January in Preview: Conference Time

The Mocs are heading into January feeling pretty good about themselves, having won three straight games. How they handle January will have a large impact on how everyone feels about the season on the whole.

The Mocs play seven SoCon games this month, and five of those on the road. They also play Georgia Tech, also on the road. That's six out of eight on the road for a team just now figuring out how to win. Yes, in February, they go through a stretch where six out of seven are at home. But that does not help matters at all in January.

So let's look at what is to come.

Toughest Game: at Georgia Tech, January 2. This is not easy, and the trip to College of Charleston is probably not any easier. But the Mocs tend to not win against major conference teams. It's become something of a mental thing for this team. On top of that, the Yellow Jackets are actually, you know, good. The Mocs played very well at Kansas earlier this year, and played reasonably well at LSU too. So a solid showing wouldn't be surprising. Winning would be pretty stunning.

Easiest Game: Appalachian State, January 17. Conference games are never easy. Never. It doesn't matter who you play, when you are a 5-8 team, no game is easy. That being said, the Mocs have to feel the best about playing Appalachian State at home. The Mocs have now won three straight home games, and their next home game will be against the Mountaineers on January 17. Yes, the confidence could be broken by then if they can't come up with a road win or two, making this one tough. But if you look at the schedule, this is the one the Moc fans have circled as the  most likely win at this point. They are just 4-8 on the year. The Mocs will probably be favored in this one. The Mocs may not be favored in another game this month.

Biggest Game: at Samford, January 5. Actually, either this one or the game against  The Citadel on January 10 has to be considered the biggest game. The Mocs are working with a bit of confidence right now. A loss to Georgia Tech, while losses are never good, can probably be accepted. But losses to Samford and The Citadel in back-to-back games may shoot the Mocs confidence back down the drain. The Mocs desperately need a win in one of these. Samford is more important because that one is a game within the division.

Prediction: 3-5. I am predicting a win over Appalachian State and then two wins in three games at Samford, at The Citadel, or at home against Western Carolina. There is also an opportunity to win at UNCG at the end of January. Trips to Georgia Tech, Elon and College of Charleston are probably out of the question at this point. I'd love to have this record backwards. We'll see.

GO MOCS!