What Does the Postseason Hold?

I've written admittedly optimistic preview of every 2008 game, and if things always go the way I say they could then Wake will be 12-0 after playing Vandy. In reality, however, I don't think it will be that easy.

While I firmly believe there isn't a single game on the schedule Wake couldn't win, I don't expect a 12-0 season. I will not be surprised if one of the road games (specifically FSU, Miami, or Maryland) end up being losses, and I won't be surprised with a loss to Clemson either.

With no losses Wake would obviously be in the ACC championship game. With only one loss chances are sill pretty good unless Florida State, Clemson, or some other surprising team runs the table.

As I said, two losses still wouldn't surprise me, and when we get to this scenario we have to start hoping for some other pieces to fall into place. Two ACC losses would mean we need at least two ACC losses from all the other teams, and I think this will be a year when one of these strong teams will make the ACC championship game by running the table or only losing once.

A nine win season would be the low end of what I deem acceptable in 2008. Barring some rediculous injuries, there just isn't any reason for Wake to lose more than three games. That scenario would put Wake almost entirely out of the ACC Championship game.

If Wake were to make an ACC Championship game the most likely opponent would be Virgnia Tech. There's no reason to really start making predictions about a game like that at this point becuase there are just way too many variables. At this point you'd have to say that unless there's an undefeated team in that game (in which case they would be the clear favorite), it's going to be a toss-up to see who gets to go to the Orange Bowl. The loser of the ACC Championship game is most likely going to the Chick-fil-a Bowl.

If Wake misses the ACC Championship game its bowl options start to look a lot like they did last season. Another trip to the Meineke wouldn't be surprising with a couple of losses, but a trip to Orlando for the Champs Sports Bowl, Jacksonville for the Gator, or maybe to Nashville for the Music City wouldn't be surprising either.

Though it's hard to imagine, if Wake lost four or more games we have to start looking at the possibiltiy of heading out west for the Humanitarian bowl or the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco. The new bowl in Washington D.C. would be a possibility as well.

And to finish on the most optimistic option possible, were Wake to run the table and be 13-0 then I believe we will all be enjoying a slightly later trip to Miami for the National Championship Game.

A man can dream, right?