Need our OL to be much improved to make the lateral passing game successful. In passing downs the ability to get to Broadway was far & away too easy nearly the entire season with only 3-4-5 rushing. This has to be a strength in 2015. Pass protection has to be a huge priority of improvement this off season. Didn't throw deep against Nevada the entire game (except for hail Mary at end of 2nd qtr) and still gave up 5 sacks. One sack resulted in a red zone turnover in 3rd qtr. Another knocked us out of FG range late in 2nd qtr and forced us into the Hail Mary. That 2nd qtr sack is my vote for our lowest IQ moment in bowl game. Carelessly poopoo'd away a good chance for more points.
Outside of pass defense scheme being our #1 area of improvement for 2015, our OL effectiveness overall with an emphasis on pass protection IMO is a very very close #2. #3 being special teams, both improvement in return effectiveness & replacement of Cadona/Stover. Didn't come close to breaking anything the entire season. OL effectiveness is where I see leaner, long & quicker O lineman can be more effective. Could care less if they weigh 300+ lbs. Big and slow is a recipe for failure. Most teams, good or bad have 300 lb big guys on the OL. Being big at OL is nothing unique anymore.
With most of end of year secondary returning that showed clear improvement from what happened earlier in year AND strong new additions projected to secondary.....next year's success will be determined by the strength of our OL play.