Rarely is so much up in the air.

If Hill can stay healthy . . . BYU has no experience at backup. Hill could end up with the Heisman or BYU could end the year with a redshirt walk-on freshman at the helm.

If the O-line can improve. . . . There’s some continuity in coaching and playbook and there’s some experience. It’s still a big question, however.

If the d-backs can remain healthy and live up to their hype. . . . BYU rarely has a decent secondary (they are usually adequate at best). They’ve got a lot of “potential,” but potential is probably the most dangerous word in sport.

If the wide receivers can live up to the hype. . . . This group was weak last year. On paper this looks like a major talent upgrade.

If the linebacker replacements can come through . . . .This is a traditionally strong area that is somehow strangely depleted in terms of game experience. Can Kafusi be a credible replacement for Van Noy? Can Fua excel? What on earth will happen in the middle?

If the d-line can re-load. . . . This has been an adequate but not stellar unit for a while. It would be nice to see more. Given the number of people to be replaced, maybe adequate would be a good thing.

If special teams can quit being so “special” . . Adequate (dependable) punting would be wonderful. How about kicking the ball into the endzone sometimes? That would be nice. Can the special teams fill the lanes and not give up the big one? Who will return punts?

I think this team has more range of possible outcomes than is the usual case. The schedule is reasonably favorable. Still, the team seems potentially fragile. I wouldn't fall down amazed if they went 5-7 nor would I be astounded at 12-0. For me it makes for great but nervous speculation.