Underdog Dynasty sees 6-6 record for WKU football
The newest member of the mid-major blog world is SBNation’s Underdog Dynasty, who have done a tremendous job in just a couple short weeks of bringing to light the Sun Belt, Conference USA and American Athletic Conference. In preparation for the upcoming season, UD is running computer simulations (the description of how, exactly, is at the top of their article), and predicting each team’s record come the end of the year. For the full read, click here.
What all of you care about, is the fact that the simulation saw WKU finishing an underwhelming 6-6, and added:
"The Hilltoppers will have no problems transitioning to Conference USA, as they’re back with the majority of their old #FunBelt friends. The loss of running back Antonio Andrews and linebackers Andrew Jackson and Xavius Boyd is a lot to overcome. Another eight-win season might not be in the cards in 2014, but six wins should be attainable, even with the attrition."
I can’t say that I agree with the 6-6 computer record, nor do I agree with the reasoning. Yes, losing Andrews was big, but you know what else was big? Losing Bobby Rainey, and A.A. stepped up just fine. If everything goes according to script, and we see history repeat itself, Leon Allen is going to be an absolute force to be reckoned with. And, while yes the losses of Jackson and Boyd are big, the WKU defense allowed a lot of points with them. It’s just what the Tops defenses do.
Of all the CUSA teams (and yes, they were all put through the simulation), only two teams were projected to finish with winning records; Marshall (9-3) and UTSA (8-4). Joining the Tops in a predicted even mark is Rice, North Texas and Middle Tennessee, while FAU (5-7), Louisiana Tech (4-8), Southern Miss, Old Dominion, UTEP, UAB (all 3-9) and FIU (2-10) roundout the system.
Do you agree with how UD’s simulation went? And do you see the repeated 6-6 marks as a sign of weakness, or a well-balanced quartet of teams just on the cusp of potential being mid-majorly great? (Maaaaajor Lee Great.) Let us know below in the comments, or hit us up on twitter.