I don't think 3rd is so far-fetched. The "tough" games are at home. If we can split RU/UL (would be GREAT if we can sweep this combo) and split Cinci/UCF on the road, I think we will beat everybody else on our schedule. USF and Memphis at home should be wins. Temple on the road should be a win too, even though, for some unknown reason, we have our issues against them. SMU on the road should also be a win. 2 losses in-conference puts us around 3rd...possibly higher.
And I agree with the above, I don't want to hear one peep about this team not having the talent to compete. 8+ wins or bust. No excuses.