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College Football Teams with Something to Prove by Jim Feist
Frustration and failure can prove excellent motivating factors in sports. We see quality teams get beaten badly all the time, then bounce back the next game with a terrific performance with an easy win. This can also take place with teams that are off disappointing seasons.
Two years ago Notre Dame had close losses to Michigan, South Florida, Stanford and Florida State. The loss to the Seminoles was the hardest to swallow, an 18-14 bowl game defeat getting outscored 15-0 in the fourth. After the loss Coach Brian Kelly said, “I’ve already talked about (too many turnovers) and the players that are going to be back for the 2012 football season will be committed to getting that end done.” Indeed they did, going 12-0 last season and making it to the national title game. When channeled properly, frustration can be focused into positive energy. Here are some college football teams that may have something to prove in 2013.
Georgia Tech
Paul Johnson’s run-oriented squad was devastating last season averaging 311 yards rushing per game, No. 4 in the nation. That was good for 33.6 points per contest. But they were only 7-7 because of an awful defense. Defensive coordinator Al Groh tried a “3-4 two-gap” scheme in 2011 and a “one-gap” technique last year but it didn’t work as in league games Tech permitted 4.9 yards per rush, 10th in the ACC. So they made changes, bringing in respected defensive coordinator Ted Roof. He brings in a 4-3 alignment and has 8 starters back on defense. Keep in mind G-Tech is on an 18-12-1 ATS run.
Texas
Everything is bigger and better in the Long Star state, right? Well Texas won 9 games last season but with 9 starters back on both offense and defense expectations are high for Mack Brown’s bunch. The offense made great strides in being balanced behind junior QB David Ash (19 TDs, 8 INTs), averaging 35.7 points, 263 yards passing and 171.5 yards rushing. The backfield is loaded with soph RB Johnathan Gray (701 yards), junior Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron.
It’s the defense that should have a chip on its shoulder after ranking 88th against the run while allowing 29 ppg. LB Jordan Hicks is back after missing most of last season with an injury. There are three revenge games on deck after giving up 63 to Oklahoma, 48 to West Virginia and 42 to K-State. Texas is 80-24 SU, 56-46-1 ATS the last eight seasons.
TCU
The Frogs had a 5-1 start but finished 2-5 including a 17-16 bowl loss to Michigan State as a favorite. Coach Gary Patterson’s team has 5 starters back on offense, 9 on defense. Sophomore QB Trevone Boykin (15 TDs, 10 INTs) returns on this balanced offense along with soph RB B.J. Catalon (582 yards) and junior WR Brandon Carter (590).
RB Waymon James led the team in rushing in 2011 and returns after missing most of 2012 with an injury. This group averaged 28 points, 236.5 yards passing and 152 yards rushing. The defense was 30th in the nation in points allowed and is anchored by sophomore DE Devonte Fields, a super-talent in TCU’s unique 4-2-5 defensive scheme. They carry a 33-4 SU/22-13 ATS run at home into the new season.
Wake Forest
The Deacons stumbled through a 5-7 season, just 3-5 in the ACC. The offense was inept averaging 18.8 points, 200 yards passing, 100 yards rushing. Coach Jim Grobe kept both coordinators, hoping that the offensive line can stay healthy and consistent in front of senior quarterback Tanner Price (12 TDs, 7 INTs, 55.6%). Offensive coordinator Steed Lobotzke is indeed back for his 10th season at the position and with a veteran team all around (16 starters returning), hopes are high for a winning campaign. The September schedule certainly helps against Presbyterian, BC, Monroe and Army. They carry a 6-1 run under the total into the new season.
Houston
The Cougars offense was one of the best in the country averaging 32.4 points, 328.4 yards passing (11th) and 151 yards rushing. So why did they finish 5-7 SU/ATS? A horrible defense giving up 36 ppg. There is nowhere to go but up after the Cougars ranked 107th nationally in third-down defense. The defense gave up a Conference USA-worst 483 yards per game, bottoming out in a 72-42 loss to SMU.
The offense should be even better with 10 starters back, led by junior QB David Piland (16 TDs, 12 INTs), senior RB Charles Sims (853 yards, 6 ypc) and wide outs Deontay Greenberry (569) and Daniel Spencer (579). 7 home games will help improvement, along with a soft early-season schedule.
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