Now that NSD has passed, DL coach is hired and you see full commitment not only to the 3-4 alignment but from reading about the new DL coaches philosophy a much more aggressive attacking style, I firmly believe that 2017 results will hinge squarely on an improved defense. If we become truly aggressive, more blitzes, more pressure - all in all disruptive, then I like the possibilities for next season.
Offensively, with a Sr QB, 4 OL back, all running production back and influx of WR talent, I believe the offense will be effective and I imagine you will see better run production because of maturing OL. I'm really not worried about WR production as I do like the talent and especially speed in the younger guys like Stewart, Jones, Boateng and newcomers like Martin.
4 Non-conference:
You have Florida A&M, TCU, New Mexico State and Coastal Carolina. Other than TCU, who you get at home, these are true cupcakes. TCU will be tough but I like our chances of the win in Fayetteville. My prediction is 4-0.
8 Conference:
I like the home slate of Auburn, Miss State and Missouri. We will have extra motivation for Auburn and Mizzu. A more aggressive defensive approach could well give all 3 more trouble than our passive play in the past. My prediction is 3-0 across these games.
Bama and LSU are out in my opinion. We just lack the horses to compete across the board. My prediction is 0-2.
A&M, Ole Miss and South Carolina become the swings games. A&M is losing a lot and you've got to feel like we may be due for a game to go our way against these guys. I imagine CBB and staff have a little extra juice to find a win and get started 1-0 in league play. I'm going to predict a first win for CBB against the Ags.
Ole Miss may have some serious gaps and problems this season. Losing a lot of production, cloud of scandal, loss of momentum in recruiting. Factors are there for this to be a rough year for the Black Bears. Arkansas has had these guys number for 3 years and I think it could continue. My prediction is a win against OM.
South Carolina will make large jumps this season. Muschamp can recruit and I believe can coach. This game lies after a non-conference game and before Bama. I think we run into what could be the surprise team in the east this season and drop this game.
Conference record 5-3.
Overall 9-3. I can see that provided that the defense significantly improves. If not, then I believe we are looking at 6/7 wins total and 3 conference wins (which is our average).
Hoping for better.
Offensively, with a Sr QB, 4 OL back, all running production back and influx of WR talent, I believe the offense will be effective and I imagine you will see better run production because of maturing OL. I'm really not worried about WR production as I do like the talent and especially speed in the younger guys like Stewart, Jones, Boateng and newcomers like Martin.
4 Non-conference:
You have Florida A&M, TCU, New Mexico State and Coastal Carolina. Other than TCU, who you get at home, these are true cupcakes. TCU will be tough but I like our chances of the win in Fayetteville. My prediction is 4-0.
8 Conference:
I like the home slate of Auburn, Miss State and Missouri. We will have extra motivation for Auburn and Mizzu. A more aggressive defensive approach could well give all 3 more trouble than our passive play in the past. My prediction is 3-0 across these games.
Bama and LSU are out in my opinion. We just lack the horses to compete across the board. My prediction is 0-2.
A&M, Ole Miss and South Carolina become the swings games. A&M is losing a lot and you've got to feel like we may be due for a game to go our way against these guys. I imagine CBB and staff have a little extra juice to find a win and get started 1-0 in league play. I'm going to predict a first win for CBB against the Ags.
Ole Miss may have some serious gaps and problems this season. Losing a lot of production, cloud of scandal, loss of momentum in recruiting. Factors are there for this to be a rough year for the Black Bears. Arkansas has had these guys number for 3 years and I think it could continue. My prediction is a win against OM.
South Carolina will make large jumps this season. Muschamp can recruit and I believe can coach. This game lies after a non-conference game and before Bama. I think we run into what could be the surprise team in the east this season and drop this game.
Conference record 5-3.
Overall 9-3. I can see that provided that the defense significantly improves. If not, then I believe we are looking at 6/7 wins total and 3 conference wins (which is our average).
Hoping for better.
