Neil:

Very good analysis and information.

In terms of our experience in the MVFC to this point...it has more to do with our quality of play vs. the caliber of our opponents. A Steve Walker-led team, with a Nate Safe, Majeski, and Joe Mays (among others) would likely have itself in the top 2 or 3 in this conference. A conference championship would have been very realistic. That team also would have been a serious threat in the playoffs. But we don't have that team, do we? The most glaring problem is behind center. This has been a tough initiation into a very strong conference, without an experienced leader at QB. Let me emphasize 'experience.' Nick Mertens is a lot like a redshirt freshman...and I think that the offensive scheme wasn't adjusted to his skills.

Not correcting you Neil. Just adding an opinion to the discussion.

The numbers don't lie in terms of the MVFC compared to other conferences. Still...we're in a larger conference with 3 or 4 teams that have athletes like Cal Poly, or better.