Pre-season Game of the Night - Season 141
Previous GotN Prediction/Result: N/A
Intro/comments/match-up: It's time. Yes we know the season is just about ready to start when coach clememp and coach omcs1981 have their showdown on the field. Although it doesn't count in the rankings, it sure feels good for the winning coach to start the season with that win.
Before we get to the match-up, just a reminder the Rockne Top Ten poll will start up following the fourth game of the season. Like last season, any coach can participate by submitting their top ten by a site mail to omcs1981 by 8PM central time. You can vote each day, just on weekends, or just when you have the time.
Team: Tusculum
Coach: Clememp # of Seasons: 61
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 14
Juniors: 14
Sophomores: 4
Freshmen: 18
Offensive Formations: I, Trips
Defensive Formations: 4-3, Nickel
Key Wins: N/A
Losses: N/A
Comments: Coach Clememp's offense should be able to score some points this season with red-shirt seniors at QB, RB, and WR. The rest of his offense is loaded with juniors and seniors. The one possible weakness is the offensive line since all the backups may be freshmen, unless they start instead. Defense is strong with the starters with seven seniors and four juniors. But like the OL, the linebackers and defensive backfield are all backed up with freshmen. Tusculum should finish either 11-2 or 12-1 with a good chance to add another conference championship trophy after a 7-season drought.
Team: Valdosta State
Coach: OMCS1981 # of Seasons: 2
Roster Breakdown:
Seniors: 7
Juniors: 11
Sophomores: 15
Freshmen: 17
Offensive Formations: Trips
Defensive Formations: 3-4
Key Wins: N/A
Losses: N/A
Comments: Using the talent that the previous coach champ83 ;eft behind, coach omcs1981 was able to steer Valdosta State to a final four appearance. Unfortunately, the talent is low at wide receiver with one junior being the only upper classmen and on the offensive line with one senior and two juniors. Defense is a little bit more solid but definitely has holes that needs to be hidden. So at least for this preseason game, VSU is going old-school and will be running the ball most of the game and probably a lot during the season.
Tonight's Prediction: Unlike last season Valdosta State start the season ranked a little bit higher than Tusculum. That small edge won't be enough to keep the game a low scoring one that VSU needs as coach clememp reverses last season's result with a 27-19 win.