with its new coaching staff would need some time to figure things out against some teams that would allow that without harming our post season chances.

I WAS WRONG.

Turns out it is like playing in the wcc. The games don't help you get in. Now we need to win, and wind some big games in the big12 to get into the dance.
I think we have the talent that playing a tougher schedule would of helped. And is sounds like we have Pope to thank for our schedule. I guess he didn't believe in his returning players or his ability to get people out of the portal to help us win.