There is a lot of optimism coming into the start of the Colorado Mesa University football season. Having finished last season with a 9-2 record, gaining a share of the RMAC regular season title and having multiple starters returning this season are the main driving forces behind this barrel of optimism.

However, there is also a lot of doubt surrounding this team, and they know it. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have the slogan “Leave No Doubt” as their calling card for the season. But, if we look back at their 2016 season, there is good reason for skepticism about this team coming into their opening game against Western State on Thursday.

Let’s start with their wins from last season.

They won 9 games, which was CMU’s most since 2007 when the team finished 10-2 and ranked #19 in the nation. They beat rivals Colorado School of Mines (who were ranked in the top 10 at the time) and CSU-Pueblo (who they hadn’t beat since 2009) in a three-week span. 

But, let’s look at how both of those games played out.

In the game against Mines, the Mavericks were leading by 14 points entering the fourth quarter before the defense allowed two straight scoring drives to tie the game up. It then took a blocked field goal in the second overtime by Dustin Rivas for the Mavericks to steal back the game on their home field.

Luck?

Then against CSU-P, it took the head coach of the Thunderwolves making arguably the worst decision on Earth to not kick a field goal on the one-yard line and instead try to power it in with his quarterback to allow the Mavericks to once again steal the game.

Luck?

But, those were the two toughest teams in the RMAC. So, just the fact that the Mavericks pulled out the victory is all the matters right? In normal instances this is true, but we should also take into account their other games.

Against Fort Lewis, the Skyhawks led by 11 points in the fourth quarter and lost because of two late fumbles by their running back. Then, against Azusa Pacific University (APU) the Mavericks won on yet another blocked field goal that was taken back 80 yards for a touchdown. It is hard not to believe that luck played a large role in the team’s success last season.

Then, there are the question marks with this year’s team, and they start with quarterback Eystin Salum. It is hard enough to become the starting quarterback for any team, let alone becoming the starter for a team that has as high of expectations as the Mavericks do. Add on top of that the question of whether or not he will be available for all the games. Last season, he served a one game suspension, which adds to the concern, because if Salum is unavailable, the reigns have to be passed over to sophomore Rope Ruel, who has yet to see the field.

Then, there is the issue with the schedule. Unlike last season where the Mavericks were able to get teams like CSU-P and APU at home, CMU now has to go on the road to face those two powerhouse teams. The Mavericks will also finish out their final two games on the road to end their regular season.

So with all of this being considered, is it possible that this team finishes outside the top three in the conference?

I think that is a very possible scenario.