I didn't expect a lot this year quite honestly. Too many upperclassmen getting kicked out or transferring to say this was going to be the year we truly turn the corner. I'm looking for end of year improvement which we haven't seen with this coaching staff. For me, the UVa game is huge and probably the most important game for this staff at this point for momentum. I think if we beat Virginia then we handle Pitt without problem. Now we're heading into bowl season winning 5 of our last 6 games. Win the bowl game and we're on the right trajectory for 2015.
The 2015 schedule is favorable. Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech at home. We get Nebraska at home. We go to Cincinnati, Duke and Florida State. On offense we lose Duke which is huge. Everybody returns at wide out except Dorsett. Yes, we lose Clive but Dobard has the goods despite his ball security concerns. He's still at pup. If Flowers returns then we have the makings of a really nice and athlete offensive line. Isidora has been coming on and Darling and Linder are further along than we anticipated. I liked Gadbois prior to his injury. He was starting to come on. Figs is a loss. Love his attitude. Can Yearby be the guy? We'll see but I think Scarlett or Williams should help a lot. Edwards game has improved. We're running more by committee next year, which may not be too bad. Go with the hot guy. And then you've got an experienced Kaaya. I think as good as he's been this year as a true freshman he's really going to take off next year, especially his reads and ability to change plays at the line of scrimmage. Offense should be very, very good.
On defense, the only guy we'll miss is Denzel on defense. Love Chick and what he's done here but he's replaceable. Pierre has been good, but I really like Kamalu and Hertelou. We've got to get something out of Wyche next year. I expect a big year out of McCord. We need Muhammad back and Chad will be a very important guy next year. He should be what we've lacked at end since Campbell. Grace is going to be a monster next year. I really, really like Owens and Young. Kirby is serviceable. Our back four will be terrific next year. Burns is really improving. Howard, Crawford and Elder are all very good. Bush is playing like an all-conference first teamer the last 4 to 5 games. We need Carter to make the leap. We get Jenkins back.
We have a terrific punter. I have some concerns with placekicking, but special teams will be solid.
We will be a very good team next. I love our chances at Doak if we walk in healthy. We historically play well there and I think we beat them. They truly are losing a lot and they've got guys on defense that are going to declare early.
