Fordham's Chance to Change the Narrative Has Begun

Fordham was picked to finish last in the Atlantic 10 in a preseason poll released earlier this week, part of the conference's media day festivities at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

There are plenty of reasons why A-10 coaches and media members would have their doubts about the Rams. Still, the poll results were a bit shocking, especially for anyone who's witnessed what's gone on at Fordham since last season ended in March.

This seems like a classic example of not being able to get out of the way of the reputation you've created for yourself.

"We’ve got them right where we want them,” Fordham head coach Tom Pecora said at media day according to the Daily News' Roger Rubin reported.

More than anything, the lack of respect coaches and the media have for Fordham is largely the result of the Rams' struggles over their 19 seasons in the Atlantic 10. Fordham hasn't had a winning season since 2006-07. In the seven seasons since, it's 16-96 against Atlantic 10 opponents.

Since becoming a member of the A-10 prior to the 1995 season, the Rams are 72-232 against conference opponents. Only twice have they finished .500 or better in conference play. In the past six seasons, they've won 39 games, and just 10 of those wins came against A-10 schools.

Believe it or not, this year the schedule will be even more challenging since teams will play 18 games against conference schools for the first time since the 1990-91 season. It will be a grueling two-month stretch for Fordham.

Hence the need to pick up wins in nonconference games. At media day on Tuesday, Pecora didn't hide from the fact that the Rams will have to win a majority of their nonconference games before the A-10 schedule begins in January.

“I think when you look at Jan. 1, you need to be 7-4, 8-3, 9-2 if you’re going to have a chance to go play in the postseason,” Pecora said according to the New York Post's John DeMarzo. “You’re not going to, in a league like this, go and win 12 games.”

Make no mistake about it: The nonconference schedule will be challenging as well. Back-to-back games on the road against Big Ten opponents Penn State and Maryland will be early tests. A big game at Madison Square Garden against St. John's will be followed by a battle at Barclays against Manhattan.

While history—the one Fordham is trying to get past—has taught us that it won't be easy, this is Fordham's chance to change the narrative.

Charles Costello covers the Fordham Rams for Bleacher Report. A full archive of his articles can be found here. Twitter: @CFCostello