I'm usually the gloom-and-doom guy around here, with fairly regular 7-5 and 8-4 season predictions. But I think we've got this one in the bag.
Firstly, the fact that ULL has neither of their backs from last season. The QB is mobile and all, but I don't think that's going to make a lick of difference with some of the new looks we'll be throwing at them from our defensive side of the ball. If they were preparing for 2017 Texas like Maryland did... maybe it would be a similar result. I refuse to believe that's the case for 2021.
Second, their D was what kept them in close games. Their D never saw anyone with half the talent of our OL or Bijan. We can point to how well they closed out ISU, who had players out due to Covid, but toppling mighty UTSA and Texas State by late defensive battles doesn't exactly instill confidence heading into 2021.
Coastal Carolina was their only game of real significance last year outside of the Labor Day weekend upset. I just don't think they had enough eyes on them to make them feel any pressure. This one's different. Now that people are watching, I think they crumble.
Finally, I think the hype is alive an well for many facets of our program right now. While I'm not sold on the QB, I don't think anyone can discount what our backs and what Coach K will bring on Saturday. As maligned as our DBs were last season, I think we'll see some big hits and turnovers created this weekend. I'd also be super-surprised if Bijan didn't combine for like 200 apy.
