First Down

By Mike Fratto

HE SAID WHAT?

“They’re killing me. They’re killing my family. They’re killing my coaching staff. Kill the White Sox fans. They kill the owner. They kill everyone. I hope they feel the same way we feel.” White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on his team’s offense after a loss on Thursday

BEST BET ON TV

Frank Beamer and No. 9 Virginia Tech kick off the season against East Carolina. Noon, ESPN

ON WASHINGTONTIMES.COM EXCERPT FROM D1SCOURSE, OUR COLLEGES BLOG

 A little more than 24 hours from Maryland’s season opener, and the question still on everyone’s mind is this: Just how good will Jordan Steffy be at quarterback?

 It is the easy thing to point to when assessing the Terps’ chances this season, and it certainly has been scrutinized as much as anything about this team. One of the message boards for Maryland fans already has a Josh Portis Mafia, ready to squeal at the very sight of the athletic Florida transfer.

 (For the record, the real keys to the season are probably both of the lines. Maryland’s offensive line can ill afford to incur a rash of injuries, and neither Steffy nor Portis likely will thrive under constant pressure. The defensive line which generated only 20 sacks last year and was a non-factor in several games must be better to take pressure off the secondary.)

 Back to Steffy. He isn’t going to win the Heisman. He isn’t going to throw for 3,500 yards. He isn’t going to re-invent the wheel. But no one should expect him to do those things, either.

 It would be stunning, though, if he were an abject failure. He understands and accepts that his job is to be a game manager. He understands he can do more by not making a bad decision than by trying to create something that isn’t there. He understands the offense and his role in it.

Patrick Stevens

TWT FIVE 2008 HEISMAN HOPEFULS

1. Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB Last season”s runner-up as a sophomore, McFadden is the Razorbacks’ best offensive option and is the early favorite to take home the hardware.

2. John David Booty, USC QB If last year”s performance against Michigan in the Rose Bowl was an indication of how a healthy Booty will perform this year, he should find himself in New York at the end of the season.

3. Brian Brohm, Louisville QB The possible top draft pick started the season well, throwing for 375 yards and four touchdowns in the Cardinals” 73-10 drubbing of Murray State.

4. Steve Slaton, West Virginia RB The speedster seems perfect for the Mountaineers” system, and could run for more than 1,800 yards this season.

5. Colt Brennan, Hawaii QB Is it possible for Brennan to surpass the 58 touchdowns he threw last season? A repeat performance could earn him a spot in voters” minds.