|
|
Post by captaincoyote on Feb 21, 2021 13:40:20 GMT -6
So now that it is finally a game week, I'm curious to know everyone's expectations for the season. How many wins do we anticipate? Will the defense improve? Who will be our breakout players? Will any freshman shine? Who will get the most snaps at QB? Other thoughts?
Here's my take:
Record: 4-4 Starting the season at Illinois State(#9) and then traveling up to Grand Forks will be rough, but I think we can beat UND. SDSU is in Brookings and NDSU is NDSU. We'll have to bring our A game every week to be above .500.
The defense has a ton of returning experience and seniors. Losing Greenfield and Cline will be tough, but I think we'll see a net gain.
Schlafke's recent YoteCast interview seemed to give away that they like Eckern's athleticism, but more in a special package kind of way. Both he and Nielson have made it clear that Camp has the most potential, but that he has some work to do with running the offense. Stenstrom is a developmental prospect. That leaves us with the upper classman. Tsagalis would be the safe bet here. We'll find out soon!
If Kody Case can stay healthy he will rack up the stats.
Our tight ends will be a big part of the offense.
The offensive line might finally be slightly above average for the conference.
Brendan Webb flashed a ton of potential late in the 2019 season.
Finally, one of our DBs will breakout and earn all conference honors.
|
|
|
|
Post by easmus on Feb 21, 2021 16:08:10 GMT -6
I like our LB’s and Safeties. A little worried about DL. Should have more depth, so hopefully we can rotate and see consistency. CB are a wild card, but maybe new DB coach brings an improvement. Overall year 2 has to bring improvements in the system, right?
I hope that the OL and play calling makes us a little more run 1st this season with a new QB. RB room is quite strong. Should be interesting to see how it all plays out. We MUST play smarter. We were the most penalized team in the conference last season. We cannot continue with that and improve our record.
Weather is no excuse this week. We have a 1st class outdoor practice field and weather conditions will be similar to the game this week. Still going to be tough to win in Normal but I don’t think it’s a no chance scenario. UND victory yesterday shocked me. Their defense looked to spark everything and what I saw their offense didn’t look dynamic. We better win at least 3 games: MO St, YSU, & WIU. I don’t think beating UNI at home is out of the question. 4 wins would be good, 5 will make me very happy.
|
|
|
|
Post by captaincoyote on Feb 21, 2021 16:54:30 GMT -6
With all the extra practice time, we have no excuse to not have the defenses system completely installed.
I agree on penalties. Gotta play clean.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yote 53 on Feb 21, 2021 17:10:50 GMT -6
I was really excited for this spring season but the first game getting Covid'd just sucked the wind out of that excitement. Then starting two straight on the road, ugh.
My hope for the season is we get 8 games in because I don't think we will. If we play 8 my expectations are 6-2. Tired of waiting until next year. I think we've turned the corner in every level from recruiting to getting the monkey if our back. My expectations are higher now.
Still, * season. Everything is still so whacked.
|
|
|
|
Post by easmus on Feb 21, 2021 17:29:57 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by captaincoyote on Feb 21, 2021 18:03:42 GMT -6
I was really excited for this spring season but the first game getting Covid'd just sucked the wind out of that excitement. Then starting two straight on the road, ugh. My hope for the season is we get 8 games in because I don't think we will. If we play 8 my expectations are 6-2. Tired of waiting until next year. I think we've turned the corner in every level from recruiting to getting the monkey if our back. My expectations are higher now. Still, * season. Everything is still so whacked. I hear what you're saying. This spring season is just such a wild card though. Assuming we have a fall season as well, that's when I really expect us to rise to new heights. We undoubtedly have the talent. |
|
|
|
Post by elcoyote on Feb 21, 2021 18:27:03 GMT -6
Although still young with only one senior, I think our offensive line is going to be way better than "slightly above average". There is the potential to be an ace unit now and for the next several years at least. The thing I hate most is the fact that we have to go on the road for our first game and then come back and then just a few days later head out again to Grand Forks. I realize UND has the same time frame, but they're at home for both and we're on the road for both. Makes a big difference in recovery and ability to prep. Another example of stupid scheduling by the league office. I sometimes wonder if they just sit around and look for ways to make it as difficult as possible for USD. I almost look at this spring season as the NFL would their preseason. Play everyone to get them experience, see what they bring to the table and use it to prepare for the real season in the fall.
|
|
|
|
Post by captaincoyote on Feb 21, 2021 19:13:31 GMT -6
Although still young with only one senior, I think our offensive line is going to be way better than "slightly above average". There is the potential to be an ace unit now and for the next several years at least. I hope you're correct, but I'm from Missouri regarding the offensive line. It's been more of a liability than a strength for too long, for me to have high expectations. |
|
|
|
Post by easmus on Feb 21, 2021 19:41:12 GMT -6
I saw or heard somewhere that the team was able to secure $ for a charter to Normal this weekend. So no worries about a late night long bus ride with the short turnaround. Game at noon, not sure the turnaround time to plane postgame, but I will guess 6, 90 minute flight, then bus to vermilion. They should be home well before midnight...if they go straight home.
|
|
|
|
Post by elcoyote on Feb 21, 2021 22:17:55 GMT -6
I saw or heard somewhere that the team was able to secure $ for a charter to Normal this weekend. So no worries about a late night long bus ride with the short turnaround. Game at noon, not sure the turnaround time to plane postgame, but I will guess 6, 90 minute flight, then bus to vermilion. They should be home well before midnight...if they go straight home. That would be nice and would sure help a lot. |
|
|
|
Post by elcoyote on Feb 21, 2021 22:24:26 GMT -6
Although still young with only one senior, I think our offensive line is going to be way better than "slightly above average". There is the potential to be an ace unit now and for the next several years at least. I hope you're correct, but I'm from Missouri regarding the offensive line. It's been more of a liability than a strength for too long, for me to have high expectations. For me the "Missouri" season was last year with two freshmen and two sophomore starters. I remember it being pretty much everyone's main concern before the season began and I thought that they did a solid job through out the year. With all five starters back and still being relatively young, I have high hopes for this unit and think they might turn out to be the least of our worries. Hope my optimism proves to be justified. |
|
|
|
Post by teamsd on Feb 22, 2021 5:24:49 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by usdguy99 on Apr 5, 2021 18:49:36 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by Yotes on Apr 5, 2021 19:17:43 GMT -6
So we finish the first (and certainly last) spring season ever at 1-3. Seems like the only time anyone enjoyed themselves was when Illinois State gave away 7 turnovers. I didn't expect anything from this season, and yet I'm still somehow let down. Only got 4 of the 8 games in, and just 1 of the 4 home games. Incredible.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yotes on Apr 5, 2021 19:23:56 GMT -6
Is it at all possible that we will reschedule the UNI game instead? They don't play the 17th and do owe us a trip. Seems like it would work if both parties want to do it.
|
|
