Predictions from here out

[Rawker]

Just as a disclaimer - not that I think it should matter at all in this situation - the following is a prediction from someone who is a huge fan of CMA, so my pragmatism is not coming from negativism and certainly not from a hope that the Hogs actually do poorly so that MA's status is put in question.  I hope he coaches here until retirement.  That being said, I'm basing my prediction on what this group of kids has shown to be capable of in different situations THIS season.  However, I do think that certain programs (no matter the talent on the roster) rise to a different level against Arkansas on a historical-basis, so that much be factored in.  No matter the outcome, I look at this crop of Hogs on the floor and am often amazed that CMA has been able to help them match up well with almost every team they've played, even when some of them LOOK more powerful, athletic, and naturally gifted.  With this group, since we don't have someone who can physically take over a game if things get dicey (certainly have shooters that can, and Moses can have very good days, but....), yet we have guys that can get on at any time, my predictions could go the opposite way in a heartbeat.  So with my general positive feelings about this group in hand, here's how I see it playing out:

1) MS ST - The Bulldogs are obviously still down as a program, but this is absolutely no sure thing.  It's still a 50/50 game depending, like all their games, on how well the Hogs shoot the 3 and more importantly how well they play defense.  Since getting blown out at BWA, the bulldogs have played very close at some tough places, and could very possibly put it together playing at home against the Hogs.  I'm giving the Hogs a very hard fought, edge-of-the-seat win, after getting down early, coming back and taking a solid lead, then having to hang for dear life in the end.  This is one the Hogs absolutely have to have for the NIT bid. W

2) MISS - Ole Miss has a very similar resume as the Hogs, except they have a few more overall wins.  Hogs would probably tear them up at home, but with the fact that Mississippi seemingly always circles this game on their schedule, and the fact that they're playing at home, I think the Hogs never get over The Hump in this one. L

3) AUB - At home.  Not only is Auburn historically terrible at our house, but this particular AUB team just does not have enough weaponry to overcome the Hogs of the Bud, which it should be noted here again that the Bud Walton Hogs, no matter how mediocre they are on the road, are always one of the best teams in the country, a few games like the last UK game notwithstanding.  Auburn will not keep up. W

4) MIZ - Whatevs.  Next.  W

5) LSU - This may be one of the toughest calls.  No matter where or when this game is played, it's a heart-attack maker.  The hogs could have a great game and win this by 8-10, or it could go down to the wire with frickin' Hornsby killing us again.  It's the most either-way call on the remaining schedule.  I expected the loss in Pete Maravich, but the LSU games at the Bud are also always close, so it's 50/50.  Even though LSU really seems to be coming on as they warm-up to the dynamic of Ben Simmons and his supporting cast, I'm going to give it to the Hogs only because I want to be positive.  It's a toos-up though.  W

6) TENN - The Vols are down but very capable.  This meeting will obvioulsy be a much tougher battle away from our friendly confines, the shots don't fall like they did in the first game, and Tennessee makes us pay for just a few dumb mistakes (like other close losses). L

7) ALA - Alabama is similar to TENN in that they do have guys that could catch fire, and at home against Arkansas, they do.  We were needing to get a W after the TENN loss, but Hannahs is limited to 2-3 threes and everyone else is off, and with no shots falling the defense falls apart, resulting in a going-away win for AL.  L

8 ) SC - The Hogs have to win this one to have any shot at the NIT bid, especially after the 2 straight losses.  Luckily they play one of the great BWA games and get it.  W

SEC Tourney - The Hogs manage to win one in dramatic fashion, but they don't run the table for the Automatic bid.

FINAL RECORD: 17-14 (18-15 after SECT)
With the SOS, the slightly improved SEC showing, and 2 big wins in TAM and SC in the books, the Hogs do get an invite to the NIT

[010HogFan]

I'm just glad we don't have to play OM in the Tad Pad any more. We should play better than normal down there in a venue that is closer to what Bud Walton looks like

[Razorod]

Good run down and reasonable.

I'm letting the past (the season up to this point) indicate the future and go with a 4-4 finish. Not completely sure which ones we lose or win necessarily, but when the dust settles we'll finish the regular season at 16-15, which is better than what I thought we'd do back in the fall.

Have to see who we play in the 1st round of the tourney to predict that one.

[lynbug]

The problem is that the SEC has been kinda crazy this year with any team possibly beating any other on any given day.  Also, the previous posts, discussions about how many SEC wins, SEC tourney wins, etc. kinda gets lost when you consider some 20+wins teams that stayed home in the past and the under 20 that got selected. (Yes, I know about all the other factors).  However, I think it all depends on whether we keep our game going all the way to the last tick of the clock.....not get scattered the last 2-3 minutes.  We do a better job of this at home, but........on the road............

[Danny J]

Your picks are about what I feel will happen also.....This team is hard to figure out. Really is hard to predict a road win with this team but maybe tomorrow changes that.

[Rawker]

Your picks are about what I feel will happen also.....This team is hard to figure out. Really is hard to predict a road win with this team but maybe tomorrow changes that.

No matter how hard it is to figure out where road wins come from, one has to believe that the MSST game is the best chance at one.  With the way this team has played on the good days and the bad days, they could finish 8-0 or 0-8.  Just hope it's closer to the former, and if so, their SOS - and the fact that it's common knowledge how many of their losses have been super close - will afford them an NIT bid.

[nwahogfan1]

Very reasonable predictions. I hope we get a NIT bid. I certainly did not expect one this year. Will show me and the other Debbie downers that maybe Mike can keep this program respectable again on a annual basis even without elite players.  If that happens then I can see us with retention of our players and recruiting better players where we can stay nationally ranked more often and even winning several games in the NCAAT again.

[BRHogfan]

"The Hump" is where miss state plays.  Because of that error, I can't take anything you say seriously.  I don't have a ton of respect for other schools venues, but if you try and use their names and fail, it just makes you look bad.

[LRHawg]

Hump Dump =/= Tad Pad

Other than that I agree with most your predictions, although I think we beat Bama.

[Hawg Red]

6-2 the rest of the way. Losses at Ole Miss and either Bama or UT. Big home wins against LSU and SC.

18-13 (11-7 SEC) going into the SECT.

[Rawker]

"The Hump" is where miss state plays.  Because of that error, I can't take anything you say seriously.  I don't have a ton of respect for other schools venues, but if you try and use their names and fail, it just makes you look bad.

Yes, I feel so bad.  That was one of my worst mistakes ever.   

[BRHogfan]

Yes, I feel so bad.  That was one of my worst mistakes ever. 

I just expect air tight journalism on Hogville, my man.

[ROASHE]

at Mississippi State (L)
at Ole Miss (L)
Auburn (W)
Missouri (W)
LSU (L) - playing so much better than a month ago
at Tennessee (L)
at Alabama (L)
South Carolina (W)

SEC Tourney - One and done. Not convinced, at all, that they can beat even a decent team away from BWA

FINAL RECORD: 15-17

[elksnort]

5-3 finish in regular season would be good.

If the 3s fall we'll all have a ball.

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

The big key is the play of Whitt and Beard.

Any game those guys can approach double figures, our chances for winning skyrockets.


I know I know Captain Obvious.

[elksnort]

The big key is the play of Whitt and Beard.

Any game those guys can approach double figures, our chances for winning skyrockets.


I know I know Captain Obvious.

It's not that obvious, but it's a very good point. I was thinking the same thing about Trey Thompson. If you can get 6-8 points from him, the team ought to be doing well.

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

It's not that obvious, but it's a very good point. I was thinking the same thing about Trey Thompson. If you can get 6-8 points from him, the team ought to be doing well.

I really like Trey. He won't create points on his own but he will block/alter shots, pull boards, and he can flat out pass the ball from the top of the key.   Just stay out of foul trouble big man.

The only other times Whitt and Beard played well in the same game was against Mizzou and Tennessee.  The only easy SEC victories this season.

[bphi11ips]

I predict the rest of the season will be fun. 

[The_Iceman]

Safe bet is:

@MissState - Loss
@OleMiss - Loss
Auburn - Win
Mizzou - LOL, Win
LSU - Win
Tenn- Loss
Alabama - Loss
SCarolina - Win

16-15 (9-9), 1-1 SEC Tournament, 17-16 on the season. Probably an NIT bid.

[HogBreath]

Here's my prediction for balance of this season...it'll be a bad time to be a Bear!!

[pigture perfect]

I was going to post something and thought better of it. Go Hogs.

[gmarv]

I think we,re gonna go 6-2 most likely, 5-3 being the down and 7-1 being the up. don,t have a clue how it works out.

[Dominicanhog]

5 and 3... 17-14.... sect 2-1..... 19-15 and watching on Sunday.....

[bigdaddyhawg]

at Mississippi State (L)
at Ole Miss (L)
Auburn (W)
Missouri (W)
LSU (L) - playing so much better than a month ago
at Tennessee (L)
at Alabama (L)
South Carolina (W)

SEC Tourney - One and done. Not convinced, at all, that they can beat even a decent team away from BWA

FINAL RECORD: 15-17

Here's the reality, folks.  Drink it in.

Your guys here need a dose of it.

6-2 the rest of the way. Losses at Ole Miss and either Bama or UT. Big home wins against LSU and SC.

18-13 (11-7 SEC) going into the SECT.

I think we,re gonna go 6-2 most likely, 5-3 being the down and 7-1 being the up. don,t have a clue how it works out.

[Kevin]

at Mississippi State (L)
at Ole Miss (L)
Auburn (W)
Missouri (W)
LSU (L) - playing so much better than a month ago
at Tennessee (L)
at Alabama (L)
South Carolina (W)

SEC Tourney - One and done. Not convinced, at all, that they can beat even a decent team away from BWA

FINAL RECORD: 15-17

this

[Hawg Red]

Here's the reality, folks.  Drink it in.

Your guys here need a dose of it.

You can F off. I don't need you telling me what I need based on a rest-of-season prediction that is 1 game in. I'm plenty realistic.

[mountainhog]

this

I think we lose to South Carolina. 

[razoredge178]

It's not that obvious, but it's a very good point. I was thinking the same thing about Trey Thompson. If you can get 6-8 points from him, the team ought to be doing well.

News flash: Everyone from the 1-8 hole needs to perform well for this particular team to do well.

[bhogs05]

I predicted 14-17 regular season before the year started on here..we might find a way to sneak out one more win and get to 15-16 regular season and then lose 1st game of SEC tourney so 15-17 it is. 

[ROASHE]

I think we lose to South Carolina.

I was throwing a bone out there with that one but I can definitely see a loss to USCe

[elksnort]

News flash: Everyone from the 1-8 hole needs to perform well for this particular team to do well.

Sure. The assumption was that the main starters will play well.

[bigdaddyhawg]

You can F off. I don't need you telling me what I need based on a rest-of-season prediction that is 1 game in. I'm plenty realistic.

Wrong.  Guess again. 

[Hawg Red]

Wrong.  Guess again.

No, I'm pretty certain (not guessing) that I'm right (not wrong) that you can F off.

[bigdaddyhawg]

No, I'm pretty certain (not guessing) that I'm right (not wrong) that you can F off.

Hahahahaha!! 

I'm certain you can make that request, but it's not up to you whether or not that actually occurs!!

So, guess again!!

[bigdaddyhawg]

6-2 the rest of the way. Losses at Ole Miss and either Bama or UT. Big home wins against LSU and SC.

18-13 (11-7 SEC) going into the SECT.

Here's the reality, folks.  Drink it in.

Your guys here need a dose of it.

Is the truth of what I tried to tell you here sinking in yet?

[Razorod]

It appears that it is going to be even worse than the naysayers thought.

[TNhawgfan]

Safe bet is:

@MissState - Loss
@OleMiss - Loss
Auburn - Win
Mizzou - LOL, Win
LSU - Win
Tenn- Loss
Alabama - Loss
SCarolina - Win

16-15 (9-9), 1-1 SEC Tournament, 17-16 on the season. Probably an NIT bid.

The real "safe bet" is predictions like these were on the assumption we would not completely quit on the season. So far, if the past three games are an indicator, we have

[solitons]

Just as a disclaimer - not that I think it should matter at all in this situation - the following is a prediction from someone who is a huge fan of CMA, so my pragmatism is not coming from negativism and certainly not from a hope that the Hogs actually do poorly so that MA's status is put in question.  I hope he coaches here until retirement.  That being said, I'm basing my prediction on what this group of kids has shown to be capable of in different situations THIS season.  However, I do think that certain programs (no matter the talent on the roster) rise to a different level against Arkansas on a historical-basis, so that much be factored in.  No matter the outcome, I look at this crop of Hogs on the floor and am often amazed that CMA has been able to help them match up well with almost every team they've played, even when some of them LOOK more powerful, athletic, and naturally gifted.  With this group, since we don't have someone who can physically take over a game if things get dicey (certainly have shooters that can, and Moses can have very good days, but....), yet we have guys that can get on at any time, my predictions could go the opposite way in a heartbeat.  So with my general positive feelings about this group in hand, here's how I see it playing out:

1) MS ST - The Bulldogs are obviously still down as a program, but this is absolutely no sure thing.  It's still a 50/50 game depending, like all their games, on how well the Hogs shoot the 3 and more importantly how well they play defense.  Since getting blown out at BWA, the bulldogs have played very close at some tough places, and could very possibly put it together playing at home against the Hogs.  I'm giving the Hogs a very hard fought, edge-of-the-seat win, after getting down early, coming back and taking a solid lead, then having to hang for dear life in the end.  This is one the Hogs absolutely have to have for the NIT bid. W

2) MISS - Ole Miss has a very similar resume as the Hogs, except they have a few more overall wins.  Hogs would probably tear them up at home, but with the fact that Mississippi seemingly always circles this game on their schedule, and the fact that they're playing at home, I think the Hogs never get over The Hump in this one. L

3) AUB - At home.  Not only is Auburn historically terrible at our house, but this particular AUB team just does not have enough weaponry to overcome the Hogs of the Bud, which it should be noted here again that the Bud Walton Hogs, no matter how mediocre they are on the road, are always one of the best teams in the country, a few games like the last UK game notwithstanding.  Auburn will not keep up. W

4) MIZ - Whatevs.  Next.  W

5) LSU - This may be one of the toughest calls.  No matter where or when this game is played, it's a heart-attack maker.  The hogs could have a great game and win this by 8-10, or it could go down to the wire with frickin' Hornsby killing us again.  It's the most either-way call on the remaining schedule.  I expected the loss in Pete Maravich, but the LSU games at the Bud are also always close, so it's 50/50.  Even though LSU really seems to be coming on as they warm-up to the dynamic of Ben Simmons and his supporting cast, I'm going to give it to the Hogs only because I want to be positive.  It's a toos-up though.  W

6) TENN - The Vols are down but very capable.  This meeting will obvioulsy be a much tougher battle away from our friendly confines, the shots don't fall like they did in the first game, and Tennessee makes us pay for just a few dumb mistakes (like other close losses). L

7) ALA - Alabama is similar to TENN in that they do have guys that could catch fire, and at home against Arkansas, they do.  We were needing to get a W after the TENN loss, but Hannahs is limited to 2-3 threes and everyone else is off, and with no shots falling the defense falls apart, resulting in a going-away win for AL.  L

8 ) SC - The Hogs have to win this one to have any shot at the NIT bid, especially after the 2 straight losses.  Luckily they play one of the great BWA games and get it.  W

SEC Tourney - The Hogs manage to win one in dramatic fashion, but they don't run the table for the Automatic bid.

FINAL RECORD: 17-14 (18-15 after SECT)
With the SOS, the slightly improved SEC showing, and 2 big wins in TAM and SC in the books, the Hogs do get an invite to the NIT

we'll decline the NIT invitation, we need focus on find a coach first

[The_Iceman]

The real "safe bet" is predictions like these were on the assumption we would not completely quit on the season. So far, if the past three games are an indicator, we have

Mike quit, so his players followed suit.

[Hawg Red]

Is the truth of what I tried to tell you here sinking in yet?

Oh, it's sunk. Trust me.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

we'll decline the NIT invitation, we need focus on find a coach first

You think we'll finish strong enough to get an NIT invite?

I mean it's possible if we play like we're capable.

I just don't see it as a given.  I could easily see us playing well one more time only and limp our way to the finish line with the other remaining games being losses.

[Mr. Porkleone]

6-2 the rest of the way. Losses at Ole Miss and either Bama or UT. Big home wins against LSU and SC.

18-13 (11-7 SEC) going into the SECT.

What's your favorite cool aid, cause you drinking plenty

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

What's your favorite cool aid, cause you drinking plenty

If you consider WHEN he posted that, it seems much more possible.

[Hawg Red]

What's your favorite cool aid, cause you drinking plenty

There must be a bug or something, but I missed your prediction.

Or are you just talking darn but didn't post an opinion of your own?

[Hawg Red]

If you consider WHEN he posted that, it seems much more possible.

Just some jackass that wasn't around then to say that but wants to tell someone how wrong they were. Bigdaddyhawg at least called it out at the time.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Just some jackass that wasn't around then to say that but wants to tell someone how wrong they were. Bigdaddyhawg at least called it out at the time.

Well, for what it's worth, I thought your prediction was a little rosy but possible.

Who would have thought that the team would have a meltdown that makes Chernobyl look like a campfire?

[Hawg Red]

Well, for what it's worth, I thought your prediction was a little rosy but possible.

Who would have thought that the team would have a meltdown that makes Chernobyl look like a campfire?

No doubt it was on the bright side.

[jkstock04]

The rose colored prediction threads are always wrong. Always have been.

[Uncommon]

So what is it looking like now?

W Missouri
L LSU
L at Tennessee
L at Alabama
L South Carolina

If I were in Long's shoes, it would be hard to retain him if this occurs.

[code red]

Mike quit, so his players followed suit.

I was thinking the same.....his entire outlook seem lackadaisical.