So, now that basketball is over, we can again begin concentrating on college football. With that in mind, what do you see as some realistic predictions for next season? What are the concerns heading into the season?
I think making a prediction on this season is going to be very tough. We have a chance to win the big 10, since we don't play the two powerhouses in Ohio St. and Michigan. However, you said realistically and I think we finish 6th in the Big 10 with a 7-5 season. I think we beat Pitt on the road, but lose all our Big 10 games on the road and lose to Penn st at home. I think minnesota has a good team this year and could be dangerous on the road at the end.
As for concerns: we are young. Our o-line has a year of experience under their belts, led by senior Seth Olsen at right guard. I think this is the area we will stand out this year. We will have an above average offensive line that will protect Jake and keep the running game going. As for skill positions on the offense, I think our best wide-out is our TE duo of Moeaki and Meyers. We might see more two tight-end sets this year with these guys on our team. The WR postion is unproven, however, I don't think it is their fault. I think we have a good core here, Jake just needs to get them the ball. Speaking of Jake, he will be on a short leash. If he stumbles this year, we will probably see one of the younger guys take over. We are essentially chalking up last year's inconsistency to inexperience and learning. At RB, Pugh went crying to ma and pa, leaving us with no experienced back outside of Guillroy, who is a JuCo transfer. Brinson and Jewel in the rough Hampton bring added frosh depth to the position. To me, this is one of the biggest concern on the offense, since no back has run in a regular season game with this offense. The other big concern being Jake.
On defense we have an excellent line led by DT's king and kroul. Our ends can hold their own and I think you will see Clayborn emerge as a big pass rushing DE, with high sack capability. I think LB will be the biggest question, but seeing how we have great coaching we should find a way to get these guys to become playmakers. This leads me to the biggest question on the defense, the backfield. I think our SS in above avg along with our Right corner, Fletcher. But Bernstine and Greenwood need to step it up this year to really solidify that backfield. Who knows they may start a freshman at one of those positions by years end, such as paine or prater.
I'll have to agree with pretty much everything you've got there LionsnTigers, however, I just can't help but to feel a little more optimistic about our offense. Jake did struggle last year, but toward the end he seemed to settle down a little after the line was able to protect him more. Albeit not par-worthy, he may have heard some phantom footsteps in the backfield since he was so used to getting his head ripped off at the beginning of the year. But during Mich St., N'western, and Minnesota, he seemed to come around and actually give a little touch to his passes. He just needs one or two more games where he doesn't get sacked 8 times and develops his confidence in the pocket. But he seems to have a good head on his shoulders in the sense that he protects the football. Maybe he could throw it away instead of taking a sack, but at least he takes the sack rather than force a throw and turn over the football. Kudos JC.
As for the rest of the O, the line looks like it could be solid if they stay healthy. From the way it sounds, Doyle has them getting pretty beefy. So hopefully they can push a few d-fronts around and open up some holes for our RBs and keep JC from getting killed. As for the RB's, Guillroy looks like he could be pretty solid...good speed, quick feet, and some size. I just hope Shonn Greene hasn't lost a step. Brinson looks like he could be pretty promising as well. Call me over-optimistic, but I think that the WRs will emerge as well. Dropped passes and bad routes have been killing us the last few years, but hopefully coach Campbell will hammer the fundamentals into their heads...like how not to use a credit card and what not to smoke.
As for the D, LionsnTigers...ditto.
I think the main thing that needs to happen is some big special-teams play. That was our bread and butter between 02-04. If we hadn't blocked some of those punts and field goal attempts during those years you can count a few of those games going the other way (02 Purdue, 03 Michigan, 05 LSU, etc...). I think that was the spark that truly got this team rocking in games and push the momentum in the Hawks' favor. That has been absent the last three years and it has hurt us badly.
Anyway, it seems to be a favorable schedule (but we all saw how that turned out last year), but hopefully we can get past ISU and Pitt early on and get a little momentum heading into the B10 season, otherwise, we're in for another long season. But, like I said, I am overly optimistic and I think we're taking home the Nat'l Championship. Go Hawks!
Overall I have to agree with you guys. There are a lot of question marks heading in, but there is potential. Hopefully it can all gel. I just wish I could have the opportunity to see more games -- being in Kansas, they're not on very often.
That's the great thing about the Big Ten Network. I moved to Atlanta 5 years ago, and it was nearly impossible to see an Iowa football or basketball game w/o hitting a bar. This year I saw practically every Iowa basketball game....now that I think about it, that might not have been such a good thing.
btw, it's been hard to be a Hawkeye (or a Big Ten fan) the past few years in the heart of SEC/ACC country. We need to turn it around soon...
Ya, I live in Seattle now and don't pick up the network even though I have voted and called to have it added to comcast's lineup. Being in PAC10 country sucks. I have to watch Willingham, who (in my opinion) is one of the most overrated coaches in the country. I hear u with the BIG12, that would not be very fun - Baylor, that would be a painful team to watch.
