Doering: “This is a team that’s going to surprise a lot of folks.”

I agree with all of that. I think we are seeing tangible differences. Almost all the losses of veteran personnel were in the categories of worst at there position in missed tackles, passes defended, or pass pro. And Princely was asked to be a different defender than he was uses to being (bail to close down passing lanes), which he never really picked up and probably chased him. We got good portal replacements or promising youth to man those positions. Despite those problems we were quite good

My hesitation is that everybody else did the same thing. For example do you think that LSU upgraded tremendously on defense? I do, particularly by taking Mizzou's coaches. I think we will be competitive, but even great improvement will not necessarily mean only 2 or 3 losses.

 

Good points and admittedly, I'm not as informed of all the nuances of all of our opponents. Certainly fsu "reloaded" but until DJ proves to be more than what he has shown to be and until all of those new parts prove to jell then they should at least be expected to take a step back. Travis legs won them a lot of games as did their now departed mercenaries like Coleman and Benson.

Lsu lost everything on offense and while they apparently upgraded their defensive staff, schemes usually take time to ingrane to the point that teams play mentally up to speed. At least Robert's is the architect of our scheme so he should fortify concepts the team has had in place already. Also, Missouri had one of their best years ever and still should have lost to a pretty bad florida team at home.

Just a couple examples of my line of reason for optimism. Nothing will be a cake walk. I just believe at some point you embrace the challenge and walk the walk. That was one of spurriers initial transformations to team and fan mentality. Stop acting like we couldn't sweep auburn, Lsu, Georgia weeks if you read his book from the 90s. Stop looking at it as one contiguous gauntlet and just go beat each team week to week. Miss that mentality.

Edit to add: I am fully aware my take is pretty far on the optimistic end of the spectrum. FTR this is not my usual position as I'm typically a bit of a pessimist. I just see this as our best opportunity in years and also think this is a breaking point in Napier's tenure. No more mullen/roster/UA excuses at this point. Barring significant injuries this is all on coaching going forward.

 

I'm counting on FSU as being one of our more likely wins. They are essentially relying on the players that got torched and blown to the wind by Georgia.

I'm ambivalent about LSU because they don't have the same qb and receivers, but they likely have a good OL and a good Xs and Os coach for offense.

I've enjoyed listening to Steven Harris and Ben Troupe talking on podcasts about what it takes to develop and be a team. You can tell they got coached right, and hopefully they can mentor this team and help them learn what it means to win.

 

The schedule isn’t that daunting once you break it down to who’s breaking in a new QB or new coaching staff. Add the Swamp to the mix and 9 wins is very doable.

Miami - New QB, @Swamp
Samford - Win
Texas A&M - New Coach, @Swamp
Mississippi State - New Coach, New QB
UCF - New QB, @Swamp
Tennessee - New QB
Kentucky - New QB, @Swamp
Georgia
Texas
LSU - New QB, @Swamp
Ole Miss - @Swamp
FSU - New QB

 

Again, that's why i stand where I do. If we are improved and bring an even competent defense to the table then we shouldn't EXPECT to lose any game. Of course some losses are more likely like Georgia and Texas but I ain't conceding any game unless we are still a sieve on defense and offensive line.