Redding Husky said:
1) I believe we've bottomed out. The Army & SMU losses were horrible. I think those days are behind us.
2) The new helmets & uniforms ... they're not as good as the block "C", but they're better than what we had.
3) Diaco was a disaster last year, but I think (hope) he's a quick learner.
4) The QB situation should be better. Many years we've wondered how good we could be if we just had an average QB. We may now have that.
I'd like too see other positive opinions from those that follow the program closer than I do.
I have no idea if we've truly bottomed out. I'm hopefully for a turnaround but a 3-4 win season is still the bottom.
Helmet and uniforms are just that. I'm glad the are moving away from the domes of humiliation because it's just bad juju at this point. I thought the block C had the potential to be iconic a left enough room to experiment with alternate looks. Wearing a holiday tie on a holiday is fine. Looks silly on your average Tuesday.
Again, I have no idea if he is a quick learner. Seems fairly stubborn to me, but if he's right then that will be a good trait. If he's not...
We've been waiting 10 years for a better QB situation. The best we've done is not disastrous and doesn't turn the ball over. The day we have a no doubt starter who can stay on the field is the day we can begin to ponder this question.
The positive is the raw material we have on the roster. Years of suck haven't reduced the measurable on the roster.
The strength and conditioning seems to be trending in the right direction.
The defense is still very good.
Our WR group is still better than we've seen even after losing Graham and Phillips.
Secondary looks good despite losing a first rounder. LBs look better and DT look solid. Getting an edge rush and OLB speed could make this a special unit.
We have some talent at RB, not enough to overcome poor line play, but capable of a vast improvement is the line blocks just a little better.
New talent in the return game might make ST a net positive once again for the program. Kickers will be fine, a lot of depth there.
QB, Oline, turnovers, and consistent running will determine this year's outcome. My guess is a 25% improvement in any area nets one additional win over last season. Improve in all four and I say we go bowling.