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College Football 2008 Preview: Independents
1. University of Notre DameThe Fighting Irish had now way to go but up. All start with an anemic offensive unit. Notre Dame needs that the once highly touted Jimmy Clausen takes firm control of the QB position. There's reason to believe he will be better than last season. He demonstrated in spring practices that he has full command of the offense. Beside the QB position, the Irish badly need playmakers, specially, outside. They need to stretch the field more. The offensive line, filled with young players, needs to mature fast. On defense, only six proven starters return from what was an anemic unit in 2007. New defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta had his hands full. The secondary lack top en speed and the defensive line play will be suspect at best in 2008. Only the linebacker corps looks to be in better position to succeed that last year. Working for the Irish is an easy first part of the schedule, which could translate into a winning season. A far cry from the days when a season was measured by the Irish ability to compete for the National Championship. 2. NavyNew coach Ken Niumataolo will like to continue Paul Johnson winning ways at Annapolis. The Midshipmen had the chance to be very good on defense. The secondary is filled with talented and experience players and the D-line looks to be solid. If new linebackers develop as expected, this unit could dominate many small school opponents. On offense, they bring a bang-up QB back with only three additional 2007 starters. Navy needs to find a pair of quality running backs and a bruising fullback fast. The offensive line is undersize and depleted of talent. If QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada can stay healthy, this team should go bowling again. 3. ArmyArmy will run the wishbone in 2008. This is the same offensive system that enabled the Air Force and Naval Academy to compete semi regularly for bowl bids. Because of the team's transition from a pro style to a multiple option offense, returning QB Carson Williams, a drop back passer, will have a hard time running the option. Nevertheless, he is the only game-ready QB on the roster. Aside the QB position, this unit in a state of flux. Only three starters returned. The team needs to find a pair of blocking receivers and to solidify its RB corps before this "old" offense could work. The defensive unit is in better shape, although not by much. Five starters return from a unit that was 89 in the nation. The strength of the unit lies on its defensive line. Both, the secondary and linebacker units are below average. Army will start winning more games, but it would not be in 2008. |
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