I understand wanting to look for some reason to have hope for us next year...we are all trying to do that.
However, it seems pretty clear that bringing the mid major model of program development to a high major program does not yield the same success in both settings. You simply have got to have the requisite athleticism in a conference like the Big 12 to compete. All of this talk of us being better next year because our two best players have left is really crazy in my opinion.
Some coaches understand these concepts and they are able to adapt their recruiting and coaching styles as they climb the ladder to fit their situation (see Urban Meyer) and some coaches just don't get it (see the MBB coaches at ISU and Iowa this past year).
Two best players, or two best athletes?