they return 4 starters? Pretty safe assumption that they'll improve. Empey's biggest gripe was focused on two things. One, they needed size and in better shape. Two, they needed to learn things because they were behind due to Anae's system. It just didn't require them to learn a whole lot. Now they've been in it a year, and this includes guys who didn't even play but were right there learning it, like Longson and Chambers.
Shoaf has put on quite a bit of weight so far and he looks good. He shocked everyone at TE weight last year. He had no business holding his own, but he did very well. Kanuch has lost a bunch of weight and said he's in the best shape he's ever been. That should help him a ton with staying on the field more and help his mobility pass blocking. Hoyt was awful at tackle, but is surprisingly looking decent at guard. I don't know how that's working at 6'8, but it apparently is. If Vaka can get anywhere near 290, he should be a solid contributor.

Just seems strange to base the season's final record on what you hear from the media. And if you want to hear raves, listen to Detmer say over and over how Mangum is a totally different QB this year.

8 wins this year would actually be pretty disappointing, and it's not going to happen. 8 is probably guaranteed, and they'll win more that are up in the air.

When making all of these comparisons to last year, people really need to be careful to not underestimate how huge it is to be in year 2 of their new systems. HUGE. Both offense and defense.