Nice summary of what you envision for 2025. I disagree on a few items, but I believe we will overall be better than 2024 due to our schedule and how some of our opponents hat their rosters hit hard thru the draft/graduation like we did, namely Ohio State and Georgia.
My thoughts, with an understanding that I certainly don't know more than any other loyal Horn fan and graduate...
I believe we will be better in the red zone because of Arch. Defenses are going to have to account for his running threat which in my mind, will make us much harder to defend when we are in the red zone. What none of us know is how Arch will play under pressure against great teams. Can he read defenses and make progressions? I don't think anyone will question he can make all the throws, but great QB play is also contingent on how fast your mind processes pre and post snap.
I believe we will have one of the best LB groups in the nation. I think our depth at DT will be better, but it remains to be seen if we can match the run defense from 2025. I think our Edge paly will make a jump with our returning guys having more experience. More worried about run defense than I am pressuring the QB. We lost a lot of talent inside.
I believe our RB play will be a net positive getting Baxter back along with Wisner, although losing Blue in the passing game will be a definite loss.
Losing Golden and Helms hurts. I think losing Bond is not a concern, as he was not a game changer IMO. I am generally hoping Sark reloads with WIngo/Moore/Mosely, the Cal TE Transfer, and the young guys fighting for snaps. I think our talent at WR wins out in the end.
I am worried about protection up front, especially early in the year. I realize we are talented on the OL, but they don't have a lot of starts or time playing together as a unit.
And I am worried about the secondary. I just don't think we will be as strong as 2024. Losing Barron and Mukuba will hurt. They had a lot of starts/experience and I think we will have some growing pains with the young guys taking their place. Manny needs to up his game at CB.
I see 10-11 wins and think we would have to be considered one of the top 3 teams on paper going into 2025.