Pessimist Perspective

[Hunter94]

one theme here, keeping everyone healthy.........very important to avoid injuries.  if we can do that, this team should improve as the year goes on.

[Mary Pats BOB]

1 hour ago, Caliborn72 said:

Regarding WRs, a well respected poster on HM mentioned that there has some frustrations with the lack of size at WR. Sounds like we’ve had a little bit of RZ struggles. We are really good here, obviously, but that’s been one criticism I’ve heard and it makes some sense as well.

So you go 4-5 wide and let Martinez run it in. Struggle over.

[BIG ERN]

46 minutes ago, TGHusker said:

Big Ern, or should I say Mr Sunshine  - let's not forget the impact of good coaching.  Last year we saw the results of bad coaching up close.  I think coaching alone will with the current talent

gets us to 7-5, 8-4.

Remember, I am not siding with what I wrote. I feel like Frost has a good chance to make us a good team THIS year. That doesn't mean 10 wins, but I think we can be a good football team and surprise people. I have been on the Frost and Martinez train since day one. There are a few spots that we need to work on, and some depth issues, but overall this is a pretty talented team. 8-4 isn't out of the question at all.

[YellowShirt]

1 hour ago, Caliborn72 said:

Regarding WRs, a well respected poster on HM mentioned that there has some frustrations with the lack of size at WR. Sounds like we’ve had a little bit of RZ struggles. We are really good here, obviously, but that’s been one criticism I’ve heard and it makes some sense as well.

 

Good thing we have two 6’7” tight ends that can catch the ball. Pretty sure Reimers is 6’3”+

[Nebfanatic]

4 minutes ago, Mary Pats BOB said:

So you go 4-5 wide and let Martinez run it in. Struggle over.

Or let your short quick guys work in space. Lindsey and Spielman may be small but I imagine they can cause just as many issues in the redzone with their quickness

[Caliborn72]

Team is flawless and I’m excited for a 10+ win season!

[wiuhusker]

4 hours ago, brophog said:

Specialists - I admit I'm a little worried here. UCF was great in the return/coverage units, but lousy with regards to kickers/punters. It's the one coaching area that worries me. 

The true freshman kicker is a little worrisome. The good news is the raw talent at these positions should be better than what they ever had at UCF so hopefully that helps. I hope Lightbourn is finally settled into his spot after having to be rushed into things his freshman year and then the total s#%* show that was last year. 

 

I honestly think Frost will do everything he can to keep Pickering in easy make situations early in the year to build some confidence even if that means going for it on a 4th and 5 from the opponents 35 when we should be attempting a FG.

[MichiganDad3]

That is a rough way to look at the upcoming season. It makes you understand why the pundits are picking 6 wins. I think the new players, the improved strength & conditioning, and the massive improvement in coaching will overcome the stink left behind from 2017.

[TGHusker]

2 hours ago, BIG ERN said:

Remember, I am not siding with what I wrote. I feel like Frost has a good chance to make us a good team THIS year. That doesn't mean 10 wins, but I think we can be a good football team and surprise people. I have been on the Frost and Martinez train since day one. There are a few spots that we need to work on, and some depth issues, but overall this is a pretty talented team. 8-4 isn't out of the question at all.

Thanks Ern -   I also understand your concerns in the original post.   The QB spot got dicey this week for sure.  I hope SF can get Noah approved to play.

[TGHusker]

3 hours ago, Hunter94 said:

one theme here, keeping everyone healthy.........very important to avoid injuries.  if we can do that, this team should improve as the year goes on.

Hopefully the new S&C program and coach will pay huge dividends in limiting injuries.

[MichiganDad3]

2 hours ago, Nebfanatic said:

Or let your short quick guys work in space. Lindsey and Spielman may be small but I imagine they can cause just as many issues in the redzone with their quickness

Just think Duper and and Clayton from the Dolphins with Marino. Duper (5' 9") 3 pro bowls. Clayton (5' 9") 5 pro bowls.

[brophog]

40 minutes ago, MichiganDad3 said:

 

That is a rough way to look at the upcoming season. It makes you understand why the pundits are picking 6 wins.

 

 

Or they could be using last year's stats.

[brophog]

1 hour ago, wiuhusker said:

I honestly think Frost will do everything he can to keep Pickering in easy make situations early in the year to build some confidence even if that means going for it on a 4th and 5 from the opponents 35 when we should be attempting a FG.

 

I don't know how many of UCF's games you've seen the past two years, but Frost needs no excuse to go for it on 4th down. 

[The Dude]

Just the other day I noted how little I've heard/read discussion about breaking in a Freshman kicker.

 

Seems like a big deal.

[84HuskerLaw]

I don't worry so much as place kickers as I do punters.  I think Lightborn was much improved last year while someone called it a sh---t show.  I don't recall that.  I am much more concerned about the return game which has been horrible for almost a decade.   No excuses for not fielding and returning punts and of course the new kick off rules will likely create some wild action on the 'routine' kick offs.   We may see lots more onsides and or squibs and so on.  Even muffed 'fair catches' and bad decisions of this type.  Of course, Frost may have some trickerly of his own and hopefully will view special teams as the 1/3rd of the game plan they rightfully are and not just an after thought.

 

I think special teams could be a great difference maker for this team and could help us pull a couple upsets over the big boys.  But many very wise and astute football fans are telling me we will be lucky to win 5 IF we avoid many injuries.  Worse if we don't.  Many I talk to think the defense will be almost as bad as last year.   Frost can't score points if he doesn't have the ball.

So beinga pessimist is NOT the exception you may be thinking.  I remain very optimistic but I am always that way this time of year.