ShotgunDawg
11-28-2016, 02:03 PM
After the Egg Bowl, seeing young players step up down the stretch, & effectively developing a dynamic 1-2 punch in the backfield that will no doubt only improve by virtue of some SR graduating, Nick Gibson getting more reps, & possibly two blue chip running backs coming. It's clear that we must replace some experienced offensive linemen & some defensive players & coaches need to take a sizable step forward, however, it's difficult to not at least dream about what this team could look like next year if clicking on all cylinders.
It is with that hope & excitement, I am going to take the first crack at our 2017 schedule.
Sep 2 Charleston Southern - W - Should be an ass kicking with normal first game issues.
Sep 9 @ Louisiana Tech - W - Has the looks of a trap game, but I don't expect it to be a trap after what happened this year. I think we'll be ready. This game reminds me of the 2014 game at South Alabama. We'll win this one. 35-17 or so.
Sep 16 LSU - Toss up - HUGE GAME. Need to see if LSU hires Kiffin & how their QB situation pans out. Either way, this will be a slober knocker & toss up game down to the wire. One would have to believe LSU will go through some transition next year at QB & with new coaches. We are going to find out if Coach O is an interim coach or a coach that can effectively run a program.
Sep 23 @ Georgia - Loss - Tough spot here going on the road after the LSU game. Georgia's defense will be tough, but this game will come down to our energy & Jacob Eason's development. Georgia had a rough year, so it's realistic would could have a chance to win this game. Not sure.
Sep 30 @ Auburn - Loss - Another tough game. Sean White doesn't scare me though, but our DL & OL will be challenged here. Auburn struggled down the stretch this year & lose some players off their vaunted DL. I would be ecstatic by winning 2 of 3 against LSU, Georgia, & Auburn, but 1 of 3 is the most realistic. Team will be challenged in this stretch.
OFF - Thank goodness. We'll need it.
Oct 14 BYU - Win. So long as officiating isn't egregious, I think we kick their ass.
Oct 21 Kentucky - Win. They'll fight, but we start another streak here. 38-24
Oct 28 @ Texas A&M - Win - We get them after an off week with them playing Bama & Florida the two weeks before. We match up well with them & they lose major pass rushers. If our secondary improves, I think we take this one.
Nov 4 UMass - Win - Ass kicking
Nov 11 Alabama - Loss - 42-10
Nov 18 Arkansas - Loss - They return Allen & I can't say we are going to win on the road against a team we didn't make punt this year.
Nov 23 Ole Miss - Win - Won't be as bad this year, but I see no reason we won't win again. Barring injuries. Their defense should be butt hole
So there we have it. I've got us winning 8 games, but this schedule is rough. Having to play LSU, Georgia, & Auburn three weeks in a row is a nightmare. Gotta win at least one of those. Additionally, having to visit both A&M & Ark isn't ideal. Hopefully we win one of those.
There is a really good chance that we are better than our record next year. I expect us to win at least 7 with 9 being the ceiling.
It is with that hope & excitement, I am going to take the first crack at our 2017 schedule.
Sep 2 Charleston Southern - W - Should be an ass kicking with normal first game issues.
Sep 9 @ Louisiana Tech - W - Has the looks of a trap game, but I don't expect it to be a trap after what happened this year. I think we'll be ready. This game reminds me of the 2014 game at South Alabama. We'll win this one. 35-17 or so.
Sep 16 LSU - Toss up - HUGE GAME. Need to see if LSU hires Kiffin & how their QB situation pans out. Either way, this will be a slober knocker & toss up game down to the wire. One would have to believe LSU will go through some transition next year at QB & with new coaches. We are going to find out if Coach O is an interim coach or a coach that can effectively run a program.
Sep 23 @ Georgia - Loss - Tough spot here going on the road after the LSU game. Georgia's defense will be tough, but this game will come down to our energy & Jacob Eason's development. Georgia had a rough year, so it's realistic would could have a chance to win this game. Not sure.
Sep 30 @ Auburn - Loss - Another tough game. Sean White doesn't scare me though, but our DL & OL will be challenged here. Auburn struggled down the stretch this year & lose some players off their vaunted DL. I would be ecstatic by winning 2 of 3 against LSU, Georgia, & Auburn, but 1 of 3 is the most realistic. Team will be challenged in this stretch.
OFF - Thank goodness. We'll need it.
Oct 14 BYU - Win. So long as officiating isn't egregious, I think we kick their ass.
Oct 21 Kentucky - Win. They'll fight, but we start another streak here. 38-24
Oct 28 @ Texas A&M - Win - We get them after an off week with them playing Bama & Florida the two weeks before. We match up well with them & they lose major pass rushers. If our secondary improves, I think we take this one.
Nov 4 UMass - Win - Ass kicking
Nov 11 Alabama - Loss - 42-10
Nov 18 Arkansas - Loss - They return Allen & I can't say we are going to win on the road against a team we didn't make punt this year.
Nov 23 Ole Miss - Win - Won't be as bad this year, but I see no reason we won't win again. Barring injuries. Their defense should be butt hole
So there we have it. I've got us winning 8 games, but this schedule is rough. Having to play LSU, Georgia, & Auburn three weeks in a row is a nightmare. Gotta win at least one of those. Additionally, having to visit both A&M & Ark isn't ideal. Hopefully we win one of those.
There is a really good chance that we are better than our record next year. I expect us to win at least 7 with 9 being the ceiling.