@TO: Definitely expect to see them sacrifice some QB rushing yards, but that needs to be picked up by a more consistent presence from the tailback run game. Completion percentage probably needs to make the type of jump you're talking about, yes. I'd say you'd like to see that thing get at least above 60. And that shouldn't just be declared a given. Lee completed 53.6 percent of his passes at Tulane, although he was on a bad team and perhaps forcing the issue a lot while playing from behind. I'll always come back to that O-line. They need to be more consistent, NU needs a much better average yards-per-rush stat from the I-backs, and pass pro also has to get cleaner because Armstrong took away a decent number of sacks a less mobile QB wouldn't have avoided.

@Zadi: Run.

@Glenn315: Reimers is a guy I definitely think can break out this year. Made a few plays last season. Gabe Rahn can give some quality reps, too. Conor Young is a guy peers say is pretty impressive. As for the true frosh, I'd say all three should see a wide-open opportunity, and I think NU might need at least two of them to be ready to give you something right away. Certainly that will be an expectation with Tyjon Lindsey. And while he doesn't get as much attention, I think Jaevon McQuitty is a major signing who lit up the high school scene despite being the focal point of defenses by the end of his career.

@OKCHusker: Never know given the staff changes, but I think he's fully prepared to make a run at it at corner. He was a safety in high school, yes, but NU coaches planned early on to make him a corner and I don't think that plan necessarily has to be abandoned just because some very good skilled Tennessee receivers gave him a bit of baptism by fire in the bowl game.

@JimNE: Big year for Cavanaugh's crew. Lot to prove. I think it's only right, though, to let him see if he can build something with some guys he had a big hand in getting to this program. I expect them to take a step forward up front this year, I really do. How big of a step is the question no one can know how to answer right now.

@dick: I think there are a lot of very reasonable people in this fan base who know when they are seeing a good product, even if it's a loss, and also know when it's not as it should be, even if it's a win. For example, this fan base in general seemed to recognize the game at Wisconsin was a missed opportunity but also a game of high effort that you will gladly take from your team. It also seemed to recognize a win like that 27-14 game against Purdue in Lincoln wasn't great football, lacked good O-line play, and didn't represent exactly what you want you even if it was a win. So while I'm not saying fans would be jumping up and down, I do think it matters HOW you get to 8 or 9 or 10 or more wins, and not just what the number is. I'd say fans are viewing 9-4 from this last season in a more positive light if there's not a 59-point and 30-point loss in there, I have to think.

@rickylee41: I don't really look at it like that, no, Ricky. I mean, whatever the record of the team is I'm covering, there's always something happening or about to happen that keeps it interesting enough. I consider myself a neutral observer. Do people read more of what we write when they're winning? I'm sure they do. So from a business standpoint, it's probably better for the LJS if the program were winning championships. But for me personally, I can't lie, the most interesting year I ever covered as a journalist was my first on the beat in 2007. What I appreciate is this is a hopeful fan base, sometimes with an optimism that some would say doesn't match the reality of the last 15 years or so. But I don't find that to be an incredible fault for people to think the next year might be better. I actually admire that trait. I mean, as of last week they had already sold 40,000 for the spring game. So it's a good reminder we're covering a team where the passion for it runs higher than most any other beat in the country.