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Message: [QUOTE="kcsu, post: 3099433, member: 528"] When you compare last years team to this years it becomes crystal clear that last years team was significantly more talented than this year. Starting with the foundation of each team the O and D lines. Last year we had two talented and experienced tackles. Our tackles this year including Serva are not even close to that level. In Dinos O the Rbs make the calls. Strick was exceptional at this and based on his NFL camp performance more talented than we as fans gave him credit for. Custis was a physical presence at WR that we dont have anyone to replace and Rave Dog was more physically gifted than Hackett. On D Slayton was a mountain in the middle. Josh Black is weight room strong but he is undersized for the position and is a grade or 2 less than Chris. Specials are still strong but the coverage units are not as good as we have not replaced Custis or Shy. Finally Eric was a generational player. He was special, not only a game changer but more importantly a program changer. He was the heart and soul of the team both on and off the field. Last years team had amazing leadership. Eric, Strick, Cody, Martin, Slayton, and yes our two LBs were all Senior leaders. This years team is a work in progress. Tommy is an excellent passer much better than Eric but he isnt in Erics league at this point as a QB or team leader. Potential yes but he isnt even close yet. The facts as i see them are simple. We have a team that is less talented in critical positions. Namely the offensive line, QB, WR, Coverage Units, and DT. All other units are basically even although i could argue that CB is improved. Leadership is significantly decreased and again you dont just loose one of the best players and leaders to ever wear Orange and not take a step back. At this point i still expect a solid year. 8 wins and a nice bowl game. Next year we should be better IF Dino can shore up the interior DL with some game ready Jucos or Transfers. Last point we desperately need to land a QB and hopefully a dual threat. SU is rarely going to have A level Olines and a mobile QB helps. Lets hope that the Oline gels by the second half of the season and that TD continues to improve over time. 7 8 9 wins was a dream a few years ago so keep the faith. Climbing a mountain isnt easy. [/QUOTE]

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