Depth chart and implications/expectations for KS game -
LDN/SG Card - 08-30-2021
Hoping to get some debate/discussion going in run up to season opener...
Oline looks big and strong we finally seem to have some depth... excited to see RBs (Jones) pound the rock behind a couple of rather larger FBs (HH 265lbs) but also hope we can bring back some of the RB passes that McC and Love excelled in (e.g. vs Iowa Rose bowl)... perhaps to Smith/Filkins...
Am impressed and excited re size of WRs - EH at 235lbs!! and both BT and JH providing some impressive height... is there as speedy deep threat amongst the group - BF or CB? Not sure what to expect from TEs - do we have a pass catching threat or will EH provide the over the middle target?
Have no idea what to expect from QBs but really hope gameplan puts them in strong position e.g. we can run and use play action and plenty of short to medium high percentage passes early... hoping WR size can provide downfield threat as game evolves...
DLine - we look shallow altho others have pointed out we often play with 2 down lineman and OLBs on perimeter... concerned about contain especially as KS have a mobile QB (think they are also at OR for starting QBs).... there seems to be size and experience at MLB so really helps that we can be decent against the run... if QB starts running wild do we have a potential 'SPY'??
Concerned about DBs (some decent height at CB) we seem to have limited depth and worried about tackling and getting beat deep so really not sure re man/zone and how much we should blitz... mobile QB might suggest more zone but hope we can get push up front as not sure DBs can cover if QB gets time in the pocket....
Special teams look decent again with potential impact from return game.... hoping FG unit not particularly busy...
In terms of expectations for the game I am not really sure what to expect - KS seem to be an up and down team having beaten Oklahoma and some other decent teams but also lost a number of games at end of last season... it is an oversimplification but if we can run I think that is the route to winning as long as defence can contain and not give up too many big plays... just really hope we don't become one dimensional and can hurt KS if they load up the box...
All in all I am not that optimistic as think we need to play a relatively clean game to win and circumstances are not necessarily conducive to that but hope springs eternal and big trees are hard to chop down so let's go Cardinal and get a classic 24-16 win!!
It will be a midnight kickoff for me in Singapore so really hoping it will be worth staying up late for!