How so? What has changed since last year?
Personally, I believe the
1. DBs are going to be a next level this year. I am not saying OSU level, but they will take a good step forward (Witherspoon and Brown with some experience, heathy Beason, Hobbs being Hobbs, and the addition of the talented Safety from Mia)
2. Hansen at the Middle helps with his lack of athleticism vs slot receivers. He better play with great leverage if he has to take on interior lineman however
3. I am putting ALL my faith in the success of the defense on the D Line, More specifically, the transfer from SC and Jamal Woods. If we do not get disruption from the line, we are going to get !!!!! slapped all around the field again. Our linebacker play was below average last year while dropping into coverage. I also am not confident Hansen can take on lineman and make a play. The LBs need to be able to run free. And no matter how great the DBs play, if the QB is comfortable in the pocket, they will get picked apart in zone coverage.
Week 1 vs a Wisconsin O Line is going to tell me everything I need to know
I also want to point out that I believe the offense and Peters are going to be very successful. If we can get a lead, and put that pressure on the other offense, they are going to be more susceptible to turning the ball over. Which we should excel at.