Next Year Expectations

[Cledus]

I have to believe Miller's staying and will retain the position of OC. I see this as being good for everyone involved and absolutely no downside. Miller won Cat griz and won a playoff game. I'm not implying those results are solely the result of his effort, but you get the idea. In what way did that NOT exceed the expectation? What exactly would Choate be trying to accomplish by going with someone else?

[exppi]

I have to believe Miller's staying and will retain the position of OC. I see this as being good for everyone involved and absolutely no downside. Miller won Cat griz and won a playoff game. I'm not implying those results are solely the result of his effort, but you get the idea. In what way did that NOT exceed the expectation? What exactly would Choate be trying to accomplish by going with someone else?

Matt also knows the Petersen offense theory/strategy.

[DriscollCat]

I have to believe Miller's staying and will retain the position of OC. I see this as being good for everyone involved and absolutely no downside. Miller won Cat griz and won a playoff game. I'm not implying those results are solely the result of his effort, but you get the idea. In what way did that NOT exceed the expectation? What exactly would Choate be trying to accomplish by going with someone else?

It’s not that he didn’t exceed expectations, but those expectations were for a brand new OC, pressed into service in the middle of the season. Season 1 Choate got Gregorak, from our bitter rival, GA, who has gone on to bigger and better things, and Messingham, who I know wasn’t popular, but the best team in the country doesn’t hire the guy to be OC if he isn’t among the best of the best.

It won’t be a huge surprise if MM stays in the position and drops the “acting” qualifier. I just tend to see Choate as the kind of guy who brings in “big time” talent and that’s what I think he’ll do at this position.

[HelenaCat95]

This is the crazy time of the year in the coaching world. A lot of good coaches being let go. I would guess that Choate will let some of the dust settle to see who is available before doing anything.

I wouldn't expect any hirings by MSU until after Jan 1.

[kennethnoisewater]

I expect great things next year. There are so many variables that I won't even try to guess any specifics anymore.

Having said that, I think everybody is playing for 2nd place until something changes with NDSU. They put on an absolute clinic Saturday. To me, that was not MSU playing badly nearly as much as it was NDSU doing everything, in all phases and positions, exceptionally well. I don't think there are 20 teams in all of college football better than them. To expect to get to that level in the next couple years, IMO, is not realistic. I knew they were good, but they were better than advertised.

[CodyCat]

I think next year will be tough. I am not nearly as optimistic as everyone else. Here is what I see.

@TTU: L
SEMO: L
@WIU: L
NFS: W
NAU: W
@CP: W
SCS: W
@UND: L
SUU: W
@UNC: W
@UCD: L
UM: Toss Up

We go into the Cat/griz game sitting at 6-5. However, this is a ridiculously early prediction. So much will change between recruiting and the hiring of coaches.

[Montanabob]

@TTU: L -
SEMO: Home win
@WIU: Away win
NFS: W
NAU: W
@CP: W - option whipped
SCS: W
@UND: Win
SUU: W
@UNC: W
@UCD: Win by a field goal.... late in the year, we win.....
UM: Win at home - big time win.
That is if we have a starting quarterback and a balanced offensive attack.
11-1 with home field advantage in second round after a first round bye.

[ilovethecats]

I’ll put up any amount of money that we don’t start our season 0-3. No way.

[Cledus]

I’ll put up any amount of money that we don’t start our season 0-3. No way.

I haven't read through the previous posts. Does someone think we might start 0-3?

I see 3-1 / 2-2 being the most likely, but leaning heavily towards 3-1. I think the only teams that can match our physical style of play are TX Tech and um. MAYBE North Dakota.

[catatac]

I’ll put up any amount of money that we don’t start our season 0-3. No way.

I haven't read through the previous posts. Does someone think we might start 0-3?

I see 3-1 / 2-2 being the most likely, but leaning heavily towards 3-1. I think the only teams that can match our physical style of play are TX Tech and um. MAYBE North Dakota.

Yes, Btribby just three posts up predicted an 0-3 start.

[Cat_gld]

I see SEMO as a toss-up in a worst case scenario. We play them at home. Weber outscored them by more than they did most BSC teams. They didn't score any more on Weebs than the Cats did, and Weebs outscored them by 30 points. I'm assuming at least some improvement in the level of offensive play by the Cats next season.

[84CatGrad]

For what it's worth, here's next years schedule with each team's 2018 ranking according to Sagarin. For perspective:

Alabama = 1
Mississippi Valley State = 255
NDSU = 24
EWU = 73
Weber = 107
MSU = 136

Aug. 31 at Texas Tech (45)
Sept. 7 Southeast Missouri (157)
Sept. 14 at Western Illinois (121)
Sept. 21 Norfolk State (236)
Sept. 28 *Northern Arizona (166)
Oct. 5 *at Cal Poly (167)
Oct. 12 *Sacramento State (208)
Oct. 19 Open
Oct. 26 *at North Dakota (154)
Nov. 2 *Southern Utah (201)
Nov. 9 *at Northern Colorado (194)
Nov. 16 *at UC Davis (102)
Nov .23 *Montana (135)

Not sure how dUMb wound up one notch ahead of us. Obviously a flaw in the software.

[BleedingBLue]

I’ll put up any amount of money that we don’t start our season 0-3. No way.

I haven't read through the previous posts. Does someone think we might start 0-3?

I see 3-1 / 2-2 being the most likely, but leaning heavily towards 3-1. I think the only teams that can match our physical style of play are TX Tech and um. MAYBE North Dakota.

Yes, Btribby just three posts up predicted an 0-3 start.

Btribby hates everything about Choate so any reason to be pessimistic or complain is seized by that poster. I don't see us losing to anyone but TTU to start the year. SE MO is solid but our D is only going to improve and it's a home game. WIU is losing their veteran QB. They also don't draw many fans so I think we win that one. And Norfolk isn't good.

[84CatGrad]

If it makes you feel any better about the shellacking NDSU game us, they are ranked higher in the Sagarin ratings than Oregon, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Miami (FL), Boise State, Syracuse, Northwestern, USC, Virginia Tech, Florida State, and UCLA just to name a few.

[84CatGrad]

To continue my over-analysis, our average opponent next year is ranked 157. So its like we play SE MO ST 12 times.

[Montanabob]

For what it's worth, here's next years schedule with each team's 2018 ranking according to Sagarin. For perspective:

Alabama = 1
Mississippi Valley State = 255
NDSU = 24
EWU = 73
Weber = 107
MSU = 136

Aug. 31 at Texas Tech (45)
Sept. 7 Southeast Missouri (157)
Sept. 14 at Western Illinois (121)
Sept. 21 Norfolk State (236)
Sept. 28 *Northern Arizona (166)
Oct. 5 *at Cal Poly (167)
Oct. 12 *Sacramento State (208)
Oct. 19 Open
Oct. 26 *at North Dakota (154)
Nov. 2 *Southern Utah (201)
Nov. 9 *at Northern Colorado (194)
Nov. 16 *at UC Davis (102)
Nov .23 *Montana (135)

Not sure how dUMb wound up one notch ahead of us. Obviously a flaw in the software.

For what it's worth, sagarin isn't good next year until about 6 games into the season.

[84CatGrad]

For what it's worth, here's next years schedule with each team's 2018 ranking according to Sagarin. For perspective:

Alabama = 1
Mississippi Valley State = 255
NDSU = 24
EWU = 73
Weber = 107
MSU = 136

Aug. 31 at Texas Tech (45)
Sept. 7 Southeast Missouri (157)
Sept. 14 at Western Illinois (121)
Sept. 21 Norfolk State (236)
Sept. 28 *Northern Arizona (166)
Oct. 5 *at Cal Poly (167)
Oct. 12 *Sacramento State (208)
Oct. 19 Open
Oct. 26 *at North Dakota (154)
Nov. 2 *Southern Utah (201)
Nov. 9 *at Northern Colorado (194)
Nov. 16 *at UC Davis (102)
Nov .23 *Montana (135)

Not sure how dUMb wound up one notch ahead of us. Obviously a flaw in the software.

For what it's worth, sagarin isn't good next year until about 6 games into the season.

Aw, come on, throw me a bone. I worked so hard on it.

[Cledus]

If NDSU plays an all FCS schedule, how do they get to 24?

How is it we played a ton of tournament seeds and can’t crack the top 100?

Hint: Sagarin just gets by on his reputation because he was one of the first.

[Montanabob]

For what it's worth, here's next years schedule with each team's 2018 ranking according to Sagarin. For perspective:

Alabama = 1
Mississippi Valley State = 255
NDSU = 24
EWU = 73
Weber = 107
MSU = 136

Aug. 31 at Texas Tech (45)
Sept. 7 Southeast Missouri (157)
Sept. 14 at Western Illinois (121)
Sept. 21 Norfolk State (236)
Sept. 28 *Northern Arizona (166)
Oct. 5 *at Cal Poly (167)
Oct. 12 *Sacramento State (208)
Oct. 19 Open
Oct. 26 *at North Dakota (154)
Nov. 2 *Southern Utah (201)
Nov. 9 *at Northern Colorado (194)
Nov. 16 *at UC Davis (102)
Nov .23 *Montana (135)

Not sure how dUMb wound up one notch ahead of us. Obviously a flaw in the software.

For what it's worth, sagarin isn't good next year until about 6 games into the season.

Aw, come on, throw me a bone. I worked so hard on it.

Let's just post it on ejizz or Scout Vandal sour grapes and watch them freak out about saragin "NOT" having them NFC champs.

I am so ready for a December 19th thread.

[CodyCat]

I’ll put up any amount of money that we don’t start our season 0-3. No way.

I haven't read through the previous posts. Does someone think we might start 0-3?

I see 3-1 / 2-2 being the most likely, but leaning heavily towards 3-1. I think the only teams that can match our physical style of play are TX Tech and um. MAYBE North Dakota.

Yes, Btribby just three posts up predicted an 0-3 start.

Btribby hates everything about Choate so any reason to be pessimistic or complain is seized by that poster. I don't see us losing to anyone but TTU to start the year. SE MO is solid but our D is only going to improve and it's a home game. WIU is losing their veteran QB. They also don't draw many fans so I think we win that one. And Norfolk isn't good.

I do not hate everything about Choate. I have been let down by his teams performances on a regular basis. However, I have eaten massive crow since the beginning of Nov. He finally showed me what he is building and the team has played well (except NDSU). With that said, we have beaten one playoff team in three years. So yes, I remain a bit pessimistic. I REALLY hope that all of you are correct and we can win more than eight games next fall. But, I think that will be tough for a team/program that hasnt had a signature/turning point win in a long time. What I mean by that is, beating a top ten ranked team. It has to happen next year or I think it will be time to reevaluate the coaching staff. Just my two cents.