I think the 19 years comes from how long the B10 Network has been in existence and how long they have been doing these preseason training camp previews.
They were almost over the top complimentary towards us. I'll be interested in seeing what they say when they see OSU especially QB.
To me the whole season hinges on if Allar has taken the next step in terms of performing in our biggest games. This means, decision making, leadership, execution in the clutch, better pocket presence, mentally stronger, etc.
Clearly this is related to how he meshes and gels with the new WRs. I know our WRs need to prove it to us but what I see as different this year versus the last couple of years is the depth and potential of the young guys. Unless all this talk about Howard, Exinor and Denmark is a lot of hot air nonsense then we have young guys who legitimately could see meaningful snaps and make an impact. This time last year we never heard this kind of praise about Saunders or Ivey or whomever were the depth pieces.
I am cautiously optimistic that there is a legitimate BIG upgrade at WR and hopeful we have a "hidden gem" in one or two of the young guys.
At TE Dinkins was voted a freak athlete. Perhaps he breaks out almost like Warren. I am not saying he will have a Warrenesque season but if he flashes that kind of athletic ability then he can be a difference maker. Remember he is a great blocker, that can't be undervalued. Don't underestimate him. Luke Reynolds with another year of experience will do damage. Don't forget we also have Rapp.
The O -Line according to all reports is the best we have had in 30 years and I think the best or one of the top 2 or 3 units in the country. Jake Butt said this is the key to winning it all. If the O-Line dominates with our skill guys then this offense is lethal. Admittedly it still depends on them performing in our biggest games and Allar coming through but with the O-Line being so good that means Allar won't be as pressured in these big games like versus OSU and our run game will be more dominant thus opening up our vertical passing game. A question I have is if any of our WRs can get open versus the OSU secondary and Downs. Did OSU lose anyone in their secondary. They will use Downs to blanket our #1, can we respond?
On defense it starts with our line. I do have a concern here. We have DDS and Durant but then somewhat unknowns or total unknowns. Can Ford be a force? Is Fisher ready for a big time role? Is Gilliam ready as the 3rd DT? Who else steps up as key depth pieces? White, Williams at DE? Cook, Wafle, Blanding, Andrews at DT? I look for DDS to be a sack machine. He mentioned in the Big Ten network interview that Knowles is going to let him just let loose and go right at the QB.
Our LBs could be better this year. Remember Rojas was nursing a shoulder injury a lot
of last year. He was another one voted a freak athlete because of his sub 4.4 speed. That is incredible speed for a LB. Campbell is a proven guy and we have Deluca who is solid along with Wylie and Speca.
The secondary has two potential 1st team all Big Ten guys in Harris and Wheatley. At CB we have Collins and Washington as two guys with experience and then we have Daryus Dixon the Freshman who may be our #1 Freshman (either him or Olesh). At safety and nickel you have Tracy for the nickel spot who has a lot of experience then we have Lane and Mack and Belgrave-Shorter who could all contribute in a big way. We played just about the entire season last year without Winston Jr so we are essentially only back filling for Reed. It also means the guys now got some good experience.
At the end of the day we have talent and depth oozing from all facets of the team. Are there some question marks, yes, but overall we have a really good shot to take it all.
I would say if Allar can improve in these big games and if our DLine holds up with both DDS and Durant playing like 1st team B10 guys while the depth pieces step up then we will be very difficult to beat.
