[CTcard]

Putting it all together, I think it was meant to be a lateral to the left tackle, who had a lot of daylight in front of him.  Solomon Thomas got through way too quickly though and blew up the play.

A few days after the game I posted a detailed analysis of that play based upon watching the video several times and interpreting various comments from UNC players and coaches. I don't remember all the details, but the bottom line is what you state: it was clearly meant to be a trick play featuring a backside lateral to the LT.

My memory of Trubisky is staring down his targets in the Sun Bowl, throwing two interceptions, fumbling once, 23-38 for 280 yards, ran 14 times for 38 yards, threw two TDs.  True, it was his second worst game of the season, but I thought he looked bad.

 

I watched UNC and Trubisky quite a bit leading up to the Sun Bowl. I thought he looked pretty good, and in particular thought he had significant potential. He was a one year only starter who was in his fourth year in the program; a big strong guy (6'3'', 220 lbs) with a strong arm and good mobility. For only one year as a starter, and after three years of not being able to beat out another guy (Marquise Williams), it was a pretty impressive year. Rather what we were hoping for from Burns I would say.

I don't know if that means he will make it in the NFL. That seems to be a harsh numbers game with some black box magic - but he seems a decent bet to kick around awhile.

[CTcard]

Putting it all together, I think it was meant to be a lateral to the left tackle, who had a lot of daylight in front of him.  Solomon Thomas got through way too quickly though and blew up the play.

A few days after the game I posted a detailed analysis of that play based upon watching the video several times and interpreting various comments from UNC players and coaches. I don't remember all the details, but the bottom line is what you state: it was clearly meant to be a trick play featuring a backside lateral to the LT.

My memory of Trubisky is staring down his targets in the Sun Bowl, throwing two interceptions, fumbling once, 23-38 for 280 yards, ran 14 times for 38 yards, threw two TDs.  True, it was his second worst game of the season, but I thought he looked bad.

 

I watched UNC and Trubisky quite a bit leading up to the Sun Bowl. I thought he looked pretty good, and in particular thought he had significant potential. He was a one year only starter who was in his fourth year in the program; a big strong guy (6'3'', 220 lbs) with a strong arm and good mobility. For only one year as a starter, and after three years of not being able to beat out another guy (Marquise Williams), it was a pretty impressive year. Rather what we were hoping for from Burns I would say.

I don't know if that means he will make it in the NFL. That seems to be a harsh numbers game with some black box magic - but he seems a decent bet to kick around awhile.

[fullmetal]

If Brock Osweiler and Johnny Manziel can get a shake, then Trubisky should be okay.  The only problem is that teams likely to pick Trubisky won't have time to develop him.

[fullmetal]

If Brock Osweiler and Johnny Manziel can get a shake, then Trubisky should be okay.  The only problem is that teams likely to pick Trubisky won't have time to develop him.

[terry]

Given the way Trubisky drove NC down the field for the last TD, it would have been stupid to call a lateral to a lineman on the conversion. Their standard offense was clicking.

[terry]

Given the way Trubisky drove NC down the field for the last TD, it would have been stupid to call a lateral to a lineman on the conversion. Their standard offense was clicking.

[CTcard]

Given the way Trubisky drove NC down the field for the last TD, it would have been stupid to call a lateral to a lineman on the conversion. Their standard offense was clicking.

Yes, it was probably stupid, but it does appear to have happened.

[CTcard]

Given the way Trubisky drove NC down the field for the last TD, it would have been stupid to call a lateral to a lineman on the conversion. Their standard offense was clicking.

Yes, it was probably stupid, but it does appear to have happened.

[fullmetal]

Trubisky probably could have audibled out if he wanted to.  They bet against Solly; they bet wrongly.

[fullmetal]

Trubisky probably could have audibled out if he wanted to.  They bet against Solly; they bet wrongly.

[DC 86]

Most recent mock draft published by ESPN (Todd McShay) this morning:

Soloman Thomas #2 (to SF)
Christian McCaffrey #14 (to Phl)

Both predictions seems optimistic to me for different reasons, but good to see the recognition.

Sports Illustrated (Chris Burke) also published an updated mock draft today:

Thomas #4 (to Jacksonville)
McCaffrey #27 (to KC)

[DC 86]

Most recent mock draft published by ESPN (Todd McShay) this morning:

Soloman Thomas #2 (to SF)
Christian McCaffrey #14 (to Phl)

Both predictions seems optimistic to me for different reasons, but good to see the recognition.

Sports Illustrated (Chris Burke) also published an updated mock draft today:

Thomas #4 (to Jacksonville)
McCaffrey #27 (to KC)

[OutsiderFan]

Given the Niners are ditching the 3-4 defense they ran since Harbaugh, to run the same defense Seattle uses, it seems quite logical for the Niners to draft Thomas #2.  In fact, I love the pick if they do in fact draft him there.

Thomas has stated his ideal role is that of Michael Bennett, a 4-3 RDE on rush downs and an inside pass rusher on pass downs, with a designated edge rusher to play the RDE on pass downs.  It is rare to have a dominant inside pass rusher, and Bennett is the prototype.  Thomas played over the Center for Stanford quite a lot, and was really good at it.  He has that rare skill set that makes him suited to play this role. 

[OutsiderFan]

Given the Niners are ditching the 3-4 defense they ran since Harbaugh, to run the same defense Seattle uses, it seems quite logical for the Niners to draft Thomas #2.  In fact, I love the pick if they do in fact draft him there.

Thomas has stated his ideal role is that of Michael Bennett, a 4-3 RDE on rush downs and an inside pass rusher on pass downs, with a designated edge rusher to play the RDE on pass downs.  It is rare to have a dominant inside pass rusher, and Bennett is the prototype.  Thomas played over the Center for Stanford quite a lot, and was really good at it.  He has that rare skill set that makes him suited to play this role. 

[Stymie]

Most recent mock draft published by ESPN (Todd McShay) this morning:

Soloman Thomas #2 (to SF)
Christian McCaffrey #14 (to Phl)

Both predictions seems optimistic to me for different reasons, but good to see the recognition.

Sports Illustrated (Chris Burke) also published an updated mock draft today:

Thomas #4 (to Jacksonville)
McCaffrey #27 (to KC)

Given the fact that I now spend the fall and winters in the Jacksonville area, I would love to be able to watch Solly play in person.  Also, if I deserve a twofer, the Jags will get CMac in the 2nd round........

[Stymie]

Most recent mock draft published by ESPN (Todd McShay) this morning:

Soloman Thomas #2 (to SF)
Christian McCaffrey #14 (to Phl)

Both predictions seems optimistic to me for different reasons, but good to see the recognition.

Sports Illustrated (Chris Burke) also published an updated mock draft today:

Thomas #4 (to Jacksonville)
McCaffrey #27 (to KC)

Given the fact that I now spend the fall and winters in the Jacksonville area, I would love to be able to watch Solly play in person.  Also, if I deserve a twofer, the Jags will get CMac in the 2nd round........

[BostonCard]

Apparently McCaffrey is now ahead of Dalvin Cook on Mel Kiper's draft board.

http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/...alvin.html

BC

[BostonCard]

Apparently McCaffrey is now ahead of Dalvin Cook on Mel Kiper's draft board.

http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/...alvin.html

BC

[OutsiderFan]

Apparently McCaffrey is now ahead of Dalvin Cook on Mel Kiper's draft board.

http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/...alvin.html

BC

This is so silly.  "When you say Christian McCaffrey," Kiper said. "He can run, he can catch, he can return punts and kicks. You can put him in the slot. You can put him out wide. That's why he's a top prospect and why people have him going much higher than people originally thought."

Hello, this wasn't obvious to "people" until after the combine?  What, "people" couldn't flip on McCaffrey tape and see him doing all these things in college against top competition? 

My position has long been that CMac will be a #1 draft pick without question, as long as he ran under 4.5 in the 40 at the combine, because these things "people" weren't originally thinking, were patently obvious to anyone paying attention.  Heck, I thought he could win the H.eisman Trophy before he played a down for Stanford, based on what I saw in his high school highlights. 

It is really strange to me how late to the party "people" are to recognize how good Christian is.  Better late than never, but nonetheless still strange that it takes so long, both with him as a H.eisman trophy candidate, and to solidify his place as a #1 NFL draft pick. 

[OutsiderFan]

Apparently McCaffrey is now ahead of Dalvin Cook on Mel Kiper's draft board.

http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/...alvin.html

BC

This is so silly.  "When you say Christian McCaffrey," Kiper said. "He can run, he can catch, he can return punts and kicks. You can put him in the slot. You can put him out wide. That's why he's a top prospect and why people have him going much higher than people originally thought."

Hello, this wasn't obvious to "people" until after the combine?  What, "people" couldn't flip on McCaffrey tape and see him doing all these things in college against top competition? 

My position has long been that CMac will be a #1 draft pick without question, as long as he ran under 4.5 in the 40 at the combine, because these things "people" weren't originally thinking, were patently obvious to anyone paying attention.  Heck, I thought he could win the H.eisman Trophy before he played a down for Stanford, based on what I saw in his high school highlights. 

It is really strange to me how late to the party "people" are to recognize how good Christian is.  Better late than never, but nonetheless still strange that it takes so long, both with him as a H.eisman trophy candidate, and to solidify his place as a #1 NFL draft pick. 

[Mick]

A lot of people had Christian in the top ten after last season's near-H win.  Sports Illustrated called him the Nation's Best Player on 5/17/16:
http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...hievements

Bucky Brooks raved about him on www.nfl.com last year:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...ose-threat

Bleacher Report had McCaffrey at #2 behind DeShaun Watson on 4/26/16.  They currently have him at #14:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/26356...2016-draft

UPI rated CMac at #7 player (but behind Fournette and Cook):
http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2016/...462287076/

Right now ProFootball Focus has CMac at #20, third overall RB taken.

[Mick]

A lot of people had Christian in the top ten after last season's near-H win.  Sports Illustrated called him the Nation's Best Player on 5/17/16:
http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/...hievements

Bucky Brooks raved about him on www.nfl.com last year:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...ose-threat

Bleacher Report had McCaffrey at #2 behind DeShaun Watson on 4/26/16.  They currently have him at #14:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/26356...2016-draft

UPI rated CMac at #7 player (but behind Fournette and Cook):
http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2016/...462287076/

Right now ProFootball Focus has CMac at #20, third overall RB taken.

[fullmetal]

As previously mentioned by others, near the end of the first round would be optimal--a successful team who picks CMac will recognize his value and put him in a place to win immediately.  He's not going to do well on teams at the top of the draft, which almost universally have more pressing needs (and generally poorer OLs).  Plus, I think we all suffer from a bit of the Cardinal-tinted goggles, but not unjustifiably so :)

[fullmetal]

As previously mentioned by others, near the end of the first round would be optimal--a successful team who picks CMac will recognize his value and put him in a place to win immediately.  He's not going to do well on teams at the top of the draft, which almost universally have more pressing needs (and generally poorer OLs).  Plus, I think we all suffer from a bit of the Cardinal-tinted goggles, but not unjustifiably so :)

[DC 86]

Latest mock draft from Mel Kiper published this morning: Thomas #2 (to SF), McCaffrey #17 (to Wash).

Stanford's Pro Day is tomorrow (Thursday 3/23) and will be streamed live on ESPN3 starting at 11:15 PT. Given their superlative combine performances this workout probably won't impact Thomas and McCaffrey but obviously is important for the rest of the players participating.

[DC 86]

Latest mock draft from Mel Kiper published this morning: Thomas #2 (to SF), McCaffrey #17 (to Wash).

Stanford's Pro Day is tomorrow (Thursday 3/23) and will be streamed live on ESPN3 starting at 11:15 PT. Given their superlative combine performances this workout probably won't impact Thomas and McCaffrey but obviously is important for the rest of the players participating.