Thursday night games mean Friday morning yapping. Off we go:
- Matt Moore. Ugh. Coach John Fox must be kicking himself with his back-up on crutches this morning after playing into the 3rd quarter in Pittsburgh last night. Either this is really just a “deep bruise” or the Panthers will have to burn two roster spots to shore up the QB spot — one for Brett Basenez, who I think the Panthers were at least toying with releasing and going with just two QBs, and one for another “veteran backup.” In other words, Moore’s injury probably means Carolina will release an NFL-quality DL, LB, or WR in order clear enough spots. Not good.
- Also not good, DE Charles Johnson’s performance last night. Johnson started and was promptly locked up by Pittburgh’s OL and gave up the edge on several big running plays. But Johnson seems to be a favorite of GM Marty Hurney, so his roster spots seems assured. Likewise with S Nate Salley, who missed a couple tackles and otherwise lacks speed. Final cutdowns will be a circus for this team now.
- The Tom O’Brien era at NC State. Just let that sink in. I admit that I always thought that O’Brien was a horrible fit for State. The kind of players he won with at BC are already scooped up by Wake Forest across the Carolinas. And his personality lacks the star power the Pack fanbase thrives on, demands even (see Sendak, Herb.) Now O’Brien now has a team without a QB after installing an entirely new read-option scheme for a guy who literally almost had his head torn off by the Gamecocks last night. Guess what — William & Mary will score points next week in Raleigh. Will the Wolfpack?
- Speaking of Wake, Baylor still doesn’t know what hit ’em. This was one of those presence games that returns dividends for years for a program. The Deacs are now officially on the map of West Texas HS ballers who probably are still a little unsure if the school is in Winston or Salem. Wake had never won in Texas in 11 previous trips. I bet last night’s 41-13 thrashing earns Jim Grobe a starter or two from Texas in the next few years.
- And go to HS game somewhere tonight. It is the right thing to do.
Over and out.