I am very happy with what I have seen from an overall standpoint for this year. Much better than I had hoped for at the beginning of the season.
However, I agree with your point regarding next year. Finishing 7/8th overall in the Conference this year means we face a tougher schedule next year, and our second year starter will still be in his rookie year experience-wise. That *could* lead to a small step back. It may not, but I could definitely see it happening.