The Front Row

Some good comments but much too much rose in the tint of many of those glasses. Remember last year we assumed we had enough raw talent to overcome the loss of JT, lack of an OC, and an inexperienced HFC. We also discovered our D wasn't as good as we thought and couldn't carry us.

Granted Urban's arrival has galvanized the program and given it direction. So we have an experienced HFC on the sidelines and a real OC now. Big plusses.

But consider:
--we had no offensive development of any of our young players, just playing time (not to be confused with "development")
--we didn't have team leader on either side of the ball and am not sure who they will be this year
--other than Brax, we don't have a "playmaker" though one of our young running backs might be the guy
--we have no deep threat
--installing a new system.

Add that up I'd be happy with 8-4 or 9-3 with a win over M. 10-2's stretch, 11-1 a fantasy, and 12-0 needs medication.

Good points gessig, but with Simon, Boren, Shazier [even though only a soph.] and Mewhort [who will be a focussed unleashed beast wanting to make up for "Piss gate", I am confident the leadership will be there.

Respectfully disagree. Braxton most certainly developed just by getting to see the different looks and his play in the last couple of games showed that, Hyde developed until Boom returned, Mewhort, Linsley, and Norwell took some lumps but improved as the year went on. Tell Simon to his face that he's not a leader, Shazier as well. Philly and Devin Smith are deep threats if they can be more consistant catching the ball. As for the new system, sure there will be some bumps in the road but it will also force teams to defend the entire field and create endless oportunities for Braxton, Carlos, Stoney,and any receiver who chooses to step up.