Well, we know these rosters pretty well by now. There's probably a surprise or two left between now and the opening of camps -- in particular who is going to land the prized catch remaining out of California.
Obviously, SRU's visit to Miller Stadium on Oct. 1 will likely play a huge role in the West race.
Any predictions for the 1-8 West standings?
Here goes:
1. IUP - The Hawks' offense should be scary -- and, the defense is a year older. IUP also hosts Slippery Rock this year (not that the home field advantage has meant much in this series as of late). If the Hawks can protect the punter -- and show a pulse inside Miller Stadium -- they should be pretty tough to beat.
2. Slippery Rock - The Rock has three tough road games in the first 8 weeks -- at West Chester, IUP and California. No denying they got much better last year after making the QB change.
3. California - The Vulcans lost a lot, but, still have a lot. And, every time people think Cal will be down, well, they aren't. That said, a brutal schedule awaits (unlike last year). Back to back early road trips to Kutztown and Shepherd will be very difficult. IUP and SRU both visit Adamson. And, well, we know IUP's recent history inside Adamson. The Vulcans need a split in the Kutztown/Shepherd stretch and to split IUP/SRU.
4. Edinboro - The Scots came on strong in the second half a year ago. They took some portal losses, but, if anything, the rest of the West is shaky at best. Edinboro won't surprise anybody this year. Early trips to Shepherd and California won't be easy.
5. Gannon - The Boom Squad always has more talent than its record indicates. Sooner or later they may put it all together.
6. Mercyhurst - A new era begins, but it may take a couple years to rebuild the roster.
7. Seton Hill - The Griffins are getting better -- slowly.
8. Clarion - Likely another long year looming for the Golden Eagles. The new staff inherited a pretty empty cupboard. Many of Clarion's best players left via the portal.
Obviously, SRU's visit to Miller Stadium on Oct. 1 will likely play a huge role in the West race.
Any predictions for the 1-8 West standings?
Here goes:
1. IUP - The Hawks' offense should be scary -- and, the defense is a year older. IUP also hosts Slippery Rock this year (not that the home field advantage has meant much in this series as of late). If the Hawks can protect the punter -- and show a pulse inside Miller Stadium -- they should be pretty tough to beat.
2. Slippery Rock - The Rock has three tough road games in the first 8 weeks -- at West Chester, IUP and California. No denying they got much better last year after making the QB change.
3. California - The Vulcans lost a lot, but, still have a lot. And, every time people think Cal will be down, well, they aren't. That said, a brutal schedule awaits (unlike last year). Back to back early road trips to Kutztown and Shepherd will be very difficult. IUP and SRU both visit Adamson. And, well, we know IUP's recent history inside Adamson. The Vulcans need a split in the Kutztown/Shepherd stretch and to split IUP/SRU.
4. Edinboro - The Scots came on strong in the second half a year ago. They took some portal losses, but, if anything, the rest of the West is shaky at best. Edinboro won't surprise anybody this year. Early trips to Shepherd and California won't be easy.
5. Gannon - The Boom Squad always has more talent than its record indicates. Sooner or later they may put it all together.
6. Mercyhurst - A new era begins, but it may take a couple years to rebuild the roster.
7. Seton Hill - The Griffins are getting better -- slowly.
8. Clarion - Likely another long year looming for the Golden Eagles. The new staff inherited a pretty empty cupboard. Many of Clarion's best players left via the portal.
Comment