So what do you think? Will UNI walk through the Valley or will they, similar to last year, hit a little skid and let somebody else give them a dogfight?

I think the Shocks have a pretty good shot at a split with the Panthers with the matchups.

That being said, I have a lot more faith in the remaining 11 games breaking in favor of UNI. They are just too good and too consistent.

WSU (for instance) would have to split with UNI (possible), win out at home (possible but probably no better than 50/50) win at doormats EU and DU (let's say 75/25)...that gets them to 12 wins....let's just say UNI stumbles at MSU and MSU finishes 3rd (to help WSU and give WSU the tie break....somewhat unlikely imho but for the sake of argument...) and one other place....that makes them 15-3. WSU would have to go 4-1 at Creighton (haven't won there since Mike Cohen coached), Southern Illinois (haven't won there since Randy coached), Indiana State and Bradley. I'm not saying its impossible but.....let's just say I'm not putting any money on it.

I said this 5 game stretch would define our season, and we're 2-0 so far.

If we could somehow get to 4-0 it would make things at least interesting on Tuesday night.