For us to take that next step forward is going to require a big jump from the defensive line and QB play.
QB:
I really like the potential of Peters next year. Remember he came in very late this year. Now with some experience in the system and some very needed practice time with his receivers, he can be in the 20+ TD range as long as he stays healthy. I still expect him to throw some to the other team however. He will not be all American or anything. If we open the offense up for the majority of the season, I can see 22 tds and 10 int type of a season.
What really worries me is the rest of that room. Matt made some decent throws vs Northwestern, and had some glimpses vs Michigan. But the majority of the year he did not look comfortable nor capable really. IW was hurt the majority of the year but he still didn't perform better in practice than Matt did. If he is going to be the no. 2 next year, he needs some serious improvement. Granted we did not get to see a lot of him, so its understandable for him to look rough at the beginning of his college career. Learn to read and be accurate Coran, then you will get your shot. Obviously how the defense performs is going to determine how much the offense can open up.
DL:
Defense line to me was atrocious this year. And that is with Jamal Millan on the team, who I think is going to play in the NFL. For this team to take the next step, the defense needs to be better at getting off the field. Stopping the run and generating a pass rush is a must. We had some phases where we stopped the run nicely, but never got a pass rush after the UConn game. Hopefully we don't lose any big names to the transfer portal, but I really don't know where this production is going to come from. Calvin is going to be a Junior, development wise he has the most potential for the biggest jump considering his age and his weight issues. Best case scenario is he replaces Millan's production. Now what? We are back at square 1. Do you think Wole is going to take a huge jump forward? I don't. He had a total of 2 sacks during conference play, and they were coverage sacks. To expect him to leap to constant threat is a big ask. Love Jamal Woods potential, but he has to stay healthy, which he hasn't done yet, kind of the Epstein of the defense. The MVP of this unit needs to be Lou Hernandez and his entire staff. We need explosive power and attitude from this unit like the season depends on it, because it does