I'm liking this team

[Scarlet16E]

Call me blue sky pollyanna, but this team is giving me good vibes for the coming season. We look bigger than ever before. We look focused. The QB competition is tight and they are pushing each other to get better.
I'm not nearly as worried about the O-line as I thought I'd be.

Let's do this.

 

[T2Kplus10]

Call me blue sky pollyanna, but this team is giving me good vibes for the coming season. We look bigger than ever before. We look focused. The QB competition is tight and they are pushing each other to get better.
I'm not nearly as worried about the O-line as I thought I'd be.

Let's do this.

If the QB play isn't at least as good as last year, we are going to lose a lot of games. I can see 4-8 wins based on how our new QBs do.

 

[seels2662]

I actually agree. This team on paper is really really good. The only thing that really worries me is that there are too many positions that one injury can derail everything.

 

[JERSEYROOTS]

IMO, it all rests on O-line performance. Rettig/Laviano each look prepared to at minimum manage games, we have a stable of quality RBs, and we have some serious weapons at WR. So, if the O-line can give these guys time and allow for plays to develop, we'll be in a lot of games. The secondary is the other key factor. If the LBs can do their job (and KL may prove to be a huge pickup here) the DBs and S may have an easier time than last year. I agree we're bigger and stronger in some key areas. So, here's to hoping it all comes together!

 

[RU23]

I actually agree. This team on paper is really really good. The only thing that really worries me is that there are too many positions that one injury can derail everything.

Which positions? My main concern as far as depth is always the OL and the DL, and those positions seem to get better every year depth wise. We'll go about 7 or 8 deep on the OL (Cole, Applefield, and Brodie being the primary backups) and at least 8 deep on the DL with a possibility of 10 (Wilkins, Lambert, JPO, Nash - plus maybe Wiafe and Bateky though they're probably a year away from serious contributions). Seems that we have two competent QB's which is nice and 5 very good RB's. WR and TE depth is decent. We've only got 4 CB's which is a problem (though Adams could be a 5th if he comes along quickly), but both Cioffi and Stephenson can slide over if need be. LB is another slight concern at the OLB spots. If Longa or Gause goes down there will likely be a significant dropoff due to Taylor's injury and Nash's move to DE.

 

[Rokodesh]

CB is my biggest worry but I think Hester and Cioffi help a great deal. Cioffi has the range to cover deep and Hester you can put in the box in certain situations. Plus Turay is even better and DT is bigger.

 

[RU#1fan]

CB is my biggest worry but I think Hester and Cioffi help a great deal. Cioffi has the range to cover deep and Hester you can put in the box in certain situations. Plus Turay is even better and DT is bigger.

I think the CB will surprise many folks.
Wharton, Boggs, Austin will step up.
Safety spot is loaded: Hester, Cioffi, Stephenson, Jacobs,

 

[urbanecane]

I like this team too. Our front 7 on D is stacked, RB's are good, WR's are good, o-line should be at least decent. We really need Barnwell to come through. CB would be a weak spot even with Barnwell; without him we are in danger of the secondary disaster of 2 years ago.

 

[Section118]

Call me blue sky pollyanna, but this team is giving me good vibes for the coming season. We look bigger than ever before. We look focused. The QB competition is tight and they are pushing each other to get better.
I'm not nearly as worried about the O-line as I thought I'd be.

Let's do this.

Ok, you are a blue pollyanna

 

[RUBOB72]

The O-line and D-lines will be fine...I'll even say we get a surprise positive outcome with the DB's...LB ' s are a bit thin but highly qualified ...RB's check ...Receivers check...Tight ends check( better than the past several years depth wise...kicking game depends...do Federico , Roth and Gleason perform or tank it...I say our specials will be special otherwise...call me Polly.

 

[seels2662]

Which positions? My main concern as far as depth is always the OL and the DL, and those positions seem to get better every year depth wise. We'll go about 7 or 8 deep on the OL (Cole, Applefield, and Brodie being the primary backups) and at least 8 deep on the DL with a possibility of 10 (Wilkins, Lambert, JPO, Nash - plus maybe Wiafe and Bateky though they're probably a year away from serious contributions). Seems that we have two competent QB's which is nice and 5 very good RB's. WR and TE depth is decent. We've only got 4 CB's which is a problem (though Adams could be a 5th if he comes along quickly), but both Cioffi and Stephenson can slide over if need be. LB is another slight concern at the OLB spots. If Longa or Gause goes down there will likely be a significant dropoff due to Taylor's injury and Nash's move to DE.

I think we lucked out with Austin, I don't think the rest besides Boggs are really ready to take the reins. One goes down and we are hurting.

The outside LB is a concern as you have said, particularly the strongside LB spot. An injury to either one shuffles the whole LB group.

I have heard good things about Nelson at center. However after that and its probably a freshman who needs a year in S&C starting.

We don't have a second left tackle. We have a few that can grow into the role, but if Lumpkin goes down we are in trouble. You just can't throw any backup lineman into the left tackle spot. There is a reason why we are looking at at least one JUCO LT.

I have heard the TE's have been looking good, but still I would like to see one distance himself from the rest.

Another NG goes down and we could be playing walkons in the rotation at that position.

Not sure what is going to happen at FB either.

 

[j10oreo]

I'm pretty hyped for this season myself. We might have a slaughter house for a schedule, but I find it absurd that some teams are questionably ranked higher than RU. I find it bizarre that Carroo often gets mentioned as one of the best at his position in the B1G, but put him on a list of best players across the country then his name disappears all together. I love the underdog role, it makes the victories that much sweeter. Last season before the CFB playoffs I said tOSU was the best team in the country and would win it all. I live in SEC country so obviously I was believed to be an idiot, but calling the "upsets" over Bama and Oregon is a real feel good story. The tears of SEC fans were delicious.

 

[MrWise]

I think our depth is far better than in previous seasons. I have concerns in the kicking game and we are definitely razor-thin at CB. However, my biggest worry is at free safety as I hope Stephenson can step up his play which looked a bit shaky last season especially against the run.

We have an absolute bear of a schedule. If Flood can find seven wins, he should be in the running for Coach of the Year.

 

[RUChoppin]

I'm hyped, too. I think we're going to be a step better than we were last year, overall. I do have a few concerns, though:

NT and MLB - Lost a lot of experience at these two positions, and are breaking in new bodies. With the amount of power run we'll see this year, this is a key part of our defense that needs to hold up. We also don't have a lot of depth at either spot, which makes me concerned about injuries.
CB - Losing Barnwell is frustrating, and hurts depth. Not a deep rotation here, and again susceptible to injuries. Everyone has to show up big, and stay healthy, for this unit to be solid.
Safety - This was a weak point at times last year, especially against the run. Some bad angles left the RB open for huge gains. Some new faces here. Hoping everything works out, and we're a step forward from last year.
FB - Burton was the oil that made the machine go for the last two years. When he went down in 2013, the running game dried up. He did a lot more than just run blocking, and he's not easy to replace. Hoping the dropoff here isn't steep.
OL - Looks great on paper, but chemistry will be key. New center, especially. Really, the protection and blocking unit overall is a concern - just because we're replacing 5 of 7 guys, if you include FB/TE. The parts all look solid, the question is how quickly they gel with one another.
QB - Still a question mark until we see the product on the field, but lots of depth. I'm confident that the starter will do well, but that there will be some growing pains at times.
OC - It's McDaniels' show. What kind of playcalling are we going to see?

 

[realhoops2]

If the QB play isn't at least as good as last year, we are going to lose a lot of games. I can see 4-8 wins based on how our new QBs do.

If you think success this season depends on an inexperienced sophomore QB being as good or better than a 4 year starting senior quarterback who threw for approximately 9,000 yards for his career you are extremely pessimistic. Success will depend on a much improved defense, specifically against the run, and effective rushing game, effective special teams, and finally efficient 3rd down and play action QB play.

 

[realhoops2]

I'm hyped, too. I think we're going to be a step better than we were last year, overall. I do have a few concerns, though:

NT and MLB - Lost a lot of experience at these two positions, and are breaking in new bodies. With the amount of power run we'll see this year, this is a key part of our defense that needs to hold up. We also don't have a lot of depth at either spot, which makes me concerned about injuries.
CB - Losing Barnwell is frustrating, and hurts depth. Not a deep rotation here, and again susceptible to injuries. Everyone has to show up big, and stay healthy, for this unit to be solid.
Safety - This was a weak point at times last year, especially against the run. Some bad angles left the RB open for huge gains. Some new faces here. Hoping everything works out, and we're a step forward from last year.
FB - Burton was the oil that made the machine go for the last two years. When he went down in 2013, the running game dried up. He did a lot more than just run blocking, and he's not easy to replace. Hoping the dropoff here isn't steep.
OL - Looks great on paper, but chemistry will be key. New center, especially. Really, the protection and blocking unit overall is a concern - just because we're replacing 5 of 7 guys, if you include FB/TE. The parts all look solid, the question is how quickly they gel with one another.
QB - Still a question mark until we see the product on the field, but lots of depth. I'm confident that the starter will do well, but that there will be some growing pains at times.
OC - It's McDaniels' show. What kind of playcalling are we going to see?

NT, MLB, and safety tackling and angles were the weakest links of the defense last season. With increased size at NT and what I think will be and upgrade at MLB with Lewis/Johnson I think we will be significantly improved in this area. With an additional year of experience for Jacobs and Stephenson plus the addition of Hester and Cioffi, safety play should be improved as well.

 

[LotusAggressor]

This season is all about the trenches on both sides of the ball. Let's see the improvement on the field when the lights turn on.

 

[realhoops2]

I think our depth is far better than in previous seasons. I have concerns in the kicking game and we are definitely razor-thin at CB. However, my biggest worry is at free safety as I hope Stephenson can step up his play which looked a bit shaky last season especially against the run.

We have an absolute bear of a schedule. If Flood can find seven wins, he should be in the running for Coach of the Year.

Interesting you mention free safety. I believe the staff think this will be a strength with the more experienced Stephenson and Cioffi. Overall safety tackling and angles, with exception of sporadic moments/games by Waters, was a major contributor to the run defense woes.

 

[RUBOB72]

I think we lucked out with Austin, I don't think the rest besides Boggs are really ready to take the reins. One goes down and we are hurting.

The outside LB is a concern as you have said, particularly the strongside LB spot. An injury to either one shuffles the whole LB group.

I have heard good things about Nelson at center. However after that and its probably a freshman who needs a year in S&C starting.

We don't have a second left tackle. We have a few that can grow into the role, but if Lumpkin goes down we are in trouble. You just can't throw any backup lineman into the left tackle spot. There is a reason why we are looking at at least one JUCO LT.

I have heard the TE's have been looking good, but still I would like to see one distance himself from the rest.

Another NG goes down and we could be playing walkons in the rotation at that position.

Not sure what is going to happen at FB either.

Tariq Cole would move to LT ( sorry I know he's a RS Frosh) or Marcus Applefield gets to show us what all the hype is about...That's it in a nutshell.

 

[ruready07]

Sebastian Joseph needs to step up. He looks ready.
Lambert has to be the all important utility guy this year. He will surely earn his scholly.
Kaiwan Lewis can be another very successful transfer for us. Position of need and will allow Johnson a year to gain experience. Johnson has the tools to be very good down the road.

I'm definitely more worried about the defense. On offense, it's all about miller and Nelson on the line. I'd they show up we will move the sticks. I like what ive seen from McDaniel so far. He likes to motion and shift to create matchup problems and isn't afraid to take a deep shot.

We have a quiet confidence about us, which seems to show that the team is taking on their coach's personality.

 

[MADHAT1]

If the QB play isn't at least as good as last year, we are going to lose a lot of games. I can see 4-8 wins based on how our new QBs do.

Nova will be missed because of his experience and the way he shown improvement last season.
But despite him being one of the all time great RU QBs , he could have preformed better last season.
Against the Nits had 5 picks and completed 15 of 30 passes and under 200 yds.
The Cornhusker game seen 8 of 19 for under 200yds with one int.
5-15 against the Badgers with 1 int and under 50 yds
MSU held Gary to 11-26 with 2 ints and 142 yds.

Nova had some great games in 2014 and played well against the Buckeyes, but his leaving doesn't hurt the team as much as some claim it does and whoever wins the RU QB position this season might just be able to step into Nova's shoes and do a better job against the best of the B1G.
Not saying Gary was the reason for the blowout losses or close loss to the Nits, but with better OL play Chris or Hayden might be able to have RU more competitive in those games and pull off some unexpected wins while beating the teams RU is expected to.

4-8 sounds like many felt last year would look like and RU proved it was better than that [banana]



2

 

[KnightsofChrome]

Interesting you mention free safety. I believe the staff think this will be a strength with the more experienced Stephenson and Cioffi. Overall safety tackling and angles, with exception of sporadic moments/games by Waters, was a major contributor to the run defense woes.

The kid couldn't cover my grandmother in a telephone booth. Never understood all the hype surrounding him for the past 3 years. I think we got better not by addition, but by subtraction. And, not just with the strong safety, but our linebackers will be the best group since 06. Maybe not as much experience, but much better athletes.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

I am cautiously optimistic but I am scared to death at the corner spots. People forget what happened in 2013 when the corner spot was a do over

Hell....it even took Logan Ryan a half season in 2011 and Jason mccorutey most of 2005 getting toasted to become real good later

Any chance of 7-8 wins depends on Boggs and Austin playing like a junior and a soph and not a soph and frosh

 

[realhoops2]

I am cautiously optimistic but I am scared to death at the corner spots. People forget what happened in 2013 when the corner spot was a do over

Hell....it even took Logan Ryan a half season in 2011 and Jason mccorutey most of 2005 getting toasted to become real good later

Any chance of 7-8 wins depends on Boggs and Austin playing like a junior and a soph and not a soph and frosh

If they can generate an effective pass rush with 4 maybe 5 rushers and cover with 6 or 7 they can mask a lot of the inexperience in the secondary.

 

[Rokodesh]

The corners were high school kids going against nfl caliber QBs in 2013. Boggs prepped and has a year of college experience, Austin prepped and had the whole spring and summer to work. Wharton redshirted and got stronger. Not saying they will be great but it's not the same situation. Also don't expect them to play 10 yards off like in Cohen's defense because we have the safety help on the deep ball that we didn't have in 2013

 

[Scarlet16E]

I get the feeling that Peele will be an asset there as well.

 

[bac2therac]

this was meant to be a positive thread so I wont try to bring it down but there is a lot of brightsiding going on. Sure this team could do good things if all things come together. People continue to underestimate the qb situation, way too over confident given Laviano showed little last year and Rettig has been slower to come around then thought. As maligned as Nova was, the guy won games, will the new qb be able to do that? Sure you can say he wont be asked to but the bottom line is he will have to at some point. I just think its a HUGE HUGE HUGE question mark. The cornerback situation is a huge concern. Last year improved over the previous year but still it was the 2nd most yards given up in history. The loss of Fridge is huge, don't underestimate that. RU has great depth at running back but once again the OL is a question mark given that we will run more than pass. Kicking as usual is something to be concerned about.

A lot of people overlook exactly how confused the coaching staff was before the last 6 quarters...Is they are as good as the last 6 quarters or as bad as some previous games. The answer lies somewhere in between of course. Flood has done many things right but not sure that 6 quarters are enough sample size to say...no worries there. Schedule wise the games vs Penn State and Michigan will be tougher simple because they are on the road where this team played like deer in headights last year in the big stadiums. Those two games are the key to the season IMO. And with such a young team games against WSU and Maryland and Indiana are no gimmes...yes those teams are young as well.

 

[Scarlet16E]

Thanks for trying not to bring it down.
Actually, I don't agree with most of your assessment of the past or the present situation.
Rettig has not taken longer than I expected. I didn't see the coaches as confused last year. Our corners have improved as would be expected with better line and safety play. Fridge's insights are still available to the staff.

 

[RUONTHERISE]

I can't wait til Bobby Deren puts together his preseason write up with his predictions and record.