We have to win 7 just to go bowling as with 2 FCS teams on the schedule, only one counts for bowl requirements. If we can't win at least 8 games with the easiest schedule of all P5 schools, then somebody needs to resign.

1. Offense will likely be better. Experienced QB and WR's. Of course all this goes for minimal gain if Fuente follows his pattern the past 2 years with a 55%/45% run/pass ratio. The running game? Fuente has never proven that he knows how to utilize a running back correctly either at Memphis or VT. The O-line got pushed around last year and looked weak. With several starters graduating, I'm not sure it will get better, but I'm hopeful.

2. Defensively, our D-line is in bad shape. Lost 4 out of 5 revolving starters with Walker, Mihota, Gaines, and Hill. Hewitt has shown he is an unspectacular player, and the other guys have little to no FBS experience or were also unspectacular. All it takes is a single injury to a single starting DT or DE this year, and you'll see us go back to a sieve like defense like last year.

The D-line players were routinely overpowered, and pancaked at the LOS last year. Watch the GT and Pitt games, especially GT where they ran the ball every play except maybe 2 plays and we still couldn't stop them. This is why a good strength coach is important.

3. At CB, I thought Farley got better by the end of the season, in contrast to Watts, who continued to make gaffs even in the bowl game. Losing Watts was NOT a loss, as he was the worst defensive performer last year. LB is the one group where we will be solid. However it won't matter if the blocking up front is so bad that offensive blockers are penetrating to the 2nd level.

4. Punting will be solid with Bradburn. Johnson is too inconsistent to be a reliable FBS kicker. He really needs to replaced asap.

5. Defensive coaching needs to improve. Nix underperformed and was replaced. Players as well as Foster himself admitted after the GT and Pitt debacles that no adjustments were made. How is this defensible? If you're being blown out, you're obviously doing something wrong.

[Post edited by n2beaches at 07/30/2019 4:36PM]