8-4 and 7-5 were by far the most popular preseason predictions back in August. Of course, that was probably assuming John Rhys Plumlee remained healthy (and the defense not being a sieve at Kansas).
Honestly, if JRP didn't get hurt, UCF definitely beats Baylor and would be sitting at 4-3, which might have been right on schedule for an 8-4 type finish knowing the back stretch is more manageable (though no game is a gimme).
Injuries (or flu?) can't be predicted, but assuming JRP continues to be on the field while steadily getting closer to 100% with his knee, and there are no other impact injuries, I'll go with 3-2 to eek out bowl eligibility. I'm overly optimistic by nature and want to say 4-1, but I'm talking myself out of it. I honestly wouldn't be surprised by anything, good or bad. Can the offense get rolling again with a healthy JRP? Is the defensive improvement at OU a sign for optimism or will they struggle again containing the run?
I do sort of view WVU as a must-win. Lose that one, and you'd have to 3-1 in November to make a bowl game.
Honestly, if JRP didn't get hurt, UCF definitely beats Baylor and would be sitting at 4-3, which might have been right on schedule for an 8-4 type finish knowing the back stretch is more manageable (though no game is a gimme).
Injuries (or flu?) can't be predicted, but assuming JRP continues to be on the field while steadily getting closer to 100% with his knee, and there are no other impact injuries, I'll go with 3-2 to eek out bowl eligibility. I'm overly optimistic by nature and want to say 4-1, but I'm talking myself out of it. I honestly wouldn't be surprised by anything, good or bad. Can the offense get rolling again with a healthy JRP? Is the defensive improvement at OU a sign for optimism or will they struggle again containing the run?
I do sort of view WVU as a must-win. Lose that one, and you'd have to 3-1 in November to make a bowl game.
