Finally had a chance to watch their spring game for myself to see what we're up against. In short - we better come ready to play. Say what you want about Bielema, but that dude's a solid coach. They have lots of returning production, and they look like they have a decent passing game to go with his run game which we all know too well from years ago.
The big thing that stood out to me was their gap in depth. Their second team dropped off a cliff compared to their first team. I think depth (thank God) is finally becoming a strength of ours for the first time in a long time (aside from maybe QB sadly). Our best strategy to win might be to wear their starters on defense down with a good, patient run game and some no huddle offense that needs to finally zip lightning fast in year 4 of Frost's scheme like he did with UCF. I think if we can do that with some success and limit their big plays on offense, we stand a chance.
Being the first game, this is huge to the rest of our season. Our guys need that confidence boost from a W here more than we'd like to admit. I know a lot of people here are saying we need to win big over them or else, but I think a W is a W. Even a close win against Illinois this first game of the year could prove to be huge for us.
Thoughts?
The big thing that stood out to me was their gap in depth. Their second team dropped off a cliff compared to their first team. I think depth (thank God) is finally becoming a strength of ours for the first time in a long time (aside from maybe QB sadly). Our best strategy to win might be to wear their starters on defense down with a good, patient run game and some no huddle offense that needs to finally zip lightning fast in year 4 of Frost's scheme like he did with UCF. I think if we can do that with some success and limit their big plays on offense, we stand a chance.
Being the first game, this is huge to the rest of our season. Our guys need that confidence boost from a W here more than we'd like to admit. I know a lot of people here are saying we need to win big over them or else, but I think a W is a W. Even a close win against Illinois this first game of the year could prove to be huge for us.
Thoughts?