The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>UNC women's soccer coach Anson Dorrance spoke out against ACC conference expansion and conference realignment when it comes to potentially adding Stanford & Cal from the Pac-12 because he doesn't want those schools to get better traction with recruiting. Tim Donnelly points out how it's hypocritical of coaches and others to cry about tough competition within their conference, but then complain about athletes wanting to move, claiming athletes are 'taking the easy way out.'</p> <p>With injuries to Terrace Marshall Jr. (back), Laviska Shenault (concussion), DJ Chark (hamstring) dealing with injuries, and Damiere Byrd on season-ending IR, the Carolina Panthers are getting real thin at wide receiver, and a group with not much top-end talent. How does impact rookie QB Bryce Young, and why is this a long-term concern for Panthers and head coach Frank Reich?</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly and Producer Dennis Cox each share their top-5 college football games they're looking forward in the State of North Carolina in 2023, including NC State football, UNC football, Duke football, App State football, ECU football, Wake Forest football, NC Central football, NC A&T State football, and more. </p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discusses the Washington Commanders being overly excited for winning a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, the performance of Commanders QB Sam Howell, Jonathan Taylor being available for trade and if the Carolina Panthers should pursue the Indianapolis Colts running back, Baker Mayfield being named the starting QB for the Tampa Bay Bucs, and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey wanting to look at possibly changing the College Football Playoff. </p>

<p>SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey wants to explore possibly changing the look of the College Football Playoff in 2024 after several schools will be part of new conferences due to conference realignment. </p> <p>Also, with the final preseason game approaching, how much should Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young play in the third preseason game against the Detroit Lions? </p>

<p>Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell impressed against the Baltimore Ravens, solidifying the decision by Ron Rivera to name him the starting QB for the 2023 NFL season.</p> <p>Should the Carolina Panthers make a move to acquire Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, reuniting him with Panthers head coach Frank Reich? Tim Donnelly says a back like Taylor would be helpful for Bryce Young, but that things would be crowded with Miles Sanders.</p>

<p>During the starting five, Tim Donelly discussed Sam Howell starting for the Washington Commanders in their Monday night preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens., Brooks Koepka falls out of the Ryder Cup points qualifiers, and Daniel Jones looks good in the Giants' preseason win against the Carolina Panthers. Also, week zero of the college of the 2023 college football season is upon us. What games do matter? Plus, the Carolina Panthers dropped their second preseason game to the New York Giants by a final score of 21-19. The offensive line continued to struggle. </p>

<p>Tim shares how he was impressed by rookie quarterback Bryce Young once again in his second preseason start for the Carolina Panthers. Young went 3 for 6 for 35 yards and led a 15-play, 62-yard drive for a field goal. Even though the Panthers lost the game 21-19, Young's performance was a promising sign for the future.</p> <p>Also, the ACC continues to talk about Cal and Stanford joining the ACC? What exactly are we waiting for in regard to this discussion? Tim believes they're strictly talking about negotiations. </p>

<p>Week zero of the 2023 college football season is finally upon us. Tim gives us a breakdown of some of the "meaningful" games this week including Navy vs. Notre Dame being played in Ireland. He also discussed how San Jose State vs. No. 6 USC is essential for defending Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams and Hawai vs. Vanderbilt for conference supremacy.</p> <p>Also, North Carolina, NC State, and Pittsburgh find themselves in the second tier of the ACC heading into the season. Tim explains why competition between these teams in the standing wouldn't be the best for the conference. </p>

<p>A late rally by the Carolina Panthers fell short 21-19 to the New York Giants in their second preseason game on Friday night. Bryce Young was 3/6 for 35 yards, while Matt Corral was 9/13 for 71 yards. Tim discussed that Young showed some flashes of improvement but the Panthers have work to do in regard to the offensive line.</p> <p>Also, Sam Howell will start tonight at quarterback for the Washington Commanders after being named the week one starter. The Commanders will face the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field. Tim breaks down how important this game should be for Howell. </p>

<p>During the starting five, Tim Donelly discusses Daniel Jones expecting to make his first tonight against the Carolina Panthers after being paid nicely, ACC realignment discussions have suddenly gone quiet, and Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons starters debut tonight. Also, former North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell has finally been named the starter for the Washington Commanders season opener. Plus, the Carolina Panthers face the New York Giants in their second preseason game. How do Bryce Young and the offensive lines respond after a 27-0 loss to the New York Jets last weekend?</p>

<p>Former North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell has been named the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are hoping Howell can provide stability at quarterback that they have been lacking in recent years. Tim shared three factors he believes should measure the success of Howell this season.</p> <p>Also, earlier today was the release of the first episode of Pack Therapy hosted by Tim Donelly & Mike Glennon, where they previewed the upcoming 2023 season by discussing the reunion of Brennan Armstrong and Robert Anae. They also shared their concerns for the Wolfpack's offense, specifically at the wide receiver position.</p>

<p>The Athletic recently released its college football freaks list for the 2023 season. One triangle team had three athletes listed, another had one, and the other with zero. Tim breaks down the athletes listed and what makes them so unique. </p> <p>Also, a local area scout recently stated that Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman was one of the prospects with the most to prove this college football season. He also disrespected Hartman's former program, Wake Forest, by saying Hartman would finally have an offensive line to play behind. Tim shares why Hartman was so successful as a Demon Deacon. </p>

<p>Sam Howell has finally been named the starting quarterback of the Washington Commanders for the season opener. Tim believes that this decision by coach Ron Rivera finally ends what was a one-sided competition for the starting job. Tim explains how the Commanders mishandled this situation. </p> <p>Also, the Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young look to have a bounce-back week in their second preseason game. The Panthers play the New York Giants tonight at MetLife Stadium. After losing their first preseason game 27-0 against the New York Jets, Tim gives his wish list of things he wants to see the team improve tonight.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discusses college move-in days, including some of the fresh faces on college football teams to look out for this season. Also, former Garner High School player, and current New England Patriot defensive end Keion White got into a wild training camp fight against the Green Bay Packers. USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski has agreed to part ways as the head coach of the USWNT after losing to Sweden in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Carolina Hurricanes forward Michael Bunting shared on a podcast recently his reason for choosing the Hurricanes during free agency. Plus, the latest on ACC conference realignment, including former U.S. President George W. Bush advocating for SMU to join the conference, as well as former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice lobbying on behalf of Stanford to be a member of the ACC. </p>

<p>In the day of conference realignment, would it be beneficial to the ACC to contract some schools to create a better group of matchups each week? But with that brings the question: what schools would be retracted? North Carolina football, NC State football, Clemson football, Florida State football, and other major brands would most definitely stick around. </p>

<p>Going into preseason game No. 2 against the New York Giants, Tim Donnelly wants to see what other parts of the Carolina Panthers offense and Bryce Young need work besides the offensive line, but notes that poor offensive line play won't allow the coaching staff to truly learn what their team can do.</p> <p>Also, Tim Donnelly poses an idea of the ACC expanding to 20 schools, and for football having a 'relegation' system each year as a way to drive interest and TV revenue for football games that may not have garnered much interest in years past, and as a way to separate themselves in conference realignment. </p>

<p>With conference realignment focused on mostly on football, Tim Donnelly points out that college basketball still needs to be a factor when it comes to the ACC and conference realignment, noting that basketball still generates a lot of revenue.</p> <p>The strongest position group of the Carolina Panthers defense might be their off-ball linebackers, led by Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu. Tim Donnelly points out how the linebackers help out the rest of the defense.</p>

<p>During the starting five, it appears the Pac-12 might actually survive with new teams being added, but though it won't be viewed the same as it once was. Also, the latest on the injury front with the Carolina Panthers, and how a bunch of small injuries might be starting to add up. Also, the latest on the future of the ACC as the deadline has passed for schools to notify the conference if they intend on leaving before the start of the 2024 fall sports season. </p>

<p>Former NFL QB Mike Glennon breaks down why preseason mistakes by the Carolina Panthers offensive line needs to be rectified ASAP to protect franchise QB Bryce Young. Glennon points out whey it was good for Bryce Young to bounce back from taking some big hits, but why the number of hits needs to be reduced. Glennon shares insight on the Carolina Panthers' wide receivers, including DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault.</p> <p>Also, further discussion about the constant change we're seeing in college sports, and why one athletic director feels there is going to be a drastic change in the near future.</p>

<p>With conference realignment taking place, should the ACC look to add UConn not just for football, but also for men's basketball and women's basketball?</p>

<p>With conference realignment impacting the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and Pac-12, there is a growing belief that college football should be separate from the rest of college athletics. But it raises the question: how will it work?</p> <p>With the conversation about the Carolina Panthers focused mostly on rookie QB Bryce Young, Tim Donnelly poses three questions about the Panthers that should be discussed more. 1. Are there too many voices on the offensive coaching staff? 2. How urgent are the Panthers about signing Derrick Brown to a contract extension? 3. Why does Jeremy Chinn come off the field?</p>

<p>In the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discusses how today was the deadline for ACC schools to notify the conference if they were intending to leave the ACC. Also, Michael Oher makes claims about his adoption. Anthony Richardson was named the starting quarterback by the Indianapolis Colts, and why the Carolina Panthers did the right thing name Bryce Young the starter at QB earlier in the offseason. Plus, the latest with the Carolina Panthers. And, the Carolina Hurricanes signed a 20-year lease agreement with the PNC Arena and the Centennial Authority, which includes arena upgrades, entertainment, housing, concert venue, and more. </p>

<p>Philip Isley, Chairman of the Centennial Authority that owns PNC Arena, discussed with Tim Donnelly the lease agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes that lasts the next 20 seasons, and will include renovations to PNC, additional entertainment outside of the arena, hotel, and more.</p>

<p>Going into their second preseason game, how can the Carolina Panthers open things up for Bryce Young to help protect him better, but also open things up offensively?</p> <p>Tim Donnelly points out that Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, and other aren't being held back by the ACC because all of the schools of the ACC signed up to be part of the same media rights deal. And all schools, like UNC and NC State, are bound by a deal they signed, even if it's a bad one, and that they're going to have to work together to get through conference realignment.</p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes extend their lease with PNC Arena, keeping them in Raleigh, NC for at least the next 20 years. Developments around PNC Arena and in Raleigh are going to benefit the Canes, fans, NC State, and the local economy.</p> <p>ACC schools have until August 15th to notify the conference if they intend to leave. Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, NC State and others might not be able to leave easily, but they can fight their way out of the ACC by making things uncomfortable for the ACC and other schools to force their way into conference realignment that benefits them.</p>

<p>In the Starting Five, the AP top 25 football preseason poll was released which included Florida State at No. 8, Clemson at No. 9, and North Carolina at No. 21. Ex-Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott joins the New England Patriots on a 1-year deal, Russell Wilson preseason debut for the Denver Broncos was down and up, Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, and NC State vote no on expansion with Cal and Stanford. Also, Bryce Young made his NFL preseason debut for the Carolina Panthers, but it wasn't the outcome fans wanted.</p> <p>Tim also reviews how other teams in the NFC South did in week one of the preseason.</p>

<p>The New York Jets defeated the Carolina Panthers in their preseason opener on Saturday night. The Jets' defense dominated the game, holding the Panthers to just 165 total yards. The Panthers struggled on offense, with Bryce Young completing just 4 of 6 passes for 21 yards. Carolina allowed four sacks in the first three quarters, three of those on Matt Corral, who fumbled once.</p> <p>Also, NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong prepares for his first season with his new team. An anonymous defensive coordinator stated that Armstrong has the potential to be a "first-round pick" in this year's NFL draft during his quarterback confidential. Tim explains the narrative around Armstrong and NC State's offense heading into this season.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Tim discussed the news that four ACC teams voted against Cal and Stanford joining the conference. Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, and NC State were the four teams that voted against the expansion. The reasons for the votes are varied, but some of the concerns include the financial impact, the travel distance, and the academic fit.</p> <p>Also, UNC quarterback Drake Maye is looking to have a better season than he did in 2022. An anonymous defensive coordinator stated that Maye "does not like to get hit" during his quarterback confidential. Tim explains the deeper meaning of this and what it means for Maye heading into this season. </p>

<p>This past Saturday, Bryce Young made his NFL preseason debut. Young completed 4 of 6 passes for 21 yards in his first game with the Carolina Panthers. He also took one sack out of three hits. Overall, it was a mixed bag for Young, but there were some encouraging signs. Tim discussed the Panthers' offensive line, which struggled to protect Young, and the team's overall performance in a shutout loss to the New York Jets.</p> <p>Also, Tim opens up to the phone lines to allow Carolina Panthers fans to discuss their reaction to Bryce Young's NFL preseason debut. We hear from fans who were optimistic about Young's debut and disappointed with the team's overall performance. Fans will have to wait and see how Young and the Panthers perform in the rest of the preseason, but there's room for improvement.</p>

<p>In the Starting Five, C.J. Stroud struggles in his NFL preseason debut against the New England Patriots, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan aid Philip Rivers was ready to play in the Super Bowl as a quarterback contingency plan, Sam Howell debuts tonight as the starting quarterback in the Washington Commanders preseason game, the Mountain West Conference is waiting on the ACC's decision regarding Cal and Stanford, and the Carolina Panthers play their first preseason game tomorrow in Charlotte, where quarterback Bryce Young will make his debut. </p>

<p>Bryce Young will make his NFL preseason debut tomorrow as the Carolina Panthers face the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. After what we saw in C.J. Stroud's preseason debut, what do we need to see out of Young in his performance? Tim discussed how he wants to see  Young communicating with his teammates the most.</p> <p>Also, more Iowa State, Iowa players have been charged in sports betting investigations. Four more members were a part of Iowa State's roster, and three more were on Iowa's football roster. Tim explains how it's time that the NCAA lays down the 'law' when betting on your team and program. </p>

<p>San Fransico 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan says Philip Rivers was the contingency plan for the Super Bowl last season. Had the Niners defeated the Eagles and signed Rivers due to injuries at quarterback, he would have been playing in the league for the first time since 2020. Tim explains how this will be the biggest "what if" moment in not just Philip's career, but maybe in the NFL.</p> <p>Also, All Elite Wrestling women's wrestler Willow Nightingale discussed her upcoming tag match with Kris Statlander against Mercedes Martinez and Diamante at AEW Collision in Greensboro, North Carolina. Nightingale shares her thoughts on the growth of AEW, how Collision separates itself from AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, how she wants to pursue championships and compete against AEW women's world champion Hikaru Shida, and more.</p>

<p>Last night began the NFL preseason as the Houston Texans faced the New England Patriots. The attention was on the second overall selection in this year's draft, C.J. Stroud, as he threw one interception in one of his two series. Tim explains how this may change expectations for Bryce Young as he prepares for his NFL debut with the Carolina Panthers tomorrow.</p> <p>Also, the next step in conference realignment is in the hands of Cal and Stanford. As they've made it well known they want to join the ACC, there are not enough votes to support the move currently. Tim explains how if you're Cal and Stanford, you want to be in the ACC due to the next option being the Mountain West conference and not wanting to be a part of their media rights deal.</p>

<p>The ACC lacks any sense of unity as conference realignment talks with Cal, Stanford, and potentially SMU have hit 'road blocks,' which feeds into the perception that the conference is eroding. Also, more on the Carolina Panthers and their joint practice with the New York Jets. Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes appear to have come to an agreement to sign defenseman Caleb Jones, which leads to the conversation about what the Carolina Hurricanes need to do to with their depth on defense. </p> <p>And NC State football coach Dave Doeren spoke of Brennan Armstrong's speed and how it can be used effectively this upcoming season for the Wolfpack. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers looked good in their joint practice with the New York Jets, including the defense frustrating Jets QB Aaron Rodgers. Also, where are Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox confident and concerned about the Carolina Panthers right now? Plus, the Carolina Panthers are handling Bryce Young better than the Indianapolis Colts are handling Anthony Richardson.</p>

<p>NC Governor Roy Cooper sends letter to NCAA to ask the NCAA to reinstate UNC WR Tez Walker's eligibility after he had an immediate eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA. Also, the Carolina Hurricanes are the betting favorite to win the Stanley Cup, though they might not be done making moves to their roster.</p> <p>Also, Phil Mickelson bets a lot of money, and allegedly tried to bet on tournaments in which he competed. </p>

<p>There are 'road blocks' holding up Cal & Stanford from joining the ACC as conference realignment talks continue. Tim Donnelly points out that the ACC needs to get control of the narrative, and that the ACC looks disjointed and weak right now.</p> <p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich eluded to the idea that GM Scott Fitterer might look to add to the roster before the season starts. Does an addition make sense this year for the team, does it help rookie QB Bryce Young, and have the Panthers given up too many future assets already?</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, conversations around UNC basketball vs Kentucky basketball in the CBS Sports Classic, and how these games should be played at Kentucky or North Carolina. Also, Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is allowing the narrative about Eric Bieniemy being 'too intense' at practice to linger too long. ESPN Bet could be problematic for betting lines because of the inside knowledge the company and their media members have on games, teams, and players. Also, the Carolina Panthers faced off with the New York Jets in joint practices. And the latest with conference realignment and the ACC. </p>

<p>Chris Lea of WRAL Sports provided insignt from Spartanburg, SC from Carolina Panthers training camp after the first of two joint practices with the New York Jets, including how well Bryce Young and the Panthers offense looked facing another defense. Also, during Hit It & Quit It, conversations around college basketball, including UNC basketball vs Kentucky basketball in the CBS Sports Classic this upcoming season, and how this could should be played at Kentucky or North Carolina basketball. Also, does college basketball get left behind through all of the conference realignment taking place?</p> <p>Plus, the Carolina Panthers wide receivers are going get the job done by committee. </p>

<p>With ESPN starting a sports gambling sportsbok, ESPN Bet, Tim Donnelly points out that ESPN could impact sports betting lines because of the inside information many of their media members have when it comes to games, teams, and players. Also, Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders head coach, is discussing too much publicly about his players feeling that offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is 'too intense.' </p> <p>Also, the Carolina Panthers are benefitting greatly from joint practices with the New York Jets. </p>

<p>With the ACC looking to add Stanford and Cal in conference realignment, Tim Donnelly points out that the ACC needs to be a bit of a bully and force Stanford and Cal to meet certain demands to join the conference.</p> <p>Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young and the Panthers offense will benefit greatly from joint practices with the New York Jets as his first NFL action against another team happens this week.</p>

<p>In the Starting Five, Justin Houston was introduced as a Carolina Panther officially, Erik Karlsson was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, players on the Washington Commanders roster talked to head coach Ron Rivera about Eric Bieniemy's intensity, the ACC held a meeting to discuss Cal and Stanford joining, and WRAL sports investigative reporter, Brian Murphy joined Tim to discuss the launch of ESPN BET agreement with PENN Entertainment, and what this means for sports betting in North Carolina. </p>

<p>What is the outlook for the Carolina Panthers roster this season when discussing a difference-maker player? One player that Tim believes in is wide receiver DJ Chark to make an impact in 2023. Tim reviews Chark's previous accomplishments and how he thinks this season will play out for him.</p> <p>Also, Duke men's basketball coach Jon Scheyer makes his debut on The Drive with Tim Donnelly. Tim asked for his thoughts on the future of the ACC with the discussions regarding conference realignment currently and if he's in favor of the NCAA tournament expanding in the future. Coach Scheyer also shared how he would seek advice from Mike Krzyzewski regarding college athletics.</p>

<p>Yesterday was the release of the USA Today preseason coaches poll for the 2023 college football season. Tim took a deeper look a the teams that could possibly start in the top 25 and their outlook for the season, one being the North Carolina Tarheels. UNC checks in at No. 20, joining Florida State and Clemson among teams in the ACC.</p> <p>Also, one big strength for the Carolina Panthers this upcoming season is the defense. Tim goes into detail on the health of impact players and their talent as well. He discussed how Brian Burns and Justin Jackson will benefit from each other. </p>

<p>One of UNC's top wide receiver's transfer waivers has been denied by the NCAA which would've granted him immediate eligibility. Head coach Mack Brown informed local media that the school is appealing the decision. Tim shares the bigger impact of this decision on Walker personally and why the NCAA should be ashamed.</p> <p>Also, Per Pete Thamel of ESPN on Twitter (X), ACC Presidents met this morning to discuss adding Cal and Stanford. No voting occurred, but the conference is "still evaluating" the decision. Tim wants to know why the ACC is thinking about realignment now and why Cal and Stanford of all programs.</p>

<p>In the Starting Five, the PAC-12 is officially down to the PAC-4, Justin Houston and the Carolina Panthers agree to a one-year deal, the USWNT loses to Sweden in PKs eliminating them from the FIFA Women's World Cup, Wake Forest receiver Donavon Greene being out three-to-five months with a knee injury, and the Carolina Panthers announcing Bryce Young as the starter for the preseason opener. </p>

<p>During Carolina Panthers training camp over the weekend, Bryce Young showed "frustrations" on the field due to not being able to execute a two-minute drill correctly. Tim discussed why this is a good thing and how it shows just how much of a competitor Young is on the field. Head coach Frank Reich also commented on training camp being the time to work through mistakes such as this one.</p> <p>Tim also discussed the USWNT losing Sweden in penalty kicks and not advancing out of group play in the FIFA Women's World Cup, why Steve Smith Sr. and Tory Holt are still not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and with the recent news of Cal and Stanford potentially joining the ACC, is college football as we know it as fans over?</p>

<p>Per Pete Thamel on Twitter, in the next 24 hours, the ACC is to have a discussion on potentially adding Cal and Standford to the conference. Tim gives his immediate reaction to the news and what this would mean for the ACC as a whole. He also shares his feelings on how this affects other sports outside of football.</p> <p>Also, over the weekend the Carolina Panthers signed veteran edge rusher Justin Houston. The linebacker previously with the Houston Texans, agreed to a one-year deal. Tim explains why this was important for the Panthers to do this in regards to Brian Burns. </p>

<p>Head coach Frank Reich announced over the weekend during the Carolina Panthers training camp that Bryce Young will be the starting quarterback in the preseason opener against the New York Jets. This week, the Panthers begin joint practices with the Jets, leading up to their game on Saturday. Tim discussed how the most considerable success for Young should be just getting the in-game reps.</p> <p>Also, Wake Forest receiver Donavon Greene will miss three to five weeks with a knee injury he sustained due to a non-contact-related hit. Greene was anticipating a big second season with the Deacons as the top receiver who led the team in average yards per catch. Tim shares how this injury now impacts the upcoming season for Wake Forest. </p>

<p>In the Starting Five, the Carolina Panthers return to practice, including defensive end Brian Burns giving Bryce Young praise, the latest involving the NC Courage, Ron Rivera saying 'don't sleep on Jacoby Brissett' despite Sam Howell taking all of the first-team reps, more on Florida State wanting to leave the ACC, and the PAC-12 falling apart with Oregon and Washington going to the Big Ten, and Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah looking to head to the Big 12.</p> <p>Plus, predicting 'Monday Headlines.'</p>