[2023] Preseason Coaches Round Table

[SageBow]

As we head into the new season, SageBow Inc. was able to interview a few coaches from around the country for a preseason roundtable. Read more to find out what's in the mind of the great team leaders as the prep for what looks to be the most exciting season of SIMFBA yet!

How do you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your team going into the upcoming season?

Georgia HC @Sarge -  I think our offensive line and secondary are the weaker parts of our team but we excel in the front seven and and skill positions to make up for those deficiencies. Outman has to prove it scouts he's ready for the NFL and this season is a great test for him to show he's not just a game manager but the key cog to our offensive success. Watch Cam Atchison at DE to explode this year as a starter full time.

Tulsa HC @acewulf - My biggest strengths are my offensive versatility and upperclassmen leadership at key positions.  My OL is gearing towards being a strength of mine, but I see most of my offensive weapons as good enough to carry part of the weight of the season and I'm gearing my gameplanning to reflect that.  And on defense, I have leaders at all 3 levels of the defense going into the season that all can make huge impacts.

Utah HC @SageBow - Runningbacks runningbacks runningbacks. We got all kinds of studs in our offensive backfield and I think we have the guys in front to open the way for them. Defensively, we have one of the best linebackers in the country in Jeremy Arano, can't say enough good things about this guy. Stuff to improve, we had quite the QB competition going into the preseason and its been won by Alcides Holden. He's got to improve like any young quarterback but I think he's got what it takes. 

West Virginia HC @smackemz - This season, if you are to call them strengths, I think the best features of our team are the defense and the run game.  Specifically in the run game, we have a ton of flexibility in how we attack.  Craig Guzman has made the transition to RB and is strong as an Ox, he showed in the spring that he can get tough yards, and has an extra gear in the middle.  We also have the home-run threat in Chad Dolis - he'll start the season primarily at wide receiver, but depending on our opponent we could shift him to running back where he's had a lot of prior experience.

The defense is our strongest unit as a whole, and I think the strength lies in our defensive line.  Kyle Anderson and Miguel Cortes have started since the beginning, and are ready to take over as captains of the defense.  We also have some strength in the secondary, led by all-conference free safety Ryan Davis.

Washington State HC @TuscanSota - I'm a bit more gameplan focused when it comes to building a roster; if I see a need in a specific position, or the lack of an archetype, I do see a bit of a flaw because it's not how I want my offense to run. If there isn't a clear starter at a position, that's where I also find an issue. For strength, it's knowing that not only there is a clear starter; but there's also a backup for the future of the program.

Right now we're in a rebuild phase where after this season, we will have a much clearer future for the program. It's going to be a down year for us.

Tennessee HC @tsweezy - Strengths are obviously the passing attack with Savage and my WRs. I also think my running backs are underrated. Weaknesses are my offensive line and defensive front-7. Going to be a lot of shootouts

Can you share any changes or adjustments you've made to your coaching strategies for the upcoming season?

Georgia HC @Sarge - The only big change we've made is how we're running the secondary and featuring Deonte Canaan more.

Tulsa HC @acewulf - I am opening up my passing game significantly compared to last year.  I have more weapons and feel a lot better about my understanding of the system.  Defensively, I am switching schemes to try and fit my personnel a bit better.  I think this should help that unit's performance

Utah HC @SageBow - We have a whole new offense this season compared to the last two seasons. Simply put, we went back to basics and now we're just going to put our best players in the best position to succeed. So far through practice, it is incredibly exciting, and I think we'll be able to get quite a few wins with this new set up. 

West Virginia HC @smackemz - I spent a lot of time in the offseason talking about the game with many different coaches, just trying to learn as much as I can.  I have to continue to get better as a coach, and my progression needs to stay aligned with our team's progression from the talent basement.  The theme for my learning this season is flexibility, I spent a lot of time not being flexible and trying players out in different spots.  This year we will have our best players in their best position to win.

Washington State HC @TuscanSota - I'm starting a scrambler this season, that should say enough.

Tennessee HC @tsweezy - Not to give too much away 😏 but I’ve moved from pro to air raid and layered my defense a little differently now. Also trying out a scrambler at RB

What are your expectations for your team this year, and how do you plan to achieve those goals?

Georgia HC @Sarge -Our expectation is to win the SEC East, like every year. We've taken significant strides as a team the last two years, ending our '22 season with a bowl win over Texas. If we win the East, the rest will take care of it self.

Tulsa HC @acewulf - I think I should be able to compete for a bowl game and potentially more.  I feel good about my chances in conference, but some of the changes have happened make me unsure of the new teams coming in.  I'll probably drop a handful of games, but I feel good about making a bowl.

Utah HC @SageBow - A bowl game is the goal. Would be absolutely monumental for the Utes, but the path is there and I think we can get it done. 

West Virginia HC @smackemz - We have been winning on the recruiting trail, and we're just waiting for our Fr and (FR) to mature.  Our today talent level unfortunately still at the bottom of the P5. 

Our expectations; however, are simple and should be achievable.

1. Win our 3 OOC games.  We should be favored here, and regardless of our talent level we need to win the games we are supposed to win.

2. Split our toss up games.  I have not analyzed every team on our schedule, but games where we are relatively close in talent we need to win at least half of those.  That's one area we struggled in last season, a lot of close calls but we could not beat the Texas Techs of the world.

3. Pull one major upset.  We have been able to pull off one major upset each season.  S1 we were able to beat Baylor, and last season we were able to beat Oklahoma.  We need to continue that trend and beat one of the conference front runners.

In order to do that we need to get splash plays on offense.  We're set up to grind it out with our running game, but we need to be able to get quick/easy scores.  Defensively we need to bend and not break.

Washington State HC @TuscanSota - Make a bowl game. Pac 12 Championship isn't in the books this year. Maybe next year, or the year after. Just not this year.

Tennessee HC @tsweezy - Expectations are 8-4/9-3. I think we have a tough schedule but as long as we put up points and get enough stops I think we can pull an upset or 2

Can you highlight any standout players or newcomers who have caught your attention?

Georgia HC @Sarge -CB Johnny Hansford is gonna start as a true freshman at the dime CB and FS Dennis Germany will get rotational snaps as a true freshman. They're the future of our DB room and I'm excited to see how they perform.

Tulsa HC @acewulf - On my team, Ben Bromley looks to be a much needed addition to the WR room.  He finished 1st on the team in receiving yards in the preseason.  As for around the country, it'll be fun to see Western Michigan with OG Torres this year.  Huge shoes to fill, but he's looked really good.

Utah HC @SageBow - For the Utes, we're going to live or die behind freshman QB Alcides Holden. He's got all the talent in the world, and if he puts the hard work in, we will succeed. Around the country, our hated counterparts at BYU have a young star QB Dick Richards. Really interested to see if he gets some action this season and how well he performs. Also Kyung Hui over at Navy, an outstanding kid that I've known for a long time, looking forward to see how he does as it seems he may have won the starting QB job over there. 

West Virginia HC @smackemz - We have a lot of young players to be excited about, but for this season there is no one bigger than Dzanan "The Bosnian Bullet" Reid.  The (Fr) signal caller will step in as a likely 4 year starting quarterback, and will provide Mountaineer fans with optimism for future success.  As a coach, one thing that stuck out was how he improved his performance in each of our spring scrimmages culminating with a 309 yard performance against Washington State.  He's got a lot on his plate, but we're committed to his growth.

Washington State HC @TuscanSota - Pat Niang was my darkhorse contendent to win the QB position for the Cougs; and it's looking very likely that he will keep it. I was not expecting him to be good talent-wise after the past two seasons. This season will be dependent on if he can stay healthy.

Tennessee HC @tsweezy - In general Hiram has been interesting to see a rivalry between him and USC’s Longacre. I also think BGSU’s QB-turned-RB will do extremely well

Can you talk about any particular games or opponents that you're particularly looking forward to this season?

Georgia HC @Sarge - Our entire OOC is going to be incredibly fun. Michigan, Stanford and BGSU are all formidable opponents and will be a great measuring stick leading up to UK and Tennessee. GT and Auburn will be huge roadblocks too. If we come out with 9-10 wins it would be a significant success. I truly believe we have the hardest schedule in the country.

Tulsa HC @acewulf - North Texas is going to be fun of the newcomers.  A lot of talent has come through Denton these past few years.  As for the returners, Tulane has finished pretty highly in recruiting rankings these past few years and we'll start to see some of those guys make it on the field.

Utah HC @SageBow - UCLA. After the drubbing they gave us last year, we'll be doing whatever it takes to pay them back. Hiram Maronde is a talent, but we're going full force to stop him.

West Virginia HC @smackemz - The Big XII expansion gives us a trio of new conference opponents that we're excited to play.  Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati are all on the schedule and will provide excitement for our fans.  We're particularly excited to renew a local rivalry with Cincinnati.

Washington State HC @TuscanSota - I want to beat Washington and win the Apple Cup. At least once.

Tennessee HC @tsweezy - Kentucky is very intriguing to see if they pull it together. Similarly Florida State on paper is a national title contender but was mediocre last season. The Big 12 conference race should be a fun one too.

Who is your pick for this season’s national champion and Heisman Trophy Winner?

Georgia HC @Sarge - UCLA or FSU for the natty and QB Hiram Monde or QB Michael Oliveros are my Heisman favorites.

Tulsa HC @acewulf - Natty - BGSU - If BGSU plays like they did against Tennessee, they'll be contending for sure. Heisman - Hiram Maronde 

Utah HC @SageBow - Hard to look past Bowling Green for the championship, Robinson is simply electric. Heisman, I'm going with Tennessee's superstar Brandon Savage. He's incredible.

West Virginia HC @smackemz - For the Heisman - I'm going to go with Andrew Solano from TCU.  He's put up good numbers in the past, and I think he's set up nicely with weapons that will allow him to shine. For the National Champion - I'm going to go with Bowling Green.

Washington State HC @TuscanSota - Heisman Trophy Winner: Julian Longacre. I think USC is in a good position to rally as a program. National Champion: UCLA. Pac 12 is going to be fun this year.

Tennessee HC @tsweezy - National Champion - Florida State, Heisman Winner - Hiram Maronde.

[acewulf]

Thanks for having me on!  Good luck to everyone as the season is set to begin!

[Rocketcan]

A lot of BGSU and Maronde praise!

[Sarge]

23 hours ago, Rocketcan said:

A lot of BGSU and Maronde praise!

I think a lot of the BGSU praise is predicated on how much respect a lot of coaches have for @PoopyRhinoPickle for his recruiting and gameplanning and a lot of the UCLA love is just a tip of the cap to the sheer talent level @Jmjacobshas on his roster and how he's able to pilot it. Maronde is gonna be so fun to watch.

[PoopyRhinoPickle]

I’m honored by this praise but I think it’s still a bit early for us. Only 2 of my recruiting classes and a sophomore QB!