CSNbbs

"We will run the ball better this year" Why? The improved offensive line.

Deepest line we've ever had. Says he have 8 or 9 staring quality 0-linemen.


Also says this is the deepest WR corps we've ever had.

I think back to 3 brand new starting OLinemen last year, including 2 redshirt frosh, and what we were able to do in the first few games of the season - that 4th quarter drive against Maryland, 160+ yards for Turner against 'Bama. A young line had troubles, but was still solid and should be even better!!

I wish we could be this enthusiastic about our defense. Our lack of depth there really worries me. If we experience injuries to starters on defense this year, our defense is going to be even worse than Toledo's will be.

It's interesting the in their preview, College Football News said we have no depth at offensive line, and have the best defense in the MAC. I disagree with both of those. Hopefully, our defense will surprise me (and maybe others).

I've said this a million times. While I realize defense doesn't usually win games in a conference like the MAC, the fact is our general weakness of talent (I guess) on the defensive side plus the simple Simon vanilla schemes we have been forced to utilize as a result have really hurt us in the make or break games. Now we are faced without Randee Drew and Nick Duffy, not to mention a couple other decent veterans. The defense is going to be very green and downright thin in spots. This is precisely the reason why I am not as bullish as the rest of you regarding our conference hopes in 2004. Hopefully two or three younger guys can really emerge in summer practice.