Actually, the only question is: why be optimistic for this upcoming year?? All the previous comments by the poster's friend might be viewed as contextual, but don't have to limit the responses in any way --- the past is past. I'd answer the inquiry by saying:
1).You've asked for an opinion, not a proof, so we can proceed with a light attitude;
2).My feeling is that our defense showed itself to be a). good; b). constantly improving; c).has great coaching; d). is a year older with essentially everyone returning [this is almost always a TREMENDOUS factor in the upgrade from one year to the next], e). and has added some eye-popping talent that should make significant impact as the year goes on. Such a power on one side of the ball should limit opponent scoring so that we are in every game;
3).Our head coach has succeeded offensively wherever he has coached, has a ton of returning people [including nearly the whole offensive line --- no minor factor that], and should be able to smooth out an occasionally malfunctioning unit in this coming year. Agreed, we are vulnerable at QB and RB to see if we will be merely OK or be great, but there is at least hope. Just as a fine defense should keep us in all games, a fine line should make us at least semi-functional. All the rest of the play-makers seem to be in place;
4).We have absolutely great proven kickers and a young stud to add to them. Kicking also wins games. Our kicking game might be the best in the country. In terms of running back kicks, we've proved nothing except that we don't fumble it away. That is not spectacular, but at least it is no deficit;
5). Our conditioning program seems to create an entire squad capable of out-competing the opponent in the fourth quarter and in the later part of the season. This should also be worth something in terms of success;
Adding up the easily seeable values of our defense, the strength of our offensive line, the greatness of our kicking game, the superiority of our conditioning, the spectacular potential of our play-making receivers, and the track record of our head coach [in college doing this exact job], one might be able to see from where some legitimate optimism could grow.
Yours in Our Lady, Lou Holtz.
