Miami quarterback Ryan Williams has tried to channel his inner Adrian Peterson during his rehab from a torn ACL, hoping to to start the season opener against Louisville on Sept. 1 -- less than five months after surgery.
Quite frankly, that would give Williams an even more miraculous comeback than what we saw out of Peterson a year ago in the NFL. And it would give Miami more buzz as a legitimate candidate to win the Coastal Division.
Because let's be honest. Part of the reason Duke, North Carolina and even Virginia Tech are seen as preseason Coastal favorites is because of quarterback uncertainty at Miami. With Williams out of the picture, the Hurricanes will have to rely on either 1) Kevin Olsen, a quarterback who has never started a college game and has shown maturity issues; or 2) Jake Heaps, a transfer quarterback who has been a flop at two previous stops. Add the quarterback uneasiness with continuing questions about the defense, and expectations for Miami run all over the map.
With Williams, though, Miami at least has a stable presence. While it is true he has not started a game since he was a freshman at Memphis in 2010, he has a clear, firm grasp on the offense and coaches have extensively praised the maturity he brings behind center.
There was never any doubt that Williams would return at some point this season. But if he can make it all the way back for the opener, then look out.
Now on to more links:
You though Tim Brando was going out on a ledge placing UCLA as his preseason No. 1? We now present Pete Roussel of coachingsearch.com, who predicts Clemson will win the national championship. I think the Clemson pick is bolder, considering all the losses on offense and the three major hurdles on the schedule. The Tigers had little success against Florida State and South Carolina with Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins. Without them, the Tigers will win a national championship? Roussel says yes, based on defense. I understand that logic, but I go back to offense. Last year the Tigers scored a combined 31 points against the Seminoles and Gamecocks. No matter how good the defense is -- and I believe it will be plenty good -- you still have to score some points. Clemson has talent offensively, but I am not sure it's enough to win a national championship.
Speaking of championships, former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden believes the Seminoles are in a good spot to repeat. What else is he supposed to say?
Louisville is one day away from officially joining the ACC, a move that is expected to reap major benefits. The Cards have 10 people to thank for the move. They already are feeling the difference on the recruiting trail. The ACC also hopes to feel the difference -- in the way of stability.
This story involving former Georgia Tech linebacker Recardo Wimbush is disturbing on so many levels.
Syracuse continues to tear it up on the recruiting trail, picking up its 20th commitment for the Class of 2015.
As if you didn't already know, Duke's football program is on the rise. That's a big reason why a quarterback out of Alabama committed to the Blue Devils.