I am not worried that we don't have the athletes. I believe we have good athletes on the team and good speed. I am more worried about the ability of our coaches to adapt to the situations or teams we meet and that the team be in harmony with each other and the coaches.
The QB position should be in better shape because the starter will probably fit the system better. We should not have as many mistakes on offense. Since, I believe the coaches tenure is on the line, I expect both the offense and the defense to correct the problems of last year. If the team is in unity with each other and the coaches, then these two things will have to happen for a better year;
On offense, the plays will have to be more varied than last year. The opposition's defenses are well aware of the probability of each play we now call during the game; there must be additional plays and subsystems that we did not use last year. On defense, the DB's and linebackers must play alongside or inside the receivers on the 3rd and long plays. If not the other team will first down us to death and control the clock and the game.
If these weaknesses are addressed, then we have a chance with a weak schedule to have a good season. Since we do not know the full schedule or schedule changes, then I will predict next season on the teams that CuseJacket used.
Home Games
Wofford (W)
GSU (W)
UVA ((W)
Duke (W)
Miami (W)
Clemson (L)
AWAY
Tulane (W)
NCSU (W)
UNC (L)
Pitt (L)
VT (W)
UGA (L)
8-3 with the above stated games. I believe Wofford, GSU, and UVA will be no-contest at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Duke could beat us, but this is one team where we seem to have tradition in our favor. I believe we beat Miami at home, because they are not consistent, and it is our time to win. Clemson has an new quarteback from Gainesville, Georgia, but he appears to be a good one. We have problems with good passers who can also run with the ball.
Tulane appears to be coming back, but need a couple more years to beat us in Bobby Dodd Stadium. This is another team we have always been the winner by tradition, althouth it was back in the past. The new coach at NCSU did not fare that well last year, and may have a hard time with the TO (he is not that well acquainted with our TO). Pitt has a good quarterback coming back and he gave us problems last year in our house. We have big problems against the passers. Virginia Tech, for some reason, appears to be on the way downhill. It may be because they had recruited an abundance of extremely talented players, but have not done as well lately with their recruits, or the age factor is catching up with the coach.
The odds are that we will lose in Athens.