Tony White - Transforming Florida State's Defense
Coach of One of the Best Defenses in the Country
In the past two seasons, Nebraska's blackshirt defense, under Tony White, was among the best in the Big Ten and nationally. This season, the Cornhuskers ended the regular season ranked 14th in run defense, 23rd in yards per carry, and 19th in both scoring defense and total defense. They also managed to not allow a rushing touchdown at Memorial Stadium all year. White was one of the 57 assistant coordinators nominated for the Ryan Broyles Award for two consecutive years. This shows his exceptional coaching skills and ability to lead a top-notch defense.White's leadership and strategies have made a significant impact on Nebraska's defense. His attention to detail and focus on stopping the run have been key factors in their success. He has instilled a sense of discipline and determination in the players, which has translated into impressive defensive statistics.
His ability to adapt to different situations and opponents has also been evident. Whether it's facing tough rushing attacks or high-scoring offenses, White has found ways to keep his teams competitive and dominant on defense.
Coach on the Field at UCLA
Tony White discovered his coaching trait when he was a linebacker at UCLA. Born in Key West, Florida, he was a three-year starter for the Bruins from 1997 to 2000. He was known for his versatility, playing all three linebacker positions throughout his college career.In his sophomore year, he became a starter and was part of the Bruins team that played in the Rose Bowl. His on-field presence and leadership were evident even during his college days. After his playing career, he signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2002 and also spent four years in the Canadian Football League.
He returned to UCLA as a graduate assistant in 2007, bringing his experience and knowledge back to the program. His time at UCLA has shaped his coaching style and has given him a deep understanding of the game.
Successful at Every Stop
White made a name for himself as a defensive assistant at the FBS level. After one year as a linebackers coach at New Mexico in 2008, he moved to San Diego State, where he spent nine seasons as cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator from 2009 to 2017.During his tenure at San Diego State, the Aztecs won three Mountain West titles and were recognized as top recruiters. One of the notable players he coached is NFL cornerback Damontae Kazee. His coaching has had a lasting impact on the players he has worked with.
At Arizona State, he served as cornerbacks coach and pass-game coordinator from 2018 to 2019. He improved the Sun Devils' pass defense, moving from 120th to 12th nationally in passes defended and 25th in interceptions. His leadership as interim defensive coordinator last year also showed his ability to handle different coaching roles.
At Syracuse, he served as defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2022 and coached linebackers. The Orange were a top-25 defense in 2021 and 2022, including being ranked 10th nationally in defensive touchdowns. His coaching has consistently produced results at every stop.
Considered for Head Coaching Jobs
White's 18-year coaching career is extensive enough to make him a candidate for head coaching jobs. After the 2023 season, he was a candidate for his alma mater, UCLA, and San Diego State, where he spent nine years.Despite the interest, he chose to stay at Nebraska for one more season, receiving a $1.6 million increase. His decision shows his loyalty and commitment to the program. Nebraska finished the year 6-6, but his impact on the defense was undeniable.
His coaching abilities and leadership have caught the attention of many, and it's no surprise that he is being considered for higher-level coaching positions. His track record speaks for itself, and he is sure to have a successful coaching career ahead.
Uncover the College Football Playoff Fates of Indiana
On3's Prediction
On3 has projected Indiana to be seeded at No. 10. This indicates that they are likely to enter the playoff as a lower seed but still have a chance to make an impact. The team's performance against Purdue, a 66-0 win, has solidified their place in the CFP, and they are now in a favorable position to move forward.
With this prediction, Indiana will face tough competition in the first round. However, their strong showing against Purdue gives them confidence and the potential to pull off an upset. The team will need to continue to play at a high level if they want to advance in the playoff.
CBS Sports' Prediction
CBS Sports also has Indiana seeded at No. 10. This shows that there is a consensus among many experts that Indiana belongs in the top 10 of the CFP rankings. The team's recent performance has been impressive, and they have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country.
However, being seeded at No. 10 means that Indiana will face a challenging opponent in the first round. They will need to be prepared for a tough battle and play with the same intensity and determination that they have shown in previous games. If they can do this, they have a good chance of advancing to the next round.
Pat Forde/SI's Prediction
Pat Forde from Sports Illustrated also predicts that Indiana will be seeded at No. 10. This further emphasizes the importance of the team's performance and their place in the CFP. Indiana has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with, and their ranking reflects their ability on the field.
The team will need to continue to work hard and improve their game if they want to move up in the rankings and potentially secure a higher seed. With the CFP selection process being based on a committee's independent determination, there is always the possibility of a surprise. However, Indiana's recent performance gives them a good chance of maintaining their No. 10 seed.
Brett McMurphy/Action Network's Prediction
Brett McMurphy from the Action Network also has Indiana seeded at No. 10. This consistency in predictions shows that Indiana's performance has been noticed and respected by many in the college football community. The team's 66-0 win over Purdue was a significant achievement, and it has put them in a good position to make a deep run in the playoff.
However, being seeded at No. 10 also means that Indiana will need to be careful in the first round. They will face a tough opponent, and they will need to play their best football to advance. The team will need to focus on their strengths and minimize their weaknesses if they want to have a chance at winning the playoff.
The Athletic/NY Times' Prediction
The Athletic and the New York Times both predict that Indiana will be seeded at No. 10. This shows that the media is in agreement on Indiana's place in the CFP rankings. The team's performance against Purdue was a dominant one, and it has earned them the respect of many in the college football world.
With a No. 10 seed, Indiana will face a tough challenge in the first round. However, they have the talent and the experience to overcome this obstacle. The team will need to stay focused and play with confidence if they want to make it to the next round and potentially advance further in the playoff.
USA Today Network's Prediction
USA Today Network also predicts that Indiana will be seeded at No. 10. This shows that the national media is in agreement on Indiana's place in the CFP. The team's recent performance has been impressive, and they have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country.
However, being seeded at No. 10 means that Indiana will face a tough opponent in the first round. They will need to be prepared for a physical and intense game and play with the same intensity and determination that they have shown in previous games. If they can do this, they have a good chance of advancing to the next round and potentially making a deep run in the playoff.
ESPN's Projections
ESPN has 13 different staff members making projections of the field, and many of them have Indiana seeded at No. 10. This shows the level of respect that Indiana has earned in the college football world. The team's performance against Purdue was a dominant one, and it has put them in a good position to make a deep run in the playoff.
However, there is some variation in ESPN's projections, with some staff members having Indiana seeded as high as No. 7 and others as low as No. 9. This shows that there is still some uncertainty about Indiana's place in the CFP rankings. The team will need to continue to play well and hope that the committee agrees with their performance.
Summary of Projections
The high projection for Indiana is No. 7, while the low projection is No. 10. The average projection is 9.7, which indicates that most experts believe that Indiana belongs in the top 10 of the CFP rankings. The team's performance against Purdue has solidified their place in the CFP, and they are now in a good position to make a deep run in the playoff.
The final reveal will come on Sunday at Noon ET following this weekend's conference championship games. After the CFP Committee announces their latest reveal on Tuesday, we'll take a look at scenarios, if any, that could help push IU into hosting a first round game.
Things to Know About the 2024 College Football Playoff
The CFP rankings are independently determined by a committee and not based on the AP Poll or Coaches Poll. This ensures that the rankings are fair and objective and based on the performance of the teams on the field.
The top four seeds go to the highest-ranked conference champions, with a fifth conference champion making the bracket too. This means that the conference champions have a significant advantage in the CFP, as they are more likely to receive a higher seed.
The top four seeds get a bye, which gives them a week off before the quarterfinals. This allows them to rest and prepare for the next round of the playoff, which can be a significant advantage.
The fifth conference champion will be seeded where it was ranked or at No. 12 if it is outside the top 12 rankings. Non-conference champions ranked in the top four will be seeded beginning at No. 5. This means that the seeding, 1 through 12, could look different than the final rankings.
First round games will be played on campus, and hosted by the team with the better seed. This gives the higher-seeded team a home-field advantage, which can be a significant factor in the outcome of the game.
The selection committee will assign the four highest-ranked conference champions to Playoff Quarterfinals hosted by bowls. This will be done in consideration of historic bowl relationships, then in consideration of rankings. This ensures that the bowls are matched with the best teams and that the playoff is fair and competitive.
The College Football Playoff bracket will follow the selection committee's rankings, with no modifications made to avoid rematches between teams that may have played during the regular season or are from the same conference. This ensures that the playoff is fair and competitive and that the best teams advance to the next round.
The bracket will remain in effect throughout the playoff, with no re-seeding. This means that the teams will play in the same order as determined by the selection committee, which can have a significant impact on the outcome of the playoff.
The highest seed will receive preferential placement for the Playoff Semifinal bowl assignment. This gives the higher-seeded team a better chance of advancing to the national championship game.
The final CFP rankings will be released on Dec. 8, following the conference championship games. This will give fans and experts a chance to see how the teams have performed and how the rankings have changed.
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