I didn't realize this until just now, but the NCAA keeps up with schedule toughness for PAST, FUTURE, and CUMULATIVE (total season) games.
As of today, our PAST schedule is the 7th toughest in the country (before Troy we were third)
http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2012/Internet/toughest%20schedule/fbs_9games_cumm.pdfOur CUMULATIVE or total schedule is 31st
http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2012/Internet/toughest%20schedule/fbs_9games_cumm.pdfAnd our FUTURE schedule (last three regular season games) is all the way down at 106st
http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2012/Internet/toughest%20schedule/fbs_9games_future.pdfWe all pretty much knew that we had a tough schedule through USCe, and that the last four games were softer, but man does this put it in perspective and quantify it.
This is in no way an excuse for our previous performance. I think we should have another win or two. It doesn't really say anything, you can read into it what you like.
I will say this...we all definitely expect Dooley to win these last 3 games, while wondering if he can.
The numbers above show HOW BADLY we should win IMO. Our PAST schedule is 7th in the country, and our remaining games are 106st! Wow, if Dooley can't climb that mountain.....holy crap.