With 74 days until we kick off the 2018 season, it looks like just about every pundit is expecting Columbia to fail to repeat on its 8-2/2nd place finish from last season.
But it's the reasons they're making those predictions that shows how far the Columbia program has become. Every assessment I've seen simply points to the graduation of QB Anders Hill and trouble any program would have replacing a player of his caliber in his senior year.
Think about that. Just about any other time Columbia enjoyed success over the last 50 years, talk of a "fluke" and predictions that the Lions would turn back into a pumpkin would be all over the preseason publications.
But now with Head Coach Al Bagnoli at the helm and plenty of great returning talent, the consensus prediction is that Columbia will finish in the middle of the pack. Yes, that's a step up.
TV SCHEDULE
Yesterday, the athletic department released the 2018 schedule with kickoff times and TV information. I'm not sure if the ESPN+ deal precludes networks like SNY from simulcasting some Columbia games like they did last season. I hope we do get some simulcasts, because I like being able to see archived games in my living any time.
But we do know we have some fresh aspects to the schedule this year.
The season opener at Central Connecticut, (Bagnoli's Alma Mater), will be at the odd time of 5pm, so get an early dinner.
Game two at Georgetown begins at 2pm.
And remember, the home opener against Princeton will be on Friday night at 6pm.
1 comment:
Absolutely correct.
2018 will be based on a strong well-coached core of 4 year Bagnoli players. We won't catch anyone napping, and the other guys are stronger, but we walk in pretty tough as well.
For the first time, we are consistent, trained and confident, and aware of our potential. I haven't seen that since the early '60s.
8-2, I don't think so. But 6-4 is doable and expected. Better than that is a gift; worse will be disappointing. But one thing I believe. There will not be a meltdown.
Post a Comment