I think all of you are way underestimating the value of a proper coach. We lost 2 games last year on the final play of the game (UVA and UNC). Let’s just say that the headwind in coaching that we had last year has now become a tailwind for us. Count those 2 games in our favor now and we end up 9-3.
I also am interested in seeing what Gattis is going to do with our play calling. This is the tricky part of the equation to figure out how we are going to be. If we pull Mims, we could have a truly balanced offense. Obviously we need a couple of WRs to step up, but I expect this to happen by the fall. Add in potential in portal, and we could really be talking. As suspect as our defense was last year, who did we lose that are going to make us worse? And have we picked up any players that could make us better? I think that latter is true and will continue to be true as a result of the portal. And scheme wise, we will be playing more press coverage which should allow some coverage sacks and preventing success in 3rd down conversions.
Finally, our schedule is Weak AF. UNC and Pitt have new QBs, Va Tech and UVA may be better with new leadership but will not improve much with talent. Our big games are aTm and Clemson (with god knows what behind center). If we play like we should, I expect 10-2. If we play like we had with a let down, we go 9-3. Either way we go to ACCCG as the Coastal is a joke (and I know this has been said in most preceding years, but we now have competency in the coaching seat).