Tailgate season is back. The Canes and the Golden Panthers kick-off the 2007 season this weekend while the Dolphins just wrapped up pre-season. Get up to speed and on the field with our *unofficial* scouting report.
Dolphins: It’s a mixed bag for the Dolphins. Winning season? We're hoping so.Offense: Their acquisition of Trent Green from Kansas City is questionable, even though the veteran 14-season quarterback has been good in the past. New head coach Cam Cameron defends his decision to keep Trent as the quarterback but backs it up with a fresh arm in John Beck, a 26-year-old draft pick from Brigham Young University. Ninth pick Ted Ginn, a wide receiver from Ohio State, will hopefully add points to the scoreboard with his speed and agility.Defense: Led by defensive coordinator Dom Capers (a leftover from the brief Nick Saban era), the 'Fins will have defensive end Jason Taylor, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, and linebackers Channing Crowder and Joey Porter (a new acquisition from the Pittsburgh Steelers plagued by a knee injury).Games to Watch:
- Sept. 16: Opening game against the Dallas Cowboys
- Oct. 21: Against New England Patriots
- Nov.18: Against the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Dec. 9: Against the Buffalo Bills
Hurricanes: Coming off one of the worst seasons in years, the Canes are now led by Randy Shannon, former defensive coordinator under the beleaguered Larry Coker. Shannon's emphasizing a “team first” strategy and word is that jerseys won't have players' names on them as the team takes the field for it's last season in the Orange Bowl.Offense: Kirby Freeman, a junior who zipped through training camp, replaces Kyle Wright as quarterback. Other players to keep an eye on are Sam Shields (wide receiver), Javarris James (running back) and Kenny Phillips (safety).Defense: Bad news on the injury front - Linebacker Glenn Cook may be out the first month due to injury and safety Lovon Ponder is out indefinitely.Games to Watch:
- Sept. 1: Opening game against Marshall
- Oct. 20: Against Florida State
- Nov.17: Against Virginia Tech
Golden Panthers: FIU may not have a powerhouse team quite yet, but hope is on the horizon. Playing at the Orange Bowl, the Panthers are led by new coach Mario Cristobal (Don Strock resigned after last season).Offense: There's a lot of uncertainty with the offense. Wayne Younger, Colt Anderson and Paul McCall will be duking it out for starting quarterback position. Other buzz-worthy players include wide receiver Joey Meyers, running back Daunte Owens and linebacker Mannie Wellington.Defense: Last year's three starting linebackers are gone, so it will be up to senior defensive back Lionell Singleton and linebacker Mannie Wellington to step up the defense, still the strongest element of the Panther's game.
Games to Watch:
- Sept.1: Opening game against Penn State
- Sept. 15: Against Miami
- Oct. 27: Against Arkansas
- Nov. 24: Against Florida Atlantic
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