October 15, 2006
Who has the toughest schedule? Week 8
Using the NCAA official stats (pdf), here's the composite rankings for strength of schedule:
1. Connecticut
2. Florida
3. Minnesota
4. Cincinnati
5. Southern Cal
6. Michigan
7. Stanford
8. Indiana
9. Illinois
10. South Carolina (tie)
10. Texas (tie)
12. Maryland
13. Syracuse
14. Oregon State (tie)
14. Auburn (tie)
16. Arizona
17. North Carolina (tie)
17. Boston College (tie)
19. Iowa (tie)
19. Tennessee (tie)
21. Rutgers
22. Notre Dame
23. Oklahoma State
24. Mississippi State
25. Ohio State
(Note: This list is *not* used for the BCS poll.)
Comments:
profuscious said:
posted on October 15, 2006 8:51 PM — 68.193.2.183 — link — abuse?
strength of schedule is a flawed concept because it is based solely on assumptions made before the season which are based on hype alone. Who decides on day one, when no one has played a single down, how the teams stack up? The basis of the system is flawed, since it presumes to know the superiority of a team before they even play, and then structures the whole process around this single flawed assumption. It's a ponzi scheme! And we are worthless bagholders for accepting it! What a farce!
CT said:
posted on October 15, 2006 9:00 PM — 24.26.253.159 — link — abuse?
USC does have the toughest schedule.
Austin, this strength of schedule has a weak, weak methodology. That is how UConn has the toughest schedule.
When the computers look at the SoS they go to your opponent's records, and then your opponent's opponent's records. You get a much better sense about the strength of the competition.
All the NCAA looks at is the winning percentage of the I-A teams you've played. So for instance, to date, Louisiana Tech has played the toughest schedule according to the NCAA. Their opponents have a combined record of 19-6, but those 19 victories for their opponents include:
Troy
Kansas (x2)
Louisiana Lafayette
Army
Florida Atlantic
Temple
Wyoming
Hawaii
Utah State
New Mexico StateThe conclusion is that Louisiana Tech's opponents have inflated their records with chump opponents. And they may be worse than they really are.
Let's say we draw some arbitrary line and remove all the teams above and leave only "quality" victories, then La Tech falls to #36 in the NCAA's strength of schedule ranking!
In conclusion, the NCAA's strength of schedule ranking system is really not a very good measure of actual schedule strength at all.
posted on October 15, 2006 9:10 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
CT is right in that the NCAA's official calculation for SOS is a simple schedule comparison - how many games have your opponents won/lost. Period.
T-Mac said:
posted on October 15, 2006 10:37 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
OU Fan, Yes it is because they played Ohio State. That is the only team that Texas has lost to this season. Texas only loss so far has come at the hands of the #1 team in the country. They have taken care of everybody else they have played OU Fan. With a brand new QB and all the other new starters. Texas is a good football team. They deserve their ranking. T-Mac
Horns#32 said:
posted on October 15, 2006 11:12 PM — 143.166.255.41 — link — abuse?
I totally disagree with BCS today. They showed Auburn, Louisville, and Florida ahead of us. We were close enough behind Florida for them to drop below us with a loss. And yet, Auburn is ahead of us. At last, Longhorns only loss was at #1 team at their home field and our point margin is no flaw but stats are the facts.
posted on October 16, 2006 8:41 AM — link — abuse?
I would agree, Jim, that Sagarin's ratings are pretty much the gold standard for SOS, particularly the calcualations that AREN'T used for the BCS. Great stuff.
I find it interesting how different the NCAA is.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 16, 2006 9:50 AM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Please, don't misread Jeff Sagarin's ratings. It's the ELO-CHESS portion that is fed into the computers. It states:
1.) U.S.C. (6-0) 106.83 SOS= #1
2.) Michigan (7-0) 104.03 SOS= #9
3.) Ohio State (7-0) 98.71 SOS= #17
4.) Arkansas (5-1) 97.21 SOS= #44
5.) Florida (6-1) 94.11 SOS= #7
6.) Auburn (6-1) 93.24 SOS =#21
7.) Notre Dame (5-1) 93.17 SOS= #13
8.) California (6-1) 92.84 SOS= #3
9.) Rutgers (6-0) 89.93 SOS= #125
10.) Tennessee (5-1) 89.28 SOS= #19Clearly, the computer does not have Ohio State at #1. In fact, the combined computer consensus has USC as the #1 team. But, all the wonderful voters have got Ohio State #1 this year. Thank God that the AP Poll has Michigan ranked #2 this week. They are sure to fall to Iowa at home. Any gripes about what Sagarin's computer thinks?
Tommie T
A. Nutfan said:
posted on October 16, 2006 11:01 AM — 24.95.70.157 — link — abuse?
Tommie T.
I've never seen the sagarin before. Thanks for sharing that. It seems the ELO-CHESS does not factor in any score margins or surperiority of win. If a team wins 17-0 and controls the clock it should be taken into consideration over a 17-10 win in a close game. I use these scores because I am not a fan of running up the score. It also says the ELO-CHESS is less accurate in predicting future games so it obviously has some flaws.Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 16, 2006 11:16 AM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Yep!
USC should just blow away the toughest schedule in the country. Reality 101: all you have to do is win. Anybody seen the games? Arizona State was blown out. Booty fumbled one and tossed an INT for a TD. Two mistakes is the difference between 28-21 or 42-7. USC isn't gonna keep making mistakes. They're the only team that can win in spite of them. They will stop making mistakes at some point. These things even out. Look what happened when LSU and Florida or Georgia make mistakes. Man, they get thumped!
Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 16, 2006 11:54 AM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
A.Nutfan:
That's correct. The computer models do not figure in the score. Too many teams used to try and roll up scores to incite "style points". That comes into play when the voters cast their ballots. So, "style points" do play a part. I don't necessarily agree that the computer can predict who the best team is. But, it can help sort out who has played tougher competition than other teams have, and teams ought to get some credit for that. Of course, impressive wins are more of an indicator of who the best teams are. I would go for 1.) Ohio State 2.) Texas 3.) West Virginia 4.) USC 5.) Michigan. I think, other than the loss to Ohio State, Texas looks as good as anybody right now. So, I don't necessarily think that one loss should have to kill your chances either.
Tommie T
M GO BLUE said:
posted on October 16, 2006 4:55 PM — 216.46.209.53 — link — abuse?
Hey Tommie! Your right,Iowa could beat Michigan,but if they do,it proves Iowa cannot play consistently every week,becouse they lost to indiana last week =)
I give Michigan the same chance of beating IOWA as USC has of beating UCLA......Are the trojans going to lose to UCLA ????? you tell me.P.S. I hope Drew Tate watches the Penn State game over and over so he knows what is coming every snap!
He will get to meet LaMarr Woodley,up reeaal close!
over and over and over and over and over and over =)JB said:
posted on October 16, 2006 6:11 PM — 216.103.178.34 — link — abuse?
Tommy Trojan-
If USC played in the SEC like they have for the past three weeks they would have two losses. They are squeeking by against weak pac 10 teams.
SEC is 3-1 Vs. the Pac 10 this year and none of the games were close. Arkansas played USC and got blown out playing without their starting QB or RB. I am not saying Ark would beat USC now but they would not get blown out. The PAC 10 has one great young team while the SEC has 5 excellent teams this year. CAL is way overrated, they got absolutely manhandled in Knoxville. UT's starters were done for the day in the third quarter. They could have won that game 50-0. Cals corners were so overmatched it was not funny.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 16, 2006 6:14 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
M GO BLUE:
I was being a little facetious on the fact that many #2's have lost so far (AP Poll only). I'm just glad it's not the Trojans right now. In fact, I wish you guys would secure #2 and hold onto it all the way until the end. Then when you get Ohio State and we get Notre Dame - everything will shake down just as it's supposed to. No, I don't think that UCLA can beat USC and I don't beleive that Iowa is gonna go into Michigan's house and come out a winner either. The problem with the AP poll so far, is that other than Texas, the writers have wanted to stick unworthy teams into that slot. I don't consider that Michigan is an unworthy team at this moment. You could have pounded Penn State by more - but, USC should have pounded Washington State, Washington and Arizona State by more. So, Michigan deserves it. But, hey, what happened to Washington losing to Oregon State? They must have got pretty beat up the week prior. Michigan's run defense looks astonishing. I am not willing to think that Michigan can't shut down Ohio State's running game completely. If that happens - then Ohio State will be in trouble.
Tommie T
So Cal USMC said:
posted on October 16, 2006 9:17 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
Wrong list K-Hue,
If you're listing the breakdown "Week 8" (after 7 Weeks) I'd have to look at the "Past Opposition" list not the "Cumulative" list:
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2006/Internet/toughest%20schedule/ia_9games_past.pdf
... not a big deal, but just wanted to clear that up, to be accurate.
Kevin Thompson said:
posted on October 17, 2006 3:00 PM — 74.246.157.47 — link — abuse?
The only teams Texas plays are Ohio State and Oklahoma. I wish they played in the SEC. Then they could whine about a tough schedule.
For Auburn or Fla. to have a shot at the National championship,not only do they have to play a tough, tough five games in the SEC, they then have to face the toughest team again in the SEC championship. The SEC is truly the nations toughest conference.
M GO BLUE said:
posted on October 17, 2006 3:59 PM — 216.46.210.78 — link — abuse?
Tommie,I do not think Michigan should have jumped USC,becouse USC is still winning! I don't care if USC wins the rest by one point,you have to keep USC two until they lose! USC is just in a slump......I think it's funny to say a team is in a slump when they are still winning =) It shows how good USC has been the past three years. Don't listen to the whiner's tommie,they simply wish their team was as good =)
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 17, 2006 8:09 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
M GO BLUE:
Nah, I don't pay any attention to these guys. Only that they irk me - that's all! I have always respected and enjoyed any of the Top Programs football teams. It just gets my craw when you got all these people who have to stuff some conference down your throat because their individual teams aren't all that great. So then, when their own crappy little teams got to lose over and over - they have to pretend that it's their "brutal" conference that makes them lose. That is such BS! Great teams that deserve to play for the National Championship don't lose. Or, they can have one loss - but, need to beat the Number One team in the country.
I remember the good ol' days. Michigan and Ohio State (under Schembechler and Hayes) would both come into that last showdown at 9-0 or 10-0. The winner goes to the Rose Bowl and may very well be ranked #1 or have a shot at the National Championship. Quite often, USC might show up at 10-1. But, an impressive win over a top ranked Big Ten team could get you a title. But, man, you had to earn it. There were great Oklahoma, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Penn State and Texas teams also in that day. Nevertheless, you were gonna have to beat at least two of the Top Five teams usually, and win out, before you could ever claim the National Championship. There was no way you were gonna be able to flap your lips and get it done. I have a hard time tolerating the mentality that "we deserve it because everybody knows that we're the best"! Sorry, don't think so. Can't find a single fact that would support your claim. Every conference beats up on each other - it's nothing new at all. The Big Ten is always a great conference with at least four or five really good teams. One or two will separate themselves and that's it.
This year Michigan will have to wade through Iowa, Ohio State and probably USC, after already taking out Notre Dame, before they can hold the mantle. Same thing goes for Ohio State. USC is gonna have to take out Oregon, California, Notre Dame and either Michigan or Ohio State before they can stake a claim. All three of these teams know that they cannot lose even one game. Yet, we get this riff-raff from the SEC who is constantly yammering about how they deserve it. Not one of those teams can face the gauntlet that Michigan, Ohio State and USC will run and do it undefeated. And, God help them if they do get there - because they'll get waxed for sure. Some of the most sloppy and undisciplined football I have ever witnessed comes straight out of the SEC. Don't worry - I don't pay any attention whatsoever to these people who have nothing but envy for what they don't have. What they ought to have is a little respect for the traditions of college football and try and understand what it takes to earn your place. If they ever understood what it really took to be great - then they might understand that they are not there yet. The last great teams were from Miami, Florida State and Nebraska. Right now, USC is closing in on that select company. But, it will take a few more years. Prior to that - there were many fantastic programs for years and years that were great teams. You can't possibly hate great teams. I always loved Miami and Nebraska or Oklahoma or Ohio State or Michigan or who ever it was at the time. How can you not admire and understand what is really good. I just don't understand it.
Michigan looks like a great team this year. The defense is amazing. How in the world do they lose Gabe Watson and come out and stuff the run the way they have this year. Now, I know they hauled in alot of OL people that USC courted in the last couple of years. So, I know, that the OL is gonna be very good for the next few years. Henne and Hart are juniors now. And, where did all those receivers come from? I heard that Breaster was gonna be the next big thing - but now, he is 3rd string? Good team! I expect for Michigan to give Ohio State all that they can handle. If they don't - then the Trojans will.Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 17, 2006 9:27 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
I can't wait until Saturday. I can almost hear it all coming fast and furious if the unthinkable happens. And, the unthinkable could happen again this Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska.
It's probably gonna be somewhat cold. There hasn't been one word out of anybody on the CornHuskers since they got "beat down" by USC after runnin' they're collective mouths about how they were gonna return to "National Prominence". That must have been a real reality check. But, credit to Nebraska, they have gone out and won every game since then. Now, they have a shot at redemption. A quite team is a deadly team! They all said that this was their year. What if it is? What if they go out and beat Texas? Would not this send the "fanbloggers" into hysterics? How could they explain that one away? Maybe they could all just leave Nebraska way down in the polls where they belong. Yep, if Nebraska takes down Texas like Arkansas took down Auburn - the stuttering around America will be deafening!Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 17, 2006 9:36 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Matt:
Your right. Winning 40 of the last 41 games (only loss to Texas - #3 team all-time) and 51 of the last 53 means nothing. Winning thirty straight home games along with twenty-seven straight Pac-10 games means nothing either. Neither does the 14 wins in the last 16 games against OOC BCS teams. And, it means nothing that all of this has been done against the strongest schedule over the last 4+ years while outscoring all of these teams by more than 24+ points per game. It all means nothing.
But, what is really impressive is that the Florida Gators are 15-4 over the last two years and got their butts handed to them just last Saturday. Now, that is impressive!Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 17, 2006 10:44 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
JB:
I appreciate your post. And, you are right. USC certainly may have lost two games in the SEC in the last three weeks depending on who they had to play against. Or, they may have stepped up their game and won anyway. We'll just never know about that. But, I can admit, that somewhere along the line - USC would not put up the gaudy records that they have been had they had to wade through the SEC each and every year. There are usually six of the twelve teams in the SEC that are very good each year - while the Pac-10 usually can muster up only about four or maybe five good teams at best. But, USC usually throws in a couple of pretty good non-cons each year (Notre Dame being automatic). Fact is BJ: most every team in the SEC would be taking just about as many losses as Oregon, California, UCLA, Washington State, Arizona State all do against USC. Oh sure, your teams would spring more upsets once in awhile. But for the most part - the SEC teams would all have just one more loss on their records. No, USC would not go 12-0. They might go 11-1 or 10-2. But, at least three of the good SEC teams would have one more loss every single year. That would make their records look a little more pedestrian like 9-3 or 10-2 or 8-4. Kinda like alot of Pac-10 teams records look like. And, none of them are any good, right? And, why do you SEC people put so much into winning a game when you never travel out on the road? California is a much better team right now. Let's see: I've seen LSU look pathetic against Auburn, I've seen Tennessee look pathetic against Florida, I've seen Georgia look pathetic many times, I've seen Alabama look pathetic, I've seen Auburn look pathetic against Arkansas and I've seen Florida look pathetic against Auburn and I've seen LSU look pathetic against Florida. Oh, almost forgot, I saw Arkansas look helpless against USC.
So, tell me BJ, why is it that all of the SEC teams are still "really great" and California isn't any good at all? Is it because they lost in Knoxville? Gee, I think a few other teams have along the way. Am I mistaken? The fact is BJ: teams lose games sometimes when they have "bad games". It does not mean that they are always going to have bad games unless they play in the SEC and their called "Mississippi, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Kentucky or South Carolina". Put these five teams in any other conference and I guarantee that that is five less automatic wins that any of your "elite teams" get. I don't know if there is another conference in America that has five teams as "perennially bad" as the five that reside in the SEC.
So, yeah, your six or seven "decent teams" could steal a win once in awhile. But, USC would walk all over several teams with scores worse than 70-17, while administering several losses to your "elite teams" along the way. USC would win the SEC every single year for years to come. Then, everybody in America, would be complaining about how weak the SEC is.Tommie T
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 18, 2006 12:00 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Luke:
Learn how to read. There are remedial reading classes for people just like yourself who never got an elementary school education. This is not an SEC blog. This is a blog dedicated to who plays the toughest schedule. You people like to take potshots at the Pac-10 all day long - but, you can't hack it when somebody responds to your mindless and illogical babbling. You get off the blog, dude! You don't seem to be able to even read - let alone conduct a sensible argument for anything you have to say. Again, I repeat: THIS IS NOT AN SEC BLOG!
Tommie T
Tomcat said:
posted on October 18, 2006 12:47 PM — 70.245.21.9 — link — abuse?
Hey T-Mac post #8 Thanks
#28 Kevin You said Texas only plays Ohio State and Oklahoma.They also play Nebraska and TTech on the road and have Texas A&M, They make it through that they have a conference Championship game as well probably against Missu or Neb.
The XII is simular to the SEC, every game is important not just two.
Horns are 30-2 over the last three years
The Horns travel to Lincoln this Saturday' a place they never lost a game,Thats against Nebraska. Hookem-HornsTommie Trojan said:
posted on October 18, 2006 7:50 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
GrandWarEagle:
Nope! Got blisters on the palms of my hands though - from havin' an affair with this dang computer all dayum day long! The ol' ladies got ten kids ya know - so she aint much interested in me anymore. Guess I done caused her too much grief. So, it's just me and this dayumed ol' computer now! At least it doesn't cuss me as much as she does!
Tommie Trojan
GA Boy said:
posted on October 18, 2006 10:08 PM — 66.110.197.20 — link — abuse?
Tommie
What happened? You broke man. I agree with you on the fact that USC is one hell of a football team. I even believed that they may have been able to duplicate their last 4 years in the SEC. Then you go and post "No, USC would not go 12-0. They might go 11-1 or 10-2." Hell, that's the kind of record that the SEC teams have been griping about getting no respect on. 03-04 LSU 13-1, 05-06 LSU 11-2. 04-05 AU 13-0. 01-02 FLA 10-2. 02-03 GA 13-1, 03-04 GA 11-3, 04-05 GA 10-2, 05-06 GA 10-3. Stick to your guns and don't admit that you think you would have lost in the SEC. USC is undefeated and no SEC teams are. You don't have to say anything else. Hell, I am just hoping we get something going so we don't lose to FLA, AU, and GA Tech this year. 8-5 would be painful. GO DAWGS!!matt said:
posted on October 18, 2006 10:32 PM — 74.237.131.26 — link — abuse?
tommie t:
why are you bringing up last season? im talking about the BCS standings for THIS year. They almost lost to WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON STATE, and ARIZONA STATE. they have had one of the easiest schedules SO FAR. you watch...theyll end the season 9-3 losing to OREGON, CAL, and NOTRE DAME
GO GATORS!!!!!So Cal USMC said:
posted on October 18, 2006 11:35 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
Matt,
This is the U.S.A., a win is a win. Its all about Wins and Losses, ugly or not. Wins over 6-1 Nebraska, 5-1 Arkansas, 4-3 Wazzu, 4-3 Washington, 3-3 Arizona St, 3-4 Arizona, and No Losses... USC has faced as tough a schedule as Michigan has (if not tougher), and No Other Team besides Ohio St has Earned to be Ranked Higher than USC (especially not West Virginia).
So Cal USMC said:
posted on October 19, 2006 6:31 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
Matt, you are in Bizzar-O World... USC has faced one of the TOUGHEST Schedules of any in the Country.
USC's Strength of Schedule Rating according to various sources...
Rated No. 1 - Sagarin's SOS
Rated No. 2 - Massey's SOS
Rated No. 4 - NCAA's SOS (Past Opponents)
Rated No. 7 - Anderson & Hester's SOS *higher than Michigan and Ohio St
Rated No. 10 - Colley's SOS *higher than Michigan and Ohio StTommie Trojan said:
posted on October 19, 2006 7:14 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
GA Boy:
You better know I'm broke. Ten kids are worse than locust any time. It's just amazing how they can systematically go through all of the cupboards and devour everything in site. Somebody ought to figure out how to combat this plague. Hypocrital of me I suppose, being a Trojan fan, and never figuring out how to stop that epidemic.
On the serious side: yes USC would lose some games in the SEC. I really see something like 11-1 or 12-1. Yeh, if they played down to any of the better teams in the SEC they would probably lose a few. The fact is: the SEC does have more quality teams than the SEC does. And, I mean teams that could possibly compete with USC. Some people say, "USC almost lost to.....". No they didn't. They were never going to lose to any of those teams. They can play their worst games and still beat those teams. But, California and Oregon have a chance of winning if USC plays poorly and those teams play great. Now, there are about five teams in the SEC just like Cal and Oregon, and probably better. Any slip-ups against those teams and you could lose. There have been a couple of Trojan teams that were suspect. In 2002 they were lights out. They could have beat anyone by the end of that year. In 2003, they were a bit shaky - they could have lost more than one possibly. In 2004 and 2005 they were almost unstoppable. It took a tremendous Texas team to bring them down. Those two teams would have went through the SEC unbeaten anyway. The 2003 team? I don't know. This years team is weaker. They are still very good - but, not dominant and may not be. But, other teams have been unbeaten and won National Championship when they were not overpowering. Ohio State back in 2002 was like that. They were not very impressive and I really thought that Miami would maul them. It didn't happen. So, this team this year - might lose one or two if they had to wade through the SEC. Of course if they did - they probably wouldn't be playing Notre Dame, California or Oregon coming up. So, it's all sorta relative. Both the SEC and Pac-10 are real good conferences. The Pac-10 just does not have the consistancy of the better teams in the SEC.Tommie T
GA Boy said:
posted on October 19, 2006 7:42 PM — 66.110.197.20 — link — abuse?
Matt
You are the typical gator fan. You are making SEC fans look bad. To say that USC stinks is absurd. They killed ARK, without their starting QB and RB I know, but they still killed them. Arkansas is a good team. I think they beat AU didn't they. Are you saying that AU is not as good as USC? If so, what does that say about your gators, who got manhandled by AU defense in the 2nd half? Get over it man. USC wins games. Until they lose they will be ranked #2 in BCS until Ohio State loses. If USC loses, you will see them take a dive in the BCS just like every other team. I hope you enjoy your weekend off, because the DAWGS are going to whip that A$$ in Jacksonville. GO DAWGS!!!Stabros said:
posted on October 20, 2006 6:51 PM — 64.233.210.2 — link — abuse?
As a Mich fan, I can say without any aliance to the teams that Florida has by far the toughest schedule this year. USC's only opponants this year are Neb and ( I hate to say it ) ND. Oregon is decent but by no means a power house. Plus the way USC has been playing they most likly will have one lose when they square up vs ND.
jeff said:
posted on October 21, 2006 11:28 PM — 24.252.81.189 — link — abuse?
fla. gators would have my vote as toughest football schedule this year. why? anyone w/ ncaa football knowledge KNOWS the sec is the must competetive conference in the country. at least 8 teams from this conf. on a good day can beat damn near ANY team in the country. fla plays 8 sec games in a row this year. just my opinion
Zac said:
posted on October 22, 2006 12:26 AM — 65.31.231.119 — link — abuse?
I'm surprised to NOT see more said about WVU's (not to mention the Big East's combined) schedule. While not the toughest schedule in college football this year, it is challenging, has some good basis for comparison, and only gets tougher from here on out. Their last 5 games include two currently undefeated and ranked teams (one top 10), two more which are bowl eligible, and the third of 3 short weeks. WVU is at arch rival Pitt; then, plays at Cincinnati, 5 days later. There was only a 5 day stretch between E. WA & MD, and 6 between Syracuse & U Conn. When OR played E. WA, little was said; OR had pulled most of their starters by the end of the 3rd quarter. When WVU played them, the media slammed them for it. All of their offensive starters were on the bench before the end of the 1st half. WVU also got slammed for a sloppy and error prone (11 penalties for -136 yards) game at MS St. They still won 42-14. Auburn also won at MS St, but managed only 111 yards rushing. WVU rushed for 314 yards against the same team that allowed LSU all of 14 yards rushing. If WVU goes undefeated against this schedule, they are deserving of a shot at the National Championship.
Now, I don't understand you SEC guys slamming USC's schedule. USC is the same team that won at AK 50-14; the same AK that is 6-1, ranked 15th, and won at Auburn (everybody's pick for #2 at that time). (By the way, I don't mind if you blog on this site, even if you do think it's yours.) Of USC's 6 remaining games, all but one currently have winning records, 3 are nationally ranked (one top 10). Now here's what a lot of you guys don't know. USC is thus far beating this schedule, not only without Reggie Bush & Matt Leinart, but without a number of starters at key positions out with injuries. Ya gotta give em their due.
Matt: Go Gaters??? What with S. MS, C. FL, and W. Carolina, not to mention KY & Vanderbilt? Fa-Get-About-It!!! FL was lucky to beat TN, and the Vols were lucky to beat Air Force. Nuff said.
GAB - As for your Terps having a tough schedule, what with FL Intl, Middle TN St, Wm & Mary, not to mention VA & NC St are down this year??? Neither FL St nor Miami are ranked, and ya know what, MD will beat Wake Forest. Nuff said.
(You're right, Tommie T; these kids will drive you nuts if you let em.)
Zac said:
posted on October 23, 2006 12:59 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
LUKE: Guilty as charged!!! In fact, I have not yet begun to make an idiot of myself. Worry not; the day ain't over yet.
Rick: You're not saying anything that hasn't been said before. What's interesting are those who have changed their minds. As for Notre Dame, I'll give them this much. They have never backed out of a game; they've always had a "We'll take anyone on" attitude. Questions to you: Would you like their conference affiliation to be 100%? If so, in which conference would that be? I ask this, given their affiliation with the Big East in all sports but football. On the other hand, geographically, the Big 10 makes more sense. What are your thoughts?
Fred: (Good name, by the way.) I've mentioned TX's schedule a time or two. I still think they got a good team down their, but the didn't deserve to win this past weekend. They didn't win it; NE lost it.
christopher mcannally said:
posted on October 24, 2006 5:42 PM — 68.220.255.107 — link — abuse?
look notre dame plays some of the best teams in college football. and the should take all the sec teams out well ok thats not fair FL has one hard schedule. im from alabama and all i hear is sec,sec,sec the sec is the best conf however there non conf games are a joke a JOKE auburn thats my point and bama bama is a joke there team there coach and ex there fans all u hear is bear bryant bear bryant blah blah he was great but now he is not the coach Mr up the middle is running the show. god i fill sorry for yall! o and geting back to notre dame. one thing people do not factor in is the diff offensive styles we play agains that makes a huge diff and people always say notre dame good offense bad D i mean 4 out of the top 5 had top 15 ranked off that factors in. now irish d is good not great not bad.
Cat's_Claw said:
posted on October 25, 2006 6:25 PM — 72.49.178.216 — link — abuse?
Cincinnati has a tougher SOS then USC. Teams Cincinnati has played this year:
5-3 South Florida
6-2, #35 ranked Pittsburgh
then-#10 Virginia Tech
#6 Louisville
#10 Ohio Stateand later this year will play:
#14 Rutgers
#4 West VirginiaThat's 5 games against Top 15 teams, 4 of which are on the road. Cincinnati will have also played 5 Top 35 teams with 4 of the 6 being played on the road.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on October 26, 2006 2:50 PM — 206.135.38.217 — link — abuse?
Matt:
The BCS computers do have Washington State as around #18 overall. They are actually rated higher than Oregon at #22, and thus, are currently rated 3rd in the Pac-10. Looks like the Cougs are gonna have a good year. And yes, nobody has faced the three tough opponents that the Cougars have: Auburn, USC and California. The Cougars are ready to rock. They could finish out at 9-3.
Tommie T
gamecocks #1 fan said:
posted on November 10, 2006 4:11 PM — 207.250.83.3 — link — abuse?
What about the real USC (CAROLINA) having the toughest schedule,the rankings the day we played them.... #10 GEORGIA, #2 AUBURN, #7 TENNESSEE, #12 ARKANSAS, #4 FLORIDA, and will be backed ranked by the time we play them CLEMSON. 28-4 combined record at the time we played them, that's have your schedule ranked inside the top 12. Go Gamecocks, youngest team in college football.
doug said:
posted on November 10, 2006 10:14 PM — 68.97.197.131 — link — abuse?
arkansas or south carolina have the toughest schedules
arkansas plays-USC-alabama-auburn-tennesse-lsu-vandy-south carolina- missip state(who is no pushover)
south carolina plays-missip state-georgia-auburn-tennesse-florida-clemson-arkansas-vandy-kentucky
i mean with schedles like those how can u not have the toughest scheduledoug said:
posted on November 10, 2006 10:15 PM — 68.97.197.131 — link — abuse?
arkansas or south carolina have the toughest schedules
arkansas plays-USC-alabama-auburn-tennesse-lsu-vandy-south carolina- missip state(who is no pushover)
south carolina plays-missip state-georgia-auburn-tennesse-florida-clemson-arkansas-vandy-kentucky
i mean with schedles like those how can u not have the toughest scheduledoug said:
posted on November 10, 2006 10:16 PM — 68.97.197.131 — link — abuse?
arkansas or south carolina have the toughest schedules
arkansas plays-USC-alabama-auburn-tennesse-lsu-vandy-south carolina- missip state(who is no pushover)
south carolina plays-missip state-georgia-auburn-tennesse-florida-clemson-arkansas-vandy-kentucky
i mean with schedles like those how can u not have the toughest scheduledoug said:
posted on November 10, 2006 10:17 PM — 68.97.197.131 — link — abuse?
arkansas or south carolina have the toughest schedules
arkansas plays-USC-alabama-auburn-tennesse-lsu-vandy-south carolina- missip state(who is no pushover)
south carolina plays-missip state-georgia-auburn-tennesse-florida-clemson-arkansas-vandy-kentucky
i mean with schedles like those how can u not have the toughest scheduleCW said:
posted on November 13, 2006 8:42 PM — 66.226.52.20 — link — abuse?
BCS RIP OFF:
Once again we see that the bowl schedule will be based upon $! USC (West Coast) will end up playing for yet another unearned title. Here in the South East we laugh because it is unlikely they could play hard enough to beat WFU. Ohio State / Mich is an OK match up. But Rutgers? Ha! Reminds me of last year's hipe on Fresno WHO??? Please! When ESPN states that the only game USC (at California) prepares for is ASU (West)? Which ranks up there with ASU of the East (Appalachian State). It's a real shame to see teams in the SEC play each other week after week...the strongest conference, toughest teams in constant trench warfare... hoping to have enough players at the end of the season to meet the rest of the US. Only since they lose a game or two or even three... (really you could be in last place & still beat most anyone!) they are out of the BCS! And watch as the trojans play northwestern or the mallards play the nifty lions or some othe boy scout team for a championship! I wish current NFL players would pick the top 25 teams! But that want happen since the SEC leads in drafts picks each year since 1991!!!!!!!CW said:
posted on November 13, 2006 9:00 PM — 66.226.52.20 — link — abuse?
Luke,
Don't mind the Pac idiots. I remember Northwestern playing in the Rose Bowl (a bowl we never really watched because it mostly played blooming idiot flower powers) a few years back and winning! Only the following year Wake Forest beat the snot out of um! Then, the mighty mallards showed up as a football team and was shot too pieces with triple BB not once but twice by WFU. We in the SEC laugh when people drum up Pac idiots. I wonder what would happen if the Pac had to play Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Georgia, etc.. . You know what would happen! The pac would dissappear & cry their way back to San Francisco ... holding hands.
Sgt Abn said:
posted on December 1, 2006 9:53 PM — 70.180.50.113 — link — abuse?
When is the media at large going to quit kissing USC's rear end? The media is forever more heaping praise on a team that plays nobody all year and then has the opportunity to slide once again into a National Championship game!
USC's only game with a serious impact was the non-conference Norte Dame game (then ranked 6th and played at home). It was also the only team they played that was ranked in the Top 10 at the time of the game. Their own conference (note lower case "c") is pathetic. The only PAC 10 teams that were ranked when they played USC were ranked 21st and 17th. USC in typical California fashion can't get enough of themselves, they and the media still think they were National Champions in 2003. Last year they were yelling 3 peat. How can you get 3 peat when you haven't gotten 2.
Speaking of 2003 and playing a bunch of nobodies, let's compare the 2003 National Champs LSU's schedule with what has already been mentioned of USC's: LSU has played four teams that were in the Top 10 at the time of the game. All, I repeat all, were on the road. All, once again all, are in the SEC. LSU is a two loss team with both losses being to Top 10 and conference teams. USC is a one loss team, losing to a non ranked conference team.
Do I think LSU should be in the National Championship game? No, and neither should USC. I sincerely hope UCLA pulls out a victory so the battle alot of people have been waiting for can happen LSU vs. USC in the Rose Bowl. If USC woke up one morning and found themselves in the SEC their light wouldn't be shining near so brightly.
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Luke said:
posted on October 15, 2006 6:58 PM — 24.250.217.142 — link — abuse?Good. I'm tired of all the USC fans claiming they have the toughest schedule.