Ever since we got defeated by UCF, I recalibrated expectations and was looking primarily for three things.
1. Improvement through coaching. Seen a lot on defense, some on offense, and special teams been solid all year.
2. Effort. This was biggest concern to me, especially after reports of chaos, team in disarray, etc. This is when I was ready to pull plug. Turns out that was either lies or exaggerations. Buddy language was good even during that disaster FH against Clemson. Team is playing hard.
3. Recruiting. It has remained solid. Kids who are on campus seeing what is going on are signing up. I was afraid it would all fall apart.
The major failure has been QB portal whiff and Lopez has gotten better. If he had been no. 1 target that would have been a bigger miss. He was not.
I also never liked the NFL 33rd team deal. It made us easy to mock as clearly we are not NFL team but a bad P4 team.
IMO, the message that was intended, that we will prepare you for NFL through fitness, nutrition and coaching got buried. I think BB is harping on that, we have been a good second half team last three weeks, and recruits are buying in.
I think we will kill portal because, well, we have to. I do not think BB has forgotten how to coach.
I expects a big win against Stanford and strong performances in final three games.
I also believe some of what Roy called stuff has refocused the coaching staff. I really like SB and the DL coach and ST guy too..