[bradyfan]

Despite the bitter end to the season, I'm already excited about next year and the possibility of playing for playoffs. It's obvious that SB will be the early season favorites but I can't help but think that it plays into our favor. Next year, the team isn't going to have near the expectations that this year's team had. Furthermore, we won't be forced to run the same offense that we've been running and our secondary should be improved.

With that said, I'm curious about two things. First, since we have SB at home and Coastal still looks like a mess, what are the chances that we actually win the BS next year? Second, what kind of team are we going to have? Will it be pass heavy or will we use running game more?

After watching Aldreakis play this season, I really think that our running game has a lot of potential. Also, despite the uncertainty at the QB position, we still have a nice set of receivers. We should still have the best passing game in the Big South next season. Does anyone else think that next year's team is built more for a playoff run than this years?

[Sly Fox]

I appreciate your enthusiasm. It is a nice respite from the past week.

In answer to your questions, I fully expect us to be battling for the crown next year and I will be disappointed if we don't finally earn our first trip to the playoffs. We'll have a more seasoned defense and offense that likely will be more balanced than we have been the past couple of seasons.

Our schedule is shaping up to be VERY challenging so I hesitate to make any bold predictions. But despite losing Mike & the majority of our receiving corps, we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

[Chippy]

SB will present as a huge hurdle. They have a ton coming back and Essington looks like the real deal. He's 9-0 as a starter with 17 TD passes and 2 INTs. Maysonnet will also be back. I think they only had 12 seniors. Quarterback play will determine our success - hold on to the ball!!!!!! Offense and defense should be better with experience.

[jcmanson]

The key though is we get SB at home as does Coastal. SB will likely lose one conference game.

[bradyfan]

I think Coastal is going downhill though. I think SB will handle them pretty well but I think we will too. The conference champion will likely be determined in Lynchburg, unless we cough one up at Presby. After watching the progress that Presby made this year, I think they could be good enough to finish 3rd in the BS next year.