I'm on board with you but I don't see enough dynamic playmakers to get to 8 with that schedule. Hendo is not a polished receiver, Shorter is OK, the kid they got from Arizona State is already hurt, Whittemore is steady at best. The TEs don't scare anybody. NayQuan isn't getting 20 touches a game. Who is their back they can lean on? Richardson is going to have to be Herculean to win 8 games, IMO.
The first 2 set the tone.
If they're 2-0, they'll get 8 wins.
If they're 0-2, they have no chance.
Utah
Kentucky
USF -- Win
at Tenn
Eastern Washington -- Win
Mizzou
LSU
UGA -- Loss
@ A&M -- Likely loss
USCe
Vandy -- Win
@ FSU
I see 3 definite wins on that schedule. They'll probably be a pretty sizeable favorite against Mizzou, over a TD, so I'll go so far as say 4 wins, but Mizzou did beat them last year.
So you see 4-4 against those first 2, at Tenn, LSU, UGA, at A&M, USCe, and @ FSU ??? Will be tough. They're a FG dog at home to Utah. Probably be less than a FG favorite against UK. Probably a dog on the road to Tennessee. Small favorite vs LSU. Big dogs on the road to A&M and UGA in Jax. I can see them at 6-5 headed into FSU. I think if, Christ help you, you're a gator fan, you have to be really happy with 8-4 in Year 1 with this schedule. Such a massive game right out the gate in Week 1. Utah is so **** tough, and they're not gonna be remotely scared to come play there. If they win that one, I'll give you your 8-4. If not, IMO they don't get there and probably finish 6-6 or 7-5 at best.