The schedule is NOT more manageable next year. If anything it is more difficult.
We have seven common opponents from 2017 to 2018 (our six B1G East compadres, plus Illinois). So five games define the variability of the schedule. Here goes:
2017: Washington, Eastern Michigan, Morgan State, Nebraska, Purdue
2018: Kansas, Texas State, Buffalo, Wisconsin, Northwestern.
Our 2018 B1G West opponents are much more difficult, at least on paper right now.
Our 2018 Non-P5 opponents are also more difficult, in that we no longer play a MEAC team to which we cannot possibly lose. We could lose to either Texas State or Buffalo, as we know only too well from our 2017 experience.
The 2018 schedule is only easier in one game, as Kansas is much easier than Washington.
I say all this not to hijack the thread, but actually to underscore your point. Going 6-6 will not be at all easy next year. If Ash can do it he will be thoroughly deserving of an extension.
It’s not funny anymore.Folks, this is an5 year8 year10 year12 year rebuild, so let's be patient!
Definitely sets up for a good start to the season and when you get momentum rolling who knows what can come after.Texas St
at Ohio St
at Kansas
Buffalo
Indiana
Illinois
at Maryland
Northwestern
at Wisconisn
Michigan
Penn St
at Michigan St
disagree.....its because the early part of the schedule is much more managable and the winnable Big 10 games are earlier...it gives potential for a 5-1 or 6-1 start..that is very important to grow the fanbase and for the team to gain confidence as RU heads into the gauntlet of the last 5 games. If the program is going to take the next step yes it needs to be 5-1 because if it doesnt then its going to be the same old 4-8 type season and we will now Ash isnt the guy. If not next year then when. Those last 5 games are not easy but RU off to a good start has a decent shot to beat Northwestern who is a different program on the road
EMU was a gimme, too. Unless this team finds an OL that can control the line of scrimmage consistently, a QB that can throw the ball accurately, WRs that can get open, and a defense that can create a lot more pressure and turnovers than the current group, most of those games are tossups.If we cannot win 6 games with that schedule Ash should be fired.
Texas State, Buffalo and at Kansas are total gimmies.
Illinois, Indiana and NW at home and @ UMD.
He absolutely must find 6 wins in that group.
EMU was a gimme, too. Unless this team finds an OL that can control the line of scrimmage consistently, a QB that can throw the ball accurately, WRs that can get open, and a defense that can create a lot more pressure and turnovers than the current group, most of those games are tossups.
Folks, this is an5 year8 year10 year12 yearrebuild, so let's be patient!
Looks like you were Nostradamus and not @G- RUnitFolks, this is an5 year8 year10 year12 year rebuild, so let's be patient!