Some predictions for tonight's game [and the season]

[RF2044]

Can't believe that football season is finally here! I know that many prognosticators are down on the Cuse's changes this season, but I think we're going to surprise and get to bowl eligiblity. Here are some predictions for tonight's game [and the season] that will explain how we'll get there:

• Lester's offense will be vanilla tonight [to not show too much of the playbook], but it will be apparent that the execution will be significantly improved. Better coaching makes a difference.

• Hunt still has flaws, but he'll be a much better fit in this offense and will have a solid senior year

• The running game is going to be just fine with McFarlane, Morris, and some of the frosh. I think we'll see another 1000 yard rusher this year

• Estime, while small, will give us a playmaking X-Factor at wideout that the team lacked last year

• Brisley and Ishmael will prove to be our most formidable duo since Lemon / Sales

• The OL, which was abysmal in the wake of massive injuries last year, will prove to be a strength

• We'll finally be able to field a reasonably competitive / functional second unit at OL, and the improved depth will make a difference both this year and next

• The DTs all have questions marks entering the season [Raymon injured, the other three haven't played one snap between them], but the unit will be considered a position of strength by the end of the season

• Assuming Thompson can get healthy, the DEs will end up surprising. Simmons [who hasn't done much to date] will be solid, Arcinega will thrive at his new position, and Shepard will bolster depth as he gets developmental PT

• We have an abundence of LB depth / versatility

• Major question markes entering the season in the secondary, but we have the foundational pieces to stabalize things [Whigham, Morgan, Cordy] while the rest of the young nucleus get their sea legs

• Tonight will be a tune up game that will benefit lots of experienced players on the two-deep on BOTH sides of the ball and serve as a springboard for season long success

• We're going to start the season 3-0, and the early success will enable the team to gel and exceed expectations as we enter the crucial middle portion of the schedule, with winnable games @USF, @UVa, Pitt. Can we win two of those games?

Excited to see what we're going to be able to do -- hope the crowd shows up better than the ticket sales projections, because I think this is going to be a fun season with better than expected results. If the offense performs like I think it will, and if the defense rounds into form like I believe it can after getting a few games under their belt, this team is capable of qualifying for a bowl.

Let's Go Orange!!!