Expectations for Next year

#27
#27
Even with Nico, we were likely to struggle this year. Now "struggling" will still be better than 90% of the seasons under Dooley, Jones, and Pruitt. I am banking on something around 8-4. I feel like it is going to resemble 2023.

EDIT: One thing about the team is that I am curious to hear more about the defensive side of the ball. All this Nico drama has totally overshadowed that unit.
Yeah. I’m wondering if Joshua Joseph’s can become that dominant edge rusher.

We have more athletic guys at CB now than 2 years ago, but McCoy had a significant injury. Gibson was a solid number 2 guy, but he doesn’t scream lockdown defender either.

The walkon was so clutch at safety last season, and I’m not sure his play can be duplicated.

Linebacker and Edge seem like the only obvious strengths
 
#28
#28
Yeah. I’m wondering if Joshua Joseph’s can become that dominant edge rusher.

We have more athletic guys at CB now than 2 years ago, but McCoy had a significant injury. Gibson was a solid number 2 guy, but he doesn’t scream lockdown defender either.

The walkon was so clutch at safety last season, and I’m not sure his play can be duplicated.

Linebacker and Edge seem like the only obvious strengths

I think it won't drop off as much as people think. If we can get a solid running game, stay close to 2024 level on defense, and have average QB play, we could potentially win 9 or 10 games again.
 
#30
#30
That’s very likely with 2 inexperienced freshmen quarterbacks. Freshman Quarterbacks always struggle regardless of their talent. Even Manning had his struggles his Freshman season.
Yup just went thru it with Nico. If we can get the other positions to play to a similar level as last year we should be fine with an easier schedule
 
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#31
#31
Yup just went thru it with Nico. If we can get the other positions to play to a similar level as last year we should be fine with an easier schedule
With the losses on the defensive line, QB, RB, and WR it could get really tough next season.
 
#32
#32
Last year we won with defense and a great running game. I see no reason why we can’t do that again. Nico was good at times but I don’t recall any games where he was the reason we won. I’m sticking with 9-10 wins but I won’t panic if it’s less given this distraction and uncertainty at QB.
 
#33
#33
Anyone remember Nathan Peterman’s first career start in the Florida game? That’s what I’m worried about.
 
#34
#34
I love this. Normally this time of year everyone has super high expectations and then when they aren't met, the doomers come out.

This year everyone is going to have lower expectations given the circumstances, looks like most would be happy with 7 or 8 wins.

I'm saying 7 or 8 wins, but also wouldn't be surprised if CJH and the boys rise to the occasion and win 10.
 
#36
#36
With the losses on the defensive line, QB, RB, and WR it could get really tough next season.
I think the DL will be fine. It just went from Elite to pretty darn good. Lost some pieces but now it's just regular good instead of top-tier. I don't worry about RB's in this scheme. If u couldn't run on a light box u wouldn't be an SEC player. Sampson was coming off being RB3 and went crazy. The next RB's might not be Sampson but they should still be successful. We at least know that Bishop can run at a high level. As far as QB, it's the exact same scenario as last year. You're looking at giving an inexperienced guy significant snaps.
 
#38
#38
Nico is not the difference in a successful season or not honestly. Expectations are still the same but some grace will be shown, as it should be IMO.

Agreed. Nico didn’t really win us any games last year, he just didn’t lose any. He was a decent game manager who relied heavily on the run game and defense. I would like to think that Merk can do the same.
 
#39
#39
With all the news, what's your all's expectations for next year? As of right now I'm sitting between 8-4 to 9-3. I'm more so worried about WRs as they will be underclassmen. Now if we can get a couple of playmakers in the portal that could change things. I'm not sure we go after a big name QB in the portal simply because it will set the wrong precedent with the guys on the roster.
There's not a game on the schedule we can't win. 8-4 to 12-0.
 
#40
#40
Hopefully we get an experienced, competent quarterback from the Portal. If we have to roll with Merk/Mac, we could still have a great season if everything breaks right but it's harder to know what our floor is if things don't.
 
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#41
#41
We weren’t going to be a playoff contender with Nico anyway. This doesn’t change my 8-4/9-3 prediction a bit…
 
#42
#42
9-3. If we take Nico's money and put it towards some new portal players, we could get to 10-2. Go buy some guys to bolster our weaknesses.
 
#44
#44
I expect Nico to go somewhere and ball out while Tenn struggles.

Because that is just the life of a Tenn fan.
 
#46
#46
Here's how to prepare yourself for expectations round here ...

April 11th, Nico Out - 7-5|8-4
June 1st, 31 media player profiles and stories in - 9-3
July 1st -97 media profiles in and 42 QB insider stories - 10-2
August 1st - Camp complete and a QB separates - 11-1
Sept 7th - SU win & dominance of mighty ETSU - 12-0 lock
Sept 13th - embarrsin' 7pt loss to UGA at home + a 12pack - Fhaaar Heupel!!! 7-5!
 
#47
#47
Totally unproven QB and a true freshman back up that’s skinny as a rail.
My expectations are not that great, but I’m not a player or a coach
 
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#48
#48
Agreed. Nico didn’t really win us any games last year, he just didn’t lose any. He was a decent game manager who relied heavily on the run game and defense. I would like to think that Merk can do the same.
I think that’s what this offense is all about. Hendon was the exception to the rule
 
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#50
#50
Depends what happens at QB. I feel they go and get a seasoned guy even if it cost more than Nico wanted. They have the money if said person is worth it.
 

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