The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>What can NC State QB MJ Morris learn the most during the bye week and just five total starts in his college career? Also, the North Carolina Legislature is going to discuss conference realignment that would involve public universities in the State of North Carolina, and what guidelines could be put in place to ensure that schools aren't left behind when it comes to realignment. </p>

<p>The time for the Carolina Panthers to trade OLD/Edge Brian Burns is now, and all moves made by General Manager Scott Fitterer, owner David Tepper, and head coach Frank Reich should be made with the future of Bryce Young in mind.</p> <p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich turned over play calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, and it's now on Brown to bring the best out of rookie QB Bryce Young.</p>

<p>ESPN put out a list of their projected top-100 players for the 2023-2024 NHL season, and only three Carolina Hurricanes players were on the list: Jaccob Slavin at 79, Brian Burns at 61, and Sebastian Aho at 22. Tim Donnelly points out how this doesn't match up for a team that many consider to be the favorite to win the Stanley Cup.</p>

<p>On this week's edition of 'The Podium,' Tim Donnelly left Wake Forest football off the podium, gave NC State football the bronze, Duke football the silver, and UNC football the gold after North Carolina beat Miami football.</p> <p>Also, the preseason AP Top 25 poll for men's basketball was released, and UNC basketball was ranked 19th, and Duke basketball was ranked 2nd. </p>

<p>UNC football WR Tez Walker makes North Carolina football a legit College Football Playoff Contender because he adds the big play threat for QB Drake Maye, which allows other players to get favorable matchups. Tim Donnelly says that winning the ACC football championship is within reach, and a trip to the CFP is plausible.</p> <p>Also, NC State football's offense struggled in a 24-3 loss to Duke football, and the offense looked the same in the second start for MJ Morris as it did with Brennan Armstrong.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers are entering their bye week, and after starting the season 0-6, the Panthers must look at their roster and start trading away players to gather assets and draft capitol. </p> <p>The Carolina Hurricanes have started the year 2-1-0, but have not played to their standards, but Teuvo Teravainen is off to a hot start with four goals in three games.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is giving up play calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Tim Donnelly said this is a chance for Bryce Young to really unlock his full potential, and a chance for Young and the offense to grow. Donnelly also points out that Frank Reich essentially benched himself.</p> <p>Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young is starting to look like a good quarterback that is stuck on a bad team with a roster around him that isn't good, and has very few contributors outside of Adam Thielen.</p>

<p>With a big weekend of college football in the ACC, Tim Donnelly previews ACC football, including Duke football vs NC State football, Miami football at UNC football, Louisville football and Florida State football, and why North Carolina football will be doing scoreboard watching. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly makes real bold predictions for UNC football vs Miami football, Duke football vs NC State football, and the Carolina Panthers vs the Miami Dolphins. </p>

<p>On Friday the 13th, what are 'scariest scenarios' for the Carolina Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, NC State football, NC State basketball, UNC football, UNC basketball, Duke football, and Duke basketball. </p>

<p>What would be a successful weekend for Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young? Tim Donnelly points out two areas where he'd like to see Bryce Young improve and show progress against the Miami Dolphins.</p> <p>Can the Carolina Panthers pull off an upset against the Miami Dolphins? The Carolina Panthers will be without both starting safeties in Von Bell and Xavier Woods, and without starting CB Jaycee Horn, as well as LB Shaq Thompson. Tim Donnelly points out that it might be up to guys like Brian Burns and Derrick Brown.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox each discuss what concerns them about, and what they're confident in when it comes to NC State football, UNC football, Duke Football, and Wake Forest football. </p>

<p>David Tepper took over as owner of the Carolina Panthers the same year, 2018, that Tom Dundon took over as owner of the Carolina Hurricanes. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox compare and contrast how the Hurricanes have been successful during that stretch, and how the Panthers struggle throughout the organization. </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes won their season, 5-3, over the Ottawa Senators at home at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Tim Donnelly said it wasn't a perfect game 1 of the 2023-2024 NHL season, but the makings of a team that is capable of winning a Stanley Cup are there with stars like Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin, Teuvo Teravainen, and others, and newcomers like Mike Bunting & Dmitry Orlov.</p> <p>Former NFL & NC State football QB Mike Glennon discussed how the Carolina Panthers can best help their rookie QB on the field right now, but also with his development for the future, and how head coach Frank Reich can adjust play calling.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young has struggled at the start of his career, there have been rumblings if head coach Frank Reich didn't want to select Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tim Donnelly points out that the Carolina Panthers should not bench Bryce Young, and that a decision to do so by owner David Tepper, General Manager Scott Fitter, or head coach Frank Reich would be a bad one.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the new additions to the Carolina Hurricanes roster for the 2023-24 season, the depth they have in defensemen, and how that can contribute to the team's success and Hurricanes Winger Andrei Svechnikov to miss the start of the season due to his ACL injury dating back to last season. Also, Tim and Dennis discuss what's the next step for Hurricanes Center Sebastian Aho in contributing to a Stanley Cup run. Plus, according to Las Vegas, the Hurricanes have the best odds to win the Stanley Cup this season. What expectations does that bring for them? </p>

<p>Adam Gold, the host of the Adam Gold Show, the Hurricanes' pregame show, the Stromwatch, and postgame show, the Aftermath, joined Tim Donnelly to make a side-by-side comparison of Carolina Panther owner David Tepper and Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon. They discussed why Tepper can't be more like Dundon regarding how they've set their respective teams up for success. Adam points out that the difference between the two franchises has been found in the coaching. </p> <p>Also, Hurricanes.com reporter Walt Ruff joined Tim to discuss the Carolina Hurricanes opening night for the 2023-24 season. He shared what he's excited about for this year that is still uncertain and if there's a different feeling around the team regarding the Stanley Cup being the end goal this season. </p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes General Manager and President Don Waddell joined Tim Donnelly to discuss the team's offseason moves, the expectations for the upcoming season, and his thoughts on the new additions to the roster. Waddell also discusses the team's young players and how they've continued to develop during their time here in Carolina. He is optimistic about the team's chances of success in 2023-24 and believes the Hurricanes are a contender for the Stanley Cup.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox are live from PNC Arena as the Carolina Hurricanes begin their 2023-24 season tonight against the Ottawa Senators. The Hurricanes are off an Eastern Conference Final appearance in the last, and they have a lot of talent on the current roster, led by Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Brent Burns. Tim and Dennis preview tonight's game and discuss how the team can make a statement in the season's early going. </p> <p>Also, the Carolina Hurricanes play-by-play commentator on Bally Sports South and 99.9FM The Fan, Mike Maniscalco joins the program to give a preview of the current roster and expectations for the new season. He also goes through his Hurriconfidence and Hurriconcerns for the season. </p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discusses questionable decisions by the Carolina Panthers, including they WR Terrace Marshall Jr. played 0 snaps vs. the Detroit Lions despite being dressed for the game. Also, the latest on Duke football QB Riley Leonard as he's recovering from an ankle injury before facing NC State football. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly states his case why NC State football LB Payton Wilson should be in consideration, and win, the National Defensive Player of the Year. </p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov won't play in the season opener for the Carolina Hurricanes as he's not been medically cleared to play in the 2023-2024 season yet after tearing his ACL towards the end of the 2022-2023 NHL Season. </p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox predict season awards for the Carolina Hurricanes, and expect breakout seasons for Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and others. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers have to accept that they're in rebuild, and every move they make the rest of the season from Owner David Tepper, General Manager Scott Fitterer, and head coach Frank Reich must be done with the future and rookie QB Bryce Young in mind.</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers from owner David Tepper, to General Manager Scott Fitterer, to head coach Frank Reich, to QB Bryce Young are not on the same page, and the lack of cohesion from top to bottom is the worst spot a franchise can be in the NFL.</p>

<p>MJ Morris provided a spark on offense for NC State football, taking over for Brennan Armstrong at quarterback. Also, NC State LB Payton Wilson called out NC State fans for booing Armstrong. Also, UNC football might be peaking at the right time with Drake Maye at QB and Tez Walker being added to the mix at WR.</p>

<p>After another ACC win over Syracuse football, UNC football has a legit path to making the College Football Playoff, and North Carolina football could have a great chance of making the ACC football championship game with a win over Miami football, setting up their path to the CFP. Tim Donnelly points out that with QB Drake Maye, and the addition of Tez Walker on offense, the North Carolina Tar Heels could be poised to peak at the right time of the season.</p>

<p>Starting in 2021, the Carolina Panthers have traded away 11 draft picks, and WR DJ Moore, to find a franchise quarterback. The Panthers have traded picks for Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, and have traded picks to draft Matt Corrall, and Bryce Young. All of this has taken place during the time that Scott Fitterer has taken over as General Manager of the Carolina Panthers under owner David Tepper.</p>

<p>The frustrating part to the Carolina Panthers season is that the team has not shown any improvement week-to-week since the season began, and it applies to head coach Frank Reich, quarterback Bryce Young, the defense, and front office with general manager Scott Fitterer.</p> <p>Are the Carolina Panthers going to trade OLB/DE/Edge Brian Burns during the middle of the season? Tim Donnelly points out that both sides might be destined for a mutual split, and gets the feel from head coach Frank Reich that the team might be looking to move Burns via trade before the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly and producer Graham Hill discussed Tez Walker making his debut this season for North Carolina against Syracuse tomorrow, D.J. Moore had a career game last night on Thursday night football, and the Carolina Hurricanes' final preseason game tonight against the Nashville Predators. Also, NC State looks for an offensive spark out of MJ Morris as he makes his first start against Marshall tomorrow. Plus, the Carolina Panthers playoff hopes could be over with a loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. </p>

<p>Wolfpack legend and former NFL quarterback Mike Glennon joined Tim Donnelly to discuss the struggles of Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young through the first four weeks of the season. During times like these, Mike believes there's something to be said about Young showing frustration on the sidelines as a sign of leadership for the offense. He also shared his thoughts on the changing of quarterbacks for NC State and how different the offense will look this week because of it.</p> <p>Also, the changing of quarterback from Brennan Armstrong to MJ Morris has brought a lot of optimism to Wolfpack Nation. Tim Donnelly and producer Graham Hill discussed what Morris needs to focus on in his first start at quarterback for the season. He also shared how it's still going to take all eleven players on offense to play at a high level to be successful.</p>

<p>As announced yesterday, UNC wide receiver Tez Walker has been granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA, allowing him to play for the Tar Heels for the rest of the 2023 season. Tim Donelly and producer Graham Hill discuss how other schools felt about this and why it is positive for them. Tim explains how other schools can now use this as an example for governor officials when their institution goes through a similar situation.</p> <p>Also, Glover Quin, Host of Bleav in Lions on Bleav; former Pro-Bowler and All-Pro Lions Safety, joined Tim Donelly to discuss this Sunday's upcoming matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Detriot Lions. Quin shares what's made the Lions so successful up to this point in the season and what he expects this Sunday. He also discussed what the Panthers can do for quarterback Bryce Young for the remainder of the season.</p>

<p>The Chicago Bears defeated the Washington Commanders 40-20 last night on Thursday Night Football, earning their first win of the season. Justin Fields threw for 282 yards and four touchdowns. D.J. Moore has eight receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Tim Donelly and producer Graham Hill discussed how Moore's performance last night should make the Carolina Panthers feel.</p> <p>On the other side, Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell threw for 388 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Despite the loss, Tim is optimistic about Howell's performance moving forward. He explains how the playcalling shows confidence in Howell as the quarterback. </p> <p> </p>

<p>What are we confident in, and concerned with, when it comes to the Carolina Panthers? Also, Utah football has caught buzz for a NIL deal for their scholarship players with new pickup trucks. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox come up with their own NIL deals that NC State football could use for the $25,000 that each scholarship player gets. </p>

<p>How will UNC football WR Tez Walker help UNC football and QB Drake Maye on the field now that he's been declared eligible by the NCAA? Also, Tim Donnelly admits where he got it wrong. </p>

<p>UNC football wide receiver Tez Walker was declared eligible by the NCAA, and will now be immediately able to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Tim Donnelly said that the finger pointing will continue between North Carolina and the NCAA, but the focus from both sides should've been to work together to do what's best for Tez Walker.</p> <p>Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina joined Tim Donnelly to discuss Tez's eligibility, the change from the NCAA, and how Tez Walker will help QB Drake Maye and UNC football on the field. </p>

<p>North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein discussed the letter he sent to the NCAA regarding UNC football WR Tez Walker, and Walker's eligibility. Stein shared why he sent a letter to the NCAA, where the NCAA might have been in a wrong position from a legal standpoint, and if he would step in for future situations.</p>

<p>Where does confidence lie, and concerns exist, for UNC football, NC State football, Duke football, and Wake Forest football. </p>

<p>During Hit It & Quit It, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss several topics, including more on the potential of Major League Baseball coming to Raleigh, and if MLB in Raleigh could work best if a team were to relocate. Also, conversations about Duke football and QB Riley Leonard's ankle injury, UNC basketball, MJ Morris starting at QB for NC State football, if Andrei Svechnikov will be ready for the Carolina Hurricanes season opener, and the latest food items at the North Carolina State Fair. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young has struggled so far in his first season. Tim Donnelly discusses the pressure that Bryce Young is facing his first year, how he's not living up to very high expectations as of yet, and has progressed as expected.</p> <p>Former Duke basketball, NBA, and USA basketball star Carlos Boozer discusses his book, "Every Shot Counts: A Memoir of Resilience" which includes stories of Prince renting out his house, playing on the 'Redeem Team' in the Olympics with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, the recruitment of his sons, and more.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers are reportedly in the market for a No. 1 wide receiver and could make a trade during the season to acquire a starting WR. Tim Donnelly points out that they had one in DJ Moore before being traded to the Chicago Bears, and that trading a No. 1 away was a bad move knowing you were going to draft Bryce Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.</p>

<p>Coming off of a bye week, UNC football is set up perfectly to make a run to the ACC championship, and possibly a berth in the College Football Playoff. Tim Donnelly said everything is lined up for North Carolina football and QB Drake Maye to make a run to the ACC Championship game, and possibly the CFP.</p> <p>Also, NC State football has turned the offense over from QB Brennan Armstrong to QB MJ Morris. How can the Wolfpack get more production from their offense? </p>

<p>Does Carolina Panthers DE/OLD/Edge Brian Burns want out of Carolina? Brian Burns' recent actions on social media might indicate that he's not happy.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox give out quater-season NFL Awards. </p>

<p>How can the Carolina Panthers improve their offense? Tim Donnelly says that the coaching staff needs to allow Bryce Young to have his favorite plays involved, and that it might be time to make Chuba Hubbard the starting running back over Miles Sanders.</p> <p>Should Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich give up play calling duties and lean on his coaching staff more to help out Bryce Young and the Panthers offense?</p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon in a recent interview stated his desire to lead an ownership group to bring an MLB expansion team to Raleigh, NC. Lou Pascucci of MLB Raleigh discussed on The Drive with Tim Donnelly how the idea of bring a MLB team Raleigh could potentially come to fruition, how the Triangle is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, and how feasible it would be to bring a team to Raleigh, NC.</p>

<p>Chris Lea of WRAL Sports & the Panthers Playbook Podcast shared his thoughts on the Carolina Panthers' 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and questions why Bryce Young appears to have a much more limited playbook than backup QB Andy Dalton, and if head coach Frank Reich wanted to draft Bryce Young.</p> <p>Tim Donnelly also says that Frank Reich needs to be willing to swallow his pride and allow some of the other offensive coaches take over play calling duties. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young is not progressing the way many were expecting, and making some mistakes that many did not expect him to make going into the NFL. Tim Donnelly points out that not all of blame should fall on Bryce Young, but that Bryce isn't as NFL ready as many were thinking.</p> <p>Also, there were reports by Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network that the Carolina Panthers were looking to trade for a starting WR. Tim Donnelly says it'd be a mistake right now for the Panthers to try and acquire a WR if it costs them young talent or draft capital. </p>

<p>Duke football suffered a close loss to Notre Dame football, 21-14, at an energetic Wallace Wade Stadium in front of a primetime national audience. But the biggest concern coming out of that game is the health of QB Riley Leonard after he suffered an ankle injury late in the loss.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly ranks NC State football, UNC football, Duke football, and Wake Forest football and places each on 'The Podium.'</p>

<p>NC State head football coach Dave Doeren announced that MJ Morris will take over as the starting quarterback over Brennan Armstrong. Tim Donnelly warns NC State Wolfpack football fans that a change at QB isn't going to fix all of their problems on offense.</p> <p>NC State made the decision today to start QB MJ Morris in place of Brennan Armstrong, but Tim Donnelly points out that the NC State defense, led by Payton Wilson, is carrying the team, and will continue to keep the Wolfpack in games during the season, and that a change at QB is part due to the defense being so strong.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donelly and Graham Hill discuss Louisville at NC State in a primetime matchup for the ACC, Quarterback Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders look to rebound against the Philadelphia Eagles, and UNC has a chance to reset and breathe during their off week. Also, Durham is officially ready for College Gameday ahead of No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 17 Duke tomorrow night. Plus, Bryce Young returns this Sunday and is set to start against a struggling Minnesota Vikings team. </p>

<p>The undefeated Louisville Cardinals and the NC State Wolfpack are meeting in a pivotal ACC matchup. Both teams are undefeated in ACC play and looking to move up in the conference standings. Tim Donnelly discussed how one player who needs to have a breakout game for the Wolfpack offense is true Freshman wide receiver KC Concepcion after having a big-time performance in the win against Virginia.</p> <p>Also, with everything North Carolina has accomplished and gone through so far this season, Tim explains how on their BYE week, the Tar Heels need to take this to reset and focus on controlling their destiny. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is set to return to the starting lineup this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings after missing last week with an ankle injury. Tim discussed how this needs to be the week the Panthers offense lets loose with Young back on the field. He also explains how Adam Thielen needs to have another successful game against his former team.</p> <p>Also, Durham is officially ready for College GameDay as No. 11 Notre Dame faces No. 17 Duke for a Week 5 showdown. The Fighting Irish are 4-1, while the Blue Devils are undefeated and looking to make a statement. Tim Donnelly believes that Duke quarterback Riley Leonard is ready to make a statement in front of a national television audience tomorrow.</p>