So, this season will be interesting. I genuinely believe that we will be a better football team than last year. The way the schedule is laid out, however, we are going to have an awful record the first half of the year. Please everyone just accept this now, and do not despair.
****Best case scenario is that we are 3-5 after the first 8 games. *****
We are not beeating BYU, Cincinnatti, or Missouri on the road, period. Navy is always an to play, and the best of the Academies.
However, after that, the schedule opens up, and I think we can really build some momentum going into next year. ECU(home), @Tulane, Houston(home - COLD) give us a great opportunity to stretch our legs and regain some swagger, with a matchup @Temple to close out the year. If this plays out as I guessed below, that could be a legitimate BIG GAME for the first time in 4 years, as a bowl berth will be on the line at 5-6.
Here's why:
Our Defense has had a year to learn schemes/assignments, and can build on many promising players that got time last year. Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, and Safety should be among the best in the conference, bar none. If we can find one/two DE who can pressure(Ormsby/Carrezola?) and a couple CB who can hold their own(Jamar Summers needs to step up), we are going to have an above average to Very Good defense
Our Offense, IMHO, will have a competent/playmaking QB this year for the first time in like 23423523523 years. He's not going to be Orlovsky, but I think he'll do a pretty good Tyler Lorenzen imitation with his legs. And any UConn fan will tell you, there is no better outlet valve than a QB who can motor. He will keep many drives alive on 6 yard scampers on 3rd and 4. We just have not had that option for the past half-decade. We also have a really strong stable of RBs that complement each other and should be among the best in the conference. RJ can bang, and is a legit intimidator, while Arkeel/Marriner can catch/wiggle. Our WR/TE groups are all rising, and could surprise this year. If we can get anything, ANYTHING, out of our OLine, we can put some points on the board.
So, in Summary, hold on to your damn hats and grab tight a bottle of your favorite spirits, and a copy of MakersMuppets Screed, because you will need it for the first half of the season. But when the weather turns chilly, know that we could be in for a taste of the light that is at the end of this dark tunnel.
I predict 6-6, which would be a monumental success, and some really happy Husky fans around XMas.
Cheers all
Thu., Sep. 3 vs. Villanova - W 31-13
Sat., Sep. 12 vs. Army W 20-10
Sat., Sep. 19 at Missouri - L 41-13
Sat., Sep. 26 vs. Navy * - L 31-13
Fri., Oct. 2 at BYU - L 37-10
Sat., Oct. 10 at UCF - 17-10
Sat., Oct. 17 vs. USF - W - 30-20
Sat., Oct. 24 at Cincinnati - L 34-24
Fri., Oct. 30 vs. East Carolina W - 38-24
Sat., Nov. 7 at Tulane W - 37-10
Sat., Nov. 21 vs. Houston - W 31-28
Sat., Nov. 28 at Temple - W 21-20