Clearly last weekend was a huge bust and it would be easy to become pessimistic about the future of the football program. I find pessimism to be draining and depressing so I choose to find ways to be optimistic. Here's why I think we'll be better next year:
* While many think JH is stubborn, I believe he's demonstrated a willingness to make changes (Warriner as an example) to improve and I believe he'll do the same during this off-season.
* Our recent recruiting classes have been strong
- 2017 was ranked 4th overall, 9th when ranked on average rating
- 2018 was 19th on avg rating
- 2019 is 8th overall; 18th on avg rating
* We appear to be bringing in more "playmakers" - while one year isn't a trend, the 2019 commitment list has several smaller/shifty guys who could bring the added speed we're looking for. Oh...and Bell will have a full year under his belt.
* the 2019 schedule is pretty favorable with all 3 of our rivals at home....OSU, ND and MSU
* Even if Shea leaves (I hope he doesn't), assuming DM is completely healthy next year, our Offense returns most of the starters. Key losses (due to running out of eligibility) would include Higdon, JBB and Perry. I'd like to think that Evans, Wilson and one of the younger RBS can fill the Higdon departure. We played without JBB in our last two games and I'm optimistic Warriner can continue to make strides with the OLs he'll have next year. Perry was a solid player but I think he can be replaced without missing a beat.
* Replacing the losses on D will be tough but not impossible....Gary, Bush, Chase, Mone, Marshall, Furbush, Watson will all be gone. Long and/or Hill may also leave. Well...we have 11 DEs and 7 CBs (not counting Hill or Long) on the 2019 Scholarship chart and I'd like to think DB and the D staff will get 2 from each of that group to be ready. Ross, Anthony or McGrone will have to step up to replace Bush...or maybe Hudson converts to a LB and we find someone else to be the Viper?
Ok...that's enough for now. I'm not naive....if you're depressed and pessimistic, I doubt my little post here will change your mind completely but maybe it will give you something to think about.
Go Blue!
* While many think JH is stubborn, I believe he's demonstrated a willingness to make changes (Warriner as an example) to improve and I believe he'll do the same during this off-season.
* Our recent recruiting classes have been strong
- 2017 was ranked 4th overall, 9th when ranked on average rating
- 2018 was 19th on avg rating
- 2019 is 8th overall; 18th on avg rating
* We appear to be bringing in more "playmakers" - while one year isn't a trend, the 2019 commitment list has several smaller/shifty guys who could bring the added speed we're looking for. Oh...and Bell will have a full year under his belt.
* the 2019 schedule is pretty favorable with all 3 of our rivals at home....OSU, ND and MSU
* Even if Shea leaves (I hope he doesn't), assuming DM is completely healthy next year, our Offense returns most of the starters. Key losses (due to running out of eligibility) would include Higdon, JBB and Perry. I'd like to think that Evans, Wilson and one of the younger RBS can fill the Higdon departure. We played without JBB in our last two games and I'm optimistic Warriner can continue to make strides with the OLs he'll have next year. Perry was a solid player but I think he can be replaced without missing a beat.
* Replacing the losses on D will be tough but not impossible....Gary, Bush, Chase, Mone, Marshall, Furbush, Watson will all be gone. Long and/or Hill may also leave. Well...we have 11 DEs and 7 CBs (not counting Hill or Long) on the 2019 Scholarship chart and I'd like to think DB and the D staff will get 2 from each of that group to be ready. Ross, Anthony or McGrone will have to step up to replace Bush...or maybe Hudson converts to a LB and we find someone else to be the Viper?
Ok...that's enough for now. I'm not naive....if you're depressed and pessimistic, I doubt my little post here will change your mind completely but maybe it will give you something to think about.
Go Blue!
