There are many questions that surround this year's edition of the Blue and White. Here are some the big ones that I see;
>>>How does MU survive the first three non-conferernce games?
Colgate, Maine, and Old Dominion .. That is a tough way to start the season as the Raiders are picked to win the Patriot League and start the year in the top 25 while Maine is a usually a very solid playoff type team and one would think ODU is seeking revenge after Monmouth took a 31-28 decision in 2009.
The positives in the schedule for this stretch would be two of these games are at home with a bye week sandwiched in between weeks two and three. So what is an acceptable start to the season? 2-1 would be great I think and part of that is to try to grab the first one against Colgate. 1-2 would be OK as long as the team plays well and stays healthy because it really boils down to the conference slate in the big picture and trying to grab the first ever automatic bid into the FCS playoffs for the Northeast Conference.
>>>Can the defense be better than it was a year ago?
The easiest answer is, let's hope so. At times last year the defense won a game or two for the Hawks but more often than not on that side of the ball gave up too many big plays at bad times. The concern is the front seven with only Dave Ogden back in the front four and the linebacking corps battling thru some injuries. Monmouth will need to mix and match a little bit until everyone is healthy or some other players emerge from a talented group of underclassmen.
The good news is the secondary could be loaded with Jose Gumbs and Kendall Haley both all conference type players and the corners should be solid as well with names like Bynum, Phillips, Amsel, and Avent. This could be the deepest group that MU has had in the back four in a long time.
>>>What does Monmouth do to replace Dave Sinisi?
This is a tough one because he was everything for this team week in and week out. I think gone are the days where anyone carries the ball more then 20 times a game and the passing game is crucial to the Hawks success this year. Replacing Sinisi can't be done but spreading the ball around can be done and you might be surprised by the balance of this unit this season and how it helps out.
Kyle Frazier being back at QB helps a ton and names like Giles & Sloan El will have to carry the workload in backfield because no team can win without at least a presence of a running game. The receiving unit is as loaded as it has been in years with a potential of 7 receivers really making an impact and that doesn't even include TE Tyler George who is a favorite target of Frazier.
>>>How much has Kyle Frazier improved in the offseason?
He has looked pretty good in the two scrimmages I saw and you would have to think that with a whole year under his belt that things will be much smoother for Frazier. He has an excellent arm and with the offense having some new weapons for him to throw to, it might make the transition away from Sinisi much easier.
He has the tools and showed flashes of brillance last season and now this is his team for sure. There will be a lot expected from him this season and he really does hold the key for the Hawks to have a successful season. With a very good offensive line in front of him, it should make life better for #10.
>>>Can the special teams be an asset this year?
With Jack Daniels booming kicks in preseason it looks like the punting game is in good shape and the kicking game should be better and more consistent with Eric Spillane and Jared Goodarz sharing the load for now. MU has some explosive guys returning kicks as well with names like Romeo, Pollard, & Giles all having the ability to take one back to the house.
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