I don't think CJP is making "excuses". To "excuse" is to say, "it's okay". What I hear him saying is the truth that anyone should already have been aware of. I'll say it now - I don't think we have the defensive personnel to win the NC this year. We lost too much from an already suspect secondary. That's not bad mouthing or excuse making, it's just seeing reality.
That said, I haven't given up on a perfect season and the NC. Abuurn didn't have the personnel last year, and they ALMOST did it. When I say we are missing the personnel, I'm not saying it's by a lot - if we can plug in a couple of good safeties, who knows what could happen this year?
I sure would like to have MM back. And JSW. But I don't think our passing game is going to cost us too many games. And I think our running game is going to PUNISH some defenses this year. Like I said earlier - teach our defense to WRAP 'EM UP and BRING 'EM DOWN, and we turn in 3 more wins versus last season, against VERY good football teams. So I, like most, and I'm think Pruitt would probably agree, am feeling pretty good about the season that's coming up soon.
I can't WAIT!