Okay, we can't lose talents like SubZero and Stewart and not lose straight playmaking ability, but I'll put the argument up that we may be better overall in '24 as a group. Here's why...
- Trying to force feed playmakers - I believe all of our quarterbacks were "guilty" of this a little at one time or another in Jimbo's system. Certainly, once he was canned we could really see the difference. Receivers were running open because of good play designs where our QBs didn't feel obligated into particular reads or feeling forced to throw some receivers more often. I don't believe if you asked Petrino in his breakdown of his "Feed the Studs theory", he would still say Feed the Studs, even if they aren't open. That was a big part of Jimbo's problem. He felt if everyone "executed" his reads, the routes, blocking, the pass, the catch...the play "had" to be there. It was particularly noticeable with Johnson at times at QB. Not everything was on the coaching, some was on him, and sometimes I just wanted scream at the TV, "Dude, who are looking for?!" Petrino proved it didn't have to go that way. It's amazing our receivers did as well as they did, as shackled as they were, at times.
- Spreading the wealth - The returning group, led by Moose, Noah Thomas and Jahdae Walker, is solid. Injuries, various coach doghouses, marginal position coaching, and few adjustments to major college ball have slowed their advancement a little but I am looking for much more after a strong close in '23. I also like Tease as a deep threat, perhaps adding the fish Williams from Florida and Campbell as well. I think we'll get solid contributions from the transfer classes. Sometimes pure straight-line speed just gets overvalued over how to use it against coverage. O was an excellent example, so is Moose. Don't mistake me, I love the guys who can still take to top off a defense by just running by them...we need'em! Barber & Allen are bringing proven polish and technique that that show they know how to set guys up to reach the open field. Still, I wouldn't shoot you if gave me another transfer to play outside (bigger body?) or move Terry Bussey to WR full time. I just think we're a little deeper than people think... and with Coach Klein, the TEs, better protection and QB1 upright...don't be watching the pretty girls in the stands or you just may be watching 6 points, too!
