A quick glimpse into next year.

[leodisflowers]

Defense -

DL - Should have a heck of a D-Line. DT should be loaded even without Collins, and hopefully we get a few folks to emerge at DE. I think Freedom is going to be a stud, and just have to pray for lack of injuries, but should be stout up front.

LB - We could be pretty darn good here too. Get a lot of folks back, and have some redshirts as well as some other up and comers ready to go. Maybe some of the incoming freshman will be ready to go as well, but should be good here.

DB's - A lot of young talent with some great returners. Hopefully they continue to build on some progress.

Overall I think out D is going to be stout.

Offense -

WR's - Dr. Route is the man, and there isn't too much here to talk about. Hopefully we aren't injury prone again.

OL - I think we will see some improvement. Gates should shine, and hopefully Foster can get in the mix. Not sure want to think, but I think the future could be promising.

RB - We need someone to emerge. We need a playmaker.. Does Bryant come in and light it up? Does Wilbon get over his off the field issues and become the man? We need this position to be our strength again.

QB - Biggest question and also determines a lot of our record. Wait and see.

I don't mind the pieces on O. QB play and finding a stud RB is going to be crucial.

I see a lot of reason for optimism. Off course injuries have a potential to happen, but next year sets up pretty well. I know the schedule gets tougher, but taking just a quick glance I think we have a shot to do well. Being captain obvious, this will be a big year for the coaches. There are some loaded positions, and the D has the personnel to be pretty darn good next year. How far can we go? is it 5-7 or 1 to 2 losses?

 

[jlb321]

agree regarding the defense - Need depth at DE
anyone have any info regarding the development of Davis twins? are both slated strictly for DT - was some talk earlier about one playing base or strong side DE

Offense - QB play ??????????????
remain very concerned about Oline - not sure we are very talented across the board with the exception of Gates - hopefully lots of growth in the offseason from some of the interior lineman - very young and will be very inexperienced - we are going to struggle here next year and I dont see us being able to rely heavily on the run despite all the yelling about how we need to be so run heavy - we aren't going to have the offensive line to do this

RB - was impressed at times with Ozigbo
need another TE to step up behind Carter

 

[GretnaShawn]

agree regarding the defense - Need depth at DE
anyone have any info regarding the development of Davis twins? are both slated strictly for DT - was some talk earlier about one playing base or strong side DE
r

Whatever happened to Peyton Newell? It seems like he was highly thought of coming in and now I don't ever hear his name (I know he is still young, but Stoltenberg is getting snaps and they are the same class, IIRC).

 

[red rover 70]

agree regarding the defense - Need depth at DE
anyone have any info regarding the development of Davis twins? are both slated strictly for DT - was some talk earlier about one playing base or strong side DE

Offense - QB play ??????????????
remain very concerned about Oline - not sure we are very talented across the board with the exception of Gates - hopefully lots of growth in the offseason from some of the interior lineman - very young and will be very inexperienced - we are going to struggle here next year and I dont see us being able to rely heavily on the run despite all the yelling about how we need to be so run heavy - we aren't going to have the offensive line to do this

RB - was impressed at times with Ozigbo
need another TE to step up behind Carter

Imo this staff has shown they can develop and teach players that are receptive. As a team we should continue to grow. The only position that i can't feel good about is at quarterback. We can't have a repeat of this year. Even with Patrick coming in we need a little depth with quality. I just don't see that now and it has seriously held this team back.

 

[headcard]

Will be interesting to see how the line shakes out and we could really use a playmaker at RB. But like every one else has said it is all going to come down to QB play, as everything else is coming together (slowly).

 

[leodisflowers]

Will be interesting to see how the line shakes out and we could really use a playmaker at RB. But like every one else has said it is all going to come down to QB play, as everything else is coming together (slowly).

I agree to a certain extent on that. We are putting up a lot of points, I feel like we just need to get the D and some of the areas tuned up, and even a small tune-up would equal at least 2 more wins this year. I agree QB play has to be there if we are going to compete for a title, but we can be a lot better if some other positions come on as well. For the most part I agree though.

 

[jimbosc]

DE/LB - need to create more pass rush somehow - probably Juco help at DE a must

QB - play must improve if TA sits so be it

Oline - big concern is we played several seniors and don't have 5 guys with decent game experience under their belts. Does not mean they won't be good - alot is coaching and playing together as a unit.

I think RB will sort itself out - enough players there and coming in I think we'll have a good rotation.

Final thought.......my gut feel on Banker is he is not the right guy for DC. I know he is Riley's guy - but he is not the right guy to get the D where it needs to be in the B1G. WAY too many let downs this year - I don't trust him to get the D to step-up when needed.

 

[tim4hawks]

i think you guys go 10-2 next year. these kind of years put a fire under your ends all off season. look what it did for iowa lol. and as much as i love my hawks, we dont have the talent that you guys have so if you put all your ducks in a line... watch out! need consistent qb play is exactly key. was a main reason iowa was so frustrating to watch last year and then this year we have consistency. and its a big part of championship teams(msu with cook) as you can see what happens when qb play shows its ugly head(osu, neb, wisc, etc). good luck guys and cheerin ya on in a bowl game. hopefully this rivalry picks up steam now!