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There's a leak in the Florida offense

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005 by Matt Hayes

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Tyler Palko is saying all the right things because, well, that's what team players do to avoid controversy. But there is no getting around it: Pitt's star quarterback misses former coach Walt Harris. By the end of last session, there were few quarterbacks playing better than Palko. After three games this season under new coach Dave Wannstedt and new coordinator Matt Cavanaugh, there are few quarterbacks in the Big East playing worse. Pitt hasn't scored an offensive touchdown the past two games, and Palko looks frustrated with Cavanaugh's conservative scheme. Palko's throws lack velocity, and he has little patience in the pocket--both signs of a quarterback who doesn't trust his offense.

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They all have Nintendo numbers now--but who's going to keep working the joystick?

Less than a month into the season, we've already seen a lot of big numbers. Typically, most are accomplished against inferior opponents. Which players will stay the course, and which will fade away?

Hanging on

QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame (854 yards passing, 9 TDs, 2 INTs). Fundamentally, he's way ahead of where he was a year ago. He'll get more comfortable, and he actually will improve his numbers.

RB Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin (471 yards, 8 TDs). Has strength, vision and deceptive speed-and an offense built around feeding the goat.

QB Kellen Clemens, Oregon (955 yards, 8 TDs, 0 INT). Don't worry about this week's inevitable slip against USC. The Ducks' offense is suited to his dual-threat abilities.

Dropping off

QB Alex Brink, Washington State (694 yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs). Unlike previous seasons, Brink is playing with confidence. OK, you or I could put up those numbers against that soft schedule.

DE Elvis Dumervil, Louisville (9 sacks). He's on pace for, what, a gazillion sacks? Big East teams will use tight ends and fullbacks to help offensive tackles and slow Dumervil's pace.

RB Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern (416 yards, 6 TDs). In two years, he'll be one of the Big Ten's brightest stars. But he's an undersized (5-9,190) true freshman who will wear down as the season progresses.

There's a leak in the Florida offense

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005 by Matt Hayes

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