2024 Southland predictions

[Cajundemon11]

I don't see NSU breaking through this season, I think notching a few conference wins would be huge considering what we are bouncing back from, but it is fun to speculate how things will turn out when its all said and done. I think we can expect SLU to be back back in contention after a down year, Nicholls is the reigning champ; albeit coming off of a disappointing playoff appearance. I would bet on another season of improvement for Lamar and HCU as well. McNeese's lone win was a forfeit to us, and to my understanding it seems like a make or break year for their HC Goff. UIW had a 8-2 finish last season and a playoff snub and i think will come back strong and finish the season on top. SFA re joins the fold coming off of a 3-8 campaign, they were however 2-0 against southland foes non-conference (NSU and TAMUC). The southland was overall pretty weak last year, only one playoff team, and not a great showing. I do think overall the conference will be better this season and im hoping we can get 2 at large teams in; win some games and lift our conference profile. 

1. UIW
2. Nicholls
3. SLU
4. Lamar
5. SFA
6. HCU
7. McNeese
8. NSU
9. Commerce

[Reality Check]

SLU
UIW
SFA
Lamar
Nicholls
McNeese
TAMU-Commerce
HCU
NSU

(Don't want to get my hopes up; hoping I am very wrong)

[jneal318]

I think with the transfers of McDowell (Montana - Starting QB for the FCS Championship) and Citizen (Miami)...McNeese appears to be better on paper. We'll see when the pads touch how they are.

I think we will be a gritty team and tough but I expect some growing pains. This happens with a complete rebuild.

[TexasDemon]

I agree that NSU won’t “break through” this year, but I am expecting a competitive team at least, which hasn’t been the case in years past. I think the non-conference games will show a lot, but I’m not expecting W’s per se, and I’d be ecstatic for a 2-3 non-con record. Overall, I think our league is pretty weak.. I’m optimistically predicting 4-8 (3-4), but would not be surprised with anything between 2-10 (1-6) or 6-6 (4-3). If we win 6 games this year, I’m buying season tix for 2025.

1. UIW
2. SLU
3. Nicholls
4. Lamar
5. SFA
6. NSU
7. McNeese
8. HCU
9. Commerce

[demonfan62]

I may be getting ahead of myself but I am optimistic. I think we might get overlooked because of the rebuild and pull off a few wins that aren't expected. Go Demons!

1. UIW
2. SLU
3. Nicholls
4. SFA
5. NSU
6. Lamar
7. McNeese
8. Texas A&M Comm
9. HCU

[Texas Demon]

I get the impression that we do have some talent. But we are very, very light on D1 experience at most positions. The season will depend on how fast players can turn the experience they gain in the first games into improved play. The first half of the season will likely not be very good, especially against the FBS opponents. But there are some winnable games after the beginning of October. Let them get some games under their belt, and hopefully stay relatively healthy, and we will have a much better idea of what kind of team we have.

[Cajundemon11]

I will agree with that, I do think the team will improve as the season progresses. Partly because the out of conference is brutal but also the schemes will become more comfortable to the players and I see this staff improving as well.

[Reality Check]

Every SLC game will be winnable. The conference is way, way down and filled with parity. UIW's run a couple years ago was the best the SLC has done in years. Last year, our conference champion was beaten by five TDs in the first-round of the playoffs. I don't think we will come close to winning them all, however. The convergence of a new staff, basically a brand new team, and the lack of an unproven and untested QB will force a learning curve year. That's OK. I think our QBs are talented, but we don't have "that guy" yet. The RBs and FBs are solid. WRs and TEs are solid. DL has a chance to be great. DBs should be solid. K's and P's are solid. KRs and PRs should be good enough. LBs, OL, and QB? Who knows?! The DL and DBs can help the LBs adjust game by game, but with an unsure OL and QB, I am not sure anything but time and experience that can help that situation. This will come through some losses and even getting roughed up a couple times, maybe. If the team can stay mentally strong, which they should with the new staff, the following season could be a good one.

[Cajundemon11]

Official preseason poll.

1. Nicholls 119
2. UIW 113
3. Southeastern La. 94
4. Lamar. 88
5. Stephen F. Austin 72
6. McNeese 64
7. HCU 41
8. TX A&M Commerce 37
9. Northwestern State 25

[Czech Mate]

Anything 5th place or above would make for a great season. That would likely require three-four conference wins.

[TexasDemon]

Jul 22, 2024 14:32:37 GMT Cajundemon11 said:

Official preseason poll.

1. Nicholls 119
2. UIW 113
3. Southeastern La. 94
4. Lamar. 88
5. Stephen F. Austin 72
6. McNeese 64
7. HCU 41
8. TX A&M Commerce 37
9. Northwestern State 25

Pretty damning. Not a lot of outsiders have hope in the Demons. Could be a rough season for the boys. I, for one, am optimistic in McCorkle and think we’ll turn a few heads this fall. 

[Cajundemon11]

As coach McCorkle said: "we are picked last as we should be" I see no reason why anyone should be picked below us at the moment which gives us a great opportunity to exceed preseason expectations.

[stinger]

I am looking for effort, discipline and offensive, defensive, and special teams schemes that make sense. With that the wins come and losses are part of growth. Go Demons!!!