I'm sure anyone who has read my posts over the years - and has been able to pay attention without dozing off - is aware of my mantra re: senior leadership. Following our most recent two losses, I've found myself in a minority of one trying to make a case for the makeup of this year's defensive front 7 vs. last year. I took some time out of my busy schedule of doing nothing to come up with some information that supports my case. I'm not doing this to defend the DC. He will sink or swim based on how his defense improves - or not - over the course of his first season. I just want to point out what I think is the reason for our year-to-year performance so far. I assume that both opponents have fast receivers with good hands, which, because of lack of pressure on the QB, provides them more time to get open. ND Front 7 2024: 5 seniors (2 drafted and 2 signed as UFAs), 2 sophs ND Front 7 2025: 1 senior ('24 backup), 4 juniors (1 '24 starter), 2 sophs Miami OL 2025: 3 seniors, 1 RS senior, 1 junior 1 RS junior A&M OL 2025: 1 senior, 4 RS seniors, 1 junior, 1 RS junior Anyone who knows college FB knows that - all things near-equal talent-wise - 1 to 2 years physical growth via strength training and game experience is a huge advantage. We could have scheduled cupcakes and be 2-0 but we scheduled 2 high level teams who now are top ten because of close wins over us, and we're still in the top 25 with no wins. Go figure. P.S. We have talented young players like Drayk Bowen and Bryce Young and others, who will be very, very good by the time they're seniors, maybe even next year.