Three weeks from tomorrow the 2008 Irish take the field and we will all find out what kind of team we have this year. So here are the key questions and answers for this season.
1. Will the Irish be better this year?
A: Of course! How could they not be? Factors in my analysis include our opposition (much easier this year), our maturity (a lot more sophomores and juniors) and Weiss humility (hopefully). We really should achieve a winning record. College teams can change pretty dramatically one year to the next. We will.
2. Is Charlie in trouble?
A: Not yet but he will be if we have another losing season. Let's face it, we can tolerate one dismal season but you better turn it around in the following season. Despite his long contract and solid start, I would expect him to be gone if he puts another poor team on the field this year.
3. Will we go to a bowl game?
A: Yes, but not a BCS bowl. Almost every winning team goes somewhere these days. Sports Illustrated has us lined up for the Sun Bowl on December 31st which would be fine with me.
4. Will offense or defense look best?
A: I am predicting the D will look good this year. Watch for more blitzes and an attacking style. The offense will improve on the ground in particular but I think they will still be a bit up and down. The backfield is great but the line still has some learning to do.
5. What will be our record?
A: Well SI has predicted 7-5 and I have to agree. My positive side thinks 8-4 is possible but my optimism had dimmed after last year. Here is my logic: We win the opener; that is the whole point of scheduling SDSU. Despite the new system at Michigan and what is likely to be a down year for them, I still have to pick the Wolverines. If I am wrong and the Irish win that one, look out for a big season that surprises everyone. I figure a split with MSU and Purdue, not sure which one we will win. October looks like a good month for the Irish against some pretty lousy teams but look out for Stanford; they are getting better. Of course with the Alumni band on hand we win that game.
In November we will struggle but beat Pitt, lose to BC (I hate those guys), gain revenge against Navy, win a laugher over Syracuse and lose (again) to USC. That will be a historic finish with the band visiting the Coliseum. Nina and I will be in attendance. That BC game could be another key inflection point for the season if we go in there with only one loss. Stupid premise but fun to dream about.
How do I get to 7-5? I figure there is another upset out there I cannot pick. Candidates include Stanford, Washington and Pitt. Worst case scenario for me is 6-6 against this schedule which would still be a great improvement but with this schedule we really should expect a winning record. If everything comes together we could get to 9-3 which would mean Charlie can refinance his mortgage but let's not go crazy here. I say 7-5.
What do you think?
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