Re: Taking the ISU glasses off... | |
Here's how I see it:
QB: Lots of potential, not much experience. I think that they'll call more QB runs this year, as well as short passes and screens to get the QBs settled down.
RB: I think that they're set here. ARob is a nice back...great speed. Bass and Scales offer two different styles. I look for the three of them to combine for 1500-1700 yards.
WR: The key question is if they can get open without Blythe drawing double coverage. Do either of the deep threats (Franklin or Carlson) step up? We know that Sumrall and Hamilton are good players.
TE: I just don't know how this one will go. Catlett would be OK here, but he played HB last fall. I think that Franklin can catch and move, but he is still too skinny to block. Who is the blocking TE?
OL: This position should continue to improve. I love the group that McFarland is putting together. Tons of depth and good competition. I think that we should be able to run on most teams on the schedule and pass protect OK.
DE: Good players, good depth. So far, there's not that pure pass rushing beast though. Maybe Lyle is that guy.
DT/NG: There's a legit 3 deep at these positions. The problem is that they'll need it because most of the guys are undersized and none so far have stepped up and really claimed a spot.
LB: Smith is solid. Bibbs and Garrin/Raven should be OK. Still, a major step down from Bowen.
CB: I like Bell and Singleton. McDowell should be decent. Not sure what Sandvig is doing here. Recruits look great.
S: Safety play was better last year than any time since Paris and Moser left. It should continue to improve. I like Smith and Brown has his moments. I figured they'd go JUCO here, because they lack a real difference maker.
P: Brandtner should continue to improve.
K: I think that they got two good kickers. My only reservation is how they perform under the lights. Hopefully neither are headcases.
I've been saying 5-7 with an outside shot at 6-6 for awhile and I'll stick with that.
|