Way too early look at 2019
Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 10:09 am
I know it's just Dec 1st, and we have 271 days until the season opener at North Alabama, but wanted to take a moment to look forward to 2019. There are lots of reasons to be excited and optimistic, but also a ton of question marks. Let's start with the reasons to be excited.
1) There will be a significant facilities announcement. These improvements will level the playing field for our Coaching staff in recruiting and retention. It will also give the team the room it needs to be more efficient in their day to day activities. I think everyone, Fans, players, staff and other WIU athletic teams will be excited when this info is released.
2) Our schedule. Strength of Schedule will be much more in our favor. Not a parade of patsies by any means, but I really don't think as a MVFC team you want the #2 toughest SOS in the Country. Our Conf sched alone will have us in the top 15. We should also have 12 games instead of 11. There is a lso a Non Conf game at Colorado State, a game won by Illinois St last year. This will be a GREAT trip for alums, Boosters and Families. I would imagine a trip to Ft Collins will be a prize at the Purple and Gold Auction.
3) We will have an experienced and talented Offensive Line. Coach Howle did a great job with this group this past season. The Montana State game was a mess. By the end of the season, they were much better. Give this group an off season in the weight room, add competition from some great Freshman from the 2018 class, and this position should be a strength next year.
4) Offensive playmakers. Ratkovitch, Tate, Wahee and Brunner. All 4 are very explosive. As we break in a new QB, very likely Conner Sampson, these guys plus the improved OL play should ease in the transition.
Now the Question marks...
1) QB. All college teams start with the QB position. We are losing a stud, no doubt. I really like Conner Sampson. He has a BIG arm, and he's been behind McGuire for 3 years. That being said, how is the kid going to react when it's his team? When he's down 3 with 2 mins and the ball at UNI, can he move the team? I'm sure he will have some growing pains, but I also think Elliott and Rocco will have him prepared.
2) Our defense will be very athletic, but also very inexperienced. I would wager that our 2 deep will be well over 50% R-Fr and Sophs. Can the athleticism overcome the inexperience? I would say at times yes and at times no. Either way, can't wait to see what this D can do in 2021!
3) Pass rush is also an unknown. We didn't blitz much last year, having Saunders and Swenson. We actually played mostly a 4 man front, even though we claim or base D is a 3-4. I can't remember Swenson doing anything other than DE responsibilities. Will someone step up at OLB or will we need to change back to strict 3-4 responsibilities, including LB blitzes?
4) ILB. Will Glisan step up? Moon stepped up and had great season replacing Taylor at Mike. Can Glisan do the same, or will one of the R-Fr step in? Or maybe Transfer?
As far as record for 2019, I think best case we finish 9-3, worst case 5-7. My guess would always be somewhere in the middle. WE have a lot of questions, but not all will have bad answers. Some will actually pay off and maybe even improve over last season. Coach Elliott and the Coordinators will have their first year under their belt. They are smart guys, so they will learn from year 1 and improve in year 2. My way too early prediction is 8-4 and back in the playoffs.
1) There will be a significant facilities announcement. These improvements will level the playing field for our Coaching staff in recruiting and retention. It will also give the team the room it needs to be more efficient in their day to day activities. I think everyone, Fans, players, staff and other WIU athletic teams will be excited when this info is released.
2) Our schedule. Strength of Schedule will be much more in our favor. Not a parade of patsies by any means, but I really don't think as a MVFC team you want the #2 toughest SOS in the Country. Our Conf sched alone will have us in the top 15. We should also have 12 games instead of 11. There is a lso a Non Conf game at Colorado State, a game won by Illinois St last year. This will be a GREAT trip for alums, Boosters and Families. I would imagine a trip to Ft Collins will be a prize at the Purple and Gold Auction.
3) We will have an experienced and talented Offensive Line. Coach Howle did a great job with this group this past season. The Montana State game was a mess. By the end of the season, they were much better. Give this group an off season in the weight room, add competition from some great Freshman from the 2018 class, and this position should be a strength next year.
4) Offensive playmakers. Ratkovitch, Tate, Wahee and Brunner. All 4 are very explosive. As we break in a new QB, very likely Conner Sampson, these guys plus the improved OL play should ease in the transition.
Now the Question marks...
1) QB. All college teams start with the QB position. We are losing a stud, no doubt. I really like Conner Sampson. He has a BIG arm, and he's been behind McGuire for 3 years. That being said, how is the kid going to react when it's his team? When he's down 3 with 2 mins and the ball at UNI, can he move the team? I'm sure he will have some growing pains, but I also think Elliott and Rocco will have him prepared.
2) Our defense will be very athletic, but also very inexperienced. I would wager that our 2 deep will be well over 50% R-Fr and Sophs. Can the athleticism overcome the inexperience? I would say at times yes and at times no. Either way, can't wait to see what this D can do in 2021!
3) Pass rush is also an unknown. We didn't blitz much last year, having Saunders and Swenson. We actually played mostly a 4 man front, even though we claim or base D is a 3-4. I can't remember Swenson doing anything other than DE responsibilities. Will someone step up at OLB or will we need to change back to strict 3-4 responsibilities, including LB blitzes?
4) ILB. Will Glisan step up? Moon stepped up and had great season replacing Taylor at Mike. Can Glisan do the same, or will one of the R-Fr step in? Or maybe Transfer?
As far as record for 2019, I think best case we finish 9-3, worst case 5-7. My guess would always be somewhere in the middle. WE have a lot of questions, but not all will have bad answers. Some will actually pay off and maybe even improve over last season. Coach Elliott and the Coordinators will have their first year under their belt. They are smart guys, so they will learn from year 1 and improve in year 2. My way too early prediction is 8-4 and back in the playoffs.