Rivals is doing a series of B1G articles asking the publishers of each site what defines a successful season. There's quite the debate going on the RSS after Sean responded with 6 wins. Thoughts?
Edit: 7+ wins for me to feel there is true progress.
I am in the 8-4 camp and also expect the offense to look more like what we hoped for with the hire (37+ PPG). We did that in the last 7 games of 2018 (all one score games) when we had Farmer, Foster, Zig and Morgan. I personally think the offensive roster in 2021 is better than that and includes at least 3-4 future pros.
Coaches are in fourth full year with a spring and full fall camp. Most of the players that matter are in at least third year of college and almost all have been in the program for at least two years (Toure and Irvin the exceptions). O-line has been rebuilt and has high end athletes starting (Avg. RR of 5.76 assuming Sichtermann starts). Top 5 WR averaging 5.8 RR plus a pro prospect in Toure replace the two Walk-ons that started in 2020. RB room with three 4 stars and two 5.7 RR 3 stars.
Defense returning 9 starters on a unit that improved each of last three years and should be a top 1/3rd of league.
I currently believe in this staff and think a vast majority of the issues were roster talent relative to competition and growing pains for a young staff doing a major rebuild in a conference with very established coaching. However, If they are not able to take the talent accumulated and field a good football team in 2021 then why would things be any better in 2022 or beyond as I don't see talent jumping much if any from this point unless they start winning.
If they do find a way to go 8-4 in 2021 and look good on offense i think you will see expectations soar for 2022 and you will see recruiting and the transfer market jump to the next level. So much on the line for this staff, the program and fans as a whole. Win in 2021 and we can begin to enjoy football again for first time in 8-9 years. Lose again this year and I think a coaching change in 2022 and the mass exodus that would occur are inevitable. Probably won't be competitive again in best case scenario until 2025. While its fine to question coaching, any true fan should be rooting like hell for Frost an this staff as the alternative to success flat our sucks.
