One Week Away: Reviewing the 7 Big Questions

A week before camp started, I asked seven big questions that the team had going into fall camp.  Now that camp has broken and preparations have begun for Duquesne, let's take a look at what we now know. 

7. Who steps up as the third receiving option?
This question still doesn't have a definite answer.  Adam Anderson has had flashes of brilliance but also moments of inconsistency.  Marquise Lewis seems to make plays when given the chance.  Cade Johnson has been really consistent and performed well.  Jacob Brown played as a true freshman and can at times dominate.  Alex Wilde is the most experienced and has big play potential but was injured at the beginning of camp.  If the Jacks truly want to have Goedert and Wieneke near 100 catches a piece again this year, then there aren't many passes to go around.  Whoever is on the field will need to make plays to keep the defense honest. 

6. Can the defense improve from last year?
This one is quite clear.  YES.  They have looked really good throughout camp.  They are playing fast and playing with confidence.  Injuries have hit this side of the ball hard with the loss of Jake Harms, Blake Whitsell, and Kyle Tuttle but the younger players are stepping up and playing well.  The first game against Duquesne will be a test because of their bruising nature.  The young guys will learn quickly what its like to line up and get punched in the month play after play with a 225 pound running back barreling at them. 

5. How will the right side of the offensive line shake out?
This week we gained clarity with the announcement of Matt Clark's six game suspension.  Wes Genant has looked great in camp and should be a cornerstone for the next three years.  Tyler Weir has also shown that he can handle the right tackle position.  He will get tested against Duquesne as they have a defensive end who is small but plays with a non-stop motor.  

4. What role will the redshirt freshmen play on this years team?
The signing class of 2016 is emerging as a solid class.  Logan Backhaus will start at outside linebacker, Thomas Stacker will be in the rotation at defensive tackle, Elijah Wilson and Tolu Ogunrinde will play at defensive end.  Donald Gardner is also challenging for reps at cornerback.  Cade Johnson has emerged at wide receiver, punt returner, and kick returner.  There are others who will play a role on special teams as well. This is in addition to the contributions already made by Jacob Brown, Marshon Harris, and Wes Genant as true freshmen last year. 

3.  Who emerges in the running back bottle neck?
It looks like the Jacks will play with the platoon system again.  Mengarelli, Wallace, and Daniel all do something different and all will contribute.  Mulholland, Roths, and Strong provide excellent quality on the depth chart.  This is a great group so it should be fun to see how Coach Eidsness utilizes them to keep the defense off balance.

2. Can the offense match last years production?
Last years offense was prolific.  There is no other way to put it.  The team had over 3800 yards passing and nearly 1900 yards rushing. However, in camp they have had their good days and bad days.  At times the passing game timing has appeared just a hitch off and at other times they look like they are in mid-season form.  Dallas has continued to be a huge mismatch this summer.  He's just so big and athletic.  I still think the offense can top what they did last year.  Once they get playing against defenses who haven't seen every formation a hundred times I expect them to take off. 

1.  Is this the year the Jacks win it all?
As I said confidently in my initial article... YES, this is the year.  The Jacks have all the pieces in place.  They have a fast and physical defense.  Their offense is lights out. The special teams is solid.  They need to show up every week and go 1-0 but this team is focused and is totally capable of doing it. 

See you in a week!

Go Jacks!
-Matt