We're five weeks into the football season now and it's become clear to me that this is going to be a long and difficult one.  It's a young team, I know, and it's going through a lot of emotional issues, too.  I'm finding it very difficult to be angry with this team, not like last year where I felt that they, overall, didn't quite play up to their potential.  Maybe I'm still suffering a Sun Bowl hangover, I don't know, but that's how I feel.

This team, however, gets a pass.  I felt, awhile back, that this team was certainly capable of making post-season play.  After five games, I'm not so sure.  I still think, however, that a BigTen championship should be in the bag in two years.  But for now, I'll give them a break.

I do have some thoughts, though, that maybe need to be voiced for good or for ill.

First, Mike Kafka needs to mature...fast.  I don't remember Brett Basanez going through these problems.  This holds true for Andrew Brewer, too.  I was watching a local high school football game and the styles of those kids reminded me very much of that of the 'Cats.  But this is the BigTen, not the Chicago Public League and, while BigTen play isn't NFL quality, it is definitely much higher quality than high school ball and they need to get with it quickly if they want to salvage a decent season.

Not that it's all their fault, though.  The offensive line, which I thought was supposed to be one of the best in the BigTen, doesn't seem to be giving the QBs much protection, nor are they as adept at run blocking for Tyrell Sutton or Terrell Jordan.  These guys, at least, should be tearing up the conference.  They just aren't getting free. 

The receiving corps, however, looks as if it's improved, which is pretty good considering they weren't all that bad last year.  The trick is getting them the ball.

Overall, the defense has gotten much better.  They are currently ranked 62nd in points allowed per game and 52nd in yards allowed per game.  Last year they weren't even ranked in the top 100.  True, occasionally, it looks as if they are having trouble remembering how to tackle and the backfield gives up way too many big plays but, after last season, they've gotten much better. 

Special teams scares me.  Kick/punt returns are fine although I'm still waiting for Marquice Cole to break off a big punt return this season.  But the kicking game, itself, is still an adventure.  We need more consistency from our kickers. 

It's a learning season, I keep telling myself that.  Well, I hope they do learn and learn well.  Because, I've made my prediction and they need to help me keep it.  Next year, or in 2008, I expect to see a BigTen championship banner going up at Ryan Field. 

In alumni news:  Baseball season is over.  The NFL schedule has begun.  I'll try to give a more in-depth update on both areas in my next issue.  But I will mention this just in case I don't do another article until November or something: The Phillies are going to be sending J.A. Happ (04) to the Arizona Fall League.  For those who don't know, the AFL is a fast-track league for prospects pretty much destined for the majors within a year or two.  I'll try to keep you all abreast of how he's doing once that league starts play on October 10.  If you want to follow on your own, J.A. will be pitching for the Peoria Saguaros.