2nd annual thread like this. Here was last year's version (epic disasters on questions 1 and 2):
https://www.canesinsight.com/threads/my-biggest-questions-going-into-fall-camp.178845/
For 2023, I have related, but slightly different questions:
Here’s what I’ll look for during Fall camp (and the early parts of the season):
1. Will Coach Cristobal truly hand over the reigns to Coach Dawson's presumed style?
Of course, the sensical answer is "well, he brought him in, so obviously." However, we've consistently heard quotes from both Coach Cristobal and Coach Mirabal about how Dawson "has really evolved" and how much of the "run game diversity" he's included in the general spread principles. To me, that naturally indicates they want *their* brand and imprint on the offense.
Yes, I realize that goes hand in hand with the overall culture they aim to achieve. But, you know what else helps culture? Winning. You know what helps winning? Putting your offensive players in space and having your QB in a relatively comfortable position to succeed. I strongly believe in the grind and mental toughness. Those ends are often achieved artfully; not always with a hammer. I've already acknowledged the need for massive roster turnover. Coach Cristobal was given credit for that. If Coach Cristobal's strengths lie somewhere other than Xs and Os, specifically, then make your hire and let him cook. The significant and quick change from Gattis (an objective failure here in multiple ways) to Dawson is a positive move. Let's see where it goes.
2. How will we hold up physically? (same question as last year)
We went from what many consistently told me was "almost no hitting and tackling to the ground" under Manny to hyper-physical practices last season. We didn't have depth, and when injuries hit in practice and otherwise, we looked like a shell of a roster. Let me be clear: I think the best way to get good at tackling at the college level is to tackle. I strongly believe there needs to be some of it.
I also realize we need to be somewhere reasonable and manage our depth. Specifically, we have certain position groups - like DT and parts of the OL - that are top heavy. While injuries are inevitable, we cannot afford to lose too many of our top guys and expect to do much of anything. We just don't [yet?] have that kind of depth.
3. Will TVD return to his old flashes and which offensive skill position player(s) surprise(s)?
As skeptical as I was about the questionable fit of Gattis' style, I'm cautiously optimistic about a regression to at least a reasonable mean with this year's offense. The answer to this question is linked to question 1 above. It is, however, more specific to how we set up individual players for success. And, I've got specific hopes/goals for the offense:
(a) from 117th in TDs/game (1.9!) to something competent like 40th (which is estimated at 3.6 TDs/game)
(b) from 104th in Yards Per Play (4.8) to something more like 40th (which is estimated around 6 yards per play)
(c) from 77th in 3rd down conversion % (37.7%) to something more like 40th (which is estimated at 41%)
(d) from 117th in Points Per Play (.267!) to something halfway reasonable like 50th (which is estimated at .4)
(e) from 110th in RZ % (76.3%!) to something competent like 50th (which is estimated at 85%)
(f) from 114th in Points per game (19.4, left the critical one for last) to something competent like 44th (which is estimated at 30PPG)
Is it possible to be pleasantly surprised on some of the above if TVD and his skill players are played to their strengths? Sure. But, competence goes a long way. We score 30 PPG and have a reasonable uptick in our defense's ability to get off the field (opponent's 3rd down conversion %) and stop big plays (opponent's yards per play), and most of the rest tends to work itself out.
