...there's nobody on the 2016 starting 11 who could start in place of the 2012 starting players, except Cole Luke, and even he's having a rough start to the season (no pass rush makes it difficult for even the best). Jarron Jones could probably have made a case if he weren't hobbled, but aside from them? I can't really see anyone else.
We got very, very lucky with the 2012 season as well, since there weren't any crippling injuries or roster removals that sidelined any of our starters for significant lengths of time. Had we been as unlucky as we have been recently when it comes to those situations, back in 2012, we would have been praying to be given an invitation to a late December bowl.
I do agree that overall, there's more talent on the 2016 roster, but until that talent shows signs of being properly developed, we're in for some long shootouts.