Let's assume....

[Consigliere]

the defense produces the same exact result as 2013 and let's focus on the offense.

Will this offense produce more or less points in 2014 during ACC play?

QB: Williams
RB: Duke
FB: Tucker
TE: Walford/Sandland
WR: Coley
WR: Dorsett/Scott/Waters
OL: Flowers
OL: Felicano
OL: McDermott
OL: Gall
OL: Isadora

As a frame of reference, here were our stats on offense during ACC play in 2013

Offensive Points Scored:
Total: 215
Per Game: 27

Turnovers:
Total: 15
Per Game: 1.9

Starting QB:
Total: 145 for 245 (59%) for 2242 Yards 15 TDs and 10 INTs
Per Game: 18 for 31 for 280 Yards 1.9 TDs and 1.25 INTs

All Rushing:*
Total: 257 for 1228 Yards and 11 TDs
Per Game: 32 for 154 Yards and 1.4 TDs

*Duke missed all of VT, Duke, Pitt and UVA. We had 484 rushing yards and 5 TDs during those games*

 

[skyman]

We have more than enough in place to be a quality offense at skill position. But maybe 1 or 2 question marks on oline and a HUGE question mark at QB no one can answer this question with conviction. I guess it goes to how much you value what Williams did againt terrible defenses in garbage time. Me I cant take anything from it and wont know what he is really about until the UL game.

 

[Consigliere]

We have more than enough in place to be a quality offense at skill position. But maybe 1 or 2 question marks on oline and a HUGE question mark at QB no one can answer this question with conviction. I guess it goes to how much you value what Williams did againt terrible defenses in garbage time. Me I cant take anything from it and wont know what he is really about until the UL game.

Let's put it this way, how much are we losing with the departure of Morris?

Forget about his replacement. How much are we losing from the starting QB?

 

[Dynasty]

If the defensive production doesn't improve significantly it is asking a lot of Williams to carry the offensive load. The reason I say this is because you know opponents are going to stack the box in an attempt to stuff the ground game. In addition, they are likely going to clamp down on the short, underneath passing game and force Williams to push the ball down field (think JHarris and BC 2011). That brings into question Kehoe's upfront troops. Will they provide Williams enough time to scan the field?

 

[TheSwagger1]

If the defensive #s are the same it means we're in trouble because Williams isn't moving the chains more consistently than Morris and that's a must. If that's the case, we're hosed. Our defense should get a bump from longer drives, and that's the biggest potential area of improvement I see going into 2014. Don't know about scoring, not sure Williams will hit on as many big plays as Morris did.

 

[VA_Cane_54]

We have more than enough in place to be a quality offense at skill position. But maybe 1 or 2 question marks on oline and a HUGE question mark at QB no one can answer this question with conviction. I guess it goes to how much you value what Williams did againt terrible defenses in garbage time. Me I cant take anything from it and wont know what he is really about until the UL game.

Let's put it this way, how much are we losing with the departure of Morris?

Forget about his replacement. How much are we losing from the starting QB?

Fortunately we'll be losing his erratic play, and costly turnovers. With the talent we have on offense, there's no reason Miami shouldnt have a top 25 offense.

 

[drifters1234]

Coley better figure out a plan for dealing with Louisville's DL standing up and walking around while the QB looks at Coley for the play call. My suggestion is to pound the ball up the middle while they are standing up. Sure seems like you could gash them for 7+ yards everytime. But it requires the QB to make the audible, and stop staring at the sideline.

Second, they have got to implement an adjustment to the snap count. DL were teeing off on us all year, as soon as the guard tapped the center's leg.

These two basic fixes would go a long way.

 

[DFT31J]

We have more than enough in place to be a quality offense at skill position. But maybe 1 or 2 question marks on oline and a HUGE question mark at QB no one can answer this question with conviction. I guess it goes to how much you value what Williams did againt terrible defenses in garbage time. Me I cant take anything from it and wont know what he is really about until the UL game.

Let's put it this way, how much are we losing with the departure of Morris?

Forget about his replacement. How much are we losing from the starting QB?

I personally think it's addition by subtraction. Our offense will be much improved with someone who can make good decisions under pressure, recognize and adjust for blitzes, effectively implement the short to medium range passing game, and learn to take what the defense gives you rather than forcing throws for the big play.

Morris was our offense's biggest impediment last year. If our playmakers stay healthy (Duke, Coley, etc.) we should be more productive with Williams.

I don't think it will be enough to compensate for our defense giving up 500 yards and 30 plus points per game, however.

 

[skyman]

We have more than enough in place to be a quality offense at skill position. But maybe 1 or 2 question marks on oline and a HUGE question mark at QB no one can answer this question with conviction. I guess it goes to how much you value what Williams did againt terrible defenses in garbage time. Me I cant take anything from it and wont know what he is really about until the UL game.

Let's put it this way, how much are we losing with the departure of Morris?

Forget about his replacement. How much are we losing from the starting QB?

I know Morris wasnt the best qb ever, but I see comments where people are like he was a project and that is where his talent took him. Well his replacement is a transfer from a smaller school. Even bigger project. We arent losing much maybe from Morris but you have to look at the replacement. The other kids wont be ready and Golden has said out his mouth that he is going into spring with the senior.

We have a tough first month and football is a game of confidence. I still remember when Williams was put in during a real game against UNC and he looked to curl in a fetal position. I need to see something else before I shake that image. Golden better get that defense up to snuff, we might have to lean on them, yikes.

 

[DrCane]

The offense should be more productive. Why? Duke will be back, with a competent back-up (Yearby). Stacey Coley is only going to get better. James Coley should grow as a play caller. The QB play may, or may not improve, with Williams, but it sure as **** can't get worse.

However, none of this matters... the offense will not be able to outscore how many points the defense is going to give up.

 

[pbcup]

If the defensive #s are the same it means we're in trouble because Williams isn't moving the chains more consistently than Morris and that's a must. If that's the case, we're hosed. Our defense should get a bump from longer drives, and that's the biggest potential area of improvement I see going into 2014. Don't know about scoring, not sure Williams will hit on as many big plays as Morris did.

This is what I'm expecting. Slightly better defensive numbers due to more sustained drives on offense. I think we score about the same with more sustained drives and less big plays. We'll still have our share of big plays because Duke and Coley will break a few, but less deep balls. Last year there were way too many 3 and outs or turnovers following opponents scores. More sustained drives will allow our defense some rest so they can be a bad defense for 4 quarters as opposed to a bad defense for the first half and really terrible defense in the second half.

 

[crossover22[]_[]]

I'm really not worried about offense. Morris was a one trick pony. Williams doesn't have to be a huge down the field threat. If he sees the field better and uses his check downs we will be fine. Morris had to score quickly or our offense was ****ed.

 

[Consigliere]

IMO...

QB: we're not going to miss Morris's overall play. No doubt he had a great arm but the inconsistent play, the accuracy issues and poor decision making won't be missed. In addition, we won't miss his issues moving the chain consistently.

I expect Williams to take the job. I expect accuracy and decision making to be improved. I fully expect him to throw to the TE more and down the field less.

Overall: QB Play will improve and INTs will be down.

At RB: Our losses will be felt at FB (Hagens) and not at TB (Clements). We add in Yearby and a healthy Duke and your core is Duke, Crawford, Edwards and Yearby. Good mix of speed and power. Perhaps Edwards will improve this offseason and/or help out at FB. Losing Clements won't hurt production and Yearby is a darn good back who is enrolled early but injured.

Overall: Our RB play would improve if Duke stays healthy and plays all 8 games in the ACC. I feel Yearby will quickly creep up the depth chart and get carries. Losing Hagens sucks but I think the overall play will improve. I expect more rushing yards and rushing TDs in 2014. The bigger question is the OL.

WR: We lost Hurns and he had a ton of production. While I would love to have him back, I don't think we will have trouble replacing his production. Obviously Coley is a beast and I expect his numbers to increase. The player to watch is Scott (if he plays), I believe he will get a ton of love from Williams if he plays. Getting a healthy Dorsett back helps but his best weapon (SPEED) may be underutilized if Williams can't hit him. In addition, I believe Waters will have a better 2014.

Overall: Losing Hurns sucks but replacing his production won't be that difficult. I expect an older Coley will continue his success.

TE: We lost Cleveland and I don't think this hurts us at all. I think the biggest thing that hurt the TEs' production was Morris. I expect the TE to be targeted more with Williams and both will greatly benefit. I still don't think Dobard will get on the field much this year but next year when Sandland and Walford depart will be his time.

Last year TEs (all 13 games) caught 47 passes for 586 yards and 4TDs. I expect those numbers to be up a lot.

Overall: No real loss at the position, older players and QB will result in more production.

OL: Key losses were Linder, Henderson, Wheeler and Bunche. Losing Linder sucks, he was a darn good guard. Henderson was a quality starter as well. IMO, Wheeler (if eligibility remained) would start at guard in 2014. Bunche was never a shoe-in to start this season and has been wildly inconsistent during his career. Flowers and Felicano are really good lineman, not worried about them at all. McDermott was helped by Wheeler but he took the majority of snaps at center and he returns.

We had some injuries last year and freshman stepping up. Isadora and Gall are IMO the two most likely to step into the rotation and start. I think Sonny, Knighton and Gadbois are all likely a year away from serious burn. I suppose the two kids two watch are K. McDermott and Darling. Enrolling early was HUGE for both them as 2 of the OL spots are up in the air. I don't expect either to start but they will be close behind.

Overall: Biggest concern on offense.

 

[skyman]

Can you guys show me some video of this qb who can make good decisions under pressure, recognize and adjust for blitzes, effectively implement the short to medium range passing game, and learn to take what the defense gives you rather than forcing throws for the big play. Any ACC video would be appreciated.

What you guys are writing is what you hope happens, what we do KNOW for fact is the coaches would have rather had a struggling one legged qb trotted out on to the field than put Williams in. It wasnt even an option from comments from our coach, even after throwing multiple INTs. I know some just shrug things off in the sake of positivity but I like to look at things as they are so I am not jumping off a ledge come gameday. I want to be optimistic about the williams kid but I just dont see it.

 

[Consigliere]

Coley better figure out a plan for dealing with Louisville's DL standing up and walking around while the QB looks at Coley for the play call. My suggestion is to pound the ball up the middle while they are standing up. Sure seems like you could gash them for 7+ yards everytime. But it requires the QB to make the audible, and stop staring at the sideline.

Second, they have got to implement an adjustment to the snap count. DL were teeing off on us all year, as soon as the guard tapped the center's leg.

These two basic fixes would go a long way.

They have a new DC and HC, who knows how UL will play on D?

In addition, Marcus Smith (DE) and Brandon Dunn (DT) are gone. Smith had 18.5 TFL and 14.5 Sacks (2 against us).

 

[Consigliere]

I know Morris wasnt the best qb ever, but I see comments where people are like he was a project and that is where his talent took him. Well his replacement is a transfer from a smaller school. Even bigger project. We arent losing much maybe from Morris but you have to look at the replacement. The other kids wont be ready and Golden has said out his mouth that he is going into spring with the senior.

We have a tough first month and football is a game of confidence. I still remember when Williams was put in during a real game against UNC and he looked to curl in a fetal position. I need to see something else before I shake that image. Golden better get that defense up to snuff, we might have to lean on them, yikes.

How is Williams a bigger project? I think what people are saying is Williams is an unknown. Rather than judging this unknown, focus more on what we are losing (Morris). Will Morris be missed? That is the real question.

The coaches have proven to have made poor decisions with players on the field. The idea that Highsmith could play a single play is puzzling. Maybe this is a poor decision on behalf of the staff. Also, there have been backups that out played their predecessor (who started over them)...Mark Sanchez over John David Booty.

 

[Consigliere]

Can you guys show me some video of this qb who can make good decisions under pressure, recognize and adjust for blitzes, effectively implement the short to medium range passing game, and learn to take what the defense gives you rather than forcing throws for the big play. Any ACC video would be appreciated.

What you guys are writing is what you hope happens, what we do KNOW for fact is the coaches would have rather had a struggling one legged qb trotted out on to the field than put Williams in. It wasnt even an option from comments from our coach, even after throwing multiple INTs. I know some just shrug things off in the sake of positivity but I like to look at things as they are so I am not jumping off a ledge come gameday. I want to be optimistic about the williams kid but I just dont see it.

No but I can show you a ton of video of a QB making terrible decisions and throwing 11 INTs and completing less than 60% of his passes during ACC play.

 

[4Canes]

If the defensive #s are the same it means we're in trouble because Williams isn't moving the chains more consistently than Morris and that's a must. If that's the case, we're hosed. Our defense should get a bump from longer drives, and that's the biggest potential area of improvement I see going into 2014. Don't know about scoring, not sure Williams will hit on as many big plays as Morris did.

I agree with this. I'd also like to see Miami scrap the line up, set, then look at the sidelines, it seemed pointless, it wasn't "hurry-up" the majority of the time.

 

[Miami82]

Coley better figure out a plan for dealing with Louisville's DL standing up and walking around while the QB looks at Coley for the play call. My suggestion is to pound the ball up the middle while they are standing up. Sure seems like you could gash them for 7+ yards everytime. But it requires the QB to make the audible, and stop staring at the sideline.

Second, they have got to implement an adjustment to the snap count. DL were teeing off on us all year, as soon as the guard tapped the center's leg.

These two basic fixes would go a long way.

If they do that again you quick snap and power run the ball. Its obvious, and we didn't try it once in the bowl game.

 

[BWCD]

Coley better figure out a plan for dealing with Louisville's DL standing up and walking around while the QB looks at Coley for the play call. My suggestion is to pound the ball up the middle while they are standing up. Sure seems like you could gash them for 7+ yards everytime. But it requires the QB to make the audible, and stop staring at the sideline.

While they're standing and the QB is looking, direct snap to the RB. See what happens. Even if it doesn't net many yards, it's a wrinkle they have to prepare for.

Second, they have got to implement an adjustment to the snap count. DL were teeing off on us all year, as soon as the guard tapped the center's leg.

Tons of teams do that, even in the NFL. The key is to either start doing a silent count and do away with the tap, or vary the timing of the snap after the tap from the guard comes. Pretty basic stuff, like you said.