Think we have been so focused on Lala we forgot this. This has been discussed some, but as I recall we usually have a season record prediction thread. I'll go with 9-3 with losses to 2 of ou, iowa st, tcu, osu and one surprise loss to a team outside of that group...also one "surprise" or impressive win over one of those plus the other being a refreshing win, also. The race for 2nd to get in the CCG will be tight between UT, iowa st., and tcu and hard to call right now. Add a bowl win for a 10-3 finish and only the second 10 win season since 2009. Season notable factors: Inexperience (and maybe instability) at qb position Defensive growth and emergence as real force Growing pains with new coaching/schemes/culture One of the best 1-2 backfields in country Highs and lows for oline but overall improvement there Still needing more depth and firepower at WR Healthy competition remains in secondary More impactful TE usage/play More impressive victories Better coaching ou and aggy peaking and with weak schedules
The optimist in me says 10-2 with losses to OU and Iowa State and wins over everyone else. The pessimist sees 7-5 on the table because a young team struggles on the road in Fort Worth, Fayettenam and Morgantown or loses a home game against a good Okie State or Ulala team. So splitting the baby that 9-3 is very possible but 8-4 is the more likely result. I reserve the right to reassess in two weeks after we see this team against a ranked Ulala and then on road at what will be a wild road atmosphere for the Arkansas game. Win those two (and frankly Texas should win both) and suddenly 10-2 really is on the table, lose one and that 8-4/7-5 prediction is the more likely final result.
I have said 9-3 with a +/- 2 game swing due to unforeseen factors that will affect us and our opponents.
For some ignorant reason, I think we beat Iowa State at their place, but Morgantown in November bothers me, as does Mike Gundy. I'll go with 9-3
I'll stay true to my optimist roots. 11-1 regular season, avenge loss to OU in CCG, then lose in national semifinal.
The first post sounds reasonable. The first year for a new coach is always hard to predict - while my handy risked win percentage based on Herman's other 3 years nailed last year's record and losses to. 9-3, and a good bowl win is a successful first season - with a B12 title next year the goal. The 2nd year for a coach is often when they step things up to a higher level - if they are going to do so.
