Over the course of the next 5 weeks, we will preview each Big South football team as we continue our countdown to kickoff. We begin today with the Presbyterian Blue Hose.
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| RB Demarcus Rouse |
2012 Flashback
Last season, Presbyterian finished a very disappointing 2-9 overall and 0-6 in conference play. This came on the heels of a 2011 season where they pushed Liberty and Coastal Carolina to the brink, both games on the road, and completely dominated VMI and Charleston Southern to finish the season. So, going into the 2012 season, hopes were high. The Blue Hose two wins came over DII Brevard and non-scholarship Davidson.
On October 13, 2012, Liberty made the trek to Clinton, South Carolina, and made quick work of the Blue Hose. The Flames led 28-0 in the 2nd quarter before going on to win 56-7. Liberty’s ground attack was far too much for Presbyterian as the Flames racked up 429 yards on the ground compared to Presbyterian’s 56 yards rushing. Aldreakis Allen and Sirchauncey Holloway each rushed for over 100 yards on the day. Allen had 183 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns, while Holloway added 128 yards and 1 touchdown.
Offense
Last season, Presbyterian alternated between Kaleb Griffin and Tamyn Garrick at quarterback, and never really decided on one starter. Both had their moments, but they both also had times they struggled. The Blue Hose will need to settle on one quarterback to improve their consistency in 2013. The loss of leading rusher Lance Byrd will hurt as the Blue Hose turn to Demarcus Rouse, who rushed for 427 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2012, to become an every day starter this season. The Blue Hose will also be without leading receiver Anderico Bailey and Michael Ruff. Arthur Williams and Jeremiah McKie, who totaled 600 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns, will step in at receiver. Presbyterian will return all 5 starters on the offensive line.
Defense
Presbyterian boasted the worst defense in the Big South in 2012. The Blue Hose ranked dead last in scoring defense, total defense, and rushing defense. Linebackers Donelle Williams and LJ Perry return to lead Presbyterian’s defense. Williams and Perry were the top two tacklers last season, and each was named to 2nd team all Big South. In fact, the Blue Hose return their top 5 tacklers and 9 total starters on the defensive side of the ball. Following the 2012 season, defensive coordinator Drew Watson & defensive backs coach Andrew Ford resigned. Head coach Harold Nichols tabbed Tommy Spangler as the new defensive coordinator. Spangler spent the last six seasons as defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech. Spangler was Presbyterian’s defensive coordinator from 1997-2000 and head football coach from 2001-2006.
Schedule
8/29 @ Wake Forest
9/7 vs Brevard
9/14 @ Furman
9/28 vs Charlotte
10/5 @ Wofford
10/19 vs VMI
10/26 vs Point
11/2 vs Charleston Southern
11/9 @ Liberty
11/16 @ Coastal Carolina
11/23 vs Gardner-Webb
Outlook
With new defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler, Presbyterian is hoping their defense sees vast improvement in 2013. If so, there’s no where to go but up from being dead last in total defense last year. Their 2013 season also rests largely on the shoulders of either Kaleb Griffin or Tamyn Garrick. If either quarterback is able to solidify themselves as the starter, the Blue Hose should be a more consistent team this season.
