If we do not have any more surprises, do not lose a lot of players to injuries, have an adequate running game, and can shore up the DT position, we will have at least a 7-5 year and go to another bowl game.
If we lose many more players to academic or physical casualties, all bets are off. We will struggle for survival.
Assuming the above do not become problems, I think we will have a good year, and with a few breaks, could have an 8-4 or better year.
I believe the ineptness of the passing game hurt us worse last year in more critical situations than the running game.
I believe Gailey will try to establish a good running game which is essential to a good passing game. You cannot win consistently unless you can run and pass effectively. A one dimensional team will always get you in trouble.
The passing game will be much improved over last year.
The running game will not be as good as it was under Hollings, unless someone steps forward. However, since the running game is the forte of Gailey, I look for it to be effective.
If it is effective, we will have a dominating offense. If it is not effective, we will still be better offensively this year than we were last year, but will struggle in the tough games.
Look for the offense to put more points on the board than last year.
The defense could be exceptional if the defensive tackle position is effective. It will still be good with only moderate success at the DT position.
All of the above should lead to a good to great season depending on the aforementioned avoidance of additonal player losses.
OFFENSE
Strong at quarterback,
Strong at Tight End, look for Cooper to break out,
Strong at Wide Receiver,
Strong at Offensive line,
Strong to adequate at Fullback depending on Matthews at this position,
Questionable at running back.
DEFENSE
Strong at the Safety positions,
Strong at the Cornerback positions,
Strong at the Linebacker positions,
Strong to adequate at the Defensive End positions depending on where Matthews and Gathers play.
Defensive Tackle position unsettled at this particular time. Will have to see what transpires during Fall practice.
Father Time
If we lose many more players to academic or physical casualties, all bets are off. We will struggle for survival.
Assuming the above do not become problems, I think we will have a good year, and with a few breaks, could have an 8-4 or better year.
I believe the ineptness of the passing game hurt us worse last year in more critical situations than the running game.
I believe Gailey will try to establish a good running game which is essential to a good passing game. You cannot win consistently unless you can run and pass effectively. A one dimensional team will always get you in trouble.
The passing game will be much improved over last year.
The running game will not be as good as it was under Hollings, unless someone steps forward. However, since the running game is the forte of Gailey, I look for it to be effective.
If it is effective, we will have a dominating offense. If it is not effective, we will still be better offensively this year than we were last year, but will struggle in the tough games.
Look for the offense to put more points on the board than last year.
The defense could be exceptional if the defensive tackle position is effective. It will still be good with only moderate success at the DT position.
All of the above should lead to a good to great season depending on the aforementioned avoidance of additonal player losses.
OFFENSE
Strong at quarterback,
Strong at Tight End, look for Cooper to break out,
Strong at Wide Receiver,
Strong at Offensive line,
Strong to adequate at Fullback depending on Matthews at this position,
Questionable at running back.
DEFENSE
Strong at the Safety positions,
Strong at the Cornerback positions,
Strong at the Linebacker positions,
Strong to adequate at the Defensive End positions depending on where Matthews and Gathers play.
Defensive Tackle position unsettled at this particular time. Will have to see what transpires during Fall practice.
Father Time
