[From the class of 09]

So pretty sure there is no way around it SB has to be the unanimous favorite going into the year. Bringing back nearly everything + Coker will make them a team to be reckoned with. The only bright spot for us is that they come to The Bill late in the year. We’ll finish no worse than 2nd IMO although Coastal or Presbyterian could mess that up.

If we can start the year no worse than 2-2 we could make the postseason even with a loss to SB. The one factor that could screw us up is the open spot we still have on the calendar. If we can find a DI win in that spot we don’t need the BS crown to make the postseason. Fill it with a DII and we all know how that story ends.

So what do you all think BS two bid conference? This is the year IMO.

[LUconn]

We lose so much of what this team has been since Jennings graduated. Who knows what this team will be next year. Hopefully more balance on offense.

[jcmanson]

A little early to be calling for a 2-bid league IMO. No doubt SBU will be the frontrunners. Our only saving grace is we get them at home. And SBU's schedule makes it hard for them to get in as an at-large (Syracuse, Army, D2, Colgate, CCSU). They would have to have an FBS win.

But yeah we should finish no worse than #2. If we go 8-3 (5-1), it will be a good year. I doubt we make the playoffs unless we're 9-2. We would need a win over Montana or Wake.

[IMBach]

A little early to be calling for a 2-bid league IMO. No doubt SBU will be the frontrunners. Our only saving grace is we get them at home. And SBU's schedule makes it hard for them to get in as an at-large (Syracuse, Army, D2, Colgate, CCSU). They would have to have an FBS win.

But yeah we should finish no worse than #2. If we go 8-3 (5-1), it will be a good year. I doubt we make the playoffs unless we're 9-2. We would need a win over Montana or Wake.

So we concede to SB.

[TDDance234]

It's def. going to be a transition year. New QB, new defense, and new coaching staff = long season.

[jcmanson]

It's def. going to be a transition year. New QB, new defense, and new coaching staff = long season.

I don't know if it will be a long season. We have plenty of talent; we should win some games.

Should-be wins
Norfolk State
Gardner Webb
CSU
@ VMI
"unknown game"

Toss-ups
Lehigh
@ Presby
@ CCU
SBU

Underdogs
@ Wake
@ Montana

If all we do is split our toss-ups, we're 7-4. Anything less would be a huge dissapointment.

[From the class of 09]

That is why that unknown game is going to be a big deal. We don't need it to be a top program just a DI W.

[jcmanson]

That is why that unknown game is going to be a big deal. We don't need it to be a top program just a DI W.

Yeah and it sounds like that's what they're going for. May end up being a D2 though. I hope not.

[ProudPapa73]

It's def. going to be a transition year. New QB, new defense, and new coaching staff = long season.

Agreed and...this makes it better for us to face SB later in the season...if we can work out some ugly wins early on and get to the SB with our "team" hitting on all 8 we may very well be in position come out on top.

We shall see...

Go Flames!!!

[BJWilliams]

So (and I dont agree with ToC or IMBach or those of that ilk normally) we're mailing it in for 2012 essentially since according to comments we have very little shot against Stony Brook?

[Rooster Cogburn]

I say this team will compete for the BS Championship this year and have a great chance to win it. The tough Non-Conf schedule will prepare us to work through the light work of the big south and set up yet another SUB / LU Showdown for the championship.

[jcmanson]

So (and I dont agree with ToC or IMBach or those of that ilk normally) we're mailing it in for 2012 essentially since according to comments we have very little shot against Stony Brook?

Nobody has said that Beej. I labeled that game as a toss-up.

[From the class of 09]

So (and I dont agree with ToC or IMBach or those of that ilk normally) we're mailing it in for 2012 essentially since according to comments we have very little shot against Stony Brook?

No one mailed it in. No one said we couldn't beat SB. But they are the favorite to win the conference for the first time ever, and if we played tomorrow they would be the favorite to win. So what don't you agree with?

I also, said that if we can start off 2-2 we might not even have to pull of the upset and beat SB to make the playoffs. Which is true, although I still have some hope that we can win the BS outright and beat SB.

Go read Proto's post again.

[PAmedic]

That is why that unknown game is going to be a big deal. We don't need it to be a top program just a DI W.

Yeah and it sounds like that's what they're going for. May end up being a D2 though. I hope not.

whats Campbell doing that week?

[Purple Haize]

Why would we mail it in when we have a fax machine

[D-ZasterLU]

So (and I dont agree with ToC or IMBach or those of that ilk normally) we're mailing it in for 2012 essentially since according to comments we have very little shot against Stony Brook?

I'm with you Beej. Everyone its talking like we lost everything. We did loose some major players and an major factors is a new QB. But this is why we have practice, and training camp. Don't over look the new coach. I know there is a transition but he will put us in a better position to win and his staff will get the vast talent that is still on he mountain ready to play ball. That being said its likely to be tight and its going to be work.

Its the Gill City now boys!!!!

[R i]

Stony Brook is the team to beat this year.

[LUconn]

you must not be a true fan

[R i]

I am posting from my hospital bed. I bruised my head when I jumped off the bandwagon.

The good news is, TorC and ImBauch is in the room next to me, his injuries are a little more severe. He took a hard spill off the wagon.

[jcmanson]

you must not be a true fan

[jcmanson]

Everyone its talking like we lost everything.

Seriously? Come on man. You guys are acting like expectations of an 8-3 season and finishing 2nd in the league while having a shot at the league favorite is the end of the world. Open your eyes. Stony Brook was better than us last year. They lost very little, and what they did lose (Jackolski) they possibly upgraded. They will be very good. For the first time since 2007, if we beat a team in the BSC (Stony Brook) it will be considered an upset.

I guess I jumped off the wagon too.

[From the class of 09]

Everyone its talking like we lost everything.

Seriously? Come on man. You guys are acting like expectations of an 8-3 season and finishing 2nd in the league while having a shot at the league favorite is the end of the world. Open your eyes. Stony Brook was better than us last year. They lost very little, and what they did lose (Jackolski) they possibly upgraded. They will be very good. For the first time since 2007, if we beat a team in the BSC (Stony Brook) it will be considered an upset.

I guess I jumped off the wagon too.

The great part is that if we do go 8-3 vs DIs that could get us in the postseason.

[TDDance234]

I'm not saying we don't have a shot... I'm just trying to be somewhat realistic. We have the talent to compete in-conference and it wouldn't shock me to see us win 8+ games but it's not a given with all of the moving pieces.

[From the class of 09]

I'm not saying we don't have a shot... I'm just trying to be somewhat realistic. We have the talent to compete in-conference and it wouldn't shock me to see us win 8+ games but it's not a given with all of the moving pieces.

Agreed but you better be careful with his talk. It's boarderline heresy.

[phoenix]

I think we'll have a better idea of what this team is capable of after the OOC portion of the schedule. And if we come out 3-1, I'll be buying the first round of Kool Aid