I wish we weren’t starting the season with ND, likely the best team we’ll see this season. We’ll learn quickly whether we prudently spent over $4 billion filling the most important position on any football team. The entire season is dependent on whether Carson Beck can take over successfully the role so well carried out by Cam Ward. Can Beck be spared from being injured? Can Beck speed up his ball release, for it was Cam Ward’s read and quick release that nearly won him the Heisman. Last year, at Georgia, Beck incurred significant blame for holding the ball too long and throwing 12 pics. Some of the blame was unwarranted since Georgia receivers did what many old Hurricane teams have done; they DROPPED an inordinate number of drive-killing passes. Heaven help us if Beck falls to injury.
Among the receivers, I foresee three emerging stars: Trader who has great hands, Lofton who could become a legendary TE, a skilled ballcarrier as well. Then, we have Malachi to takeover and then some for the departed Xman. We’re really going to like this kid. If LSU transfer C.J. Daniel returns to his 2023 form, where he garnered over 1000 receiving yards, we’ll see another emerging star.
With one of the best offensive lines in the country, we sport one of the nations best tandems at RB. Lyle really impressed me last year. Fletcher and Lofton are formidable physical specimens capable of exerting their will in short yardage situations. Let’s hope that if we see greater success rushing the football; that we’ll take advantage of this strength and not go pass happy interrupting too quickly a ground attack that exhibits noticable success. If your successful pounding the rock, keep pounding.
On defense, we have a formidable defensive line. Bain should be mended from his leg injury. Justin Scott, Akeem Mesidor, Ahmad Moten, David Blay, and Armondo Blount all look like players who will eventually play on Sunday. Looking for Marquis Lightfoot to see some playing time. LB worries me this year. Bisaintthe played well last year, and Popo has shown improvement. We need to have others to step up their play. We still don’t have SEC-LBs, tall fast guys weighing 250 lbs–someone like Hayden Lowe and Kellen Willey look like future stars. I think recruiting current edge players is the answer at LB with proviso that they have foot speed.
Mario has done a terrific job in the defensive backfield. I am making a prediction here. Zechariah Poyser, who had 73 tackles at Jackson State along with a bevy of interceptions, could turn out to be an All American. He has a nose for the football and plays the game fiercely. Xavier Lucas was certainly missed by Wisconsin because he’s a talented CB.
It’s like we have four tough opponents: Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State and SMU. I predict we’ll lose to two of the above teams, most likely Notre Dame and Florida. Florida was really good peaking at the end of last season. Beating the Gators will be tough. I put FSU in the group because they’ve had to do a complete. remake from last year’s abysmal team. New QB Castellanos has declared that he will handle Alabama in game one I predict Castellanos may be sorry for making his rash comment. Nevertheless, nothing the Seminoles would like better than to take down the Canes. I rather like the hiring of Gus Malzahn who together with Norvell should have a much improved offensie. SMU played well under capable Coach Lashlee, and the Mustangs will be a tough opponent and even pull out a win. So, I am looking for a 10-2 season.