The start of this season is not what most hoped for, but IMO we are in decent shape, and in a better place than some of our peers with better records. Here are my top reasons for optimism:
1. Scoring margin (+23). We've lost 3 games by a total of 8 points, but won 2 games by a total of 31 points. The scoring margin is indicative of a 3-2 team, we just haven't pulled out the close ones. I believe these things even themselves out over the long haul. We're not going to lose every single one possession game over the course of 12 games.
2. Overall health. A big one that has not been much discussed (sorry to jinx!). I can't even remember how many times they stopped the game on Saturday for an injury, and almost every time it was a player in a red jersey. Although not everything has gone right, the injury bug is something that we've been able to mostly avoid. And where we have experienced injury it has been to a back-up/co-starter at a position of depth (QB, RB, CB, TE). I'm sure there are plenty of guys who are playing through minor things, and this week off will help a lot. If this can continue we might win a game just by being healthier than an evenly matched opponent.
3. Plugging the holes. It was never a secret that this roster is imperfect, with glaring holes in talent and/or experience at multiple positions. Losing that many starters on defense was going to hurt. I won't say the issues are behind this team because some holes remain. But the staff is doing a great job of scheming toward the strengths. Meanwhile there is young talent emerging. By the end of the season this could be a pretty solid defense. The offense is there. This is the downside of no preseason in CFB. With a 2 game preseason we might be 4-1.
4. The Offense. Jeff Brohm's offense is a thing to behold when he has the pieces in place. And to think this puzzle is not yet complete. Not even close.. Imagine a Rondale Moore caliber player at the outside receiver position, a true burner in the backfield, and another offensive lineman or two to sub in and not experience a significant dropoff. The QB play is 100% better over the last 3 games. I don't think that is just a random thing- but a senior with confidence who has the confidence of his coaches.
5. Mental issues fixed. I'm not sure what was done or said, but some of the issues "between the ears" from the first few games appear to be behind us. This team has a bunch of young guys who just needed to learn the difference between aggressive and bonehead.
6. The future is bright. Regardless of what the final record is this season, the momentum of this season may be even greater than last season. Rondale Moore is grabbing national attention, our recruiting class is reportedly solid, and still looking to add a couple more important pieces. And forget Matt Millen.. he knows about as much as your average IU fan. Brohm isn't going anywhere soon.
1. Scoring margin (+23). We've lost 3 games by a total of 8 points, but won 2 games by a total of 31 points. The scoring margin is indicative of a 3-2 team, we just haven't pulled out the close ones. I believe these things even themselves out over the long haul. We're not going to lose every single one possession game over the course of 12 games.
2. Overall health. A big one that has not been much discussed (sorry to jinx!). I can't even remember how many times they stopped the game on Saturday for an injury, and almost every time it was a player in a red jersey. Although not everything has gone right, the injury bug is something that we've been able to mostly avoid. And where we have experienced injury it has been to a back-up/co-starter at a position of depth (QB, RB, CB, TE). I'm sure there are plenty of guys who are playing through minor things, and this week off will help a lot. If this can continue we might win a game just by being healthier than an evenly matched opponent.
3. Plugging the holes. It was never a secret that this roster is imperfect, with glaring holes in talent and/or experience at multiple positions. Losing that many starters on defense was going to hurt. I won't say the issues are behind this team because some holes remain. But the staff is doing a great job of scheming toward the strengths. Meanwhile there is young talent emerging. By the end of the season this could be a pretty solid defense. The offense is there. This is the downside of no preseason in CFB. With a 2 game preseason we might be 4-1.
4. The Offense. Jeff Brohm's offense is a thing to behold when he has the pieces in place. And to think this puzzle is not yet complete. Not even close.. Imagine a Rondale Moore caliber player at the outside receiver position, a true burner in the backfield, and another offensive lineman or two to sub in and not experience a significant dropoff. The QB play is 100% better over the last 3 games. I don't think that is just a random thing- but a senior with confidence who has the confidence of his coaches.
5. Mental issues fixed. I'm not sure what was done or said, but some of the issues "between the ears" from the first few games appear to be behind us. This team has a bunch of young guys who just needed to learn the difference between aggressive and bonehead.
6. The future is bright. Regardless of what the final record is this season, the momentum of this season may be even greater than last season. Rondale Moore is grabbing national attention, our recruiting class is reportedly solid, and still looking to add a couple more important pieces. And forget Matt Millen.. he knows about as much as your average IU fan. Brohm isn't going anywhere soon.
