Jabbering JAG 131.3 (Non-Conf Review)

We have hit the first major checkpoint in the season. Non-conference play has ended and now it is time to do battle with the teams/coaches we are all very familiar with as we try to finish atop our respective divisions to make the conference title game. This is when things really start to heat up for most teams as it is essentially another season. We all get a chance to make our mark on this season and try to get a good playoff seeding no matter how the season has gone so far. At this juncture the OVC is MILES ahead of everyone. The Big Sky and Gateway are next and are fairly close to one another. The SIM dominated MEAC and Ivy are bringing up the rear so far this season. Lets dive into my "surprise teams" so far this season and my "disappointments" so far.

"SURPRISES":

Georgia Southern - A pretty talented team but after an early playoff exit last season a lot of questions arose for this season. This team is fresh off a nice OOC record and they not only just beat two solid teams, they rolled two solid teams. Still 4 humans on the schedule for GSU but if this team continues to perform at this level then they are all very winnable games.

Florida A&M - A first year coach at a long-time sim team has started hot out of the gate. This team's only loss is to perennial power, Youngstown State. A game that the Rattlers were in until the 4th quarter. Only human left on the schedule for FAMU so they should have a very favorable finish.

"DISAPPOINTMENTS":

Alabama A&M - Now this team has played an absolute gauntlet this season but I am sure even dachmann would admit he was hoping for a much better start to the season. All four losses were by double digits and their only win they had to hang on to a slim lead. However, with that SOS and only 2 humans left on the schedule for the Bulldogs things are looking very bright for A&M the rest of the way.

Cal Poly - Another team who has played an absolutely brutal schedule but below where I think they expected. It isn't the losses so much as how the games have gone so far. Their two wins weren't by significant margins and their losses weren't exactly close either. There are still five humans on tap for CP so they will have to fix their woes. The Mustang offense looks to have some issues but Seth is a good coach and will figure things out.

Howard - The defending MEAC champs are off to a rough start. Already four losses on the season which is more than last season. To add insult to injury all of the losses were blowouts. Now this team has played a very good set of humans so far and will need that boost in SOS as they only have one more human on the schedule this season so they should win out the rest of the way. This team will still be competitive come playoffs.

Good luck to everyone this season. I am sure we are in for a wild finish to this season in DIAA!