I hate to even entertain the thought of Fed returning, but I'm afraid it's a very real possibility given his golden parachute clause, so here goes.
I expect Ruder to transfer, barring Fed acting completely out of character and benching Elliott for Ruder. In all likelihood, barring injury Elliott will remain our starting QB and receive the lion's share of the minutes. And he will most likely start at QB next year if Fed returns. I simply have no faith in Fed's ability to recognize that a QB that can't stretch the offense so that the defense has to defend the whole field, is severely limiting your team. I love Elliott but his passing limitations are glaring.
Most of our team returns next year, and that can be construed as either good or bad, depending on your POV. I think it is good news. While we don't have great talent, there is some good talent on this team, certainly enough to be 5-1 at worst. They just need coaching up.
I believe we're a .500 team next year if Fed returns. I do think we'll win a couple more games this year, WCU being the most obvious.
I pray we cut our losses, hire Satterfield and give him a decent amount of experienced talent to start off with. The rebuilding job is going to be hard enough as it is. With the dismal recruiting class we have coming in and the attrition we will have after next season, the new coach would then be starting with an empty cupboard. And that would be unfair to him/her.