3 weeks to go and we have 3 teams with 1 loss:
- NDSU 5-1, with a 38-7 loss to SIU (includes Fall win over UCA)
- UN_ 4-1, with a 34-13 loss to NDSU (no Fall games)
- SDUS 4-1, with a 28-17 loss to UND (no Fall games)
The remaining schedule goes like this:
Week 6:
NDSU @ USD, UN_ @ YSU, ISUr @ SDSU (cancelled)
Week 7:
SDSU @ NDSU, MSU @ UN_
Week 8:
NDSU @ UNI, UN_ @ ISUr (cancelled), USD @ SDSU
At this point it seems likely that NDSU will win at USD and UNI, with the latter being the bigger question mark. Both ISUr games are huge gifts to UN_ and SDSU (Fuck Spack), as I think they would have been tough wins. UN_ is no gimme against Youngstown or Missouri State either, but I can't see SDSU losing to USD... SO!...
To me, the season comes down to the Rabbits in the dome. If we win, we're in, if we lose... I don't know if a 2-loss Valley team gets in. I guess it would depend on some interesting scenarios with other OOC teams who won't win their auto bid. Lots of scenarios at play...
If NDSU loses to SDSU but wins the other 2, and UND and SDSU lose 1 of their 2, the we could have 3 Valley teams with 2 losses... and where does SIU fit in if they win out?
Gonnna be really interesting, but I actually think the UCA game helps us, surprisingly.