So I think there is a pretty big gap between the Final Four and not making the tournament. What are people's expectations for this season? What would you find acceptable? I agree with Ivorytower, there are three exceptional teams this season, and also a pretty big pack of teams behind them who are also very good. For me, given the talent level on SU this year, my ceiling for this team, and I think its a very real expectation, that they make the final four. At the very least, if they don't make the second round of the tournament, it would be a disappointing season. Not a lot of wiggle room, but I think this team is really good, good enough to grab that fourth "open spot" after Yale, UVA and Penn State.
FWIW I would probably have the below top 10. I think SU can be lumped into the second tier of teams, and would probably include Maryland, Duke and Penn in that group. After those teams I think there is another drop off.
1. Penn State - video game numbers on offense, lots of returners.
2. Yale - a really complete team, think they would have won last year if there was a week between semi-final and championship game - Irelan too gassed.
3. UVA - will miss Conrad more than most think but still have three of the best offensive players in the country.
4. Syracuse - no obvious weakness, needs to replace two long poles and has a question mark at attack. Best midfield in the country can carry you very far.
5. Maryland - Talent all over the field, but has questions about midfield depth and defense
6. Duke - Never found a real quarterback for the offense last year, losses goalie and one of best defensemen in the country.
7. Penn - Got a raw deal with last year's tournament seeding, can they be consistent? Handley will be a beast this year.
8. Cornell - Teat one of best players in the country, can't imagine they get held outside of playoffs again. Need to fix defense.
9. UNC - really young last year, Gray could be a game changer.
10. Notre Dame - Lose defensive coordinator and second best offensive player on a team that lacked depth.