Four Coaches Looking for Year 2 Improvement
Matthew Hayes - SportingNews.com
Jul 23, 2009
HOOVER, Ala. -- There was this moment last season at Arkansas when the unknown became the absurd. When the ball was snapped and the play began and D.J. Williams had no idea what he was doing.
And this was two months into the season.
"If you were to ask me about what we were doing last year," Williams said, "I would've said it almost looks like Chinese to me."
Sort of what it looked like at Michigan, West Virginia and UCLA. Michigan lost the most games in school history under new coach Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia's national championship-ready team was defeated four times under first-year coach Bill Stewart and UCLA dropped eight games for the first time since 1963 in Rick Neuheisel's return to Westwood.
Year 2 has to be better, right?
Arkansas
Yes it will: Hogs coach Bobby Petrino's complicated -- and effective -- offense finally has a quarterback (Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett) who can make it all work. Mallett's strong arm brings the deep ball back into play for the offense.
No it won't: At one point last season, Arkansas played five sophomores and four freshmen on defense -- and the rebuilt secondary could include two incoming freshmen. You're not outscoring teams in the SEC.
Michigan
Yes it will: More than anything, Rodriguez has another recruiting class of his players recruited for -- and invested in -- his system. Team chemistry, non-existent last fall, will be good for at least three more wins this season.
No it won't: Freshman quarterback Tate Forcier put up huge numbers in the spring game -- against second- and third-team defenders. The level of talent and speed will increase significantly this fall.
West Virginia
Yes it will: Quarterback Jarrett Brown is replacing one of the most dynamic players (Pat White) this decade, and has played well as a backup the last two seasons. He's not dangerous as White, but may be more consistent.
No it won't: Nice guy coach Stewart nearly lost the team off the field early last year, and there are significant holes to fill on the field this season. Time to crack the whip, Stew.
UCLA
Yes it will: Forget about Neuheisel's pass-happy reputation. He and offensive coordinator Norm Chow want a power running game -- and will get it with an improved and confident offensive line.
No it won't: UCLA quarterbacks threw 21 interceptions last season, and redshirt freshman Kevin Prince has zero experience.
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst on NFL Network's College Football Now. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
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