Dude - throw that in ChatGPT and put it at the top. No one is reading that.This is my 1st half of the season expectations:
First, I hate these pre-season predictions mags, they seem to just dump on Prime. Nat'l media thing. I think it is based on TH, SS and other leaving to NFL, without even looking at who is back or who will replace them. Replacing the guys we lost will be difficult, but our overall recruiting (hs + transfers) has been top-3 in the B12 for the past 2 seasons. Some of our transfers are now Jrs and Seniors with some experience. We now have an established culture and a bunch of good/great players returning. After the year 1 coaching turnover, this coaching staff seems to have gelled, and the new coaches are welcome additions.
Heading into the season it is the defense. I'm projecting that our defense is further ahead than it was early last season. Same DC/same scheme, a fair number of impact players returning, the infusion a few key transfers, and the group is pretty experienced in the 2 deep. The LBs are an unknown, but if the DLine is top-4 in the B-12, this will makes there job much easier. Ourlads has us playing a 3-4 multiple base, using our Edges as multiple OLBs, which may give CU a wrinkle. I like the DBs and think they will gel--3 of the starting 5 played substantial snaps last year, most of the transfers coming in have experience. Having 4 of the first 5 games at home should bode well for defensive intensity. Also, we may find that the re-tooled O makes things easier on the defense if we avoid the huge TOP discrepancies.
The Oline has to be incrementally better. They are bigger and deeper than past years. It looks like outside of Seaton, it will be mostly experienced touted transfers, however we still have 3 vets Houston, Harden and Brown with experience in the 2-deep. We know that Smalls can block at TE, Atkins may open up that position more. Ideally, the Oline is improved hence at least a mediocore running game from the Rbs, however we have Salter's legs to supplement. I do expect some rough patches with a new QBs and Wrs, but we have substantial talent. The O scheme etc... will be much different, so I don't think any of the past two years film will be helpful to our early opponents--a few opposing defenses may be flat-footed early. Again 4 of first 5 games at home is a plus, and @Hou is winnable. See below. D may have to win a couple of those home games, but if the O can steadily grow, we should win games.
Finally, I love the way CU's schedule is breaking. GA Tech pick-em, yet Buffs might be slight favorite, Friday night game so Folsom should be electric. @ Houston is a night game and Houston is implementing a ton of moving parts--per Ourlads 9 of the 11 starters on O are new transfers, 6 of the 11 on D are new transfers. If CU gets early season growth, momentum, and confidence the Buffs may be in great shape. Last year, except for first half v @NU (we did outscore them in 2nd half), CU played quite well on the road last season. An opening road win will build confidence. When the schedule came out, I pegged BYU as the key early game. With Retzaff out, I think all bets are off for them. They will be playing CU as game 4, but with a new QB they could get upset by Stanford or @East Carolina (they won 8 last year beating NC State in their bowl) and not be riding high. They will be coming off back to back road games and perhaps a short week of travel. If BYU is shaky, we could be 5-0 or 4-1 going @TCU, which I feel is winnable. TCU could be 1-3, given they have games @UNC, @Ari St and play SMU. Win that and IA State does not look insurmountable.
2nd half of the season looks tougher, but last year the B-12 flipped upside down.
Last edited: