On Offense:

-I'm excited to see Evan Stewart back healthy along with a healthy DAK. Injuries have sunk our last two playoff runs and entire defenses should have to game plan around one of these guys, but both along with McClellan? This could be Oregon's best group of receivers top to bottom ever!

-OLine cohesiveness. I don't expect perfection against a talented Bronco team, but I don't want to see a repeat of 2 years ago.

On Defense:

-Inside Linebacker Instincts. Our ILB strengths have been speed and pass coverage. We will have a new defensive "QB's" this year. Our defensive line should occupy everyone up front to keep the ILB's clean. How well can they "sniff out" plays? Do they have the natural instincts to carry us deep into the playoffs?

-3rd down. Can we get off the field? Madsen is a veteran QB, so this will be a solid Game 1 test for our defense.

-Safeties. I think we're all looking forward to the debut of Koi Perich, but how about Carl Williams IV coming over from Baylor along with 5-star phenoms Trey McNutt (injured last year) and Jett Washington? Will they make immediate impacts this year?

Special Teams:

-Making field goals. Please let us have a solid kicker this year!!

-Punt Returner 1. Who gets the gig? I hold my breath on every punt catch. This player has the most trusted hands on the team.

I want to get a read on how physical our defense will play this year, and whether the O line gives DM an opportunity to throw downfield from the pocket.

Then, find out early who is QB2.

Mike...you checked all the boxes I had, although I would also love to see Freshman RB Brandon Smith play and show us what we have been hearing about!

Well, him and another freshman in Gatlin Bair!

Yeah, BABY!

Positions I'm watching like a hawk: RT and Nickel.

Coaching- looking for aggressive play calling of intermediate and deep passes by the OC and stunts and pressures (of the unsimulated variety) by the DC.

Definitely looking for OL effectiveness creating running lanes for RBs and pass protection for Dante.

Everything else should go swimmingly, well except possibly special teams as you mentioned. That is our biggest lack of returning production. If our kicker can't make kicks, if our punts only go 30 yards and our returners fumble, then this whole special season is going to be messed up by special teams.

I will be interested in seeing the backups and freshmen to get an idea of who is already playing above the line football.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by Solar

How Dante responds with pressure. Has the game slowed for him? How well does he see the D and his checks.

Basically all mental. How has he grown with a year of starting and another off season.

The only questions I have is about the O line and its depth and the FG kicker(s). It will be great to see Evan Stewart back.

Also Im looking for a complete stomping of the Bronco's!

I'm excited about Evan Stewart(Last year's injury was such a disappointment), and really looking forward to seeing how Poncho and the boys hold down the Fort.