SDSU and Villanova were the only FCS teams that we could not compete with in 2023. Both programs were saturated with 5th and 6th year seniors and will look substantially different in 2024.
That extra Covid year should be in play for one more season, so I am not sure about this. But I think that MVFC playoff teams SDSU, South Dakota, North Dakota, and SIU will need new quarterbacks. So will UNI. We will not be the only team with quarterback uncertainty.
Since Brungard was used entirely as a specialist, none of us really know if he can run the offense. His lack of height is a definite liability, but his threat as a runner somewhat compensates for that. In the worse case scenario he has tremendous value as a wildcat quarterback.
And now for the elephant in the room. What caused our bad defense: players or coaches? (or both?) For those of you who are old enough, when did a Jon Heacock defense ever have linebackers trapped in the middle while opponents reached the perimeter with ridiculous ease? When did receivers get so open that the defensive backs were not even in the television screen? Retaining or dumping the dc is the decision that will define Phillips' tenure as YSU coach.