Honestly, I kind of expect this year to be a little like last. At least one inexplicable loss (ISU like), and a couple of close game we can close out...glimpses of breaking through to the upper level...only to end up in some mediocre bowl game.
Now, if you ask me about 2016...I'm thinking we may be in line to make some noise. Look at the sophs and juniors on this team this year. Sure, losing Blythe will hurt as he will play on Sunday...but the rest of the Oline (minus Walsh) will be hitting their stride. CJ's a senior...good. The three linebackers have another year with Doyle and to get physically ready for B10 play...Jaleel and Faith are seniors and we have promising group of DE's coming up. Sure, Ott's departure will hurt, but the cupboard ain't bare there. The entire secondary could be back, minus #27. That's one hell of a nucleus of players that will be upper classmen with their careers on the line. I like that.
Now, 2015 seems to shape up like a surprise year. The schedule isn't overwhelming (understatement) and you just never know how a team really measures up until they hit the field. I like that Myers and Boetinger are young and hungry and now have some size. They both appear to be extremely athletic at that size. I think the offense will surprise, but the defense still concerns me at LB. Those guys would need to make a huge leap in the running game to make me feel better about a 9-3 season. Honestly, 8-4 is certainly doable with that schedule.
