The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>During Hit It & Quit It, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the biggest sports stories, including UNC QB Drake Maye's NFL Draft projections and if he might be the third QB drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, the development of Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young, and more. </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes got three points from Sebastian Aho, and great goaltending from Pyotr Kochetkov, but Tim Donnelly says they're more to be done for the Carolina Hurricanes to get out of their recent skid, and that consistency is what matters most. </p> <p>Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter, joined Tim Donnelly to discuss the Federal Court ruling today putting a 14-day restraining order on the NCAA when it comes to transfer waivers and transfer decisions for collegiate student-athletes, and what this means in both the short-term and long-term for athletes.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly explains why the addition of Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall in the transfer portal is the perfect fit for NC State football and head coach Dave Doeren.</p> <p>Also, Tim & Dennis Cox discuss their confidence level and concerns with NC State basketball, Duke basketball, UNC basketball, and Wake Forest basketball. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that it's okay to be critical of Bryce Young's performance as a quarterback, while also acknowledging that the Carolina Panthers aren't doing much to help him. Tim Donnelly says it's hard to compare Bryce Young to other rookie QBs because the situation with the Carolina Panthers isn't good with the lack of skill players and protections, but that it is fair to compare Bryce Young's play NOW to the decisions Bryce Young was making earlier in the season.</p>

<p>Duke basketball and NC State basketball are in action in games that will allow them to fine tune rotations. Duke will have a chance to still figure out what they're going to do at center, while NC State will have another chance to incorporate MJ Rice into the lineup.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly says there are very few players right now on the Carolina Panthers roster that are worth building around in the future. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly points out how the Carolina Hurricanes need to turn things around quickly as they wrap up their road trip through Canada against the Ottawa Senators. Tim says the time is sooner than later for the Carolina Hurricanes to make a move for a goalie.</p> <p>Also, questions about NC State football and the transfer portal, Drake Maye in the NFL Draft, and more in Cop or Drop.</p>

<p>UNC football QB Drake Maye has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, along with WR Tez Walker, and LB Cedric Gray, and won't play in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Tim Donnelly says that it's hard to replace Maye as a QB, but a strong to finish will be much more important to the future of the program for head coach Mack Brown.</p> <p>Also, Duke QB Riley Leonard announced he is transferring to Notre Dame football for his senior season. </p>

<p>During the Starting Five; Tim Donnely discussed North Carolina Linebacker Cedric Gray declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, Duke defeating UNC-Charlotte in basketball this past Saturday, and the transfer portal continues to spin and players continue to enter. Also, the Carolina Hurricanes dropped their fourth straight game to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. Plus, have the Carolina Panthers officially hit rock bottom this season? </p>

<p>Bryce Young might have had his worst NFL performance yesterday in the Panthers' 28-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Tim Donnely explained if Panthers fans should be concerned that Young is going backward in his NFL career.</p> <p>Also, the Carolina Hurricanes are currently on a four-game losing streak. Tim explains why it's not too early to be concerned about the team's playoff chances. </p>

<p>As the Carolina Panthers now find themselves 1-12 overall for the season, following a 28-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Tim Donnelly asks the question of how good is the Carolina Panthers' defense. Are opposing teams okay with punting the ball back to the Panthers' offense knowing that they struggle with production?</p> <p>Also, Tim explains how the transfer portal continues to spin around the college football landscape and if Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have a right to complain in regards to last night's offsides call by the officials.</p>

<p>Tim Donnely breaks down the struggles of the Carolina Panthers in yesterday's 28-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He focuses specifically on Bryce Young's missing throws, the red zone struggles of the defense, and the lack of big plays from the team.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly discussed the Carolina Hurricanes holding a players-only meeting following their 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks this past Saturday. Tim explains how the time for meetings should've happened a long time ago and now it's time for immediate change.</p>

<p>Duke football hired its next head, Penn State football defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Diaz was previous a head coach at Miami football. Tim Donnelly discusses how the coming weeks are critical for Diaz, but that Duke made a hire to keep the momentum built by previous head coach Mike Elko.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly shares how Duke basketball can turn things around after back-to-back losses as the Blue Devils face UNC-Charlotte. </p>

<p>ESPN's Pete Thamel said recently that North Carolina would be the most attractive school in the ACC for conference expansion to the SEC or the Big Ten. Tim Donnelly says why UNC is the perfect school to be picked ahead of Clemson or Florida State.</p> <p>Also, REAL Bold Predictions for the sports weekend. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly points to the Carolina Panthers' schedule late in the season, including Sunday's game at the New Orleans Saints, and how Carolina and QB Bryce Young need to find some positive moments to build off of going into the offseason.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says that individual players might need to be called out on the Carolina Hurricanes after Rod Brind'Amour said multiple players are not 'pulling their weight' after a 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. Donnelly also says the team needs to look for help at goalie, but problems go beyond just what's in net. </p>

<p>Duke football appears to be finalizing a deal according to multiple reports with Penn State defensive coordinator, and former Miami football coach, Manny Diaz to be the next head coach of the Blue Devils.</p> <p>Also, MJ Rice made his debut for NC State basketball, which added a boost for the Wolfpack. Also, NC State football linebacker Payton Wilson was awarded the Dick Butkus award as the nations top collegiate linebacker. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says the top players for the Carolina Hurricanes - Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Seth Jarvis, among others - need to elevate their play on a consistent basis, and that the top players didn't show up during a 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Donnelly points out that Rod Brind'Amour was quick to point out how the top players weren't ready to play right from puck drop.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly points out that it might be time for the Carolina Hurricanes to make a move in net.</p> <p>Plus, Cons & Cons for the Carolina Panthers.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers are the definition of dysfunction, and an article by The Athletic cited sources breaking down the lack of communication in the organization with several staff members going to GM Scott Fitterer and owner David Tepper with complaints about the offense under former head coach Frank Reich, and about how the team is developing rookie QB Bryce Young. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss how many within the Carolina Panthers organization are pointing fingers, but no one is offering solutions, and how there's no synergy within the organization.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers are the definition of dysfunction, and an article by The Athletic cited sources breaking down the lack of communication in the organization with several staff members going to GM Scott Fitterer and owner David Tepper with complaints about the offense under former head coach Frank Reich, and about how the team is developing rookie QB Bryce Young.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly also points to the recent struggles of Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell, and how the final stretch of the season is going to be vital for the 2nd-year QB. </p>

<p>UNC basketball didn't get enough depth scoring outside of Armando Bacot, Harrison Ingram, and RJ Davis in a 87-76 loss to UCONN basketball at Madison Square Garden in the Jimmy V Classic. Tim Donnelly said that North Carolina needs to develop more depth, and that Hubert Davis doesn't fully trust his whole roster as of yet.</p> <p>Duke football is currently the only Power 5 college football program that doesn't have a head coach, and Tim Donnelly says that every day they don't have a head coach is another day the program is falling behind the competition. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the early part of the college basketball season, including sharing their concerns about, and where confidence lies with ACC basketball schools in the State of North Carolina, including Duke basketball, Wake Forest basketball, NC State basketball, and UNC basketball, including thoughts on North Carolina basketball losing to UCONN basketball. </p>

<p>During Cop or Drop, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss if the Carolina Hurricanes need to make a move to address their struggling goalie play, the top-10 men's college basketball matchup between UNC basketball and UConn basketball, and what's next for the Duke football coaching search.</p> <p>Also, more on NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan and the College Football Playoff, and if ACC schools should be mad at Corrigan for Florida State football being left out of the CFP. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says the College Football Playoff selection committee clearly got it wrong by leaving out Florida State football from the CFP despite going 13-0 and winning the ACC Championship, and that being another day removed from the situation doesn't make it feel any better. Tim says the injury to FSU quarterback Jordan Travis should not factor into the decision making by the committee's decision to leave out FSU for Alabama football or Texas football because both of those schools have losses.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discusses the new proposal by NCAA president Charlie Baker to allow schools and athletes to enter into NIL deals that will allow the schools to pay athletes directly. Tim & Dennis wonder if this is a way for higher end schools to separate in college football, but also a chance for the NCAA to skirt around paying players directly as employees.</p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes have struggled in goal for much of the season, and Dennis Cox & Tim Donnelly point to the advanced numbers to show the Hurricanes are getting below average play from their goalies. Should the Carolina Hurricanes make a trade for a goalie? Much of that depends on the health of Frederik Andersen. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers are in search for a new head coach after firing head coach Frank Reich. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the rumor of Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh as being the next head coach of the Panthers, which picked up when Harbaugh was recently seen in the Charlotte, NC area.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly has a suggestion for people posting single clips of Bryce Young on social media and making blanket statements about the QB. </p>

<p>What's the future of ACC football after Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff, despite going 13-0 and winning the ACC? Tim Donnelly wonders if Florida State will use the lack of ACC's reputation as a way to push their way out of the conference, or possibly raise more funds as a way to buy their way out of the ACC Grant-of-Rights. </p>

<p>Duke men's basketball dropped to No. 22 in the men's college basketball rankings after losing on the road at both Arkansas basketball, and ACC foe Georgia Tech basketball. Tim Donnelly points to where Duke coach Jon Scheyer needs to assess and reevaluate his team through the early part of the season. </p> <p>UNC basketball is up to No. 9 in the AP Top 25 after picking up wins over Tennessee basketball, and vs. Florida State basketball, showing both their high potential, but also low potential.</p> <p>Also, NC State grinded out a much needed win over Boston College after losing to Ole Miss basketball. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly says the College Football Playoff selection committee clearly got it wrong by leaving out Florida State football from the CFP despite going 13-0 and winning the ACC Championship. Tim says the injury to FSU quarterback Jordan Travis should not factor into the decision making by the committee's decision to leave out FSU for Alabama football or Texas football because both of those schools have losses.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox reveal their first version of 'The Podium' featuring ACC basketball schools in the State of North Carolina. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young failed to convert on 3rd & 1 and 4th & 1 late in the game as the Panthers lose 21-18 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first game under interim head coach Chris Tabor. Tim Donnelly points out that nothing seemed different under Tabor than it did with former head coach Frank Reich, and that the Carolina Panthers clearly lack any sort of explosive players on the team.</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young failed to convert on 3rd & 1 and 4th & 1 late in the game as the Panthers lose 21-18 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first game under interim head coach Chris Tabor. Tim Donnelly points out that it's too early to determine if Bryce Young is a bust or not based on the lack of quality talent on the roster around Bryce Young.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discussed the Carolina Hurricanes' 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders last night, ACC Basketball heating up this weekend with some key conference matchups, and is it already too late for Duke as far as hiring a new head football coach? Also, Louisville will face Florida State tomorrow night in the ACC Championship game. Plus, what should we expect between the Carolina Panthers as they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first game since firing head coach Frank Reich?</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers head to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers in a week 13 NFC South showdown. Both teams are desperate for a win, with the Panthers looking to transition out of the Frank Reich era and the Buccaneers hoping to snap a two-game losing streak. Tim Donnelly discussed how the Panthers will look to get their season back on track now that Frank Reich is no longer the head coach.</p> <p>Also, the ACC basketball season is heating up as key conference matchups are taking place this weekend. No. 7 Duke will look to bounce back from their loss at Arkansas as they travel to face Georgia Tech. The Tar Heels will look to extend their winning streak as they host Florida State, and NC State will travel to Chestnut Hill, MA, to face Boston College</p>

<p>Last night, the Carolina Hurricanes fell to the New York Islanders 5-4 in overtime. There were some positives out of the Hurricanes, but there were some concerns, one being the goaltending. Tim Donelly recapped the game and discussed what the Hurricanes need to improve upon moving forward.</p> <p>Also, former Carolina Panthers tight end and current FOX analyst Greg Olsen has publicly expressed interest in the Panthers’ head coaching vacancy. While Olsen has no previous coaching experience, his deep knowledge of the game and strong relationships within the organization make him an intriguing candidate. Tim Donnelly discussed whether he’s ready to transition from the broadcast booth to the sidelines.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers travel to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers in a crucial week 13 NFC South matchup. With the firing of head coach Frank Reich, all eyes will now turn to rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who continues to learn the ropes as the Panthers’ signal-caller. Tim Donnelly shared his expectations for Young this Sunday, as it’ll be his first game under interim head coach Chris Tabor.</p> <p>Also, the stage is set for the 2023 ACC Championship game in Charlotte, featuring the Louisville Cardinals and the Flordia State Seminoles. Florida State ranked No. 4 in the nation, may be without backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, as he is now a game-time decision. The Cardinals, led by quarterback Jack Plummer, rely on a balanced offensive attack. Tim Donnelly discussed the matchup and if the Seminoles make the college football playoffs with a win.</p>

<p>NC State QB MJ Morris is entering the transfer portal after two seasons with the Wolfpack and head coach Dave Doeren. MJ Morris elected to only play in four games this season after becoming the starter midway through the year over Brennan Armstrong, preserving a year of eligibility and redshirting the 2023 college football season. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the future of college football with the transfer portal, and how college programs might be finding their QBs in the portal as opposed to recruiting high school players.</p> <p>Also, Tim & Dennis share their confidence & concerns when it comes to the Carolina Panthers. They also discuss Rod Brind'Amour shuffling the lines so often when it comes to the Carolina Hurricanes. </p>

<p>With so many college football players entering the transfer portal, Tim Donnelly wonders if top Power 5 college football programs will recruit their starting quarterbacks strictly out of the transfer portal. Also, he wonders college football coaches are going to look at their rosters year-to-year more often. </p>

<p>No. 17 North Carolina defeated No. 10 Tennessee 100-92, in the ACC/SEC challenge. Tim Donnelly points out how UNC basketball played to their peak in the first half, but also showed signs of the team that missed the 2023 NCAA Tournament in the second half.</p> <p>No. 7 Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer is still learning how to coach his team on the road in tough environments, and it showed in a 80-75 loss at Arkansas basketball. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper are in search of a new head coach after the firing of Frank Reich. Tim Donnelly says the next head coach shouldn't deal with Tepper if Tepper tries to impose coaching strategies and play calls.</p>

<p>During Hit It & Quit It, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox roll through the biggest stories, including the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, the ACC/SEC Challenge as Duke travels to Arkansas and UNC basketball hosts Tennessee basketball, 2024 NFL Draft Rankings for players, and when will Duke football find their newest head coach after Mike Elko left for Texas A&M football. </p>

<p>In Confidence & Concerns for ACC football schools in the State of North Carolina, what are the biggest concerns, and where does confidence lie in Duke football, Wake Forest football, UNC football, and NC State football? </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have fired head coach Frank Reich after just 11 games as the Panthers head coach. Reich was 1-10. Tim Donnelly reacts to the firing of Reich, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor becoming interim head coach with Jim Caldwell being special advisor. There are reports that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick could be next in line to be the Carolina Panthers head coach. Would that work?</p> <p>What's the confidence level in Bryce Young after the coaching change?</p> <p>Also, Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports Investigative reporter shares the latest regarding sports betting in the State of North Carolina, and how the timeline won't allow betting on the Super Bowl in early 2024. </p>

<p>Duke football QB Riley Leonard announced on Instagram that he's leaving Duke University. There are multiple reports that Leonard is set to transfer to Notre Dame football. Is the 2024 NFL Draft a possibility? Duke football head coach Mike Elko left the program earlier in the week to take the head coaching job at Texas A&M football.</p> <p>UNC football lands Texas A&M QB Max Johnson from the transfer portal. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox react live to Johnson's decision to choose the North Carolina Tar Heels.</p>

<p>Chris Lea of WRAL Sports joined Tim Donnelly to discuss how Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper came across at his press conference after firing head coach Frank Reich. Lea was surprised at how short the availability was, how Tepper avoided questions, and how some media members were passed over from asking questions.</p> <p>Also, former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has expressed interest in becomming the next head coach for the Panthers. </p>

<p>NC State football finished the regular season 9-3 after defeating UNC football, 39-20, at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. Depending on the result of the ACC Championship between Florida State football and Louisville football, there's a possibility that Dave Doeren and NC State Wolfpack can be competing in a New Year's Six game, that being the Orange Bowl. The decision will fall on the College Football Playoff Rankings and how the CFP views the win by Louisville football over NC State football earlier in the season.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have fired head coach Frank Reich after just 11 games as the Panthers head coach. Reich was 1-10. Tim Donnelly reacts to the firing of Reich, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor becoming interim head coach with Jim Caldwell being special advisor. Tim Donnelly points out that the focus moving forward for the Carolina Panthers has to be Bryce Young.</p> <p>Also, during Cop or Drop, Tim Donnelly discusses Julius Peppers, Steve Smith Sr., and Torry Holt all being semi-finalists for the NFL Hall of Fame. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have fired head coach Frank Reich after just 11 games as the Panthers head coach. Reich was 1-10. Tim Donnelly reacts to the firing of Reich, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor becoming interim head coach with Jim Caldwell being special advisor. Tim points out how much of the problems of the Carolina Panthers fall on owner David Tepper for continuing to get it wrong, and that David Tepper still hasn't learned how to be an owner in the NFL.</p>

<p>NC State football finished the regular season 9-3 after defeating UNC football, 39-20, at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. Tim Donnelly points out how NC State football coach Dave Doeren isn't afraid to talk trash about North Carolina football, and it clearly shows from how Dave Doeren talks about NC State fans vs UNC fans.</p>

<p>Duke head football coach Mike Elko was hired to take the vacant head coaching job with Texas A&M football. Elko previously served as the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M from 2018-2021 under former coach Jimbo Fisher. Tim Donnelly points at the continued double-standard of head coaches being able to freely move to different job, but that players are restricted. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have fired head coach Frank Reich after just 11 games as the Panthers head coach. Reich was 1-10. Tim Donnelly reacts to the firing of Reich, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor becoming interim head coach with Jim Caldwell being special advisor. Also fired were running backs coach Deuce Staley, and quarterback coach Josh McCown. Is GM Scott Fitterer the next to be fired? Who should be the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers, and who would be willing to take the job?</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have fired head coach Frank Reich after just 11 games as the Panthers head coach. Reich was 1-10. Tim Donnelly reacts to the firing of Reich, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor becoming interim head coach with Jim Caldwell being special advisor. Tim points out how much of the problems of the Carolina Panthers fall on owner David Tepper for continuing to get it wrong.</p>

<p>Can Wake Forest football find a way to beat Syracuse football despite not being eligible to make a bowl game?</p> <p>Will Duke football be able to look past the conversations about head coach Mike Elko possibly leaving for another job to close out their year with a win at home vs Pitt football?</p> <p>How will NC State football and UNC football handle the emotions of a rivalry game when they face each other at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC? </p>