Originally Posted by
Phantom Warrior
WCGE.
Honest answer: I never even look at the point spread. I don't think in those terms at all, and if someone else posts the point spread, I ignore it.
As far as my predictions in terms of wins and losses, I tend to be, for lack of a better word, "conservative," which balances out my tendency to be a social liberal (though I am more moderate in terms of fiscal policies).
The last four years I have been considerably more "conservative" than I was in earlier years. I have always prioritized defense over offense - even in my own coaching - and the last three years, in particular, our defense has been, to be kind, mediocre.
This year's team, in terms of defense, does not inspire any confidence in my outlook. At the beginning of the year, back in early November, I predicted we would go anywhere from 8-10 to 10-8, but that I figured we'd probably be 9-9. I also figured we'd win one or two games when we were expected to lose (Creighton and Nova) and lose one or two games when we would be expected to win (Providence). I also thought we could end up anywhere from fifth through seventh in the conference.
Providence and St. John's, and even DePaul, are better than I thought they'd be. Seton Hall is not quite as good as I'd expected. And now, of course, Creighton and Xavier have suffered huge losses at point guard. Things change. Plus, we lost Traci, which I think is a much bigger loss than most fans appreciate.
The bottom line, however, is that it is extremely tough to win on the road in the BE, period. And I don't think this year's team is good enough to avoid close contests at home.