This. Gonna be a helluva challenge to get to 11-1 and have a chance at top 4. Even in 2012, we shit the bed hard against Purdue and Pitt. Not to mention playing completely average in games like BYU and BC that year. IMO the only teams we can beat this year with an "average" performance are Rice, Purdue, and Cuse. We're gonna have to bring it the other 9 weeks.
Now, next year's schedule has me thinking playoffs for sure. This year it's just looking like 9/10 wins.
Despite the allure around that 2012 team, I was never really impressed with them, minus the Oklahoma and Stanford a tad. They never really showed much potential to dominate their opponents. That had a lot to do with the very VERY conservative schemes, both offensively and defensively, as well as the lack of depth. That is definitely not the case this year. The offense has a lot more talent at the playmaker positions than it did 2 years ago, and Golson/Zaire will be a substantial upgrade over Golson of 2012. The offensive line is also a monstrous upgrade. I liked Martin, Watt and Cave as much as the next guy, but playing 5 Guards up front put them at sort of a disadvantage. Golic was solid, but nothing really spectacular, and Lombard was definitely not a fit at RT. Not only is this year's unit way more physically imposing (Stanley 6'6 320, Elmer 6'6 320, Martin 6'5 305, Lombard 6'5 315, McGlinchey 6'8 305), but it's more talented and deeper with Hanratty, Hegarty, Bivin, McGovern, Montelus, Nelson, Bars, etc. The line from that year couldn't even touch that kind of depth. They've also had more time under Harry Hiestand, and that cannot be understated.
Frankly, the only advantage I see from that 2012 team was the front, and that's only the starting 3. Kap, Tuitt and Nix were dominating linemen, but the lack of depth at those positions caused them to be less than 100% by the end of the season. Springmann wasn't quite there just yet, Day was still a true freshman, and Schwenke was solid, but nothing substantial. This year's unit may not look as good, but it definitely has potential to be as good as that unit. Day has gotten nothing but praise since stepping foot on here, and a healthy 2014 can show why. He is one of many that benefits from the move to a 4 man front. Honestly, I see a Will Sutton-like player in Day (pre-weight gain Sutton). Jarron Jones is also a player to watch out for. You don't get much more physically imposing than 6'6 and roughly 310. At first, he had trouble adjusting to the college game, but came along quite nicely last season, and I can see him taking huge strides under Elston and BVG. I am predicting a huge year from both Day and Jones. Behind them is looking better as well. Springmann and Hounshell, if they stay healthy are very solid options behind those two, Springmann more so due to his size and physicality. He's definitely come a long way since 2012. Hounshell may end up losing his spot to a younger player like Matuska or Rochell (should they choose to move him inside). Also I'd watch out for the 3 freshmen. Sure, they're freshmen but they're all coming in physically ready for the college game. One in particular I'm keeping my eye on is Daniel Cage. Not only is he developed already (6'3 305 approx.), but he is MEAN MEAN MEAN. Like a guy that will look down a lineman like they're his worst enemy and then proceed to running him over and ripping his QB's head off mean. The only thing that really stood out to mean about that 2012 team compared to this one is Te'o, and honestly Jaylon has potential to be even better than he was.
I think the only thing holding this team back from a playoff berth is the schedule, but we honestly don't know yet. The 2012 schedule looked extremely brutal, and granted it wasn't the easiest of schedules. But it turned out to be significantly easier than anybody expected. Sure Oklahoma and Stanford stayed the course and ended up doing well, but outside of that, most of the teams were pretty mediocre at best. I doubt the same holds up for this year's schedule, but who knows?
. Really strong, impressive group.