We should be the favorites this year but I'm not going to downplay what we lost to the NFL. Losing Kaaya despite what some of you think will hurt. Finding a solid QB isn't easy. It would be a different story if we had a dominant running game to lean on but we don't. The OL is a weakness until proven otherwise. Njoku is a huge loss and no Herndon isn't the same player. Herndon is a solid player and the better blocker though. Losing Coley isn't a huge loss but I did like his leadership. I think we'll be just fine at WR but Richards will now be prime target for defenses. This is where the other receivers(Thomas, Harley, Cager, Berrios, etc.) and whoever the QB is will have to step up. Our secondary will be inexperienced losing 4 seniors isn't easy. However adding two players that have at least played some form of college football(Delaney, Dean) will lessen that to an extent. I do think it'll take some time for the secondary to adjust to each other though. However, I think they have the ability to be even better. I think the depth will be much better specifically at CB. I'm a huge fan of Delaney and think he locks down the
#1 CB spot. It'll be a battle for the
#2 job with Dean and Young. Bandy and Jackson will be right there as well. I think Young and Bandy could compete for big minutes at nickel. As for safety, Carter was a man child but he was also a huge liability in coverage. Johnson is probably an upgrade in coverage and I think he can still play in the box. The other spot will be a battle between Amari Carter and Redwine. I think Redwine ends up winning out but Carter will still play a lot. I think the depth there is slightly better but losing Jenkins and Carter won't be easy. As for LB, we have three studs. They have experience now so the freshman excuse is gone. Sure they can improve and they should but what I like more is that the depth behind them has improved a great deal. Bringing in 3 freshman was huge although I think Steed is a prime candidate to redshirt. Getting back Gordy and Owens getting completely healthy and in shape should help a great deal. Wilder should play a good amount on SPT. DL doesn't even have to be mentioned as it will be amazing. The defense is the least of the worries. It should be one of the best in the country. The offense is what needs to improve greatly. I'm hoping the OL improves tremendously so we can rely on a heavy running game so all the new QB has to do is be a game manger. Don't turn the ball over and get the ball into the hands of your athletes and let them work. I think the OL improving is just as important as finding the QB because if it sucks again, the offense will stall out a lot again.
UNC lost A LOT. If we don't beat them by 2 scores, something's wrong. Plus didn't they lose their DC? They have a very good coach so they'll be competitive but our talent specifically on defense should prevail.
VT will be tough with their defense and have a good coach to make the offense somewhat decent. They have to find a QB as well. The positive is, it's a home game and we don't have to play on short rest on a dumb Thursday game.
I think it's Coastal or bust. If we can't win the coastal this year, it means the defense didn't step forward and the OL didn't improve. That would be very concerning.