CFN preview

[MarkL]

So foxsports.com isn't doing their 119 teams in 119 days preview (or this year would have been 120 in 120), so each preview has been carried on cfn.scout.com. Here's ours:

http://cfn.scout.com/2/747623.html

Pretty well researched but out of date preview, plus with cfn's notorious spelling issues, as Orlando Barrow is mentioned pretty prominently. They sure seem to think that the coaching staff has little confidence in Sheehan and that is the reason Beam is coming in. They also have a really nice outlook of Nate Brown, but must not have heard of his academic issues.

Thoughts? And also, anyone heard anything recent about Brown?

[hammb]

So foxsports.com isn't doing their 119 teams in 119 days preview (or this year would have been 120 in 120), so each preview has been carried on cfn.scout.com. Here's ours:

http://cfn.scout.com/2/747623.html

Pretty well researched but out of date preview, plus with cfn's notorious spelling issues, as Orlando Barrow is mentioned pretty prominently. They sure seem to think that the coaching staff has little confidence in Sheehan and that is the reason Beam is coming in. They also have a really nice outlook of Nate Brown, but must not have heard of his academic issues.

Thoughts? And also, anyone heard anything recent about Brown?

You could tell watching Brown throw in the spring game at halftime that he's the most talented QB returning on this roster. His arm/athleticism is something Sheehan can only dream of. I don't see why the staff would have much confidence in Tyler, he was very erratic last year. Then again, he was only a sophomore in his first year as a starter. If he can take a step forward he can be a good MAC QB. Still it wouldn't surprise me if Nate Brown (or even Beam) unseats him before the year is up.

I sincerely hope Nate got his academics taken care of, he's an incredibly talented young player.

[Falconfreak90]

Pretty good preview...it's CFN so always take it with a grain of salt. I totally agree with the bottom line...anything less than an outright MAC East title and trip to the MACC will be a major disappointment. This team is loaded with veterans and, while there are areas of concern, has to be considered one of the favorites to win the MAC. The great thing about 2008 is EVERY MAC game counts. This divsional games only counting is BS. I am jacked...BiG time. After the disaster in Mobile, our team psyche will be tested immediately outta the gate. I can't see how the Falcons would not be ready to atone for that night and get rolling.

As far as QB? Sheehan is the man until someone beats him out...which could happen. Beam is coming in with some pretty high reviews and Tanski & Prankratz are no slouches. Nate Brown...would love to see him in action. Is he in good standing academically??

They say QB's make the most progress between their SO and JR seasons...and Tyler is now a JR with a full year under his belt. Adding Jim Hofher to the staff as QB coach was a solid move. I just want the most qualified QB to lead the team...competition always makes everyone better. Tyler did have some off games last year but he also had some very good games...he was a SO and learning. I'm anxious to see how he's progressed.

I cannot believe we are 71 days til kickoff at Pitt...

BEAT PITT!!!!!!!!!

[MarkL]

Pretty good preview...it's CFN so always take it with a grain of salt. I totally agree with the bottom line...anything less than an outright MAC East title and trip to the MACC will be a major disappointment. This team is loaded with veterans and, while there are areas of concern, has to be considered one of the favorites to win the MAC. The great thing about 2008 is EVERY MAC game counts. This divsional games only counting is BS. I am jacked...BiG time. After the disaster in Mobile, our team psyche will be tested immediately outta the gate. I can't see how the Falcons would not be ready to atone for that night and get rolling.

As far as QB? Sheehan is the man until someone beats him out...which could happen. Beam is coming in with some pretty high reviews and Tanski & Prankratz are no slouches. Nate Brown...would love to see him in action. Is he in good standing academically??

They say QB's make the most progress between their SO and JR seasons...and Tyler is now a JR with a full year under his belt. Adding Jim Hofher to the staff as QB coach was a solid move. I just want the most qualified QB to lead the team...competition always makes everyone better. Tyler did have some off games last year but he also had some very good games...he was a SO and learning. I'm anxious to see how he's progressed.

I cannot believe we are 71 days til kickoff at Pitt...

BEAT PITT!!!!!!!!!

As for how Sheehan has progressed, well, I missed a lot of the spring game and what I saw didn't impress me, but he also was working with half of a starting offensive line and a line that just didn't have the continuity or chemistry to be effective.

I did, however, see Sheehan in a couple of practices. From what I saw, they were keeping the same guys on each unit of the OLine as much as possible and subbing units to establish continuity, and with that Sheehan looked better than he ever did last year, I think. Didn't get to see a lot of him because I had to leave early, but if that continuity at OLine is continued, I wouldn't lose any sleep over Sheehan, the line, or the offense.