Looking ahead to Next Year

[GrindingAway]

The returning guys will need to improve to maintain the play we saw this year. It is possible.

Isn't that always true?

[cyinne]

Does anybody see Barnett transferring? Being that he has now been passed up by someone that is younger than him and the possibility that a redshirt this year would possibly be higher on the depth chart... He has won some big games here but his inconsistency is his crutch. I think he could be a pretty good, consistent qb in the MAC/CUSA.

[CyValley]

Also, I evaluate them against our current defensive line. . . .

But, what information do you use to make that evaluation? The current defensive line you can evaluate from observing them play. But, if you haven't seen the youngsters play? . . .

[swarthmoreCY]

Isn't that always true?

Not if the returning guys includes most of your starters.
Will it happen is the question.

[UNIGuy4Cy]

But, what information do you use to make that evaluation? The current defensive line you can evaluate from observing them play. But, if you haven't seen the youngsters play? . . .

Raw talent of freshman>>>>>>raw talent of these Seniors as freshman

[Rhoadhoused]

But, what information do you use to make that evaluation? The current defensive line you can evaluate from observing them play. But, if you haven't seen the youngsters play? . . .

You make the assumption that they are not terrible. If they are terrible, we are screwed. However, I think it is much more likely that they are at least average players. In order for there to be a big drop off, there has to be an originally high ceiling. I wouldn't say our senior Dlinemen are irreplaceable or any kind of standouts, would you? I doubt any of them get even honorable mention. Maybe McDonough could get a 3rd team or honorable mention I guess.

Also, if our seniors were that good, we wouldn't rotate 12 linemen in. Our coaches don't have the elite talent other teams in the B12 have, so they try to gain an edge by building depth. It's a pretty good strategy. Depth plus discipline on the line creates an environment where new guys can step in and contribute without being incredible athletes and keeps the line consistent from year to year.

[Mr Janny]

Something that bodes well for next year, in my opinion, is our ability to score through the air. We got 27 TD's through the air, this year, and that's just head an shoulders better than any season in recent history. I think our next closest season in the last ten years was 17 TD's.

Now, granted, our rushing TD's were considerably lower than what we normally get, but I like the idea that we are going to the air more in scoring situations. That, in itself, shows a change between Coach Mess and Coach Herman. And with the way Sam Richardson is slinging the ball, I look forward to seeing how things progress.

[Luth4Cy]

I'm feeling good about next year. I'm concerned about each lines, but I think Bleil will get the O-line together and hopefully some young guys step up on the D-Line such as Irving, Morrissey, Aka, Pompey.

[UNIGuy4Cy]

I'm feeling good about next year. I'm concerned about each lines, but I think Bleil will get the O-line together and hopefully some young guys step up on the D-Line such as Irving, Morrissey, Aka, Pompey.

I have 0 concern for the offensive line next season, if
nothing else we could be a lot better next year than this year. Defensive line will be talented but inexperienced.

[CyFan61]

Next year: Our offense is better and our defense is worse. I believe (and hope) that the extent of our offensive improvement will be greater than that of our defense's decline.

[Luth4Cy]

Next year: Our offense is better and our defense is worse. I believe (and hope) that the extent of our offensive improvement will be greater than that of our defense's decline.

Seems like it would make sense for the defense to be worse, but history tells us Wally's defense will improve despite some major loses. It will be interesting to see. Despite what some people think, our defense did pretty well yesterday with three major injuries. If we could finally get a dominant pass rusher, that will go a long way in making the defense truly top notch.

[exCYtement]

wouldn't say im that concerned with the secondary. Washington, broomfield, watson plus a more experienced Brackens, Stokes, and Thomas. Agree with the post above about the defensive line.

offense:
QB: Richardson (maybe Rohach if he turns out to be incredible)

HB: White

WR: Jarvis West, Albert Gary, Quenton Bundrage (excited for this one, the kid can play) and maybe some guys redshirting this year who knows

TE: brun

O-line: Brock Dagel, Ethan Tuftee, Kyle Lichtenberg, Tom Farinok and possibly Jamison Lalk but could just be dreaming

excited for this team next year now that its getting listed out, go clones!

This. I don't think we all realize how good Bundrage is going to be. Sam's TD pass to him yesterday was amazing. Considering we have both those guys for 3 more years, it could turn into something special.

[ILiftWithRoyce]

What do we know about Brackens? Thought he's suppose to be a stud but he never played when Givens got hurt. Think he will step up next year?

[Doc]

There should be some great position battles next year. I think the OL is likely to be Lich-Tuftee-Farniok-Dika-Gannon and the WRs and DL should be rotated like this year, but these 3 spots should be very interesting battles.

2nd CB -- Stokes, Lynn, Richardson, Lawry, Rogers
WLB -- Knott, Miller
SS/NB -- Broomfield will grab one of these spots leaving Morgan, Mutcherson, and Brackens to battle for PT at the other. Maybe Schaeffer, but I hope somebody could beat him out.

Finding a 2nd big, outside receiver would be nice as well leaving Gary and West to the slots. Maybe Daley or Daniels?

[Doc]

What do we know about Brackens? Thought he's suppose to be a stud but he never played when Givens got hurt. Think he will step up next year?

My guess is that the mental side isn't there for him yet. I think Broomfield will be a stud SS for ISU next year, and hopefully Morgan finally puts it all together at NB or Mutcherson steps up.