Originally Posted by Anonymous
Originally Posted by Anonymous
Very well said. Beginning of season will say a lot about how teams stack up in 2022. The Big 3 of UNC, Cuse and BC have a clear edge based on performance last year and talent returning. But each also have a few key questions that have to be answered. All 3 great on the draw. Cuse is so talented on the offensive side of ball but how will playing philosophy change under Treanor and Kent. They also lost few key defenders in Simpkins and Defliese and have a new goalie. UNC absolutely loaded with talent all over the field but how well will ball move on offense with loss of Hoeg. They also lost 3 great defenders and added a few new middies in Aldave and Dirk's so chemistry might take a while to develop. Lots of alphas on offense at UNC - will they play "me ball" or will they gel especially in the big games. BC midlfield was a bit thin last year and they lost Court Weeks. They also lost Urbank who was one of best all-round attackers in the game. Do think their defense will be very good this year. Think teams like Florida, ND and SB take a step back this year. See Princeton, Duke, MD rounding out the Top 6 but will take time for them to prove themselves based on strength of schedule.

Northwestern will be in the mix.

As for the strength of schedule for Princeton, Duke and Maryland they all play relatively tough schedules. However, Duke does have a weak out of conference but obviously their ACC schedule is very difficult.

Here are there OOC schedules for Princeton, Duke and Maryland:

Princeton - Virginia, Temple, USC, San Diego State, Penn State, Loyola, Stony Brook, Maryland.

Maryland - St Josephs, Florida, Delaware, William & Mary, Villanova, JMU, Georgetown, Princeton.

Duke - Gardner Webb, Elon, William & Mary, High Point, Wofford, East Carolina, Penn, Davidson, Liberty.

Notre Dame has been guilty of having a weak out of conference schedule in recent years but I think this years OOC schedule is Okay.

Stony Brook has really improved their out of conference schedule over the years , 2022 might be the toughest OOC ever. Should be interesting to see how they do.

With the addition of Pitt and Clemson ACC teams will have fewer OCC games on their schedule in the future.