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Post by BSUMike on Aug 25, 2018 8:17:55 GMT -6
For what it’s worth, the man who creates the most analytical and in depth college football preview magazine thinks that Ball State should be improved at virtually every position this year and could flirt with bowl eligibility.
Some of my thoughts on why we should expect improvement this year:
1) Last year we were decimated by injuries to key contributers. This year most all our playmakers are back and, for now at least, healthy.
2). We have some good young talent that came in as freshmen last year and should get better this year.
3) Special teams and defense have to be better. Kickoff and punt return coverage cost us a game or two last year, and although the defense was embarrassingly bad, the lackluster offense was at least partially to blame leaving our defense on the field and in difficult positions.
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Post by BSUMike on Aug 25, 2018 8:21:36 GMT -6
I should add that Phil Steele says we should be ‘vastly’ improved at most positions. I sure hope he is right!
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Post by comet on Aug 25, 2018 8:36:33 GMT -6
Can't hardly wait til Thursday evening to see how we look. Sure hope that's all correct. Again, feel it's a bit optimistic, but would love to see it.
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Post by cardrock on Aug 25, 2018 8:44:01 GMT -6
Broken record here, I really think we’ll surprise some teams this year. Young team for sure, but from what I’ve read and heard they seem to be sticking together and buying in. That’s step one. Stay healthy is step two. We’ll see how it all translates on the field Thursday night. Go Cards!!!!
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Post by rmcalhoun on Aug 25, 2018 8:53:12 GMT -6
For what it’s worth, the man who creates the most analytical and in depth college football preview magazine thinks that Ball State should be improved at virtually every position this year and could flirt with bowl eligibility. Some of my thoughts on why we should expect improvement this year: 1) Last year we were decimated by injuries to key contributers. This year most all our playmakers are back and, for now at least, healthy. 2). We have some good young talent that came in as freshmen last year and should get better this year. 3) Special teams and defense have to be better. Kickoff and punt return coverage cost us a game or two last year, and although the defense was embarrassingly bad, the lackluster offense was at least partially to blame leaving our defense on the field and in difficult positions. Number three We have been saying the D has to get better for 4 years now and if at all possible the have became worse.... Lets hope this is the year they become at least competitive
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Post by bsutony on Aug 25, 2018 8:56:04 GMT -6
Neal will finally put it all together this year. He looked pretty good last year before he got injured. I'm guessing a 5-7 season, but hoping for 6-6. The defense needs to really surprise us to have a chance at .500.
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Post by BSUMike on Aug 25, 2018 8:57:31 GMT -6
For what it’s worth, the man who creates the most analytical and in depth college football preview magazine thinks that Ball State should be improved at virtually every position this year and could flirt with bowl eligibility. Some of my thoughts on why we should expect improvement this year: 1) Last year we were decimated by injuries to key contributers. This year most all our playmakers are back and, for now at least, healthy. 2). We have some good young talent that came in as freshmen last year and should get better this year. 3) Special teams and defense have to be better. Kickoff and punt return coverage cost us a game or two last year, and although the defense was embarrassingly bad, the lackluster offense was at least partially to blame leaving our defense on the field and in difficult positions. Number three We have been saying the D has to get better for 4 years now and if at all possible the have became worse.... Lets hope this is the year they become at least competitive Fair point about the defense, Rob. Every time we think we’ve seen the worst we seem to find a new low. However, I’m going out on a limb and saying we will at least be marginally better on defense this year.
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Post by rmcalhoun on Aug 25, 2018 9:05:45 GMT -6
I agree but I am not going on the limb with you... My insurance sucks
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Post by cardfan on Aug 25, 2018 10:58:26 GMT -6
elson’s track record as a d coordinator is abysmal. Until I see proof he and the defense have figured it out I’m gonna assume we’ll continue to be really bad there. Hoping a better offense makes a difference.
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Post by rmcalhoun on Aug 25, 2018 13:23:21 GMT -6
Elsons track record is so bad. I don't remember but were we pushed and in a time crunch.. I know DC bailed on us unexpectedly but do not remember the timing
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Post by 00hmh on Aug 25, 2018 14:16:48 GMT -6
When you don't pay top dollar, you take gamble's. Hope that one works.
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Post by BSUMike on Aug 25, 2018 14:39:01 GMT -6
I think everyone can agree that RB is our best position as a unit. Phil Steele has our RB Unit as #44 in FBS. Not that ranking the units really matters at the end of the day, but it is nice to see us in one of his top 50 lists. The only MAC team with a higher RB unit ranking is Western Michigan at #37. Toledo at #49.
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