Jared and I with stuff to watch for, storylines, etc. for Saturday.
http://cyclonefanatic.com/podcasts/podcast-spring-game-preview/
http://cyclonefanatic.com/podcasts/podcast-spring-game-preview/
PODCAST: Spring game preview
- Thread starter ChrisMWilliams
- Start date
This team will go as far as the front seven will let it. The offense should be fine if the OL can be at least as good as last year, but it won't matter if we can't stop the run again. DL is nearly a complete unknown.
I'm more worried about the linebackers than the defensive line. I'm happy Lanning is finding his way onto the field, but I'll be shocked if it's a smooth transition from day 1.
I bet coach will think that Spring has gone well and guys have made progress but there are still things to work on.
Lots of potential on the DL. Those 2 Juco DTs should be an upgrade over last year.
At LB we return Harvey. He should be even better. We lose Mills and Seeley. Not a big deal there. Lanning, Sutton, McMillen, Spears, and others. We should be okay. Secondary should be solid.
Even the best linebackers in the country can't make much difference if the DL is getting blown up every play. D-line play determines what you can/have to do with the rest of your defense.
JUCO DT's, Trent, and Johnson need to at least be able to hold their ground from the start. Bailey had a good first year, but not much production from any one else. Just can't get run over like the last 4 years and expect to win.
I agree that good defense stems from the line. Doesn't matter how good your secondary is if you give the QB too much time, any QB will find someone open eventually.
I predict that the D line will be shaky at the beginning of the year, and everyone will be super worried but I think they will be above average by the end of the season.
I'm not worried about the D-line. There is enough depth, size, and talent that I have no doubt the coaches will find 7 or 8 capable guys.
I think linebacker is the key. We need guys that will be play makers. We don't have much depth, so we are counting on a few to deliver.
I think linebacker is the key. We need guys that will be play makers. We don't have much depth, so we are counting on a few to deliver.
Don't forget Waggoner. He was getting plenty of snaps before getting injured. Coach Rasheed has also indicated that Ray Lima is currently penciled in with the 1s.
Again; what I like is our D linemen finally pass the eye test physically. I'm less worried about that front than I have been in previous years.
Linebacker on the other hand... I expect Hummel & Vance to play as true freshmen.
Can't argue one bit about the eye test, finally have some size along the front you would expect in a Big 12 defense. But everytime I think about JUCO DL, I think of the reports about Jhaustin Thomas throwing up in his first fall camp and needing so much time to get in shape. Certainly helps that Lima and Leo are here now and get the spring and summer to learn the system. Cautious optimism...
The only thing slowing that guy down was his motor. He's still going to get a long look from NFL scouts based on his size alone.
Try to focus on juco success stories like Demond Tucker & Ahtyba Rubin instead.
If our OL and DL's are at least respectable this year, I could see 5 or 6 wins. If not, probably 3 wins again.
LB actually doesn't concern me as much as some on here. For the most part, we run a 4-2-5, so we have 2 LBs. Right now we have Harvey, Lanning, Northrup, McMillen, Spears, Sutton, and 2 incoming FR in Hummel and Vance that are already physically ready, just have to learn the system. I think that should be plenty of quality depth.
I know people are worried about Lanning, but I think he'll be pretty good. This was probably his best position for college coming out of high school, that's what Nebraska was recruiting him to play, so he'll do a good job IMO.
LB actually doesn't concern me as much as some on here. For the most part, we run a 4-2-5, so we have 2 LBs. Right now we have Harvey, Lanning, Northrup, McMillen, Spears, Sutton, and 2 incoming FR in Hummel and Vance that are already physically ready, just have to learn the system. I think that should be plenty of quality depth.
I know people are worried about Lanning, but I think he'll be pretty good. This was probably his best position for college coming out of high school, that's what Nebraska was recruiting him to play, so he'll do a good job IMO.
