We are approaching the end of the regular season. This week, we take a look at a variety of things that could impact the offseason, including coaching changes and player eligibility.
Coaching Carousel Engaged
You probably are aware of my affinity for play-callers and how their “systems” have an impact on CFF results. I’m scouring the intraweb’s coaching rumor mill like suburban mom hawks over the neighborhood Facebook page for any gossip she can find. Here is the list, so far, of programs that will have a new play-caller for 2024.
Michigan State, Iowa, Texas A&M, Penn State, Boise State, Mississippi State, and San Diego State.
More likely to come by Monday, especially with all the buzz circling around UCLA.
Looking Outside
Eight wide receivers have 100+ targets through 11 weeks. Of the eight, Tory Horton is the only one who plays less than half (28.7%) of his snaps from the slot position.
Five other WRs have 90+ targets with less than half of their snaps from the slot: Marvin Harrison Jr, Ricky White, Rome Odunze, Xavier Weaver, and Tetairoa McMillan. Eric McAlister likely would have been in this group had he not quit the season with 89 targets through 10 weeks.
Van Wilder in Real Life
Here is a list of guys that, surprisingly, have another season of eligibility left. Not all will use it, but it is there if they want it.
*RJ Harvey has the potential to get a medical redshirt that could give him two more seasons if he wants them. This is also assuming Antwane Wells will get a medical redshirt.
But Wait…There’s More!
Here are some guys that surprisingly have two years of eligibility remaining
*We are assuming Jalon Daniels and Donavon Greene get medical redshirts
Dan Villari: “Football Player“
Most are aware of the strange stat line Syracuse TE Dan Villari had in week 11. He was 3/5 passing for 12 yards, 17-154-1 rushing, and had one target as a receiver. I am sure this took the Nard Dog and the rest of the Pitt staff by surprise and is unlikely to be replicated now that the film exists.
However, OC Jason Beck is no stranger to this “Football Player” designation. Beck played a key role on Virginia’s staff in 2021 that saw Keytaon Thompson go 39-255-4 rushing in addition to his 78-990-1 receiving line. Like Thompson, Villari is also a former QB during his time at Michigan. It’s not out of the question Beck continues to use Villari as a cheat code in the absence of Orande Gadsden and the presence of a banged-up Garrett Shrader.
Good luck to everyone still alive in their semi-final matchups!!!
