colgate said:
Is SIU EDWARDSVILLE as bad as last year?
That depends on how you look at it. Last years team is gone. The Cougars lost nine total players from last year's team, including the top two scorers and three of the five scorers. Offensively, that means the Cougars have lost 59 percent of their scoring. Additionally, SIUE lost three of its top five rebounders and 50 percent of its total rebounds from a season ago.
This years roster features seven newcomers. SIUE's highly-touted recruiting class includes Division I transfer Sidney Wilson (UConn) who was a top-75 recruit out of high school, Courtney Carter, who was a National Junior College Player of the Year and freshman Ray'Sean Taylor, Collinsville High's all-time leading scorer and an Illinois All-State selection.
They got off to a horrible start against St. Louis (48-18 first half). But they righted the ship the second half and lost it 41-34. I think they will end up being a better team it's just how long it takes to get there.
The line is up to 29 now against LSU. With that line the backdoor is always open. This one is a pass for me. I prefer to see how they develop but if you forced me to pick I would take SIU-E and the points.