With all these transfers, this Fall is going to be very interesting. At first, with all the transfers and graduations, I was thinking that this would be a team that struggles, and that's reflected in projections based on returning experience. Yet, there seems to be a tremendous amount of potential transferring in as well.
There are so many unanswered questions, however. Have they filled in all the weak areas? Can the coaches integrate them into a cohesive, focused team? Will these new players enjoy Athens and stick around awhile, or will they turn out to be a bunch of carpetbaggers, using Ohio as a temporary stop on their way to some different destination the following year? In the short time available before games start, can Ohio coaches learn the strengths and weaknesses of all the newcomers, and develop offensive and defensive plans that take advantage of those strengths?
Even if the coaches do a great job, the initial product we see on the field the first game or two is likely to be rough around the edges. If things go well, the team could improve dramatically through the season. In most seasons, we know up front who are the likely starters, who are the likely backups, and who might move up the charts, but this season, not so much. I think we can expect unusual mobility in the depth chart. Some players may be down the depth chart at the start of the season, and end up starters at the end, while others may top the chart early, and then fall lower as the season progresses.
All things considered, this season will be a true test for the coaches. If they have done a good job in assessing the needs, and the abilities of those they offered, and if they can build a team from what they have, they will win 7+ games and compete for the top of the MAC. If they have done poorly, they might win only a few games. Myself, I prefer stability, and being able to watch players develop from inexperienced Freshmen into veteran Seniors, but hey, this will be new, different, and definitely not boring.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” ― Epictetus