(07-28-2017 05:47 PM)JoeNovak Wrote:  

(07-28-2017 03:19 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Nice analysis! To piggy back on your last paragraph though, I hate to say it, but 3rd place prediction is a bit of respect for past decade accomplishment. If you look at what talent NIU is returning both player wise and coaching wise, I am hard pressed to not have them 4th or 5th. When a year is looking as bleak as this one, you have to be able to take something out of it positive. NIU needs to know what type of talent they have at QB, if Graham starts vs BC, I just will be speechless about the state of this program. You are right though weird things can happen so who knows. Obviously if Woodside were to get injured, the playing field becomes nearly leveled. Toledo is the clear favorite right now, but I don't think they are better than MAC West preseason favorites in year's past, the conference is just in for a down season this go around.

Lack of talent at the QB and WR position? Yes. Everywhere else? No. NIU's O-line is going to be strong. The back 7 of the defense should be the best it has been in years. Saying they have no talent returning is just a generalization based off the departure of Kenny and no set QB. There's plenty of talent in other areas. Many of them on preseason award watch lists. (Ex: Lurry, Sharping, etc.)

I'd even add that the WR group does have talent. And Plenty. In fact, the two highest rated WRs this school has ever landed(tears .86, Wesley .839) will be on the field. That doesn't automatically translate into production, but it does mean talent. It seems like I'm the only one who thinks this could be a strength, but line up Blake, Beebe, Tears/Wesley and Wimann? That's pretty bad ass. It's going to be a group success. Parchment and Robinson give you height. Beebe and Brown are quick, smaller WRs. Wesley and Tears have deep speed. I think people are sleeping on this group. Not one big star here, but a really diverse group.