Some people can watch an athlete perform in practice and base their opinions on how that translates into actual game conditions; some can not. I've seen the size and talent of this year's O-Line; the O-line will be just fine. Last year was a big adjustment to a new offense from players who were recruited for a different skillset. I was hoping Hughley would work out at center, but he was not up to the task; over-powered at the point of attack way too often. Pedro Sibiea will not have that problem. The unit performed much better last year when Epps was moved in at starting tackle. J.C. transfers Khalil Hunter and Kiola Mahoni have been impressive at practice, but you would have to be there to see that. The fact that true freshmen Geron Christian and Kenny Thomas are pushing for playing time is not surprising at all to those of us who follow college football. True freshmen are making impacts on college teams throughout the country; bigger, stronger and ready to face the changes to the college environment that ever before. Also, the NFL now takes talented juniors, something they did not do years ago. College coaches have recognized this, and are much less likely to redshirt freshmen as in years past.
Devante Parker, though he missed (7) games last year, will be missed, no doubt about it. But if you took the time to watch James Quick, A & M transfer JaQuay Savage, UAB transfer Jamari Staples, explosive J.C. transfers tight end Cole Hikutini and wide-out Gio Pascascio, tight end Mickey Crum, true freshmen Devante Peete, Emonee Spence and Traveon Samuel, you would know this a deep, talented unit.
Quarterback. I guess you know more about this than Coach Petrino who stated numerous times that he is much, much more satisfied with this position than at any time last year. All four have had their moments this spring and fall. Reggie seemed to have it locked up this spring, but Will has re-entered the picture in the fall camp. There were times Bolin looked the best of the four, but I truly have no idea who Bobby will pick as a starter. Lamar Jackson is an absolute true talent who the coaching staff raves over; throws tight spirals and very athletic. I saw him hit at one practice hit his receivers on the dead run (3) times against good coverage, all three passes 50 yards plus. I would not at all be surprised to see him in the Auburn game in some special "Wild Card" package.
I do agree the schedule is daunting. For some reason you left out Pitt, who is returning the reading rusher in the conference, B.C., who will be a tough out, Houston, one of the pre-season ACC favorites, and UK, who has definitely raised their talent level. I'll repeat, in case you are still reading at this point, this team is deep enough and talented to go undefeated against this schedule. You can come with all the cute "Johnny Fanboy" monikers you want. You stated: "No one in the world except the fanboys are predicting 12-0. That's why I said it was silly.
