Lions non-conference schedule leaves something to be desired

There's much to be excited about if you're a Lions fan, but there is one thing that leaves a little something to be desired. This season's non-conference schedule is weak (and can be seen by clicking on that link).

For the Lions, the biggest thing early this season is going to be to get wins. Student excitement is higher than it has been in years, and an early winning streak will be just the thing to keep that going all season long.

But at the same time, the Lions needs some national exposure, and facing below-average teams isn't going to help them get that.

While you may think this schedule would be good (some sort of confidence builder) for a team that just had their first season above .500 since 2004, it's not. LMU should be the favorite in many of these matchups, and therefore, when they secure the W, they will have just done what is expected of them. If they lose, however, then it's a disappointment. It just seems that too many games on this season's non-conference schedule can do more harm than good.

Furthermore, the players and fans were pumped up last season by huge wins that got the Lions a bit of national attention. LMU beat USC, Notre Dame, Portand and Gonzaga last season, and were 3-1 in the games following those upset victories. Big games like that pump the Lions up, and unfortunately, there seems to only be one game like that on this year's schedule (a Dec. 18 match-up against Florida State).

If everything goes according to plan, the Lions could compete for a WCC Championship this season. The non-conference schedule puts a little damper on that in two ways. Firstly, it means the Lions will face their toughest competition of the year after conference play begins. While that doesn't mean the Lions won't be ready for it, as I fully expect them to be ready for every one of their opponents, it does mean they may not truly be tested until it matters. Secondly, if the Lions can't secure an NCAA Tournament spot the easy way, then they would be looking for an at-large bid. Without facing high-profile opponents or getting national attention, that is going to be hard to do.

In the end, however, everything is in the player's hands once the season tips off. If the Lions want to make the tournament they know what they have to do, and that's win, no matter who they face.