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Post by artvandelay on Mar 22, 2024 9:27:52 GMT -6
I think we'll take a step back this year mostly due to reverting to the mean. Just about everything went our way last year and we won't be as good defense. I agree. We won every close game last year. How long can that last? |
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Post by elcoyote on Mar 22, 2024 10:31:27 GMT -6
I don't get the angst about the defensive line. Newsom, Gaes, Holden, Grace and Dunn all have logged a lot of playing time and have played well to great. I'm betting there'll be a youngster or two who steps up also.
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90yote
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Post by 90yote on Mar 22, 2024 14:56:43 GMT -6
Yeah, if Grace was as good as he was as a freshman, that generally means big things are ahead.
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dbyote
Senior Member
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Post by dbyote on Mar 22, 2024 16:08:28 GMT -6
I think we'll take a step back this year mostly due to reverting to the mean. Just about everything went our way last year and we won't be as good defense. There he is! dynamite drop in. There is alot of dudes on the roster at LB. I think we will have the next wave but could be some struggles there early while those guys get acclimated. The good news is the back end is strong enough to pick up the slack as those guys get rolling. D line is the biggest concern for me. we seem to do fine against anyone not named XDSU on the D line but thats where we need the jump talent wise and also in size to raise the ceiling. Offense: we are strong everywhere but hoping a playmaker or two steps out of the receiver room that we have not yet heard much about. We probably won 4 games that year that could have gone either way. I think we'll have to rely more on the offense this year. We'll see if we're up to it. We may be as good by year end but it's likely we'll suffer some conference setbacks. It's an absolute slog. I really hope I'm wrong. It would be fun to go on that ride again. |
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Post by captaincoyote on Mar 22, 2024 16:33:16 GMT -6
Yeah, let’s let spring play out before we make any declarations about our backup QB. We brought in a lot of options last year who will now have a season in the program under their belt. At least one of those 5 guys has to be viable.
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Post by Yote 53 on Mar 24, 2024 6:46:23 GMT -6
I think we'll take a step back this year mostly due to reverting to the mean. Just about everything went our way last year and we won't be as good defense. I agree. We won every close game last year. How long can that last? Good teams win close games. Get in for the ride early because we're going to be back and even better next year. |
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Post by Yote 53 on Mar 24, 2024 6:46:41 GMT -6
I agree. We won every close game last year. How long can that last? Good teams win close games. Get on for the ride early because we're going to be back and even better next year. |
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Post by notkiotees on Mar 24, 2024 7:48:20 GMT -6
"get on the ride early because we're going to be back and even better next year "
LFG!!!
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Post by gopheryote on Mar 24, 2024 9:28:12 GMT -6
Question for the FB savants: I understand the logic that the Yotes won't win all the close games 2 years in a row. But shouldn't we expect a better offensive output, and thus those same games won't be as close this year?
(FWIW, my take is that those close games were generally not as close as the score indicated, as the Yotes were usually in control.)
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Post by sdyotefan on Mar 24, 2024 10:18:07 GMT -6
I believe the offense will be more potent given our depth at RB and quality, veteran OL! As others have commented, hopefully we'll see more growth from younger receivers from last year's experiences. Being more comfortable with the new offensive scheme, should also allow for even more diverse play calling. All these factors should result in increased scoring.
Can't wait for spring ball!!
Go Yotes!!!
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Post by Yotes on Mar 24, 2024 10:42:07 GMT -6
I also think that some of those close games weren't all that close. If we regress this year I don't think it will be because of bad fortune in close games.
Lots to replace on defense. Remains to be seen whether our offense can become a real threat. Last year it seemed the offense benefited greatly from a stout defense that was usually able to take care of themselves and get off the field, keeping pressure on the opponent's defense. However when the defense did need a sustained offensive drive it usually wasn't there, making the game unravel in a hurry. It seems unrealistic to expect a 2023 level defense, so the offense is going to have to become more dynamic or we could be looking at a big step back.
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dbyote
Senior Member
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Post by dbyote on Mar 24, 2024 13:15:55 GMT -6
I agree. We won every close game last year. How long can that last? Good teams win close games. Get in for the ride early because we're going to be back and even better next year. I don't necessarily share your optimism. I think we punched above our weight all last year until the playoffs where we got put in our place a bit. I don't think anyone can expect to go 7-1 in the league next year. The best we can reasonably hope for is 5-3 or 6-2. Games against the xdsus give us very little margin for error. We didn't slip up last year in other games, but that has not been our history. I think if we get to 7 wins we should be happy. 8 and we should be ecstatic. I just don't think anyone should be surprised if we only win 5 or 6. Disappointed, yes. Surprised, no. |
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Post by bobo on Mar 24, 2024 19:22:12 GMT -6
Agree 100% that our offense will need to be more explosive and able to generate points at a higher level this year especially with the defensive growth that needs to take place.
A loaded RB room, experienced OL and the most explosive WR in the league should help with that cause. I’m quite confident the offensive coordinator will figure out a few wrinkles to take advantage of our strengths now that he has a good grasp on the personnel.
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Post by captaincoyote on Mar 24, 2024 20:29:08 GMT -6
Good teams win close games. Get in for the ride early because we're going to be back and even better next year. I don't necessarily share your optimism. I think we punched above our weight all last year until the playoffs where we got put in our place a bit. I don't think anyone can expect to go 7-1 in the league next year. The best we can reasonably hope for is 5-3 or 6-2. Games against the xdsus give us very little margin for error. We didn't slip up last year in other games, but that has not been our history. I think if we get to 7 wins we should be happy. 8 and we should be ecstatic. I just don't think anyone should be surprised if we only win 5 or 6. Disappointed, yes. Surprised, no. From reviewing your posts you seem to think that we won’t win all close games again (reasonable) and that we won’t be as good to start the season due to losing so much on defense (also reasonable). But can you elaborate some on where we might have exploitable weaknesses? You’re probably right about 7-8 regular season wins being what we should expect, but I also think we have a very forgiving first 6 games in which we should get a nice little 5-1 fast start. |
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Post by elcoyote on Mar 24, 2024 21:34:57 GMT -6
Simply put, I think this team is going to be a lot of fun to watch next season, will be rated and make the playoffs. There might be a few bumps along the way for those of you who enjoy negativity, but that what makes sports interesting. I simply don't understand posters who are always pessimistic on virtually everything. And don't claim on just being realistic. For pete's sake have some fun and enjoy the ride.
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