(10-05-2020 02:07 PM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-04-2020 09:22 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  

(10-03-2020 06:33 PM)JMU Wrote:  

(10-03-2020 05:37 PM)Purple Wrote:  

(10-03-2020 04:09 PM)dukes5 Wrote:  Heads are exploding on ECU message board.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Mikey and Kirkpatrick are not very popular right now.

But,wait, I thought he was the UNC head coach in waiting.

Looks like Ecu was probably even worse than Houston thought. I think his big miscalculation was that after time they could compete with the top of the conference. That was a long time ago- there is a huge chasm between the Ucfs Cincy Memphis and Houston’s and Ecu. Tulsa and Smu have shown an ability to close it but I think Ecu is even worse than UConn.

Former JMU commit Rick Abreu starts on defense for Ecu. He’s e guy Houston poached. Kid would have been better off staying at JMU. That defense is a tough unit to be a part of- spend a ton of time on the field each week getting beat up by opposing offenses.

I hope some day and I can make the miscalculation and go from a $515,113 a year base job, to a $1,472 a year base job. You never now when the next opportunity will come around.

That said I'm surprised he's not got things improving yet.

And he never will. He pulled a Withers move and did it in a disgusting way. He is reaping what he has sown.

To me you leave for more money when you don’t have confidence you can keep it going where you are or that you will have better opportunities to move in the future. Houston struck me as a very confident guy and coach so to make that move when he did was I think a dumb move and I felt that way at the time. Withers I could see - get out before you are exposed Houston should have stayed put won more and he could have gotten a lower level Acc job the way Klieman nabbed a lower level Big 12 job. Ecu is a bad job- non competitive in a tough league with a fan base/boosters that have unrealistic expectations.

(10-05-2020 08:02 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  To me you leave for more money when you don’t have confidence you can keep it going where you are or that you will have better opportunities to move in the future. Houston struck me as a very confident guy and coach so to make that move when he did was I think a dumb move and I felt that way at the time. Withers I could see - get out before you are exposed Houston should have stayed put won more and he could have gotten a lower level Acc job the way Klieman nabbed a lower level Big 12 job. Ecu is a bad job- non competitive in a tough league with a fan base/boosters that have unrealistic expectations.

I think Mikey was just like Withers. He saw his cushy job crumbling (embarrassing losses to Elon, UNH, and Colgate) and bailed while he could. Only he did it in a way that still pisses me off.

(10-05-2020 08:08 PM)Purple Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:02 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  To me you leave for more money when you don’t have confidence you can keep it going where you are or that you will have better opportunities to move in the future. Houston struck me as a very confident guy and coach so to make that move when he did was I think a dumb move and I felt that way at the time. Withers I could see - get out before you are exposed Houston should have stayed put won more and he could have gotten a lower level Acc job the way Klieman nabbed a lower level Big 12 job. Ecu is a bad job- non competitive in a tough league with a fan base/boosters that have unrealistic expectations.

I think Mikey was just like Withers. He saw his cushy job crumbling (embarrassing losses to Elon, UNH, and Colgate) and bailed while he could. Only he did it in a way that still pisses me off.

I always thought he would leave eventually, but never thought it would happen that poorly.
I think what really changed his feelings towards JMU when UNC didn't even give him a glance when there was an opening. I don't think he was expecting to get the job, but it was a wake up call for him that he would have to go somewhere else to get a shot at a program like UNC.
I really liked the guy and thought he would live up to the contract he had just signed. I was very wrong and felt very foolish believing the guy.
I have no doubt he's a good person, but when it comes to coaches... he no different than any other up and coming coach- no loyalty. When a better school comes after Houston, I have no doubt he'll jump at the opportunity.

(10-06-2020 07:45 AM)JMad03 Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:08 PM)Purple Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:02 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  To me you leave for more money when you don’t have confidence you can keep it going where you are or that you will have better opportunities to move in the future. Houston struck me as a very confident guy and coach so to make that move when he did was I think a dumb move and I felt that way at the time. Withers I could see - get out before you are exposed Houston should have stayed put won more and he could have gotten a lower level Acc job the way Klieman nabbed a lower level Big 12 job. Ecu is a bad job- non competitive in a tough league with a fan base/boosters that have unrealistic expectations.

I think Mikey was just like Withers. He saw his cushy job crumbling (embarrassing losses to Elon, UNH, and Colgate) and bailed while he could. Only he did it in a way that still pisses me off.

I always thought he would leave eventually, but never thought it would happen that poorly.
I think what really changed his feelings towards JMU when UNC didn't even give him a glance when there was an opening. I don't think he was expecting to get the job, but it was a wake up call for him that he would have to go somewhere else to get a shot at a program like UNC.
I really liked the guy and thought he would live up to the contract he had just signed. I was very wrong and felt very foolish believing the guy.
I have no doubt he's a good person, but when it comes to coaches... he no different than any other up and coming coach- no loyalty. When a better school comes after Houston, I have no doubt he'll jump at the opportunity.

Theres close to 50-50 odds at this point he doesn't last at ECU and will have to go back to FCS or become a coordinator somewhere. His stock isn't rising at the moment. Solid coaching ability, but got in over his head there. Unless ECU boosters are more patient than I think, he may be done this year or next. Dumping Trott suggests they won't accept too many more losing seasons.

Edit - reading their board suggests they want him gone, but won't be able to afford it now. So likely MH has some more time, but may be told to keep replacing coordinators ...

You guys are nutz.

1) There was practically no way Houston would be here for his full 10 contract. (at most I would of given it a 10% chance).
2) He took a job 3 times what he was making or a Million more a year. There's an awful lot of people that would take advantage of an over 7 million offer. You're more than set for life with that. I like my company, and my team here, but if can leave them all for 7,000,000 over the next five years- I'm gone.
3) He wanted to get back to North Carolina. Who knows when the next NC opportunity will arise, or when it does, will he still be as hot a candidate?

You take opportunity when it's available, or you might not ever get the chance again.

"Yeah the bum, Houston should have walked away from that additional 5 million over the next 5 years coaching in the state he dreamed of coaching."

Yeah, right.....


He left after 2 years at The Citadel and no one seemed to have an issue with him not fulfilling that contract?

Who would not walk into a job that sets one up well long term financially. Fired coaches usually have been paid a lot more than most of us (years) in the two or three previous years. MH is in the $1.6m range...of course he went to ecu and wins regardless of what happens.

(10-06-2020 10:50 AM)Dukester Wrote:  You guys are nutz.

1) There was practically no way Houston would be here for his full 10 contract. (at most I would of given it a 10% chance).
2) He took a job 3 times what he was making or a Million more a year. There's an awful lot of people that would take advantage of an over 7 million offer. You're more than set for life with that. I like my company, and my team here, but if can leave them all for 7,000,000 over the next five years- I'm gone.
3) He wanted to get back to North Carolina. Who knows when the next NC opportunity will arise, or when it does, will he still be as hot a candidate?

You take opportunity when it's available, or you might not ever get the chance again.

"Yeah the bum, Houston should have walked away from that additional 5 million over the next 5 years coaching in the state he dreamed of coaching."

Yeah, right.....


He left after 2 years at The Citadel and no one seemed to have an issue with him not fulfilling that contract?

Agree. Don't understand grown a$$ men holding a grudge against the man. So what. Coaches come and go. Always have. Always will. Besides, after the whole Charlotte thing blew up, even if he didn't want the ECU gig, he couldn't beg back his way to JMU. Guess I don't see the joy in rooting for the man to fail. Personally, I hope he gets more time and kills it, however unlikely that may be.

Lol at some fans who believe coaches should be loyal to FCS JMU when they are offered a promotion to FBS. Unrealistic optimism. Very naive. Too eager to be offended. Perhaps even “do as I say, not as I do.”

The only way for JMU to increase its clout and staying power for coaches is to move to FBS and pay them what peer programs are paying. The fact is, our program is a peon in the world of college football. And it is by choice.

(10-06-2020 02:45 PM)Hart Foundation Wrote:  Lol at some fans who believe coaches should be loyal to FCS JMU when they are offered a promotion to FBS. Unrealistic optimism. Very naive. Too eager to be offended. Perhaps even “do as I say, not as I do.”

The only way for JMU to increase its clout and staying power for coaches is to move to FBS and pay them what peer programs are paying. The fact is, our program is a peon in the world of college football. And it is by choice.

I agree with everything you said except the by choice statement. ODU had a $5 mil. donor step up. App had donors step up and convince (fund the move) the chancellor to take the Sunbelt offer. Where is that kind of donor or donors at JMU? The lack of significant donor money has been the missing piece for JMU. The accountants would be all ears if donors pulled out their wallets. It hasn’t happened yet. As long as JMU has to rely on student fees for the bulk of our athletics funding, we are stuck in FCS.

(10-06-2020 09:00 AM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-06-2020 07:45 AM)JMad03 Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:08 PM)Purple Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:02 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  To me you leave for more money when you don’t have confidence you can keep it going where you are or that you will have better opportunities to move in the future. Houston struck me as a very confident guy and coach so to make that move when he did was I think a dumb move and I felt that way at the time. Withers I could see - get out before you are exposed Houston should have stayed put won more and he could have gotten a lower level Acc job the way Klieman nabbed a lower level Big 12 job. Ecu is a bad job- non competitive in a tough league with a fan base/boosters that have unrealistic expectations.

I think Mikey was just like Withers. He saw his cushy job crumbling (embarrassing losses to Elon, UNH, and Colgate) and bailed while he could. Only he did it in a way that still pisses me off.

I always thought he would leave eventually, but never thought it would happen that poorly.
I think what really changed his feelings towards JMU when UNC didn't even give him a glance when there was an opening. I don't think he was expecting to get the job, but it was a wake up call for him that he would have to go somewhere else to get a shot at a program like UNC.
I really liked the guy and thought he would live up to the contract he had just signed. I was very wrong and felt very foolish believing the guy.
I have no doubt he's a good person, but when it comes to coaches... he no different than any other up and coming coach- no loyalty. When a better school comes after Houston, I have no doubt he'll jump at the opportunity.

Theres close to 50-50 odds at this point he doesn't last at ECU and will have to go back to FCS or become a coordinator somewhere. His stock isn't rising at the moment. Solid coaching ability, but got in over his head there. Unless ECU boosters are more patient than I think, he may be done this year or next. Dumping Trott suggests they won't accept too many more losing seasons.

Edit - reading their board suggests they want him gone, but won't be able to afford it now. So likely MH has some more time, but may be told to keep replacing coordinators ...

I read their board "Hoist the Colors" from time to time to gauge how Houston is doing. I did not get the sense that they, as a majority, want him gone. (The more reactionary board, Boneyard Banter, may however). Sure, that sentiment does exist from some fans, but I found there was a healthy portion of posters who recognize the dumpster fire he walked into and that it's going to be a 4-5 year process. The previous coach left quite a hole. They have little in the way of upper classmen.

What I have noticed is that many of the posters feel that Houston is trying to pound a round peg into a square hole...and just doesn't have the pieces to make it work and seems unwilling to adjust to what he does have. I also noticed their depth chart for their USF game, which was released recently. Their starting units strike me as undersized for AAC competition and extremely young. Both starting lines, LBs, DBs and WRs are FCS size. I believe I counted 14 Fr/So as starters or co-starters. They are playing Rico Abreu as a 253 lb DT. They also have a 257 lb starting RT. The cupboard was really empty there.

Don't know if Houston will turn them around. Jury is still out for me. Seemed like they made some decent progress offensively late last season. But this years' start has been pretty bad.

(10-08-2020 09:32 AM)olddawg Wrote:  

(10-06-2020 09:00 AM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-06-2020 07:45 AM)JMad03 Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:08 PM)Purple Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:02 PM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  To me you leave for more money when you don’t have confidence you can keep it going where you are or that you will have better opportunities to move in the future. Houston struck me as a very confident guy and coach so to make that move when he did was I think a dumb move and I felt that way at the time. Withers I could see - get out before you are exposed Houston should have stayed put won more and he could have gotten a lower level Acc job the way Klieman nabbed a lower level Big 12 job. Ecu is a bad job- non competitive in a tough league with a fan base/boosters that have unrealistic expectations.

I think Mikey was just like Withers. He saw his cushy job crumbling (embarrassing losses to Elon, UNH, and Colgate) and bailed while he could. Only he did it in a way that still pisses me off.

I always thought he would leave eventually, but never thought it would happen that poorly.
I think what really changed his feelings towards JMU when UNC didn't even give him a glance when there was an opening. I don't think he was expecting to get the job, but it was a wake up call for him that he would have to go somewhere else to get a shot at a program like UNC.
I really liked the guy and thought he would live up to the contract he had just signed. I was very wrong and felt very foolish believing the guy.
I have no doubt he's a good person, but when it comes to coaches... he no different than any other up and coming coach- no loyalty. When a better school comes after Houston, I have no doubt he'll jump at the opportunity.

Theres close to 50-50 odds at this point he doesn't last at ECU and will have to go back to FCS or become a coordinator somewhere. His stock isn't rising at the moment. Solid coaching ability, but got in over his head there. Unless ECU boosters are more patient than I think, he may be done this year or next. Dumping Trott suggests they won't accept too many more losing seasons.

Edit - reading their board suggests they want him gone, but won't be able to afford it now. So likely MH has some more time, but may be told to keep replacing coordinators ...

I read their board "Hoist the Colors" from time to time to gauge how Houston is doing. I did not get the sense that they, as a majority, want him gone. (The more reactionary board, Boneyard Banter, may however). Sure, that sentiment does exist from some fans, but I found there was a healthy portion of posters who recognize the dumpster fire he walked into and that it's going to be a 4-5 year process. The previous coach left quite a hole. They have little in the way of upper classmen.

What I have noticed is that many of the posters feel that Houston is trying to pound a round peg into a square hole...and just doesn't have the pieces to make it work and seems unwilling to adjust to what he does have. I also noticed their depth chart for their USF game, which was released recently. Their starting units strike me as undersized for AAC competition and extremely young. Both starting lines, LBs, DBs and WRs are FCS size. I believe I counted 14 Fr/So as starters or co-starters. They are playing Rico Abreu as a 253 lb DT. They also have a 257 lb starting RT. The cupboard was really empty there.

Don't know if Houston will turn them around. Jury is still out for me. Seemed like they made some decent progress offensively late last season. But this years' start has been pretty bad.

That's where I am. I still gravitate to watch their games. I'm surprised they are struggling as much as they are. I'm not one that believes it takes three year to turn around a football team. I think football versus, basketball is a slower process to turn things around, but I'd like to see a football program make significant progress the end of the 2nd year. That said, in the Covid era I give everyone a pass from admin to coaches.

Mike's teams at JMU would of beaten Mike's teams at ECU by 3 touchdowns. Kinda hard to figure when the recruits he's picking up at ECU are rated higher than JMU and he get's more 'ships at ECU and a higher coachs budget. And I know what many of you are thinking - their recruits are rated higher because that chose ECU. In reality most players are going to pick ECU over JMU. I doubt we would not like to have any of their recruits.

(10-08-2020 09:50 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 09:32 AM)olddawg Wrote:  

(10-06-2020 09:00 AM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-06-2020 07:45 AM)JMad03 Wrote:  

(10-05-2020 08:08 PM)Purple Wrote:  I think Mikey was just like Withers. He saw his cushy job crumbling (embarrassing losses to Elon, UNH, and Colgate) and bailed while he could. Only he did it in a way that still pisses me off.

I always thought he would leave eventually, but never thought it would happen that poorly.
I think what really changed his feelings towards JMU when UNC didn't even give him a glance when there was an opening. I don't think he was expecting to get the job, but it was a wake up call for him that he would have to go somewhere else to get a shot at a program like UNC.
I really liked the guy and thought he would live up to the contract he had just signed. I was very wrong and felt very foolish believing the guy.
I have no doubt he's a good person, but when it comes to coaches... he no different than any other up and coming coach- no loyalty. When a better school comes after Houston, I have no doubt he'll jump at the opportunity.

Theres close to 50-50 odds at this point he doesn't last at ECU and will have to go back to FCS or become a coordinator somewhere. His stock isn't rising at the moment. Solid coaching ability, but got in over his head there. Unless ECU boosters are more patient than I think, he may be done this year or next. Dumping Trott suggests they won't accept too many more losing seasons.

Edit - reading their board suggests they want him gone, but won't be able to afford it now. So likely MH has some more time, but may be told to keep replacing coordinators ...

I read their board "Hoist the Colors" from time to time to gauge how Houston is doing. I did not get the sense that they, as a majority, want him gone. (The more reactionary board, Boneyard Banter, may however). Sure, that sentiment does exist from some fans, but I found there was a healthy portion of posters who recognize the dumpster fire he walked into and that it's going to be a 4-5 year process. The previous coach left quite a hole. They have little in the way of upper classmen.

What I have noticed is that many of the posters feel that Houston is trying to pound a round peg into a square hole...and just doesn't have the pieces to make it work and seems unwilling to adjust to what he does have. I also noticed their depth chart for their USF game, which was released recently. Their starting units strike me as undersized for AAC competition and extremely young. Both starting lines, LBs, DBs and WRs are FCS size. I believe I counted 14 Fr/So as starters or co-starters. They are playing Rico Abreu as a 253 lb DT. They also have a 257 lb starting RT. The cupboard was really empty there.

Don't know if Houston will turn them around. Jury is still out for me. Seemed like they made some decent progress offensively late last season. But this years' start has been pretty bad.

That's where I am. I still gravitate to watch their games. I'm surprised they are struggling as much as they are. I'm not one that believes it takes three year to turn around a football team. I think football versus, basketball is a slower process to turn things around, but I'd like to see a football program make significant progress the end of the 2nd year. That said, in the Covid era I give everyone a pass from admin to coaches.

Mike's teams at JMU would of beaten Mike's teams at ECU by 3 touchdowns. Kinda hard to figure when the recruits he's picking up at ECU are rated higher than JMU and he get's more 'ships at ECU and a higher coachs budget. And I know what many of you are thinking - their recruits are rated higher because that chose ECU. In reality most players are going to pick ECU over JMU. I doubt we would not like to have any of their recruits.

The situation Houston acquired at ECU isn't comparable to what he received at JMU. I don't think it's fair to have expected him to turn the program around at ECU so quickly. I do think he's talented enough to turn it around for them. The question is can they be patient enough to allow him to do it?
And to clarify a previous statement I made: No... I did not expect Houston to last the entire 10 year contract. But, I also didn't expect him to leave so soon after signing the extension.
Looking back, I just wish it ended better than it did. I realize some of it wasn't his fault, but he definitely was not without blame either.
It just left a sour taste in my mouth for a guy that had been my favorite JMU coach.

Well, this does not exactly fit into my "his stock dropped after Saturday" scenario , but does send him to where I would like him to go.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news...-defenses/

(10-08-2020 11:40 AM)Dukester Wrote:  Well, this does not exactly fit into my "his stock dropped after Saturday" scenario , but does send him to where I would like him to go.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news...-defenses/

Interesting they rank him below Justin Fields. but draft him above Justin Fields.

(10-08-2020 11:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:40 AM)Dukester Wrote:  Well, this does not exactly fit into my "his stock dropped after Saturday" scenario , but does send him to where I would like him to go.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news...-defenses/

Interesting they rank him below Justin Fields. but draft him above Justin Fields.

It’s the WFT, so it makes sense, lol. Danny likes to “overpay”

I’d rather have Fields. I don’t see Lance getting as many opportunities to run in the NFL without passing well also.

(10-08-2020 02:26 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:40 AM)Dukester Wrote:  Well, this does not exactly fit into my "his stock dropped after Saturday" scenario , but does send him to where I would like him to go.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news...-defenses/

Interesting they rank him below Justin Fields. but draft him above Justin Fields.

It’s the WFT, so it makes sense, lol. Danny likes to “overpay”

I’d rather have Fields. I don’t see Lance getting as many opportunities to run in the NFL without passing well also.

I'm with Nation

I'm not saying this team cannot win a NC, but there are as many, if not more, question marks on this team than any from the last 4 years. The biggest being at the key position. Other than NDSU (pretty much in any sport) teams don't just reload consistency. "On paper", I'm not sure last year's team is not 7-10 points better than this year's team. Look at all the receivers we lost. How about the 2 all americans to UVA? Most of the best Defensive front is gone. I expect this to be a top 10 team. I hope for it to be a top 5 or better team. I would not be grab my heart and die if we were not top 10 and miss the playoffs.

(10-09-2020 07:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 02:26 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:40 AM)Dukester Wrote:  Well, this does not exactly fit into my "his stock dropped after Saturday" scenario , but does send him to where I would like him to go.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news...-defenses/

Interesting they rank him below Justin Fields. but draft him above Justin Fields.

It’s the WFT, so it makes sense, lol. Danny likes to “overpay”

I’d rather have Fields. I don’t see Lance getting as many opportunities to run in the NFL without passing well also.

I'm with Nation

I'm not saying this team cannot win a NC, but there are as many, if not more, question marks on this team than any from the last 4 years. The biggest being at the key position. Other than NDSU (pretty much in any sport) teams don't just reload consistency. "On paper", I'm not sure last year's team is not 7-10 points better than this year's team. Look at all the receivers we lost. How about the 2 all americans to UVA? Most of the best Defensive front is gone. I expect this to be a top 10 team. I hope for it to be a top 5 or better team. I would not be grab my heart and die if we were not top 10 and miss the playoffs.

the only question mark to me is QB, which of course is massively important.

we are loaded everywhere else.

(10-09-2020 10:27 AM)Duke Dawg Wrote:  

(10-09-2020 07:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 02:26 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:40 AM)Dukester Wrote:  Well, this does not exactly fit into my "his stock dropped after Saturday" scenario , but does send him to where I would like him to go.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news...-defenses/

Interesting they rank him below Justin Fields. but draft him above Justin Fields.

It’s the WFT, so it makes sense, lol. Danny likes to “overpay”

I’d rather have Fields. I don’t see Lance getting as many opportunities to run in the NFL without passing well also.

I'm with Nation

I'm not saying this team cannot win a NC, but there are as many, if not more, question marks on this team than any from the last 4 years. The biggest being at the key position. Other than NDSU (pretty much in any sport) teams don't just reload consistency. "On paper", I'm not sure last year's team is not 7-10 points better than this year's team. Look at all the receivers we lost. How about the 2 all americans to UVA? Most of the best Defensive front is gone. I expect this to be a top 10 team. I hope for it to be a top 5 or better team. I would not be grab my heart and die if we were not top 10 and miss the playoffs.

the only question mark to me is QB, which of course is massively important.

we are loaded everywhere else.

Our Defensive line and receivers (WR/TE) are loaded? Relative to to last year you don't see a decent size step down on both units? I do.......

(10-09-2020 11:28 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-09-2020 10:27 AM)Duke Dawg Wrote:  

(10-09-2020 07:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 02:26 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(10-08-2020 11:42 AM)Dukester Wrote:  Interesting they rank him below Justin Fields. but draft him above Justin Fields.

It’s the WFT, so it makes sense, lol. Danny likes to “overpay”

I’d rather have Fields. I don’t see Lance getting as many opportunities to run in the NFL without passing well also.

I'm with Nation

I'm not saying this team cannot win a NC, but there are as many, if not more, question marks on this team than any from the last 4 years. The biggest being at the key position. Other than NDSU (pretty much in any sport) teams don't just reload consistency. "On paper", I'm not sure last year's team is not 7-10 points better than this year's team. Look at all the receivers we lost. How about the 2 all americans to UVA? Most of the best Defensive front is gone. I expect this to be a top 10 team. I hope for it to be a top 5 or better team. I would not be grab my heart and die if we were not top 10 and miss the playoffs.

the only question mark to me is QB, which of course is massively important.

we are loaded everywhere else.

Our Defensive line and receivers (WR/TE) are loaded? Relative to to last year you don't see a decent size step down on both units? I do.......

WR core is stacked overall. Stapleton's size was a good mismatch, but I don't think you need someone like him necessarily. The 2016 team had speedsters with little height, but they could get open. I actually think Polk's speed is the hardest to replace as there wasn't much else stretching the field vertically for us LY. Painter is about the same size as Dylan Stapleton was.

D-line size I'm not that worried about. Carter and Daka weren't particularly big. Greene was the heaviest DL'er last year and he'll be joined by the monster from UCF that's 6-7 and over 300 lbs. Depending on how things go we may actually be bigger in the Spring, which I'm pretty sure is a goal of Cignetti's. Not saying you can't have questions and concerns, but I'm not concerned about size.