This was supposed to be the season the Panthers took the next step. The goals for the year were clear. Return to a bowl game and contend for the Sun Belt championship. Lofty goals, but both should have been attainable given the talent and experience returning from a season ago.
With half of the season now in the books to go along with a 1-5 record, those hopes of winning the Sun Belt are now all but dashed after the 31-21 loss to Troy. The Panthers are now a game removed of being mathematically eliminated from bowl eligibility.