RE: TMD's preseason power rankings
This year should be less of a mystery, as this is Hazell's 2nd year and he/staff have had an entire year to get their systems in place, as most of last year's early season struggles were on the offensive side of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, 4 of the 5 OL starters return with good depth behind them, 3 TEs return with 2 freshmen TE recruits who could push for time right away, good QB depth with Keith the returning starter and Fisher the new JC QB with a ton of talent....double that with the 2 freshmen who redshirted last season and another freshman coming in this year who will redshirt, and 3 senior WRs with a lot of young talent behind them. The wildcards on offense are Archer/Dawson as they both sat out last year and Brian Winters is finally 100% healthy.
4yr starter @ Kicker, but new punter to replace 4 yr starter in Rhinehart.
On the defensive side of the ball, Rosie Nix is 100% healthy and he has a lot of help on the DL this year with Fackler, Terhune, Brown, Brown, Gray, Dooley, & Hitchens as well as a highly regarded true freshman NT in Chris Fairchild. LB starters are better vs last year as Batton returns in the middle, Malaalulu on the weakside, and Parker/Steward are a huge upgrade from Reese on the strongside who was the starter last year. The secondary returns in tact, with good size and tons of experience. Saulter/Wolfe are both 5th yr seniors and Wollet will be in his 3rd year starting.
With all of that said, we will see though, as KSU has had high hopes in recent years, only to underperform and disappoint, so I am cautiously optimistic. I think that Miami of OH & BG will underperform, Buffalo/Akron will be down again, and Ohio U is definitely the most talented in the East division.
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TMD's preseason power rankings
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