re: Do y'all think this is a realistic expectation for Leach's first season?

I think 7-8 wins is achievable this year. And, yes, that would be a good season for them.

8+ wins at MSU is historically a good season.

There are only:
- 3 x 10 win seasons
- 6 x 9 win seasons
- 12 x 8 win seasons.

That is a grand total of only 21 seasons with more than 8 wins in a season (postseason included).

Moo State football has had:
- 0% of seasons end with 11+ wins
- 10 seasons finish with 7 wins
- 13 seasons finish with 6 wins
- State has averaged ~5 wins a year
- only one Conf Championship
- 23 Bowls, 13-10
- finished ranked in the AP poll just 14 times

The last 10 seasons have been the best in history in terms of their consistency and production. It may have peaked. I love the hire and he will win/steal some games, but I don't think any unrealistic expectations of regular 9+ win seasons should be thrust upon him.