Despite some of our recent struggles I think a lot of us are excited to see the team next year because the roster and schedule on paper lead to some optimism. I was thinking over how I perceive the roster to be and a good comparison and I thought back to the 2005 team.
The highlight of that team was Dwayne Slay and he isn’t there yet but for a first year JUCO Dorsey turned in a hell of a year. Big time hitter in the run game and solid in coverage. You also had McBath while 2018 has Johnson. I think our LB corps are better than 2005 and while the secondary had questions, I expect an improved unit. I think Morgan will be better and we had a lot of guys step up, and Parker was a playmaker. We should be good on the DL again but 2005 probably had better pass rushers with Dixon and Dawson. Anyway everyone should be excited about the defense next year as potentially the best since 2005. 2008, 2009, and 2012 were good units as well.
Another comparison is at QB. Hodges was a dual threat guy and not a pure passer. Duffey or Carter are serviceable but I expect them to use their legs a good bit. King isn’t Henderson but I think King is going to have a big year, getting Ward back would help. I’m not as bullish on the OL next year, I think they’ll be better but not as elite as some are expecting. WR is definitely weaker as you had Hicks, Filani, Johnson, and Amendola. However I think we have some good pieces but really need a couple guys to breakout besides Vasher. KiKi would have been big.
I think kicker will be better next year but I believe 2005 had Trileca who was great. The schedule isn’t easy but if we go undefeated in conference we will get some attention beating an SEC team and UH. Big games at home gives Kliff his best chance to get it done.
I really think both 2015 and last year could have been 8-9 win years but we are talking a few plays being the difference. The team has some questions but the defense is as deep as it’s been in a while and the OL should really help the QB and WR progress through the season. Early reports in offseason workouts are very positive. 9 wins should be the target.
The highlight of that team was Dwayne Slay and he isn’t there yet but for a first year JUCO Dorsey turned in a hell of a year. Big time hitter in the run game and solid in coverage. You also had McBath while 2018 has Johnson. I think our LB corps are better than 2005 and while the secondary had questions, I expect an improved unit. I think Morgan will be better and we had a lot of guys step up, and Parker was a playmaker. We should be good on the DL again but 2005 probably had better pass rushers with Dixon and Dawson. Anyway everyone should be excited about the defense next year as potentially the best since 2005. 2008, 2009, and 2012 were good units as well.
Another comparison is at QB. Hodges was a dual threat guy and not a pure passer. Duffey or Carter are serviceable but I expect them to use their legs a good bit. King isn’t Henderson but I think King is going to have a big year, getting Ward back would help. I’m not as bullish on the OL next year, I think they’ll be better but not as elite as some are expecting. WR is definitely weaker as you had Hicks, Filani, Johnson, and Amendola. However I think we have some good pieces but really need a couple guys to breakout besides Vasher. KiKi would have been big.
I think kicker will be better next year but I believe 2005 had Trileca who was great. The schedule isn’t easy but if we go undefeated in conference we will get some attention beating an SEC team and UH. Big games at home gives Kliff his best chance to get it done.
I really think both 2015 and last year could have been 8-9 win years but we are talking a few plays being the difference. The team has some questions but the defense is as deep as it’s been in a while and the OL should really help the QB and WR progress through the season. Early reports in offseason workouts are very positive. 9 wins should be the target.
