tm3308
Well-Known Member
On paper I think the Hawks are at least 11-1. That being said, I think the only 2 assured wins are EIU and Ball State, and after last year, those aren't even certainties.
I think injuries will play a huge role, as they do w/ almost every team. In particular, any issues along the OL or safety positions could be potentially disastrous.
In '08 Stanzi had fumble issues, but not much interception problems. In '09 he had interception issues, but very few fumble issues. What does he do in '10? As others have stated, turnovers will likely play a large role, in particular any turnovers returned for TDs.
The other thing that intrigues me is how teams will play. I could see UM losing it's first couple games (UConn and ND) and when IA shows up for Homecoming UM could be 3-3 and ready to pack the season in (having just been beat up by MSU), 6-0 riding high, or somewhere in between. How good will MSU be? Most people expect them to be very formidable, but how will they deal w/ expectations? Will this be the season PSU turns the tables on IA? And re the Hawks 1st road test, how good will AZ be? I could easily see the Hawks running the table, but wouldn't be surprised to see us at 7-5 either, in particular if the trend of playing at the competitor's level continues. To say this season will be interesting is a serious understatement.
Actually, you have to consider how many passes Stanzi threw in 2008. His INT's per attempt was still higher in 2009 (at .05), but not by a whole lot (.04 in 2008). Had Stanzi thrown as many passes in 2008 as he did in 2009, he would have had a similar INT total.