1. They pull a couple of unexpected upsets (hopefully one is against the Utes)

2. They avoid any losses to teams they're supposed to beat.

3. They qualify for a bowl game.

If this team does those 3 things, it is clear progress. And it will mean improved recruiting, an overall increase in talent, and, hopefully, another step forward next year. Moving into the B12 is not easy. We just need to see improvement and progress each year.