UpdateHughes has 30 carries for 159 yds 5

I am still holding on to hope for this unitbut only just. Toryan Smith My original measurement for impact: 60-plus tackles on the season. Update:14 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery Grade:Unsatisfactory. Averaging just under three tackles a game results in about 35 over the season. Considering Brian Smith will now be starting at Mike and Manti Teo at Will (forcing T Smith out of a starting job), the numbers will only decline. On the bright side, he has been good in stopping the run and was part of the outstanding goal-line unit in the Washington game.

This is due in part to the overall poor tackling, which will hopefully improve Maybe. Grade:Incomplete. Looking back at the numbers for the Washington game and his improved tackling (did I mention that yet) could equal a possible passing grade. Paul DuncanMy original measure for impact: an overall reduction in the number of sacks (26 in 2008) to somewhere in the mid-teens. Also, an yards per carry average of four-plus. Update:So far, the line has given up nine sacks (projecting to around 20 for the season) and 4.1 yds/carry. Grade:Satisfactory, but just barely. Overall, the line play is improved, but key penalties (including one on Duncan vs. Washington that negated a TD) and inconsistent running leave a little to be desired.

Then again, Chris Stewart and Eric Olsen pushing the pile on the Hughes' two-point conversion was pretty sweet. Moving forward, Duncan could lose some playing time in favor of Matt Romine. Robert HughesMy original measure for impact: he gets 5-to-10 touches a game, averages 40-50 yards (hey, thats only 600 yds on the season), and can become the featured 3rd-and-short (and goal line) guy who gets his job done. Update:Hughes has 30 carries for 159 yds (5.3 avg), two TDs, and the longest run by a ND player this season (37 yards) He also has five catches for 33 yds (6.6 avg). This projects to seven touches a game and 36.4 yds/game. Grade:Satisfactory. He has gone from a big back trying to make too many cuts to a more decisive, north-south runner. The Third ReceiverMy original measure for impact: 600-800 yards receiving, six-to-eight TDs (similar to the numbers I expect from the TE position). Update:Kamara7 catches, 49 ydsParris7 catches, 87 yds, 1 TDEvans7 catches, 61 yds Little did I know the third receiver would have to become the second receiver. Grade:Incomplete. Given the Michael Floyd injury, this group is under increased scrutiny I expect one to have a big game vs USC. So far, Parris and Evans are ahead of the pack in filling in for Floyd, and have made some big catches in key situations.

Lets hope for more of this going forward. Charlie Weis the Offensive CoordinatorMy original measure for impact: Top 20 offense, four-plus yards per carry, 30-plus points per game. Update:Offense ranking10th (total offense), 4.1 yds/carry, 32.6 pts/game Grade:Satisfactory. The output has been great, but the play-calling at times has been questionable Limit the Wildcat to the red zone, please. Find a few more ways to get seven instead of three, but I will take the FGs over going for it on fourth down. Jordan CowartMy original measure for impact: no snapping miscues on punts, field goals and PATs.Update:While he is only the LS, there have been no problems to date. Grade:Satisfactory. Keep up the good work. Nick TauschMy original measure for impact: wins the kickoff responsibilities and hits double digits in touchbacks. Update:He did more than just win the kickoff responsibilities. Currently, he is 15/16 on PATs and 10/11 on FGs. Grade:Satisfactory, by far. I cant tell you how great it is to have a solid kicking game, not to mention that he will be around for three more seasons after this one. I would like to see more touchbacks, overall its hard to complain. Eric MaustMy original measure for improvement: an average a little closer to 45 yards per punt, which is asking a lot.