Time to recap the season! Overall, I would give the program a C+ for a final grade. There were definite highlights to the season and low lights that in many cases, over shadowed the highs. The fact that 6 teams from the MVFC made the playoffs tells everyone the conference is legit for FCS and the sets the bar for competitive football. Even if they are watered down. The fact that we beat 3 playoff teams is a plus. We should have been 6-4 this season! The team never quit all year, unlike teams from the Pelini era. I like what I am seeing in Crenshaw, but we need a solid back-up that offers that same 1-2 punch of being able to throw and run when Crenshaw is not in the game. Having a back up that is one dimensional is an issue and defenses can tee off on the QB.
We have to make sure Jaleel does not leave, rumor has it he is looking to be invited to the NFL Combine?? Not sure that is true but whatever he does, we have to make sure he does not enter the portal, AGAIN! Would like to see two back sets but I will complain about that forever - would also like to see Crenshaw under center more!!
We will need to replace some WR and a tight end. Tight ends are killers and we need to utilize that position more!
Recruit, Recruit, Recruit and live by the portal and die by the portal. Have to find OL and DL now to stabilize those positions into the future. If we want to compete and beat UNI, SDSU and NDSU - the OL and DL have to put on 40 pounds across the board and move like tight ends. We will not be able to compete in this conference until that happens. A great OL makes a mediocre RB look great. If Jaleel had a solid and consistent OL - he would have doubled his yardage!!
Coaching can always be improved and hopefully this staff learned a lot about the MVFC and what it takes to win in the meat grinder of a schedule. The offseason is when championships are won. The staff has its first full offseason, let's see how they do!! I say we need 10 D1 transfers to make an impact next year until recruits can step up. Pelini era lack of recruiting set this team back 4 years. I like what DP is doing, heard is out the next two weeks recruiting and hitting it hard and traveling around to get the bodies he needs to win. I like the schedule next year - no UNI or SDSU - time to take advantage of that!
GO GUINS!!
