Yes, it's early, and yes, I sound like Debbie Downer, but looking at Saturday's matchup, I can't help but think that this could determine last place in the Belt when the season is over.
In one corner is FAU, which needed one huge play to beat undermanned, undersized and justifiably big underdog I-AA Wagner 7-3 in Friday's season opener.
In the other corner is Middle Tennessee, which did lose to a I-AA team in its season opener, though McNeese State is no Wagner.
If you're keeping track, that was the seventh straight loss for MTSU, which started last year 2-4 before going 0-6 to end it, and finish 2-10.
MTSU has fallen off a cliff much like FAU has. In 2010 they were 6-6 and got to a bowl game, and in 2009 they were 9-3 and beat Southern Miss in a bowl game.
Rick Stockstill is still the coach, but the Blue Raiders have really been struggling.
The game is in Murfreesboro, and MTSU is no doubt going through a red-ass week as they try and put the humbling defeat behind them.
FAU has to feel good about getting a win, but now they play someone their own size.
Not feeling good about this one, five days out...
Later.....
Comments
Re: Too soon for a Belt Basement Battle?
Plus, if this game vs. MTSU really IS FOR LAST PLACE then FAU's leaders have picked the wrong guy in Carl Pellini. I hope and believe the coaching staff will open up the offense and bring out several plays that weren't part of the Wagner game plan. With this defense, scoring 17-21 points could be enough to win this game.
Conversely, losing this game by 2-3 touchdowns, followed by 50-60 point losses to Georgia and Alabama, would draw the ire of long term Owl fans. Dr. Saunders and her staff have shown no reluctance to fire athletic coaches who underperform. No realistic fan is expecting miracles this season. Indeed, a 4 win season would be seen as progress. But another 1-win season would put us right back to square one. I don't think Pellini's going to let that happen.
Re: Too soon for a Belt Basement Battle?
Still plenty of time left for other teams to claim that right....