Crazy conundrum we have..I think we have 3 centers that could play P5 D1 football…when most years we didnt have one. I still think OT and LB are positions we are woefully weak.
That said..I think there are SEC teams that would kill for our depth on the DL and in the Secondary that we have. Just hoping we get solid QB play from Card, Miller comes back and is as good as we think, we give Mock as many touches as humanly possible, the LBs look competent and the D scheme is as natural as it should be.
Crazy we lost a successful head coach but could realistically be more talented almost across the board (I’d say except WR) in one offseason than we were over his tenure.
Lots of things to be excited about this team but a lot to prove and a lot to do. Still think 6-6 is the floor. Even with a tough schedule I think 7-5 should be the expectation. Average at worst offense and a defense that surprises…kind of like in Bilemas first year with Walters at Illinois.
And yes…guys look stronger. Would love to see that proved in the trenches. Think Caraway/Scourton is our next first rounder. Dude is good. Dare I say Karlaftis good. Probably better from what I’ve seen and heard…IMO of course.
I don’t think scrouton and karlaftis are the same type of player but similar talents.
As far as linebacker, you already heard Kane bring up domanick moon. When your strength and conditioning staff is very good, guys like that don’t take 4 years to hit the field… so there’s a chance that not only did OC brothers get bigger and Yanni and Clyde more explosive, but that others might contribute as well. Not to mention, against all but jumbo teams, there’s really only one linebacker. Washington may get the start next to brothers as the defense breaks the huddle against Fresno .. as a nod to being a veteran. Then after Fresno gains a first down, you may see Washington sub out for Tony Stevens.
This defense uses a nose tackle and two defensive tackles (and sometimes 3 nose tackles) to completely shut down the middle.. so it’s more important that these guys can move than that they remind you of Jawan Bentley. I’ve seen what happens as games go on. Our 3 interior linemen will just be hammering the centers and guards all game and the offensive interior starts to wear out.
The schedule is deceiving.. here’s what it has:
Michigan
Iowa
These teams have their shit together and should kick a lot of peoples asses
Ohio state
Wisconsin
These two teams have a lot of talent, but it may not take off and hence may be upset specials .. Wisconsin has no defensive line or OLB depth and they will be trying to change a lot in 3 weeks. If McCord doesn’t hit the ground running, that may be more of a 2004 Ohio state team.
Minnesota
Illinois
Nebraska
Syracuse
Virginia tech
Fresno state
Close games. This schedule has a lot of close games. We will be either small favorites or small dogs in all of these. 5 points or less
Indiana
Northwestern
Gimmes, unless Jackson just comes out and is really really good In year one.
I think we win both of these, 5 of the category above it and get an upset special between Ohio state and Wisconsin to go 8-4.
Fair?
