Proud Programs in Midst of Downswing
Dave Curtis - SportingNews.com
Nov 03, 2010
Texas coach Mack Brown joked this week that 101,000 consultants filled Memorial Stadium last week to watch his Longhorns lose to Baylor. And those fans then went home, Brown suggested, and continued to complain about UT via social networking.
"Every frustrated person in the world gets to scream at somebody they don't know," he said on the Big 12 coaches teleconference. "And they don't have to use their name."
Fortunately for Brown, we've got answers, and we're putting our names to them. Here's a quick-hit rescue for this season's disappointing big-name programs:
Texas (4-4, 2-3 Big 12)
Worst moment: A 28-21 home loss to Iowa State
Easy fix: Take it away. Brown said through eight games last year, his team had forced 26 turnovers. This year, it has come up with 11.
A contender again: 2011. The Longhorns' defense will stay strong, and the offense will be better if the young playmakers turn into stars.
Michigan (5-3, 1-3 Big Ten)
Worst moment: Allowing 41 points to a Penn State offense led by former walk-on quarterback Matt McGloin
Easy fix: Get off the field. The Wolverines rank 95th in the nation in third down defense. PSU hit on 10 of 16 chances last week, including four conversions of 9 yards or better.
"The frustrating part," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said on the Big Ten coaches teleconference, "is sometimes they're very close to making a play."
A contender again: 2012. The defense needs better players -- and likely another new scheme.
Georgia (4-5, 3-4 SEC)
Worst moment: Three straight conference losses in September, including its first loss to Mississippi State since 1974
Easy fix: Commit to stopping the run. The Bulldogs allowed 4.6 yards per carry last week against Florida. And future opponents Auburn and Georgia Tech run the ball as well as any teams in the South.
A contender again: 2012. Even if the defense improves, Georgia appears to have slipped behind South Carolina, and stands no better than even with Florida, in the SEC East.
Miami (5-3, 3-2 ACC)
Worst moment: Falling 24 points behind Virginia last week, and eventually losing 24-19
Easy fix: See Georgia. The Hurricanes allowed at least 181 yards rushing in each of their three losses. The group must improve to help freshman QB Stephen Morris, the likely starter this week against Maryland.
"Some guys around him have to really step up, especially on defense," coach Randy Shannon said.
A contender again: 2011. Despite consistent underachievement, the Canes remain a talent-loaded team in a still-weak ACC.
Florida (5-3, 3-3 SEC)
Worst moment: Consecutive October home losses -- to LSU and Mississippi State -- for the first time under Urban Meyer
Easy fix: Get healthy. Top playmakers Jeff Demps and Andre Debose remain hobbled, and quarterback John Brantley has played with pain for at least a month.
A contender again: Right now. Wins over Vanderbilt and South Carolina the next two Saturdays will make the Gators SEC East champs.
USC (5-3, 2-3 Pac-10)Worst moment: A three-touchdown, L.A. Coliseum loss to Oregon last weekend
Easy fix: Pray. The Trojans' defense has shown little improvement since the opener. And scholarship reductions from NCAA sanctions means talent will be in short supply.
A contender again: 2014. The only similarity between these Trojans and the Pete Carroll dynasty is Homecoming King-type quarterback.
West Virginia (5-3, 1-2 Big East)
Worst moment: Four lost fumbles, including one in overtime, doomed the Mountaineers in a 16-13 loss at Connecticut.
Easy fix: Feed Noel Devine. West Virginia ran 81 offensive snaps, and Devine touched the ball 18 times (16 rushes, two catches). That's too low for the Mountaineers' top playmaker.
A contender again: 2011. Like Miami, the Mountaineers have too many good players in too soft a league to fall from contention.
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