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[ajk4st8]

Originally Posted by Aclone

I'm hardly surprised that a juco transfer took a year to adapt. I'll be more than happy if he catches 30-40 passes this year, and proves an adequate target for Arnaud's cannon arm.



Sorry, but if you have faith in Lyle after he stepped up in the Spring game, why not Black, Alburtis, Slifka, Tate and Weir, all of whom showed at least flashes, if not just as much as Lyle did?

My second thought is, where are these "recruiting studs" that you speak of? I see a collection of two (and a smattering of three) star players who were good athletes, with a chance to become something. Most of them are redshirt sophs or freshmen now--and Tate a junior, apparently.

When you aren't a real stud, it takes a year or two to get your feet on the ground. Look at Oklahoma, where they landed the #1 defensive tackle in the land (Granger and McCoy) two years running, and it even took time for them to start. And I haven't noticed either of them making first team AA yet. Empasis on that yet, of course.



Ever heard of a linebacker at USC named Polamolu? Almost exactly the same size as Raven?



A big "Amen" there, brother! I'm not sure who out of several guys it might be, but i am looking forward to seeing Cameron Bell at linebacker more often.



Despite all that he's played, Smith is still only a junior--half of his career ahead of him. And I'll be interested to see what these guys might do with a pass rush in front of them.



The way I look at it, the very least they'll do is improve kickoffs--which will be an immense asset to the team.



That's a pretty grim prediction. All I can say is that you must be looking for teams to lose to.

You've noted that the offensive line returns everyone, but you've failed to mention how they'll be upgraded with so many good athletes coming off redshirts, not to mention the addition of Haughton, who will be a force, the only question is when. It may take time to gel, but this group should be improved.

And, as far as quarterback, whoever starts is going to be a playmaker--Bates also with his feet, Arnaud with an exceptional arm.

Toss in special teams, where Jason Carlson and Leonard Johnson may well have a huge impact on returns, and you have the beginnings of some remarkable big play potential.

Looking at the schedule, I'm really thinking in terms of at least six wins--and I'm afraid that you don't really want to know what I think they're going to manage.

Totally made my point. We are counting on NEW or UNPROVEN players at every position except RB and Oline. Thats all I was trying to say.

I hope like everyone that the QB is great, WR has 2 new guys step up and be stars, freshman or backup DTs from last year play amazing, linebackers to develop depth, to find a couple more safeties, and a kicker to boot the ball deep and make a high percentage of easy field goals.