Moorhead, Minn.-- Last year's distraction of trying to find a starting quarterback has been replaced by the puzzle of finding a pair of sure-handed receivers to replace Andrew Passanante and Shawn Reile. While the team might not possess the game-breaking ability to go deep, they should have a stronger receiving group that will be able to give the team a dangerous mid-range passing attack.

The one aspect that will give the 2005 Cobber offense instant credibility is the return of Brian Schumacher. Schumacher broke free from a race to become the starting quarterback at the start of 2004 and quickly shed opposing defenses' ability to target the vaunted Cobber running game. Using the run to set up the strong-armed Schumacher, the Concordia offense set a school record for points scored in a single season and led the MIAC in scoring offense and total offense. Concordia averaged 35.0 points per game in their eight conference games in 2004. They also amassed an impressive 411.8 yards per game on their way to going undefeated in the MIAC.

One overlooked area from the 2004 championship season was the Cobbers' uncanny ability to convert on third down. The team led the league in third down conversions, succeeding on 45.7% of all attempts.

Another area that will need filling is the position of fullback where Ed Oehlers produced big numbers inside the red zone on his way to being named to the MIAC All-Conference First Team. Oehlers scored a team-leading 15 touchdowns last season and helped Concordia lead the league in efficiency inside the red zone.

The line will also have big holes to plug as lost to graduation were All-American Nick Didier and all-conference guard Jason Kelly.

In the end, the offense will only be as successful as the passing attack and the ability to make key third down conversions will allow it to become. Horan summed up the offensive outlook by reflecting on 2004, "Last year when we got our passing game going, it really helped open up our running game. That will really be a key for us again this season."

A strong passing game and clutch plays on third down will have to be present in 2005 if the Cobbers hope to repeat as champions.