Sportswriters love two things in this world: sports and being right.
Unfortunately, while I share that love for both, only one has given me love back, which probably explains why I watch ESPN over trivia game shows.
When I enrolled at Western, I did not set out to be a clairvoyant. The major wasn’t available.
Predictions, however, are a favorite pastime of mine. With the semester wrapping up, it’s only fitting that we look ahead to next year and to what kind of success – or lack thereof – a couple of teams on the Hill may have next season.
When classes resume in August, students will be greeted with the sound of popping pads, whistles and the sweet hum of “RUN IT AGAIN!” coming from Smith Stadium as the Toppers get ready for their final season as a Football Bowl Subdivision transitional team.
By the way, can anyone tell me what was so wrong with just calling it Division I-A?
This season will by far be the toughest in the program’s history. Four games at BCS Conference opponents, including visits to Hokie Nation at Virginia Tech and rolling in to meet the Tide at Alabama.
Games at Kentucky, Indiana and Sun Belt foe Troy will test this “bigger, faster, stronger” mentality the Tops are taking, because that’s exactly what kind of teams they will be going up against.
Eastern Kentucky, North Texas, Murray State and a trip to Florida International are all potential W’s on an otherwise harsh schedule that would make Vince Lambardi turn in his grave.
The way I see it, respect will be earned and lessons will be learned during the 2008 season. As much progress as they will make, a 13th consecutive winning season doesn’t seem likely. The magic crystal ball says the Toppers will finish 5-7.
OK, hardwood time.
Unless you’ve gone catatonic in the last month or so, you know Ken McDonald has taken the reins as the 13th head coach in Topper history.
He recently landed a good pick up in juco point man Anthony Sally. He also seems to be keeping all of the troops aboard at this point with no rumors swirling of any transfers.
No doubt the loss of Courtney Lee and Tyrone Brazelton, Boris Siakam and Ty Rogers will hurt, but this would’ve been the same had Horn stayed.
To add to the eye-popping excitement, the program is in the process of inking a deal for a four-game series with Louisville. Guess Dr. Selig wants to give McDonald an early gut check.
Ken (finally) got his assistant coaches together, and has been seen schmoozing around town at local events, getting acclimated to his new home. He seems ready to go. Got to love the guy’s spirit.
This prediction is hard because the schedule won’t be out for a while, but if the Louisville series is any indication, McDonald and Co. should be in for a testy first campaign.
Maybe a few tough losses, some hard times, but all in all, the 20-win season streak stays alive, with an NIT berth, says the crystal ball.
Like I said, I don’t have a hotline, and I think astrology is a bunch of bull. But hey, if a chick with a phony accent and a deck of cards can get paid to make predictions, I can do it too, sans accent and cards.
Have a great summer folks.
Reach David Harten at sports@chherald.com.
.