There are some position groups that look more capable, or are deeper than we’ve seen in the past. But we don’t have any evidence (yet) to think we’ve advanced beyond last year’s very underwhelming conference experience.

The unbelievable news on the basketball side over the past month suggests that rumblings of future leaps forward might be around the corner. However, nothing is seismically shifting between now and September for football.

Reasons to have hope? Sure. And I’ll be looking for a W as every game approaches just as I’ve always done. But, we are not entering this season in the pole position in any way, and it’s best to see that with your eyes wide open.