I get called a Negative Nancy, but IF Wyatt and Daley are healthy and eligible all season, then I don’t see this team losing a game. It will be very hard to move the ball against this defensive front. The offense has two WRs the opposing team cannot single cover. Double them and the running game opens up or the slot WR has a big day.

But what I have read suggests the Colorado judge’s injunction will likely be stayed by the appeals court at some point. I hope IU has a contingency plan in place to keep Wyatt and Daley eligible.

I can't see our defense being better than last years'. But it might be as good, which is scary. Our defensive front was every bit as strong. Plus we had Ponds. But then again, I don't count on a ton from Wyatt and Daley until past mid-season.

I think our offense will be better. Marsh?! Becker?! I like our backs, our line. And I think Hoover will really produce.

We have several games or at least one, Ohio State, where we could get beat though. Or we could win all of the big games.

Posted by: @iugradman

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I get called a Negative Nancy, but IF Wyatt and Daley are healthy and eligible all season, then I don’t see this team losing a game. It will be very hard to move the ball against this defensive front. The offense has two WRs the opposing team cannot single cover. Double them and the running game opens up or the slot WR has a big day.

But what I have read suggests the Colorado judge’s injunction will likely be stayed by the appeals court at some point. I hope IU has a contingency plan in place to keep Wyatt and Daley eligible.

If they don't it will be all Fred Glass' fault.

You guys didn't pick your breakout player of the year?

I think Sammy or someone from the huddle called for Charlie Becker last season. That was pretty good! Must have just been on the forum.

Will call my shot that Jacob 'Macho Man' Savage will elevate this season to surefire stud in '27 status by seasons end.  

I have five big concerns.

1) Is our LT fully recovered and do we have anyone ready to step up at that position if he isn’t or is reinjured?

2) Is our new Center able to meet the challenges of the job.

3) Can any of our TE’s block to our scheme as well as our last two did? If they can we should see some explosive run plays, if not we may take a step backwards…

4) Can Hoover endure the type of beating that we saw Mendoza take last Fall? Fernando took several hits that bordered on “cheap shots”  (getting kicked in the face while already down against WI comes to mind) and was able to take a play off and get right back in the game… Can a guy with Hoovers much slighter build handle those types of shots without missing any serious significant PT and if he does (miss time) can the designated backup take up the slack? 

5) Can our new look secondary hold up without Ponds at CB and Moore at FS? 

If this TEAM answers all those questions with a resounding YES we can then we’re in for another Great season… If not, it’ll just be a good one…, in my opinion…

I don’t have a clue as to the answers to those questions… All I do know for certain is that having seen them in action over the past two seasons, I would never bet against this staff when it comes to identifying talent and putting them into a position to succeed on the field. 

Should be another interesting and entertaining season… 

@openwheel yeah, that was a forum thread.

Posted by: @76-1

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1) Is our LT fully recovered and do we have anyone ready to step up at that position if he isn’t or is reinjured?

Legit concern and can't answer, but Carter sounds recovered and haven't heard of any concerns or that he's been held out. 

2) Is our new Center able to meet the challenges of the job.

Another legit concern, although it seems Bray won the job over Evans and they've been working out a couple others. More confident we have options here and some depth. Although no one is likely to be Pat Coogan. 

3) Can any of our TE’s block to our scheme as well as our last two did? If they can we should see some explosive run plays, if not we may take a step backwards…

I'm not as worried about TE's as everyone else seems to be. Why? I trust in this staff. If they had any concerns we didn't have a starter, backup and adequate depth here, we'd have an experienced TE on the roster, I believe. The fact that we don't tells me they like and trust this group. Good enough for me. 

4) Can Hoover endure the type of beating that we saw Mendoza take last Fall? Fernando took several hits that bordered on “cheap shots”  (getting kicked in the face while already down against WI comes to mind) and was able to take a play off and get right back in the game… Can a guy with Hoovers much slighter build handle those types of shots without missing any serious significant PT and if he does (miss time) can the designated backup take up the slack? 

I don't think Hoover will take the shots Mendoza did. I think the line is better, and I think he moves better in the pocket to extend plays. I felt like when Mendoza's clock went off in his head, he was tucking and running. I think Hoover will maneuver in the pocket better, and utilize his RBs as outlets and let them run the ball when receivers are covered. Might not garner him a Heisman, but a good strategy when you're not 6'5" and 235. 

5) Can our new look secondary hold up without Ponds at CB and Moore at FS? 

Not very concerned here either, even though I think Ponds was the biggest loss defensively. I don't think the staff planned to replace him with another CB, but with the pressure the line and those DEs will bring. That room and threat only got stronger with Daley and Wyatt returning. We won't have a CB the caliber of Ponds, but the guys we do have won't have to cover as long and opposing QBs are going to be under more pressure and throwing on the run, so I don't think they'll have to be to still be effective. 

My concern: replicating the chemistry and will of last years team. Losing guys the caliber of Mendoza, Coogan, Nowakowski, Fisher, Ponds, Sarratt, Cooper.... that will take a toll and be nearly impossible to replace. Think we'll be better athletically and more balanced and deeper, but that chemistry will be tough to replace. 

Always the LOS.  No doubt at all in my mind IU LOS will be stronger this season, markedly.  Particularly the DL.  That alone uplifts DB results.  The experienced OL and skilled talent in the backfield tell me the rushing attack will be elite.  Also was extremely pleased to hear Sammy express his observation the young OL personnel were damn big humans meaning long term and possible short help and depth is at hand.  With opponents obvious passing downs can't wait to see what air raid pass rush Haines conjures up.  Gents to my thinking this season will be even more fun to watch than last.  I'm buckling up tight for this excursion. 

@hoosier-clarion 100%.  

Cignetti worked his magic again in the portal, bringing in quality, experienced guys. 

Completely agree that we are stronger and deeper at the LOS.

Someone mentioned chemistry (big roster changes from last year) earlier in the thread. Also, hunger can be a challenge for a defending champ, although the roster additions should be beneficial in that regard. A third factor is we'll have a target on our back all season long. It's tough to predict how intangibles like that will play out.  We probably won't know until a few games into the conference schedule. That said, I have every confidence in CCC, Shanahan, Haines and the rest of the staff that they'll have the right guys in place and things will mesh.  

Finally, we are so freaking fortunate to have the coordinators, Bostad and most of the staff returning.  

I'm going with 10-2 and another CFP berth.  

I think with Cignetti, we are finally in the camp where we are better off assuming they'll be who we want them to be. 

Typically we were always in a wait and see approach but were smart to assume iU wouldn't live up to our expectations let alone hopes.  They have always needed to prove they're good before we changed our minds. Now I need them to prove they aren't good because I have more reasons to believe they'll be better than I expect as opposed to the alternative. What a time to be alive. 

That Ohio State game could be an instant classic. Love our schedule leading up to it. Bloomington should be electric.

16-0

I’m not daunted. 

@openwheel I think the defense will be better (which is scary).  The biggest question, for me, is how much can they replace Ponds.  Beyond being a lock-down corner, he was a terrific tackler.  He was a rare talent.  There almost certainly will be a downgrade at that position, the question is by how much.

I expect the LBs to be wash.  Hardy is the same.  Jones will, I think, be equivalent to Fisher.  the 3rd LB (if they use one often as opposed to the 4-2-5) is the biggest question mark there as far as matching Jones's productivity last year.

The DL will be better.  I have very little doubt about that, mostly just from a depth perspective.  That's even more so the case if Daley & Wyatt are truly able to return to form.  And DL is everything, IMO.  Pressure without blitzing & stuffing the run will be ballgame most of the time.