Agree entirely, based on projections alone next year's team should be the best in a long time.
The problem is ND has entered a state where there is always a large number of players who are on the verge of not making it through to next year. This makes it impossible to project one year to the next. When a single guy gets caught cheating or is arrested or suspended for grades or suddenly departs for the NFL unexpectedly, you can explain it away by pointing to personality quirks or poor decisions or whatever. When it happens to multiple key players each year, it is systematic. We are now in a state where Kelly puts together very good teams, year after year, with lots of players who are in a vulnerable state at ND. It is a much better bet to look at the projected starting lineup and assume at least a few of those players won't be playing next year. It may be b/c KVR doesn't come back, b/c Day and Jones go pro, or b/c someone gets tossed, not to mention injuries.
For fans, this means you have to embrace the current team. I've learned to really, really like this team even though I've been doubting their potential all year (and I'll admit it, I'm still worried about a letdown). It means also you have to brace yourself for the next shock to the team, b/c the recent history of the program suggests that there is a high probability it is coming.
