Offense: 2018 we averaged 378.6 yards per game (before the bowl) for an FBS ranking of 85th. Certain elements of our game were highly ranked in FBS, such as our Yards per completion of 14.11, which ranked 16th. Truthfully, with the development of the O-line, the stable of backs, and the riches at wide receiver, I don't know how we don't improve our Total Offense ranking by at least 50 yards, which would have put us ranked at 45th this year. That doesn't even account for our Quarterback, who I expect will have improved numbers as well. Personally, I don't care who runs the offense, as long as they aren't gimping around (like Annexstad was allowed to do). Morgan proved his worth. Annexstad proved his worth. I expect the gunslinger, Clark to prove his worth. I'm excited about this position and hope the competition breeds greatness instead of turmoil! Truthfully, I expect us to improve by more than 50 yards per game, but I also know that Fleck does value ball control and isn't gonna go all-out up-tempo (although I expect it mixed in much more next year to keep opposing defenses from getting settled.
Defense: 2018 we averaged giving up 394.3 yards per game (before the bowl) for an FBS ranking of 65th. With Rossi being the new coordinator, hopefully we can see an improvement on those numbers. I'd like to think we saw the last of games where we give up multiple 50+ yard TD runs. I'd prefer to think of the games like Maryland, Nebraska and Illinois as anomalies, especially with how we performed against much different styled, high-powered offenses in Purdue and Georgia Tech at the end of the year. Despite Rossi taking the DC position by a firm grip, we have a talent infusion of redshirt and true freshman that will provide future greatness, but also occasional frustration. Because of these growing pains, I don't expect as much growth in the defensive numbers next year. However, I do expect some improvement. I'd like to think we can improve by 20 yards per game, which would have improved our 2018 Total Defense to 47th.
So, imagine a team that is ranked 45th in Total Offense and 47th in Total Defense...what record would a team have with those rankings? Clearly there are other elements to the game that factor into final record, such as Turnover Margin and play of the special teams. In 2018, our Turnover Margin ranked 101st in FBS. We turned it over 25 times, versus gaining 20 turnovers at -.42 per game (before the bowl). Not good! I truthfully believe many of the turnovers can be related to lack of cohesion on the O-Line to start the season as well as playing freshman quarterbacks. Knowing Fleck has the "ball is the program" mantra, I expect this to be flipped next year. Let's say we flip it to a +5 margin and get it to +.42 per game, we would jump from 101 to 32 this year. That may be unrealistic, but I expect less turnovers with a very experienced group on offense back next year. I also expect Rossi's style to be a tad more aggressive and lead to more turnovers. Having some stud linemen join the D will help create more turnovers too! As far as special teams, it's obvious Fleck values players that make special teams plays. Giving out scholarships to some of the best in the country will help solidify that area of the team. It may not be as great as 2018, but it won't be what holds us back either.
In summation, I expect BIG things in 2019. I truly feel a corner has been turned by Fleck and company, and hope for a 9 win year or better with the schedule laid out in front of us...
Week 1: South Dakota St.
Week 2: @ Fresno St.
Week 3: Georgia Southern
Week 4: @ Purdue
Week 5: Illinois
Week 6: Nebraska
Week 7: @ Rutgers
Week 8: Maryland
Week 9: Penn St
Week 10: @ Iowa
Week 11: @ Northwestern
Week 12: Wisconsin
I was gonna put my guesses for wins/losses behind each game and then I realized I would look like such an immense homer it would be silly. But, really, look at that schedule! We are NO LONGER afraid of Wisconsin. We crushed them. Purdue will be formidable, but they can be an enigma. Nebraska has Martinez that scares the hell out of me, but it's a home game. Penn St. no longer has Trace McSorley next year. Iowa at Kinnick might be the GAME OF THE YEAR. Northwestern will have to find a replacement for Thorson. The other teams on the schedule just don't scare me anymore.
Help me find a true lock for a loss? I don't see one.
Does that mean we go undefeated? Unlikely. But really gentlemen...there is a lot to look forward to next year!
Expect BIG THINGS!
Defense: 2018 we averaged giving up 394.3 yards per game (before the bowl) for an FBS ranking of 65th. With Rossi being the new coordinator, hopefully we can see an improvement on those numbers. I'd like to think we saw the last of games where we give up multiple 50+ yard TD runs. I'd prefer to think of the games like Maryland, Nebraska and Illinois as anomalies, especially with how we performed against much different styled, high-powered offenses in Purdue and Georgia Tech at the end of the year. Despite Rossi taking the DC position by a firm grip, we have a talent infusion of redshirt and true freshman that will provide future greatness, but also occasional frustration. Because of these growing pains, I don't expect as much growth in the defensive numbers next year. However, I do expect some improvement. I'd like to think we can improve by 20 yards per game, which would have improved our 2018 Total Defense to 47th.
So, imagine a team that is ranked 45th in Total Offense and 47th in Total Defense...what record would a team have with those rankings? Clearly there are other elements to the game that factor into final record, such as Turnover Margin and play of the special teams. In 2018, our Turnover Margin ranked 101st in FBS. We turned it over 25 times, versus gaining 20 turnovers at -.42 per game (before the bowl). Not good! I truthfully believe many of the turnovers can be related to lack of cohesion on the O-Line to start the season as well as playing freshman quarterbacks. Knowing Fleck has the "ball is the program" mantra, I expect this to be flipped next year. Let's say we flip it to a +5 margin and get it to +.42 per game, we would jump from 101 to 32 this year. That may be unrealistic, but I expect less turnovers with a very experienced group on offense back next year. I also expect Rossi's style to be a tad more aggressive and lead to more turnovers. Having some stud linemen join the D will help create more turnovers too! As far as special teams, it's obvious Fleck values players that make special teams plays. Giving out scholarships to some of the best in the country will help solidify that area of the team. It may not be as great as 2018, but it won't be what holds us back either.
In summation, I expect BIG things in 2019. I truly feel a corner has been turned by Fleck and company, and hope for a 9 win year or better with the schedule laid out in front of us...
Week 1: South Dakota St.
Week 2: @ Fresno St.
Week 3: Georgia Southern
Week 4: @ Purdue
Week 5: Illinois
Week 6: Nebraska
Week 7: @ Rutgers
Week 8: Maryland
Week 9: Penn St
Week 10: @ Iowa
Week 11: @ Northwestern
Week 12: Wisconsin
I was gonna put my guesses for wins/losses behind each game and then I realized I would look like such an immense homer it would be silly. But, really, look at that schedule! We are NO LONGER afraid of Wisconsin. We crushed them. Purdue will be formidable, but they can be an enigma. Nebraska has Martinez that scares the hell out of me, but it's a home game. Penn St. no longer has Trace McSorley next year. Iowa at Kinnick might be the GAME OF THE YEAR. Northwestern will have to find a replacement for Thorson. The other teams on the schedule just don't scare me anymore.
Help me find a true lock for a loss? I don't see one.
Does that mean we go undefeated? Unlikely. But really gentlemen...there is a lot to look forward to next year!
Expect BIG THINGS!
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