Re PSU, my specialty.
Backup QB is between Smolik (poached Tulane recruit who was going to be depth, got hurt last year, and surprised us in spring game) and Grunk who is essentially the next top 100 recruit after Allar. Both guys very green but at least there is pedigree there with Grunk. Smolik is a Jr. Pribula was a 3 star and more of the scrambly type.
The class of transfer WRs is a different level this year. Fleming was disappointing overall (I think some wear and tear showed) but very useful in the run game and did save the season vs USC. Ross from Troy is likely 1a with new signee Pena from Cuse 1b. You know it's different because these guys have already caught 80 balls on a season. It sounds like the 3 starters will be transfers, or they will shift to primarily 2 TE, where they are still loaded but don't have an alpha like Warren. Point being, the ball catchers are going to be deeper. Whether they can beat OSU or Oregon on routes, time will tell. Word from camp is the 2 new guys would've been WR1 last year. And Hudson probably WR2.. oddly with so many 4 stars it seems the only naturally recruited guys making waves are Denmark (redshirt frosh) and the new class.
On defense they lose a stud (Carter) and a handful of starters (King, Kimber, Reed, injured Winston). Honestly I think only Carter & Reed risk drop off. They got 5th+ years from DDS, Zane, Wheatley. Current areas to explore are LB and DT. They have a solid 2 at DT but unlike last year depth is a question. They lost some transfers at LB due to new scheme (unlike OSU they will immediately deploy the 4-2-5/3-2-6 preferred by Knowles), I think that is the glaring area they need to address.
If they can sign a starter caliber LB (honestly I'm not sold on Rojas and Deluca as the only guys), look out. They have the pass rushing and coverage skills to immediately improve with a better DC (yes Knowles is better than Tom Allen...). Safety and Corner are competitive and high end, scheme wise I don't think they will be embarrassed like they were vs Oregon under Tom Allen.
The real key as has been pointed out is the schedule. Getting Oregon early in the eastern Time zone is huge. Likely white out if they can avoid big noon, which by the way would be 9am kick for Ducks.
At this point I assume a loss in Columbus even if the rosters and coaching are closer than ever.
And sad to say for our Hawkeye buddy, the days of PSU grinding to halt in Kinnick I think are behind us. Look at the last game after Ferentz accused season ending and multi game injuries as faking to slow down that speedy Iowa O. 31-0. I do think the level of talent amassed here has put PSU into the Ohio State and Michigan category vs Iowa, not the slugfests of yesteryear. Kinnicks always tough but I don't see a 5th year QB throwing into 3 picks sixes.
Difficult to pinpoint the 4th hardest game. Home vs Indy? Home vs Nebraska? Roady at UCLA?
This is 2.25 game schedule.
Take care Duck, appreciate ya buddy 
Hot Forum Topics
