"Most highly anticipated in history" has a risk to it.
I think it's justified, but do agree with your statement. Hopefully the fans don't all melt down if we win 7 or 8 games though. Because in the grand scheme of the history of the program, that's actually really good for Cyclone football.
And the few will wage a holy war all over these forums.There will be a few. But I think the vast majority of fans will be fine.
These forums don't represent the fan base, frankly.And the few will wage a holy war all over these forums.
And the few will wage a holy war all over these forums.
Always amazes me that these type of articles seldom, if ever, mention the upcoming strengths/weaknesses of the opposition.
Agreed. Just saying it will be worse the first time we punt vs UNIAnd that's different than normal how?
There is simply a lot of reasons to be excited about this team. Defensively they are going to be very good, without question. Offensively, it would be great to have Montgomery and Butler back, but the coaches have recruited pretty well at those positions and having an OC like Manning back in the fold will help a lot. Bring on the Kool-Aid, extra strong mix!
My big questions:
How much was the defensive line helped last year by outstanding coverage? Can it return the favor this year for the relatively inexperienced secondary this year?
Can Purdy spread it around without that one huge bailout option streaking down field, and can the young backs keep the pressure off him by being productive both in rushing and blocking?
I think the answer to those questions will be positive, but if we see some struggles here and there, it would not surprise me to see them come from these uncertainties.
For some reason, I'm not as concerned about the secondary as a lot of fans are. There are 3 really good options at safety, and the DB, while being young, were very good when call on to play last year. Young looks like a stud/lockdown guy in waiting.
Running back worries me the most. DM was just such a good back in terms of running, blocking and getting the extra yard. Not sure ISU has anyone that can do all those things. Croney seems like a good runner/blocker at times, but lacks speed. Also tends to get lost on his blocking assignments. Still hoping that Kene will have a breakout year. No matter what, the OL HAS to get better.
Butler was a stud most of the time, but there are still some guys that can make plays at the WR position and I look for the TEs to take some of that production over. Kolar is another player that looks like he is going to be an NFL guy if he continues to improve.
I think it's justified, but do agree with your statement. Hopefully the fans don't all melt down if we win 7 or 8 games though. Because in the grand scheme of the history of the program, that's actually really good for Cyclone football.