Will anything less than a National Championship be unacceptable?

[Matt Trump]

Just curious as to what the expectations are for the gridders are this year.

Football returns an all-american QB, the entire Oline, and defensive backfield. Lots of talent returns at some linebacker and defensive line positions. Special teams will be solid.

Recruiting picked up some key contribution and there will be some difference making redshirt freshman.

What does everyone think?

[SteinPizza]

Recruiting picked up some key contribution and there will be some difference making redshirt freshman.

Reed, who will some the difference makers be that didn't see much time last year? We lost some big contributors on the D-line and at LB, do we have some kids behind them that can step up right away to play at that level?

[panther2317]

One game at a time. Those are my expectations. Also, I'd like to expect to see myself at a pre-game tailgate hosted by JC Panthers. I'm anticipating the Homecoming Game...which is literally going to be a Homecoming for some MSU coaches. Should be a fun season and I can't wait for that time of year...although I will wait until after March Madness to start thinking about it.

[TravelingPanther]

homecoming should be very interesting.

[Matt Trump]

Reed, who will some the difference makers be that didn't see much time last year? We lost some big contributors on the D-line and at LB, do we have some kids behind them that can step up right away to play at that level?

DL: Returning and add-ons
Huygens:
Lacy
Pedescleaux
McGaster: JUCO transfer that I hope will have a LARGE impact. (He's 315)

I really feel that farley has prepared to "reload" as always. No one ever imagined John Herman to step up like he did this season and there will be others as well.

LB: These guys played a lot and will be ready. When Farley is running the show, the linebackers will ALWAYS be good.
Stratz
Carter
Kirk


more to come later....

[jegbomb52]

National Championship or Bust! I will say it now. Any loss next year to whomever it may be, I don't care if it is Iowa State will be a un-acceptable dissapointment. Expect the Best!

[Tango Charlie]

Not so fast.

We will be in a reload/rebuilding mode this yr. We lost a lot of talent.

Key losses on Defense
Up front : Stensrud, Herman, Mathes & Johnson
Linebacker: Heideman & Koebcke
D-back: Varner

Key losses on Offense
Running back: Horne & Freeney
Receivers: Hunter, Surrency, Goodwin, Breeland
Tight end: Cutright
Centers: Schabilion, & Bates
Thats a lot to replace.

Last year was a magical year. I think we'll have to be better this year to repeat.

That being said the last two recruiting classses were loaded and the new transfers this year look promising.

The schedule looks good with the top Gateway teams on the backend. That should give us a few games to get it going.

Can't wait for Aug. 31 at the rebuilt Drake stadium.

[jegbomb52]

Anyone that knows anything about football will tell you that if you have an experienced defensive backfield and an experienced offensive line there should be no problems. returning 7 of 9 starters in those two areas we have nothing to worry about. Our system is set up for tight ends and running backs to be successful, all we have to do is plug them into the system. Hannam, Walter, Thorne, Cutright (TE's) Benge, Carter, Freeney, Horne (RB's). Not to take anything away from those guys but do you think that it we always have "Great" TE's and RB's for a reason?

[bigcat75]

I say early season

We may be a little shakey. We as fans are gonna have to show the same support we did last year. If we can get thru the early portion healthy and enter the Gateway season in good condition we may be able to contend or win the Gateway. If we get into the playoffs well than anything is possible. I do like our talent at the skill positions.Lets us not forget we still have MR. Sanders at QB. Defensively, some may think I am a little crazy, I feel defensively we will be fine. The LB position will be solid some of those guys played in big games and played solid when asked to play. If Everette Pedescleaux stays healthy he will certainly help to solidfy the d-line and we will be in good shape and rush the passer well. One thing is for certain is I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO BEGIN!

[DomeRanger Posse]

Starting to act like Nebraska fans...

It's too early to say National Championship or bust. I would love to see that as much as anyone. I would love nothing better than to sit next to my computer in the middle of December listening to Gary Rima proclaim that Eric Sanders just carried the winning touchdown across the goal line. But I think that's too much pressure to start putting on these guys. A little pressure isn't a bad thing, don't get me wrong. In my opinion, though, if we start calling these guys failures now if they don't win an NC NEXT DECEMBER, then as fans, we're a$$holes. I would love to see UNI football dominate I-AA, but this isn't Notre Dame or Nebraska. Are we going to call for Coach Farley's head if he goes 6-5? What if, God forbid, we have an injury-riddled season and we end up going 1-10? I don't think it's going to happen, but we need to be realistic. I can't talk specifics...I don't know these guys personally, except for the fact that the worst of them is a hell of a lot more athletic than I am.

Personally, I think we stand a better than average chance of going back to the playoffs. Heck, we might even make it back to Chattanooga. If we do, I think we'll win it. But I'm gonna cheer for this team just as hard if we're 5-6 and go into a "rebuilding year."

[Cap'n Cat]

No matter what happens, don't be fair weather buttholes.

[DomeRanger Posse]

No matter what happens, don't be fair weather buttholes.

Amen, Cap'n

[Marc Wigim]

I think a Gateway Championship is the goal. Anything after that would constitute another "Magical Ride."

Needless to say, I am STOKED for football!

[BCPanther]

The reality is that the Gateway has to be the goal. Whoever comes out of that league alive this year may not have enough gas to get to Tennessee.

[DomeRanger Posse]

And you know, I guess I'd love nothing better than to see us win in Ames. May happen, may not, but it'd make life on campus fun for me.