Agreed tough to predict b/c of new schemes on O and D, BUT our coaching staff has improved and we have so much experience and depth on the D Line and decent depth and experience on the O Line which is where games are won and lost.
UNC would be favored to win the BIG West by many and WMU would compete with most in the BIG. Those are tough matchups against programs on the rise with entrenched coaching staffs and schemes while we will have an experienced roster still learning new schemes. We could win one or both of these games, but no one will be shocked if we lose either or both.
Glad we have a bye before Nebraska. Maybe we can steal one. I think Nebraska will be better another year into Riley's reign, but they're beatable.
Purdue, Rutgers and Minnesota are all winnable games, but could go either way.
Michigan and Wisconsin will be expected losses. I think Wisconsin had a down year last season and will be improved, though their tough conference schedule will keep their record from showing it.
However, MSU, Iowa and the cats will not be as good as last year, so perhaps we win one or more of these match-ups. The team and coaching staff should be in sync when we get to these games in the last month of the season.
Conclusion: Lots of unknown, lots of variables. I love the fact that we have A LOT of experience. That means so much in college football. As a player when you know that this is it, you tend to work harder and focus throughout the entire offseason and each week in practice b/c the end is near. Let's hope our guys have a magical run to a bowl game and win the bowl game to go out on high note.
I do know this. If fans show up and make some noise and create a good environment, it will help the team on good ol' Zuppke Field.
