Breakout Freshmen and Portal

Yes!!! We have some high quality offensive weapons at WR and solid pieces on the D. Likely a struggle to get to 8 wins unless the QB’s were sand bagging in the O&B game.

 

I think Mertz was still learning I anticipate him to be much improve come August

 

Does this season really come down to if Mertz can play to his potential? We all are expecting the defense to be mildly improved, which would’ve probably won us 2 more games last year. We have receivers now, however they’re all young. So if the receivers and Mertz can find a groove, we might shock some people this year? Is it wrong to think that?

 

As you know, QB play is particularly important.

No, it's not unrealistic to believe we could be better than 5 or 6 wins, especially with a decent defense.

 

that's pretty much my take (pearsall in addition to the young wrs). whether it's mertz or some other qb on the roster, it appears our fortune will come down to if that position can be slightly above average.

 

...

 

I think Jakeem Jackson will see some time as well

 

I'm not one who bets on games, but I don't have my hopes on Mertz; hence I wouldn't bet the farm on him. To a large degree, the Gators will do about as well as Mertz. Plus, there are too many new, as well as, freshman players. I believe in miracles, and this season will take a miracle with so many new pieces. We will need the OL to gel; the RB's will deliver and do even more with OL help; the WR's to run crisp routes, get open, AND catch the ball; and the QB to be on target and exhibit great pocket presence. I fear that is asking a lot! I wouldn't be surprised if our defense plays better than the offense! That's scary, because that means low scoring and very close games.

 

I think Mertz will pleasantly surprise some people this season. There are less then 4 QB's in D1 with more starts then Mertz. He has experience. And I really can't remember the last prolific passer Wisconsin produced so I'm not sure I can really hold that against the kid. He was highly ranked coming out of HS, did well at the Elite 11, set a TD record at the army all american game and then got to Wiscy amd did about the same as previous Wiscy QB's. I'll reserve judgment on the kid till he plays for us in the O&B.

 

I tend to agree. I just re-watched the spring game again. The defense blitzed a lot to start the game..seemingly leaving the OL surprised and unprepared. He didn’t have time to set his feet and hit the first option. Still..he had a decent completion percentage. I’m more worried about our passing game scheme than Mertz himself.
In a separate point…I like the WR room more than some and not just because of the true Freshman (whom I love). Pearsall (proven). Douglas (produced At every opportunity..hate the fumble spring game)). Fraziars (shown good catch radius…unlucky injury last season just as he started to shine) Burke (simply under utilized…hope he reads this haha ). These points along with the improved talent of the T freshman make it about X’s and O’s more than talent.

 

...

 

Solid, dependable and experiencd are underrated traits.

 

We don't need a hero, we just need someone to complete most their passes, utilize short to intermediate routes, keep the defense honest work the play action and open it up for our very talented RB's. With an improved defense, that scheme.can win us at least 2-3 more games than last year. I don't think anyone is realistically thinking playoffs this year but I would be ecstatic with 8-9 wins, with some good wins over most of our rivals.

 

Playoffs? Playoffs???!!!!

 

I’m over in Ireland on vacation. I noticed a Wisconsin hat on the gentleman next to me. Started up a conversation with him. He says we are going to enjoy Mertz big time. Said he was one of the best that got killed by coaching changes. He went as far to say he’ll play on Sundays. Encouraging to say the least.

 

Week go as far as our run game will take us. If we can't run the ball effectively, Mertz has no chance against SEC defenses.

 

Mertz and all played Spring game without starting center.

 

15-0 brother! Damn Right!!