Rivals Countdown to Number 1

[crazy horse]

After ranking in the bottom 20 in virtually every defensive category, I would like to believe with the JUCO additions, Rock's return, more maturity and a new staff, that the defense could definitely improve on last year's performance.

The most troubling stat for me was the -9 turnovers (31 total). Can we at least put that in the postive range this year?

I certainly think this team is capable of more than 4 wins, but I understand why most outsiders don't expect much this next year.

[perunapower]

Here's to hoping for a 3-1 start.

As long as you're "hoping", go ahead and "hope" for 4-0 instead of "hoping" for 3-1. I think that means you're "hoping" for a loss.

Maybe I should adopt the jt approach? No expectations at all.

[PerunaPunch]

I concur with the concerns about the Oline.

But on the defensive side of the ball I expect we'll see better technique and much more of a pass rush (so hopefully the DBs will only get burned half the time).

I really like the juco adds and the return of the ROCK as well. But most significant, I think is JJ's shuffling of personnel to get the right people in the right spots. For example, throwing Justin Smart out on the end last year was just cruel. On the other hand, he looks like an absolute beast at linebacker. I actually think we'll be significantly improved on D.

[Mustangsabu]

I don't get it....Tulsa and Houston far superior to us in terms of talent?

Then why are we a tough game for them every time. Against Tulsa over the past 4 seasons we have won two and lost two, and never lost by more than a TD. Against Houston we have lost twice and won once, and the losses were by 10 points each, and we were one sack away from beating them a couple of seasons ago.

Anyone who tells me we have no real right to think we can beat Tulsa or Houston can meet me under the Trinity Bridge at dawn.....

Bring a second.