Actually, I love it. I want us to schedule more tough games on the road. I would even prefer to have fans in the stands at those tough games! This team is old enough and talented enough to be ok in those spots and it sets you up for postseason play. You don't win national titles by playing cupcake critter schools all year long.This schedule is not turning out favorably. Hopefully, this team can rise above it.
Playing the #1-ranked team in an early-season event, playing Duke on the road and playing Missouri in Columbia is not ideal
Back in the days of my coaching career, I knew we had a loaded team. Started the previous year 26-0 before having some unfortunate injuries hit us around postseason. However, the next year, all 9 starters returned, and I scheduled the most brutal possible schedule. Loaded up with big schools, powerhouse programs, and raised the level of competition. Finished the year with 8 losses I think, but also the state runner-up. (should never have happened, but it did) Anyway, my point is, we have the stable full of able and willing players that can handle it this year and know that the prize is in the postseason, not the regular season.
Even losses to Baylor and/or Duke will not kill us come postseason as long as they are not blowouts, however a win/split would go a long way to favorable seeds in the postseason.