best class.

By bowl season's end, #6 ranked Baylor will drop in the BCS standings after their loss to UCF last night and may finish the year around #11-15. Louisville, who soundly beat Miami, will likely move from their current #20 ranking to #13-17 when the final rankings are announced. Miami is, and will remain, unranked.

UCF meanwhile, coming off their huge win over the Bears in the Fiesta Bowl, will likely end the year in the top 10. The Golden Knights and coach O'leary may have finally opened the door for the "Big Four".

If so, that begs the question: "Is it possible to do more with less?"

Related articles

Fiesta Bowl 2014: Preview and Prediction for UCF vs. Baylor

UCF upsets Baylor in Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Who Thought George O'Leary & UCF Would Have More BCS Wins Than Notre Dame?

UCF surprises No. 6 Baylor in Fiesta Bowl, Knights take huge step forward

Comments

[SEBAS13]

1st do I stil get a shirt !!

[RCCF]

RoscoeP baby..

RCCF12%

[UMike]

If so, that begs the question: "Is it possible to do more with less?"

IDK, but Miami sure knows how to do less with more lol

[RCCF]

So it seems Most Believe Get Players for the Proper Scheme as Opposed Top Notch Athletes...Am I Wrong? I prefer a healthy mix of both if possible but I really don't see us being that slow and what not but hey maybe and possibly Im VERY wrong..

RCCF12%

[SOUP]

Moonbat...read the article, this one is for U!

[UMike]

RCCF, I think the mix of both is probably best because top notch athletes make plays even if not the ideal height and weight.

[BEERicane]

Miami sure knows how to do less with more lol

Posted by: UMike | January 02, 2014 at 10:59 AM

This

[UMike]

I don't have the stats to prove it, but over the years Miami must have the most 4/5 star busts lol.. that is not a knock on Golen, it goes all the way back to Cocker.

[SOUP]

Sinister...U have gone too far. Back it down and no vulgar, personal attacks against UM coaches or players. I deleted a few.

BLOG ON.

[SOUP]

UMike...I used the Rivals recruiting stats that U and Ohio sent me a few weeks ago for the article. Thanks to U both!

[UMike]

NP SOUP..anything for Da Space!!

[BEERicane]

Briles is going to the Longhorns. No big surprise there. I'm not a religious man (in fact I'm a devout atheist) but I'm about to resort to finding religion and praying that PSU at least flirts with Golden and interviews him. That would at least give me some happiness surrounding the Canes.

[Go Canes]

Appreciate you doing that.

This blog is fun, lots of differing opinions most of which are factually backed, regardless of your viewpoint.

But to attack personally our coaches and players is too much.

[dj moonbat]

That means that UCF's highest ranking class (#39) was lower than Miami's lowest ranking class (#36) and that Miami's recruiting classes averaged 46 spots higher over the five year period (UCF #65, UM #19).

We also noted that Miami's average class ranking was also 31 spots better than Louisville and 24 spots better than Baylor over the five year period.
==================

See, when you average a Top 20 recruiting class for five straight years, I think a couple of conclusions naturally follow:

- "Uncertainty about the NCAA sanctions" is probably real, but can't possibly be the crippling factor some people say.

- It's simply not credible to say that the defense's woes are attributable to the lack of talent. Let's cut D'Onofrio a LITTLE slack because of disruptions due to coaching changes (3 years ago...) and NCAA problems, sure; so maybe he gets a pass for fielding a 30th or even 40th-ranked D. Heck, maybe if I'm being really charitable, I'll spot him 50.

[UMike]

DJ... THATS IT!!!! If we are a middle of the road D because we dont have the talent, I will accept that, but we have enough talent to not be worst in the ACC and bottom of the NCAA.

[Account Deleted]

Miami sure knows how to do less with more lol

Posted by: UMike | January 02, 2014 at 10:59 AM

This

Posted by: BEERicane | January 02, 2014 at 11:04 AM

TRUTH!!!

[BEERicane]

But to attack personally our coaches and players is too much.

Posted by: Go Canes | January 02, 2014 at 11:12 AM

The Coaches are all first-rate. True masters of discipline and preparation
The players are supremely talented, execute the fundamentals and have shown to be extremely coach-able and consistently improve in all aspects of the game.

Is that better, GC? And I bet you actually think that's true. Please go see your psychiatrist to uptitrate your haldol, risperdal, zyprexa or whatever you are probably on.

[SOUP]

Because it's UM. Like the 80's and 90's and early 2000's. U should win it all here, every year, no matter the circumstances.

/sarcasm

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 02, 2014 at 09:53 AM

Now U know that is NOT accurate or fair.

For a small minority of UM fans maybe 10-20% that will ALWAYS be the case every year. I'll give U that.

However, the majority (80-90%) of Hurricane fans know and admit OUT LOUD that U can't win every game every year and a BCS title.

Almost 100% of people here knew we could not beat FSU this year and said it here on the blog or at the games. Remembefr we went to Tally and the FSU game in person and talked to hundreds of UM and FSU fans AT THE GAME.

What UM fans are rightfully upset about is losing to VT and Duke. And then losing BADLY to Louisville and looking like they had never even practiced or played football together before with a month to prepare.

Everyone has that right as a fan and I for one KNOW exactly how they feel. Everyone expresses it differently but IMHO not a single UM fan can say they are "satisfied" with the final outcome of this season or that what we saw was the absolute best they could do with the talent on the team RIGHT NOW.

And IF there are Hurricane fans out there who feel that "It's all good" and "That's the best we can do" then they live in a different world than 90% of long-time, hard-core UM fans who actually go to games and tailgate and sit in the stands like I do.

Trust me if anyone knows the pulse of the UM fan base it is me. I talk to more fans on this blog, via email, on the phone and in person than prolly anybody else in the world and I interview them, ask them the tough questions and I listen to them and they ALL say the same thing.

Not a single one of the THOUSANDS OF FANS I know personally say: "I am happy" or "I am satisifed" NOT A SINLGE ONE!

So if there are 10% of delsuional fans who believe we should win every game every year then they are MORE than counter balanced by the 10% of delusional excuse makers out there who think things are just fine the way they are and that 4 loss seasons or OK.

In between are the 80% who know better.

[30CINCO]

Lets compare apples to apples.

Past 20 years, there have been 5 schools which have received a min of 2 year bowl ban (I count ours as 3, for missing ACC ship).

Out of those schools, which have records equal or better than UM's record? UM's record in bowl ban years is 13-11 .541 WPCT (2011 and 2012).

FYI - There are schools that had equal/better records. BUT, look at the coaches record after the bowl ban and see how they did.

The point of this exercise? to illustrate how hard it is to win with bowl bans. VERY!

[Go Canes]

Stars definitely matter. But the position you get them at is even more important.

We have been futile until this incoming class in getting a good number of quality front seven players.

Without them, it's impossible to win.

Hopefully things will improve with the talent on the field.

[UMike]

What does bowl bans have to do with winning? OSU had a bowl ban an went undefeated lol..USC had bowl bans, probation etc and still signed tons up top notch talent.

[SOUP]

But to attack personally our coaches and players is too much.

Posted by: Go Canes | January 02, 2014 at 11:12 AM

No problem, we have to maintain standards and personal or profane attacks are prohibited. Nobody deserves that.

And while I am at it: In general please try to clean up the language a little across the board (CaneRock, I am looking at U!).

[RCCF]

U should win it all here, every year, no matter the circumstances.

Ahhh the 12% Credo

Love It....EVERY YEAR

RCCF12%

[SOUP]

The point of this exercise? to illustrate how hard it is to win with bowl bans. VERY!

Posted by: 30CINCO | January 02, 2014 at 11:25 AM

Fair enough, I believe that is TRUE.

[roachcane77]

That means that UCF's highest ranking class (#39) was lower than Miami's lowest ranking class (#36) and that Miami's recruiting classes averaged 46 spots higher over the five year period (UCF #65, UM #19).

Yes, you read that correctly folks… over the past 5 years UCF's BEST recruiting class, their BEST class was lower than our WORST class.

Their BEST was lower than our WORST.

Their BEST was LOWER than our WORST.

Their classes on AVERAGE were 46 places lower than ours over 5 years! 46 PLACES!

And AG & Company have the NERVE to say WE DON"T HAVE THE ATHLETES? SERIOUSLY?

Thanks SOUP… I want to go hang myself now...

[RCCF]

Was our Talent lacking last season when we tied for the Coastal???? Or we just got soft over the summer????

RCCF12%

[SOUP]

I want to go hang myself now...

Posted by: roachcane77 | January 02, 2014 at 11:30 AM

Put down the rope and come back off the ledge! LOL

It's gonna get better or its gonna get changed. Golden gets five years and either he does it or he don't. Either way I am cool and a Canes fan for LIFE!

[Account Deleted]

We all realize junior Blake Bortles (who?) showed up senior SM in the bowl games.

A local UCF kid no one wanted for QB (except Col State) may now go in the top 10 pics of the NFL draft instead of SM.

UCF moving up into the big 4 is about right.

[SinisterCane]

Sinister...U have gone too far. Back it down and no vulgar, personal attacks against UM coaches or players. I deleted a few.

BLOG ON.

Posted by: SOUP | January 02, 2014 at 11:07 AM

No problem I will comply

[SOUP]

Or we just got soft over the summer????

RCCF12%

Posted by: RCCF | January 02, 2014 at 11:32 AM

Let me go ask Glenn "Six Pack Abs" Cook?

[SOUP]

No problem I will comply

Posted by: SinisterCane | January 02, 2014 at 11:32 AM

RESPECT

[BEERicane]

We have been futile until this incoming class in getting a good number of quality front seven players.

Posted by: Go Canes | January 02, 2014 at 11:26 AM

This is individually criticizing at least 12 players on the team. IJS

[BEERicane]

There is no Big Four. Just big 2

[SinisterCane]

What happen to my prediction post? lol

[dj moonbat]

The point of this exercise? to illustrate how hard it is to win with bowl bans. VERY!

Posted by: 30CINCO | January 02, 2014 at 11:25 AM

This is dumb.

To the extent that bowl bans are dragging down recruiting, yes, they make it 'hard to win.' (And of course, you aren't going to win any bowl games.)

But the numbers in SOUP's piece establish that the recruiting just wasn't being dragged down very far. Top 20 average isn't going to yield a championship-caliber program, of course. But it SHOULDN'T yield garbage, and that's what it's yielding.

[Go Canes]

I agree we played poorly in many games when I thought we would come out like gangbusters.

The most annoying part is when one side of the ball is doing it's job (UM's defense in the first half of Louisville, UM's offense the first half of the Duke game) the other side of the ball is stinking up the joint.

The fact does remain that the records of the teams in three of our losses is 34-4.

This team lacks three things in my opinion. Multiple disruptive forces on the defensive line, a stable and consistent QB and NFL caliber upperclassmen to lead.

[SOUP]

We all realize junior Blake Bortles (who?) showed up senior SM in the bowl games.

Posted by: longtimecanefan | January 02, 2014 at 11:32 AM

Highly respected recruiting guru Larry Blu posted last night on Twitter that UCF QB Bortles a JR should come back for his SR season at UCF because "He has miles to go to be NFL ready".

Now go check his stats from the bowl game.

Now go check Morris' stats from the bowl game.

Now if Bortles has "miles to go" then what does Morris have?

[RCCF]

But really though SOUP...We basically won the Coastal last season and we were heads held high waiting to right the ship....Come in this season much easier schedule and do worst? Then the same kids who were UTough heading in the right direction are now Not UTough? How many kids did we lose? How many returned? I refuse to believe the talent pool is that low...If a high school kid calls your scheme WEAK guess what It is Probably WEAK...all we need is a New Defense and QB who knows what a slant is..

RCCF12%

[SOUP]

This team lacks three things in my opinion. Multiple disruptive forces on the defensive line, a stable and consistent QB and NFL caliber upperclassmen to lead.

Posted by: Go Canes | January 02, 2014 at 11:37 AM

There IT is right there.

[CaneRock]

If so, that begs the question: "Is it possible to do more with less?"

Posted by: UMike | January 02, 2014 at 10:59 AM

THAT'S! the bill of goods that we were sold!

[SOUP]

We all know it starts at QB and MLB.

Those were the two biggest disappointments on the 2013 UM team IMHO.

[TLuv]

UCF's defense gave up 35 to UL. UM's gave up 36.

UCF's offense scored 38. UM's scored 7(in the 4th).

Yea, let's all blame D'Onofrio. Because our offense was really humming.

[UMike]

I blame D-No for having a horrible defense..not so much the bowl game loss lol

[roachcane77]

Not to get too "personal" here… but I think 30CINCO is either D'No himself, or AG's wife.

Excuses, excuses, excuses.

We don't NEED NO stinking excuses!

We need coaches who know how to COACH, (not JUST recruit), who know how to develop our players, and who put players into positions to win. PERIOD.

NO MORE EXCUSES! (Especially, that we don't have the athletes these "other" schools that are KICKING OUR A$$ES have!)

Missing BOWL GAMES is just another EXCUSE from D'No or Mrs. Golden, or whomever is behind the "35" moniker.

[SOUP]

Ahhh the 12% Credo

Love It....EVERY YEAR

RCCF12%

Posted by: RCCF | January 02, 2014 at 11:29 AM

PUT ME ON THE BUS EVEN IF I GOTTA SIT IN DA BACK AND GIMME A BIG 'OL HONKIN' GLASS OF THAT KOOL AID. IT IS RIDE OR DIE TIME. LET'S GO CANES!!!

[NativeCane]

I think Golden stays at UM just to piss OGV off?Posted by: SOUP | December 31, 2013 at 10:56 PM

Soup waits til the 11th hour of 2013 to whip out the post of the year! LOL

Just finished reading every post of the last 4 days and you guys have been killing it.

GO CANES!!!

[dj moonbat]

The fact does remain that the records of the teams in three of our losses is 34-4.

Posted by: Go Canes | January 02, 2014 at 11:37 AM

That is not a 'fact' in any sense of the word. Duke had four losses; VT had five. It is impossible to put together 3 teams that add up to four losses.

[SOUP]

Charlie Taaffe is in his fifth campaign as UCF's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2013. During his UCF tenure, the Knights have won 34 total contests in just four seasons and have appeared in three bowl games including two victories.

En route to a Conference USA East Division title, a win in the Beef `O' Brady's Bowl and a 10-4 record, UCF experienced plenty of success on the offensive side of the ball in 2012. The Knights averaged 35.4 points per game, good for second in C-USA and fifth in UCF history. The 496 total points were just six shy of the all-time record, while it did set the school mark with 61 offensive touchdowns.

On the ground, UCF rushed for 33 touchdowns which ranked fourth since the program's inception in 1979, and Latavius Murray pounded out 1,106 yards and 15 touchdowns. It was the ninth time UCF had a 1,000-yard back, and the 15 scores were second-most in a single season. He went on to be selected by Oakland in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

In the air, the Knights had the most passing yards (3,158) and touchdowns (28) since 2002, and tied the school record for fewest interceptions with seven. Blake Bortles was selected to the All-C-USA Second Team, giving UCF its first all-conference quarterback dating back to its first season in a league (MAC) in 2002.

Coaching Experience
• UCF, 2009-Present
Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks
• Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 2007-08
Head Coach
• Pittsburgh, 2006
Offensive Assistant
• Maryland, 2001-05
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
• Montreal Alouettes, 1997-00
Head Coach (1999-00), Offensive Coordinator (1997-98)
• The Citadel, 1987-96
Head Coach
• Army, 1981-86
Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks, Running Backs
• Virginia, 1976-80
Running Backs, Linebackers, Special Teams
• NC State, 1975
Graduate Assistant
• Georgia Tech, 1974
Graduate Assistant
• Albany, 1973
Running Backs

[UMike]

Pretty cool post from a blogger on CIS...

Top 10 Most Important Commits Based On Talent/Need

Here's what I got:

10. Kiy Hester:

Thanks to the merciful Gods, we have officially seen the last of AJ Highsmith and Kacy Rodgers. No longer will they torture Miami fans with their clueless flailing around in the secondary. Who could forget AJ Highsmith’s impromptu flute solo during an easy pick against FSU?

With only Deon Bush, Jamal Carter, and Rayshawn Jenkins returning as any safeties on the roster worth a damn, (Sorry Lil’ Ray and African kid) it was important we grabbed a couple of actual quality ones. Hester jumps out at me as the incoming safety with the most talent and playmaking ability. As his film reveals, this is a kid who can cover a lot of ground quickly, and arrive with the disposition of an ornery son of a **** when he gets there. Hester is never just bringing someone down; he’s hitting them. On every play.

9. Anthony Moten:

Like safety, the depth chart at defensive tackle can get a little...scary… next season. Not to bash any kids, but just have to keep it real. When you have Earl Moore and Corey King possibly in the mix for heavy snaps, it’s time to hit the little red button under your desk and go to DEFCON 1 on the defensive tackle recruiting front.

Luckily, Golden and the staff were able to land Moten. He has a great frame and moves very well for his size. He’s got great arm length and that helps him control and get off blocks. He hails from a great progrum and I think he'll be ready to contribute relatively soon and has the potential to polish himself and develop into quite the player for us.

8. Darrion Owens:

Much like safety, the end of the 2013 season has brought to us a gift from the heavens: addition by subtraction. Out go the oft-pancaked and lost on the field Jimmy Gaines and Tyrone Cornelius. Thanks for your service, gentlemen, but please leave your security cards on the desk, and good luck in your future endeavors.

That leaves us with Figueroa, Grace, Kirby, Perryman (maybe), Blue (does he actually exist?) and Armbrister. Personally, if I never see Thurston Armbrister on a football field again, it will be too soon. The rest of the guys outside of Denzel have limited experience. Thanks to this, Owens has a chance to come in and compete for a starting linebacking job. He reminds me of old school Miami linebackers. He’s long, athletic, can run like a gazelle, changes direction with great fluidity, and hits like a real son of a ****. Not many of his tackles aren’t made without the force of 1,000 drunk and disappointed Irish fathers. He has great natural instincts and routinely beats blockers to the spot to make plays. With only Perryman having meaningful experience, and Jawand Blue being BigFoot’s cousin, I can see Owens pushing for serious playing time when he arrives.

7. Kc McDermott
6. Trevor Darling

I’m lumping these two together because not only are they the two most talented offensive linemen we have coming in, they are also enrolling early. Obviously that is huge for any player looking to get into the mix their freshman year.

Darling has anchored that Central line and pulverized his way through Dade County defenses, clearing a path for Joe Yearby and some homosex named Dalvin Cook (I’m rustled). I think he’s somewhat raw, but he’s got great lateral movement and athleticism. He’s another guy whose arms look like the ones from the inflatable guy outside of a car dealership. He has all the makings of a great offensive linemen. Even with him needing some refining, he’s an undeniable talent and he’ll develop into a star for us.

McDermott doesn’t have the natural ability that Darling possesses, but I like him because he’s a hate-filled son of a **** that wants to pancake you and then tear your head off and show it to your family in the stands. He’s a mauler, and he has what I like in all offensive linemen: a dark soul. He’s gonna gouge your eyes out and come at you all game like you’re in a hell in a cell match. Not sure if he ends up at guard or not.

I always love adding elite OL to our team, and these guys are it.

5. Joseph Yearby:

Unfortunately, we quickly learned that while Dallas Crawford had the game of his life against UNC, him and Gus Edwards are not elite backs. Some will say I am arriving at my judgement too soon, but this is my rankings, so go straight to hell and make your own. I do not see either of these guys being able to start at tailback for MIami and give us the same level of talent we are used to.

Enter Joseph Yearby. While many like to watch Dalvin Cook’s highlight tape and twist our nipples at his homerun speed, Yearby is a true, instinctual running back who possesses the natural feel of all great backs. He has the sixth sense in traffic where he can anticipate blocks and set up defenders a move or two ahead. Most importantly, for me, he has Frank Gore level change of directions. His cuts are smooth and fluid, and he can switch direction on a dime without slowing down. He runs effortlessly and assuming he can rehab quickly and throw a few pounds on, I think he’ll quickly ascend the depth chart his freshman year.

4. Derrick Griffin:

Reliable and underappreciated Allen Hurns has played his last game for us. Despite Stacy Coley arriving on the scene with a big ol’ dick slap across the face of defenses everywhere, the depth at wide receiver was quickly thinned. Injuries to Phillip Dorsett and Herb Waters left us in trouble during the bowl game. It appears Rashawn Scott has fallen out of favor, and Malcolm Lewis is still understandably having trouble returning to form after almost snapping his entire foot off.

That’s where this fella comes in - the genetic mutation they decided to call Derrick Griffin. This guy is a walking freakshow - not like someone with penises for fingers, I mean freakshow in a good way. With a QB taking his first snaps as a starter next year, there could be worse things to do than offer him a 6’6 220 pound target with grapefruits for deltoids. As with Texas a&m’s Mike Evans, or that piece of **** Kelvin Benjamin, Griffin can provide this offense with a player who elicits an “ah ****, this guy again?” from opposing fans and defensive backs. He is a dynamic weapon and talent that pairs well with a dry white wine and a Stacy Coley.

3. Travonte Valentine:

The more you can get done with your front 4, the better. Not having to deploy or rely on the back 7 as much in run support or pass rush will elevate our defense to a different level. As I stated with Moten, the defensive tackle depth chart makes you adjust your collar a little bit heading into next season.

Luckily, Valentine is a rare talent that looks like a grizzly bear on speed. Every superlative applies here. War Daddy, Hog Molly, Beast Mode, etc, etc, etc. No human should have that much raw horsepower and torque at that size. This guy embodies the southern savage we've been looking for. He once went on a small rampage in his town where he fired a school bus through a Wal-Mart and ate an entire aisle of raw hamburger meat. With guys like Earl Moore and Corey King hanging around the depth chart, adding a future 1st round talent at the position is essential.

I expect it won’t take long before Valentine starts entering the rare territory of recent greats at his position. Ndamukong Suh, Glenn Dorsey, Vince Wilfork, Nick Fairley - Valentine can have that type of impact. He is a calculated annihilator, gracefully destructive, and the future anchor to a college and NFL defense.

2. Chad Thomas:

I believe the QB is the most important position on the field. That stands to reason that protecting ours and destroying the opposition’s should be high on our priority list. Enter Chad Thomas. He is the definition of a natural. He has freakish length (no pause some homo) and pass rushing ability that makes coaches cream their britches. He’s the kind of kid who can tie his shoes without bending over. The great thing about Chad is that once stated in an interview that he wanted to improve physically over the off season by "doing a lot of push-ups."

Once he puts down the trumpet and picks up some iron a little more, we're looking at an elite pass rusher. He has a surprisingly good bull rush move given that he's still got a lot of room to pack on muscle, and he gets off the ball very well. The crazy thing is I don’t think he’s even scratched the surface of just how dominant he can be.

1. Brad Kaaya:

This is a QB-driven sport. With the set up of rules, QBs can put up ungodly numbers with no fear of them or their wr's being hit. It's very hard to win a National Title without a reliable guy under center to steadily make plays for you week in and week out. With Kevin Olsen apparently washing up on the beach every morning covered in nightclub bracelets and molly, Kaaya has to be the stud to challenge Ryan Williams.

Any time you can land a California QB who has USC and UCLA humping his leg as we come down the stretch, you have to be excited. I watch Kaaya and I see a kid with prototypical size and a cathedral-level ceiling. He is relatively inexperienced as a starter, from what I understand. He will only improve with more reps. He’s got a great arm, the ball comes out quick, and he can run just enough to piss off a defense. Under Coley, I hope and think we might have unearthed the first great Miami Hurricane QB since Ken Dorsey.

[roachcane77]

Highly respected recruiting guru Larry Blu posted last night on Twitter that UCF QB Bortles a JR should come back for his SR season at UCF because "He has miles to go to be NFL ready".

I think when Larry tweeted that, it was still early and Bortles had 2 INTs and was looking lost…
I wonder how he felt by the END of the game, after Bortles "righted the ship."