[LuckE2Bhere]

As phenomenal as Andrew Luck was (and is, in so many ways), my "silver lining analysis" with respect to his departure relies on 2 key points in mitigating my despair:

1 - As others have noted, our defense should improve notably, when Skov and Lyons return (particularly if Chase Thomas stays), and

2 - Unlike Oklahoma State, for example, who amassed a grand total of 13 yards rushing against us (and proved themselves to be very depending on a QB-WR combo that's now gone), we were primarily a run-oriented offense this year... with pretty much every key component to that game returning (save DeCastro and Martin, of course).  Bottom line: we don't have to replace Andrew with an Andrew (not that we could).  I'd be thrilled to see Nottingham (or someone else) become a Todd Husak, who I don't believe ever started before his stellar senior year.

Plus, with Polian departing (and Jordan, hopefully, learning the most painful but valuable lesson that a kicker can ever learn: that you MUST immediately forget your last miss), we should be improved on special teams as well.

I'm not predicting another 11 win season, but I do believe that 9 or 10 could certainly happen (and would represent another reason for all of us to be grateful!).

[LuckE2Bhere]

As phenomenal as Andrew Luck was (and is, in so many ways), my "silver lining analysis" with respect to his departure relies on 2 key points in mitigating my despair:

1 - As others have noted, our defense should improve notably, when Skov and Lyons return (particularly if Chase Thomas stays), and

2 - Unlike Oklahoma State, for example, who amassed a grand total of 13 yards rushing against us (and proved themselves to be very depending on a QB-WR combo that's now gone), we were primarily a run-oriented offense this year... with pretty much every key component to that game returning (save DeCastro and Martin, of course).  Bottom line: we don't have to replace Andrew with an Andrew (not that we could).  I'd be thrilled to see Nottingham (or someone else) become a Todd Husak, who I don't believe ever started before his stellar senior year.

Plus, with Polian departing (and Jordan, hopefully, learning the most painful but valuable lesson that a kicker can ever learn: that you MUST immediately forget your last miss), we should be improved on special teams as well.

I'm not predicting another 11 win season, but I do believe that 9 or 10 could certainly happen (and would represent another reason for all of us to be grateful!).