The challenge for UALR early in the season will be to stay
above .500.
With one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the
country, one loaded with tough road games, the Trojans will need to win some
games to create some momentum headed into Sun Belt Conference play.
The bottom line is this: Anything better than 6-6 in
nonconference play would be an amazing start to the season. What will they have
to do to get to seven nonconference victories?
Win the home games. UALR has to beat North Florida, Southern
Arkansas, Arkansas-Fort Smith and Grambling at home. That would get them to 4.
Win 2 of 3 road games against Middle Tennessee, Southern and
Tulsa. That will be extremely tough but would get them to 6.
Split the two games at the BVI Tropical Shootout in the
British Virgin Islands. UALR plays Jacksonville State in the first game and
either Southern Miss in the second game. A split would get them to 7.
UALR also has tough road games at Florida, Memphis and
Oklahoma.
Anything 7-5 or better would be a great start. A 6-6 start
wouldn’t be the end of the world. With all the road games, 5-7 might be
realistic. But it would also be disappointing considering this year’s
expectations.
