johnnyzip84

Cool! I always enjoy rooting for the Rockets in OOC games. UT frequently represents the MAC quite well. Good luck against the Gators!

I like it, too. Why not keep UCF in the dark? Hopefully, the default thinking is that this Zips squad isn’t much different than the one the Knights faced in 2012. With so many new, and potentially influential players, I suspect TB is trying to set a trap. I don’t blame him one bit.

Marla calls it as it is.

Maybe McCray, Nico, Cody and company can make this guy's 1st start a troublesome one It's seems the depth chart issue is gamesmanship on somebody's part.

GT story on KP16

While it’s true we gifted them a few early TDs, the Knights were one of the few teams in 2012 that pretty handily controlled both lines of scrimmage against the Zips right from the beginning of the game. They presented a difficult, physical match-up without any fatigue factor. And with two returning all-conference O-linemen (and another returning starter plus a talented transfer), they should be physical again in 2013. I do believe UA’s defensive depth will make this a much closer game this year, but I think Blake Bortles, Storm Johnson and company are talented enough to still put plenty of points on the board. I also think the Zips will be able to score a few, making this the most entertaining opener in a long time. I think we’ll see more of the up-tempo style that we saw early in 2012, now that depth is not as much of a concern. KP16 should have a respectable game, spreading the ball between lots of receivers. We’ll see plenty of hopeful signs, but in the end the Zips will come up a little short: UCF 38 UA 27 Please prove me wrong, Zips!

The Zips come in as 3 TD underdogs. As a frame of reference, the Zips were 23.5 point underdogs last year at home against UCF. I'm still working on my prediction, but I thought it was time to get a thread (sorry UCF fan, we can't let you start the official game thread) going. Here is a projected depth chart for the Knights.

As camp winds down and preparation for UCF begins, GT wrote this article about longtime friends Nordly Capi and CJ James.

GT interview with MTB

And your prediction is ????

I think I have seen and read enough about the newcomers to make my predictions for 2013. First off, UA will most definitely win more than 1 game this season. I think the Zips will go 4-8 in 2013, and if I'm wrong I believe they will win MORE than 4, not less. As for the 4 wins, I'll go with JMU, UMass, Miami and K.E.N.T. Here are some other 2013 predictions of mine: 1) 1st road win since 2008 2) 1st sound defeat (2 TDs or more) of an FBS opponent since 2008 3) Best defense since 2005 4) MTB is MAC newcmer of the year 5) Mizell is 1st team ALL-MAC 6) Pughsley, Chisholm, Caponi, and Stein make various ALL-MAC teams. 7) Defense scores at least 3 TDs 8) Pohl falls short of Williams' passing yards, but equals his total offense.

Just messing with you, K92! The number switching is interesting. I saw some of Friday's practice (just drills), and most of these number changes had not yet occurred. But Justin March had already switched to 5. This may have started the ball rolling, since Capi went from 11 to March's old 45. It's interesting that old HS teammates Chisholm and Holmes are now both wearing 7. It's GREAT to see Pittman officially on the roster (#2), even though he's not eligible until 2014. One thing I would point out from the special teams drills I witnessed. TB seems to be using a lot of guys who probably won't see much time at their regular positions in various roles on special teams. It's further testament to the increased depth the 2013 squad has at its disposal, and I think it's a very wise move. It's a way of keeping players like Bailey, Skolmutch, etc active and involved. Skolmutch, by the way, is looking pretty good as the long snapper. I was concerned about this in the spring, but not so "mutch" anymore

I read an excellent article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review regarding TB's recruitment of Western PA. I didn't want to start a separate thread, so I am posting it here. Enjoy! It must be Zip football day at the Pittsburgh papers, because HERE is a Post-Gazette inteview with Chandler Kincade.

GT's take on today's scrimmage.

Wow. You must really have an secret, inside connection. I was obviously wrong in my speculation about Virbitsky. All I can say is (for those of us who were at the football outing) Virbitsky sounds alot more Polish than Demhasaj. Certainly glad to see another experienced O-linemen coming aboard though. Welcome, Zenel!

No doubt!

While I agree the Zips should be at or near the top of the MAC in 2013-2014 and Tree is outstanding, Javon McCrea is the best player in the league RIGHT NOW.

Sure, but I don't go by johnnyzip84 anymore.......I now go by CJZip84

PD's EA on Summer Camp Close your eyes, jupitertoo.

GT on depth chart

I agree this is leaving me wanting for details (thanks K92!). I wonder if the reason these videos are just snippets at this point is because TB has a LOT of quick talent evaluation going on (with all the transfers) and he doesn't want to mention names much until he's got a better feel of who will be playing a lot (and who will not) come fall. He may want to keep the competitors in the dark for a while. I bet once he and the staff start to draw some conclusions, we'll hear more about individuals.

I agree.

Wow. I was thinking the other day that he was probably getting close. One of the most telling quotes from the article follows:

Gregg Bach said on Dunn’s show yesterday that practices are indeed open to the public.

One of you funniest posts in a long time!