(12-20-2014 11:30 AM)epasnoopy Wrote: How much better we are may not be reflected in our wins and losses.
I feel the same way about WMU next season. Our nonconference schedule is obviously much tougher with MSU, @OSU, and @Georgia Southern. The game at Georgia Southern, IMO, is borderline must-win, and it won't be easy. There's a big difference between coming out of that nonconference schedule at 2-2 heading into MAC play and being 1-3 with games at NIU and at Toledo looming ahead.
Much has been made of our recruiting classes - both the current true freshmen and the potential incoming class - but the reality is there will be a number of redshirt freshmen and true freshmen stepping onto the field as collegiate athletes for the first time against Michigan State. That's asking a lot.
On paper, there's little question we should be better next season - we only lose literally a handful of players to graduation. My biggest concern is making it out of the nonconference schedule with confidence (two wins) and relatively injury-free.
Extreme best-case scenario: WMU shocks the world and opens the season by knocking off MSU at Waldo and gets drilled at OSU, but starts MAC play at 3-1 by winning at Georgia Southern. Extremely unlikely.
Realistic best-case scenario: WMU gives MSU and/or OSU a battle for a while, knocks off Georgia Southern on the road, and enters MAC play at 2-2 relatively injury-free.
Possible scenario: WMU drops three tough nonconference games and begins MAC play at 1-3, but escapes relatively injury-free and able to contend for a division title.
Worst-case scenario: WMU not only opens MAC play at 1-3, but suffers a couple of major injuries along the way that, much like Toledo's injuries to Ely and Hunt this season, make it very difficult to overcome.
Many WMU fans have a realistic perspective and realize that 2016, not 2015, will be the best chance to make big noise, when the nonconference schedule eases considerably (at NW, at Illinois, Georgia Southern at home) and NIU and Toledo return to Waldo.