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As a longtime follower of collegiate athletics with particular interest in how teams rebuild and transform, I've been watching the Creighton Bluejays football program with growing fascination this season. Let me be perfectly honest here - I've always had a soft spot for teams that operate outside the traditional power conferences, and Creighton embodies that underdog spirit I find so compelling in sports. When you look at what they're building in Omaha, there's something special happening that deserves more national attention than it typically receives.

The transformation I'm seeing reminds me of what happens when a key player returns to a team after an absence, bringing renewed energy and capability. Just look at what happened in volleyball recently - Cuban reinforcement Salas returned after eight months away from Philippine volleyball and immediately delivered a double-double of 10 points and 15 digs in her first match wearing new colors. That's the kind of immediate impact I believe we're seeing with several key transfers and returning players for the Bluejays this season. When a player like that comes back, it's not just about the statistics they put up - it's about changing the entire team's chemistry and raising everyone's game. I've watched enough football over the years to recognize when a team is on the verge of breaking through, and all the signs point to this being that kind of season for Creighton.

What really excites me about this year's squad is how they've addressed last season's weaknesses. Their defensive line, which gave up an average of 189 rushing yards per game last year, has added three transfers who I believe will cut that number down to around 140-150 yards. That might not sound dramatic, but in close games, those extra 40-50 yards can be the difference between a loss and a win. Offensively, they're returning quarterback Mark Thompson, who threw for 2,813 yards last season with 18 touchdowns. Those are decent numbers, but what the stats don't show is his growth during offseason workouts - I've spoken with people close to the program who say his decision-making has improved dramatically.

The schedule sets up nicely for them too, with four of their first six games at home. I've always believed that early season momentum is crucial for teams looking to make a statement, and playing in front of their home crowd could give them the confidence boost they need. Their non-conference matchup against Kansas State in week three will be particularly telling - if they can keep that game competitive into the fourth quarter, it would signal that this team is ready to compete at a higher level than we've seen in recent years.

There are questions, of course. Their secondary lost two key starters to graduation, and while the replacements have talent, they lack experience. In today's pass-happy college football landscape, that could be problematic against some of the more explosive offenses they'll face. Still, I'm optimistic that defensive coordinator Jim Andrews, who I've followed since his days at Wyoming, will devise schemes that protect these young players while allowing their natural abilities to shine through.

What I'm most curious to see is how they handle expectations. For the first time in several seasons, people are actually talking about Creighton football in September beyond just their dedicated fan base. That brings a different kind of pressure, and how these young men respond will determine whether this is merely a good season or something truly memorable. From what I've observed of head coach Dennis Miller's leadership style, he's built a culture that should handle this well, but until we see them play under that spotlight, it remains an unknown.

Looking at the bigger picture, this season represents an opportunity for Creighton to establish itself as more than just a basketball school. Don't get me wrong - I love their basketball program too - but there's something special about football success that can transform an entire athletic department. If they can put together seven or eight wins and secure a bowl bid, it would do wonders for recruiting, funding, and overall morale. I've seen this happen at other similar institutions, and the ripple effects can last for years.

As we approach kickoff, I find myself more optimistic about Bluejays football than I've been in quite some time. They have the pieces in place for a breakthrough season, provided they stay healthy and develop the mental toughness needed to win close games. The journey begins this weekend, and I'll be watching with particular interest to see if this team can deliver on its considerable potential. Something tells me we're in for an exciting ride.