They might not be terrible

First off, let me say that I am not an optimist about anything, especially Carolina. I am quick to criticize fans for running around spouting high expectations every year. And I am always the first to be critical of the football team. So for me to say they’re not terrible is quite a statement. Dare I even suggest that I have a little bit of hope for these guys. Here’s why:

For one, they did just about everything to improve themselves that I suggested last week, with the exception of one thing: they insist on running the damn zone play. Junior was back in the box, Daddy called most of the game, and they tried to play a little Beamer Ball (which can be really tough to do when you can’t run it). Despite the mere seven points, there was some progress. The offensive line did a good job with protection, Smelley looked like he had a clue, and Moe Brown showed up.

Defensively, they held two Heismann candidates to pedestrian numbers and they played with a lot of effort. More importantly, the team looked like they have grown a bit of a backbone. With three and half minutes left (after the offense misfired on fourth and two), Georgia got the ball needing one first down. They didn’t get it. For me, that was evidence of a team that had not thrown in the towel. That’s a good sign. (It will be interesting to see if any other team holds Moreno under 80 yards.)

I gleaned more reasons to be encouraged from Spurrier’s press conference today. For one, he mentioned that they might stop running “that little base play” (code for zone play) and start running it at people. That is wonderful news. Second, he had little complaints about the effort of his football team. Still not the smartest bunch, but they are flying around. Third, Meredith is moving to guard and King will go to tackle (you have no idea how good that news is).

Fourth, someone else will get a look at running back. I have nothing against Mike Davis, but he is hardly a dynamic back. Let some of these young guys that have a little burst get in there. The problem with Davis is that he makes no one miss and he is not that fast. When Carolina does block a play correctly, Davis barrels ahead for four or five yards instead of nine or ten. Go back and look at the first three games on tape. Throw out the zone plays (I know I keep harping on this, but you have no idea how bad they are at blocking it). Look at the sprint draws and isolation plays. There are decent holes there. It is time to get a back that can hit them with a burst and make a guy miss. Instant running game.

But we shall see. If the offense scores in bunches the next couple weeks, get excited. This season may not be over.