First Look: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

After going 10-1, 9-2 and 9-3 from 2004 to 2006, CCU took a major step back in 2007. The Chanticleers' lackluster 5-6 record brought to the forefront the team's youth and inexperience. And although CCU won't likely compete for a playoff berth in 2008, and won't beat Penn State in the season opener, this team's 2007 growing pains could translate well into success for the future.

Three things you should know about Coastal Carolina:

1. Redshirt Junior Quarterback William Richardson - This guy is big. Standing 6'5" and tipping the scale at 230 lbs, he should have no trouble seeing the field over his linemen. Richardson is an efficient passer, considering he's only had a year under his belt, completing 57 percent of his passes for 1596 yards and 13 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions. He also hasn't seen a lot of time on the turf. The offensive line did a fine job protecting Richardson in 2007, surrendering a mere 18 sacks. And even better for CCU, all five starters return on the front line.

2. Co-Offensive Coordinator Gary Smallen - Since Smallen arrived on campus, CCU has broken 11 Big South offensive records, including total offense, offensive touchdowns, passing yards and passing yards per completion. Smallen and CCU run the (dum dadum dum) spread offense, and have seen obvious success with it. As long as Smallen has his hands on the offense, CCU can put up points.

3. This program is really, really young, and really, really good - Look at this similarly to the way you view South Florida. I'm not going to say CCU is as good as USF, nor will I say that head coach David Bennett is Jim Leavitt. But what he's done--post a 39-17 overall record during the program's first five years in existence, and Big South titles three straight seasons (2004-2006)--is nothing to take lightly. CCU has some quality recruits coming in, and if Bennett stays in Conway, the Chanticleers could make some even bigger noise real soon.

So, I know it wasn't this amazing 800-word breakdown of CCU, but it's something to get the blood going. Plus, it's not as easy to get info on DI-AA schools. We bloggers (and real sports writers, but they'll never admit it publicly) thank God for the internet every day. Next Week's First Look: Oregon State Beavers.