I dont disagree with you as I think they underperformed the last two years, but they were also god awful at the X which I think crippled them the last two years. I do agee that outside of Kirst I don't see a transfer that moves the needle much but Kirst as you noted for one year will be a huge boost to their midfield. Although I have to admit the poster on their board who compared Kirst to Tua transferring from Alabama and declared him the best middie in the country is out of his mind. Their board did seem to hint that they had a FOGO transfer coming in but at this point I am not aware of a game changer in the portal so I would have to see who they have. Rutty's problem will be the same as they have been the last few years; huge questions marks at the X, question marks at midfield outside of Kirst and a defense that leaves a lot to be desired especially at SSDM and their secondary pole defenders. Their goalie did OK last year replacing the guy who had been there for like 6 years but he is a question mark as well. I think Maryland and PSU are clearly 1-2 but I think Hop has a ways to go. I am not sold at all on that defense even with Fernandez and Sulzuk and their midfield has been putrid the last few years. Although there is some talent there with Degnon and Zinn. Cole Williams is also highly overrated, Hopkins would have been better off if he stayed in the portal.
ND has done a nice job of trying to add some firepower especially with the loss of Costabile. That said almost all of them are 5th year guys, hard to know if that will translate to ND a team that isn't exactly known for their free wheeling style and flow. I think Gallagher was a real nice pick up but its hard to say how Yorke and Lahey will fair in NDs system and a decent jump in competition. ND will be an interesting team to follow next year. Agree on Duke, loaded everywhere. Have to hope they just don't mesh or you catch them on the right day.
