the last 4 years for their exhibition and maybe beyond that. The wins have always been by around 20 to 30 points. What they did tonight is what you'd expect a very improved team to do. Playing with their new up tempo pace and their tenacious defense to force so many turnovers largely explains the high score and margin of victory.

Where this new uptempo offense will benefit them the most is when they're hosting teams from closer to sea level. Such an offense, when efficient and effective, is a huge advantage at altitude.

For that reason, taking tonight's game as an indicator, this team could very well be at least a middle of the pack kind of team in conference. That'll be a big improvement over last year.

Here's to hoping Whiting and Gibb can stay very healthy throughout the year, among others.

And hopefully the story behind Gillespie's DNP is nothing more than a minor injury that will soon be healed or illness.