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(04-28-2021 02:01 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(04-28-2021 01:37 PM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(04-28-2021 01:24 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  Actually, I think the difference between elite and otherwise is the play of our QB. That said, at the risk of splitting hairs the defense still had some moments that was not dominant. We also played many teams with suspect offenses. IMO, the defense this year can be better - not by leaps and bounds - but I meant that any drop off on offense could be offset by a deeper talented defense. Especially across the DLine - getting after the QB should be much improved this year.

The defensive numbers I cited adjust for competition level. UC was elite defensively last year (and the offenses they went against were better than you think). I expect our QB play to be exceptional this season if the offensive line is solid. Ridder made an enormous leap and I think he'll make another this year. I just don't know how much room the defense has to improve to offset any drop in offense.

Well, SMU may have been one we played well against but Memphis and Houston were not as strong as in years past. We didn't hold UCF down and barley won 36-33. I guess the difference in our opinions is I don't anticipate a drop off on offense due to the play at the tackle positions. So long as a certain player isn't holding down one of those spots LOL. We got better in the interior of our line from the center position outward to the guards. That's where your QB gets quick pressure and the running game suffers.

Didn't say what I anticipated. Just said it's the biggest area of concern. It's the biggest unknown. The truth is we don't know what we're going to get there. We had great starters last year, but our depth at the position that was ready to play was nonexistent. Are they ready now? We'll see.