Last year, despite game inexperience at QB, I was hoping for a ten-win, major bowl season. Quietly, I had higher hopes (final four) given our experienced defense and superior offensive line. We nearly got there, even with all of those injuries.
This year, despite the best QB situation of the BK era, I'm thinking 8-9 wins tops. Why? I am very nervous about a defense that loses its best d-lineman in Day, best linebacker in Smith, best cover guy in Russell and best backside hitter in Shumate. Add to that losing their defensive QB, Schimdt, in BVG's overly complicated, hit or miss, system, I just don't see any improvement on that side of the ball. On offense it will be very hard to replace at top five NFL pick in Stanley, a round-three pick and senior leader in Martin, and now Elmer... Overall, I'm reminded of the year after our undefeated run before we lost Golson.
I love our young talent at the skill positions and the young OL players coming up and there is real potential on D but we are young and inexperienced this year. This year will be a real test for coach Kelly and his staff.
Of course I always quietly hope for an ND miracle and light a candle.
This year, despite the best QB situation of the BK era, I'm thinking 8-9 wins tops. Why? I am very nervous about a defense that loses its best d-lineman in Day, best linebacker in Smith, best cover guy in Russell and best backside hitter in Shumate. Add to that losing their defensive QB, Schimdt, in BVG's overly complicated, hit or miss, system, I just don't see any improvement on that side of the ball. On offense it will be very hard to replace at top five NFL pick in Stanley, a round-three pick and senior leader in Martin, and now Elmer... Overall, I'm reminded of the year after our undefeated run before we lost Golson.
I love our young talent at the skill positions and the young OL players coming up and there is real potential on D but we are young and inexperienced this year. This year will be a real test for coach Kelly and his staff.
Of course I always quietly hope for an ND miracle and light a candle.