Re #1: I've mentioned this on MLive, but the coaches were hesitant to start Jackson, because he had his left hand in a heavy cast all season. He missed the first game due to the injury, which occurred in practice. The concern was that he might fumble. Fortunately, that was an unfounded concern, but it was legit, IMO. As for Mixon and Lawhorne: they both averaged 4+ ypc last season and Lawhorne was one of our leading receivers, so there's plenty of talent there. The gelling of the O-line after the first three games or so was a big reason for our rushing success.
#2 The receivers were largely inexperienced last
season, so I expect the dropped passes to decrease significantly. Lewis and Clark in the middle should help shore up the run defense, along with more size and experience on the DL.
Urban Meyer inherited a talented team that had been underachieving. WMU had only one real down season before Darnell came, so you can't really compare that to CMU's situation. The CMU squad DeBord got was out-of-shape and had a poor attitude. Bottom line: DeBord had more work to do.
I'd forgotten about the punt against Western. OK, that might be iffy decision #2, still not an indictment of DeBord, in my book. As for the QBs, how can you say none of them can throw? Have you personally seen Arnoldink and Liddell-Smith? For that matter, did you see Vickers this spring? Word is, he's improved. Moreover, DeBord has said he's not satisfied with the QB play, but he was stuck with a roster with five or six QBs and needs everywhere. If BeatWestern is correct, CMU is pursuing one or two higher-quality QBs now.
I hear you on the "close" games, but when your program has been down, you look for the little things, at first. I expect 5-7 wins this season, which would show steady progress. It's the offseason, try to find a few reasons to hope. To begin with:
1) Strong running game and good pass-blocking.
2) At least slight improvement at QB.
3) At least slight improvement at WR.
4) More experience and size in the defensive front seven.
5) DeBord has said the secondary is coming along faster than expected.
6) Better conditioning. On the CMU site, an article mentions an across-the-board increase in player strength.
7) An easier OOC schedule, including Wyoming (3-19 the last two seasons), a poor B10 team going through a coaching change (Indiana), and a BC team that has lost a little luster to the NFL (and is less talented than, say, MSU). Also, six home games for the first time in over a decade.
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