A lot of rational posts in this thread. I don't have much to add other than saying that while we only trailed once in the fourth quarter this year, we did have a few games where all you need to change is one play and we may have lost. Iowa State gave us all they could handle as we were tied with about 3 minutes left. If Vandeburg doesn't scoop up that fumble in the 3rd quarter, we are driving late in the 4th quarter just to tie the game. Against Pitt, King really bailed us out with a couple of interceptions, including one in the endzone that prevented at least 3 points. If he doesn't make that great play, we are kicking a 57 yard field goal to tie the game. Everyone knows how close the Wisconsin game was. The Illinois game was getting pretty dicey as we had injuries to our offensive line that basically negated our ability to provide pass protection. If Canzeri doesn't have an unbelievable performance, we could have easily lost that game. The Indiana and Minnesota games were both close and went back and forth. Even the Purdue game got close in the 3rd quarter and made many nervous. Finally, in the Nebraska game we were outgained by nearly 200 yards, and we basically let Nebraska beat themselves.
It's not hard to imagine how this season could have ended with at least 3 losses. We controlled most games (even against MSU) as we rarely trailed, especially in the 4th quarter, however many of these games were still close.
Looking to the talent next year, we will have a few questions. For example, we return 5 offensive linemen that have starting experience, however, I am not sure we can quite predict the impact of losing Blythe and Walsh, as both played at an All-Big 10 level this year. Lomax played very well in the secondary and was one of the leaders on defense. While I am confident Gair and/or Snyder can perform well next year, it would be hard to predict there wouldn't be at least some drop off next year. How will our WR's perform without Tevaun Smith? Our passing offense struggled when he went down for a few games. Finally, the biggest question about next year is whether King will return for a senior season. We have some experienced and talented corners to replace him if he does leave, however, you can never count on truly replacing the best defensive back in the country.
I am not overly worried about any of the questions facing next year's team, because we appear to have talented players available to fill virtually any hole, and that is why I have high expectations for next year's team. However, it is always healthy to keep in mind how unpredictable collegiate athletics can be.
