[HolyHandgernade]

I was cautiously optimistic before the rash of injuries to the defensive front seven and the OL. I think KU will have to do a 180 from its previous identity to make it to .500 this year. They'll have to run their big backs three yards at a time, keep the ball away from the other offense and try not to wear out their thin defense. Mix in a little play action pass, maybe a version of the wildcat, and hope we can let the other team sabotage itself a little.

I'm very excited about what Gill will be able to do, but he's got some major hurdles to clear including a starting QB. He probably won't be able to implement his full offense, thus limiting what he'll be able to sell to future recruits, and KU will go into the round robin games next year when they might have had a chance to build by skipping the "Big 2". If Gill gets this team to .500, I think he'll be OK on the recruiting side. If he gets us to Bowl eligibility, he should be in line for some coach of the year considerations.

We do have some talent at the skill positions, aside from QB, and a lot of experience on the OL, so that is some room for optimism, an I'm hearing good things about the secondary. We had some good starters at LB until Tharp got injured and the DL was already thin before the injuries and dismissals. I think we're banking a lot on the staff this year and hoping we can coach up a few more victories this year. GT at home is going to be tough and So. Miss on the road will be no picnic either. I'll feel more confident about assessing our Big XII prospects after that. Seems like every year someone surprises and someone doesn't meet expectations, so hopefully we're on the surprise side this year. I'll cheer 'em on regardless.