June 14, 2007
Who has the toughest schedule?
Steve Megargee at Rivals.com has broken down the college football schedules in an effort to determine who has the toughest college football schedule for the 2007-08 season.
While a Pac-10 team tops our list of the nation's 25 toughest schedules, the Southeastern Conference dominates the rest of the chart with five representatives in the top 10. Even though many of the SEC schools don't play strong non-conference opponents, the strength of the league itself makes their schedules among the toughest in college football.
So who tops the list with the toughest schedule in the country? The Washington Huskies. U-Dub has nine (nine!) bowl teams on its schedule, including six teams that won at least 10 games, five teams in the final AP top 25, and three BCS bowl teams! YIKES!
Steve breaks it down for the Huskies:
Why they're No. 1: An injury to quarterback Isaiah Stanback was probably the only thing that kept Washington out of the postseason last year, but it's tough to imagine the Huskies earning a bowl bid after facing this murderous schedule. No other school on this list faces more teams that played in bowl games last year. No team from a BCS conference has a non-conference schedule that even compares to the list of opponents Washington will face from outside the Pac-10. Washington opens with an always-tricky trip to the Carrier Dome. The Huskies better beat Syracuse because three of their next four opponents (Boise State, Ohio State and Southern California) played in BCS games last season. The only game on this schedule that looks like a breather is Stanford, until you realize Washington was the only team the Cardinal beat last season.
Next down the list? The South Carolina Gamecocks, who get a heaping portion of SEC opponents, plus OOC games with North Carolina & Clemson to offset their ho-hums (La.-Lafayette & S. Carolina St.).
Florida State is ranked as the third most difficult schedule, with eight bowl teams on the slate, zero I-AA games, four games against last years top 25, and just five games at home. (Five games at home?!?!)
In an era when most big-time programs try to schedule at least seven home games, Florida State will play just five times at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Seminoles' demanding road schedule includes trips to Clemson, Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida. Although the Seminoles face Alabama close to home in Jacksonville, we're expecting at least half the spectators to root for the Crimson Tide. Florida State also was the rare BCS team that didn't schedule a Division I-AA opponent. Critics might point to the relatively weak combined 2006 record of Florida State's opponents, but we're assuming Miami and Alabama will bounce back from disappointing seasons.
Rounding out the top five are Michigan State and Auburn. Here's the rundown for the Rivals toughest schedule rankings:
1 Washington
2 South Carolina
3 Florida State
4 Michigan State
5 Auburn
6 Tennessee
7 Florida
8 USC
9 Stanford
10 Mississippi State
11 Kentucky
12 Nebraska
13 Notre Dame
14 Georgia
15 Michigan
16 Purdue
17 Illinois
18 LSU
19 Boston College
20 Washington State
21 West Virginia
22 Arizona
23 Pitt
24 Maryland
25 Texas A&M
For those wondering why there team didn't make it, here's my take on some top teams that have soft schedules:
- Louisville - You don't get put in the schedule conversation when you have MURRAY STATE and MIDDLE TENNESSEE on the slate. Sorry, Cards fans.
- Texas - TCU was a nice add to the schedule, but Rice, UCF, and Arkansas State are blemishes for the Horns.
- Oklahoma - Props to the Sooners for scheduling Miami, but the Sooners still have that other Hurricane team on their docket with Tulsa, and Utah State & North Texas are really just glorified scrimmages for OU.
- Ohio State - I guess to be THE Ohio State University you must have to play the state of Ohio. What else could explain the likes of Youngstown State, Akron, and Kent State -- all at home. If next year's Michigan ticket wasn't so hard to come by, I would wager that OSU season ticket sales would have plummeted this year.
So, there you have it - the top 25 toughest schedules in college football for this year. Wanna compare? Check out the full schedule listing for every team at NationalChamps.net.
Comments:
TrojanHorse said:
posted on June 14, 2007 10:42 AM — 132.228.195.206 — link — abuse?
i agree with UDub.. damn that is a tough one
as for SC.. it all depends, if ND is any good then yeah... but I'm afraid ND will stink this year so Its not that hard other than a couple of tough roadies.. @NU and @ Cal.. the rest are manageablebtw, why are some threads open and some closed
noleinator said:
posted on June 14, 2007 11:15 AM — 24.243.129.195 — link — abuse?
I cant believe um is not even on there they should be in the top 10.. they have @fsu @vt @bc and ooc @ou and tex-a&m @home. huskies have a tough schedule but i'm not sold on pac-10. 'cocks have serious away games @uga, @lsu & @tenn & @ark back to back but lafeyette & scst are weak as hell. I definitely wouldnt want uga's schedule though, 4 conference away games in a 5 game stretch @'bama, @ut, @uf, @vandy(cinderella). I'm pickin uga sos not to be a homer ;-)
VTBobb said:
posted on June 14, 2007 11:28 AM — 208.229.147.26 — link — abuse?
Where's the love for the Hokies? Granted, we play Ohio, but we shouldn't be penalized for playing heated in-state rival and Colonial Athletic Conference Power William and Mary. In fact, I think we should take a page from Ohio State's scheduling manual and play the State of Virginia. We could drop East Carolina, Ohio and LSU, and replace them with JMU, Liberty and either Richmond, ODU or VMI. I wonder if we could drop a few ACC games, or play 15 total...
posted on June 14, 2007 1:36 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
Nolinator - Great points. Miami is getting no love.
posted on June 14, 2007 1:49 PM — link — abuse?
GOOOOD point, badgerballer. It's hard to know which Wisky game to buy tickets for... The Citadel? UNLV? Decisions, decisions. ;)
Regan said:
posted on June 14, 2007 1:59 PM — 192.24.243.21 — link — abuse?
Miami's Schedule is: Marshall,@OU, FIU, Texas A&M, Duke, @UNC, GT, @FSU, NCSU, UVA, @VT, @BC
While the OU and A&M games are definately signs of a tough OOC schedule, I guess the theory is that the ACC teams won't be that great this year.
If you look at Miami's conference opponents, you see tough games versus FSU, VT, and BC, and five teams that had rather disappointing seasons last year.
I guess that's the logic on Miami getting hosed on this list.
Doug said:
posted on June 14, 2007 2:28 PM — 169.200.173.62 — link — abuse?
O.K. you asked "what about Va. Tech?" ... Granted I want them to win it all in 07 for reasons we are all aware of.. What kills their schedule is the first half before their open date... LSU very tough.... Ohio, William and Mary, ECU, Duke?? If VA. Tech is not a 30 point favorite in all those games then someone in Vegas is missing the boat. That is why they don't show up as having a tough schedule. I know all about those above 4 teams. I know ECU is rebuilding blah, blah...The game is in Blacksburg opening weekend all Beamer has to do is point to 32 photographs on a wall and tell them team. TODAY WE DON'T LOSE UNDERSTAND! Va Tech 42 ECU 7 ...VT 45 William and Mary 3... VT 26 Duke 20...... Vt 55 Ohio 3.........
Tomcat said:
posted on June 14, 2007 2:35 PM — 70.249.47.9 — link — abuse?
Yes I'm back and I agree that UM has a tough schedule and so does K state.The Longhorns only face 4 top 25 teams this year A&M,OU, TCU & Neb.
The others TTech and OK state are bowl winners, the third weakest, sorry rivals even K-State & Rice went to bowls and have winning programs.
If the Horns win the XII south they would probably have to face Neb twice after games against OU, TCU,K St,NEB, TTech OK st,and A&M during regular season not an easy schedule at all. Hookem-Horns
Sorry I couldnt commment on the other threads OU Ron those dang guys messed it up.You have to admit though those comments about Barry Switzer, Jackie Sherril and Gene Stallings coming up to Norman to straighten out this mess are purty funny. The new Pontiac comment was something from years ago that I have personal knowledge of.What are yall going to do now that all those Texas boys are gone? Peterson,and Thompson Etc. Etc.
Todd Dodge former UT QB is the new HC at N Texas
They dont have the recruiting or the talent of a OU and it might take them a few years to develop. Both Tulsa and N Texas should be better
Viva Los Spurs
Adios Tomcat-Fisherman at largeOU Fan said:
posted on June 14, 2007 3:16 PM — 84.146.65.31 — link — abuse?
I have to agree with rivals.com on OU not being in the top 25 as far as strength of schedule. But also, its about time the Sooners have an easy schedule. I do have to agree with everyone about Miami, those Canes get no love what so ever. BOOMER SOONER
SEMINOLE_NATION said:
posted on June 14, 2007 7:00 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
The Noles have no fear baby. Only FIVE, count em, FIVE games at Doak.
This is a great schedule for a statement year to let everyone know FSU is back!
That's a busy busy road schedule.
Rivals also broke down schedules further and ranked the toughest OOC schedules, home, and away schedules... FSU has the #1 road schedule.
Beating people in their own yard will be a great way to make some noise.
I wonder how many "Sod Games" there will be this year?
Zac said:
posted on June 14, 2007 7:39 PM — 65.31.230.72 — link — abuse?
Two things surprise me (three, if you include UM's schedule not being ranked). WVU's schedule is ranked, and nobody is complaining about it. I thought last's year's schedule was tough, primarily because of the number of 5 & 6 day periods between some games, one of them at Louisville. I didn't think last year's schedule warranted any type of ranking. I agree; this year's schedule is tougher. WVU doesn't play a 1-AA school; 7 were in bowl games; only 6 home games, as compared with 7 last year; and 3 of their top 4 challenges are away (MD, Rutgers, S FL). Now for the scrutinizing: They play only 2 ranked teams (Rutgers, Louisville); though, 2 more could be ranked by season's end (MD, S FL). They open at home against W MI (good MAC team), follow that with Marshall (wanna guess the out-come); they're at home against ECU, MS St, & UConn, and visit struggling Syracuse. If by the end of the season MS St has improved; W MI, Marshall, & ECU have each won 7 games; MD & S FL are ranked, in addition to Louisville & Rutgers; and Cincy, Syracuse, & UConn have done some non-con damage, then I'll agree this is a top 25 schedule. Otherwise, I'm not so sure.
UWDAWG said:
posted on June 14, 2007 8:16 PM — 69.146.20.142 — link — abuse?
"Even though many of the SEC schools don't play strong non-conference opponents, the strength of the league itself makes their schedules among the toughest in college football."...
...The obligatory in-breeding reference to stroke the SEC homers on the blog.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 15, 2007 11:04 AM — 70.249.43.247 — link — abuse?
OU Ron & OU fan Yalls schedule does look favorable for the Sooners no Ducks and no Huskers, other than UT your toughest games are at home A&M and UM.Looking foward to another exciting year of CFB.
Hookem-Horns
Go mean Green
Gigem-Aggies Beat the H outa OU
Go Cowboys
Go Tulsa Hurricanes
Adios Tomcat
Congrats to S.A. Spurs 4-0 Nat Champs
posted on June 15, 2007 11:26 AM — link — abuse?
'Zona has traditionally has had one of the top 15, top 10 style schedules. Not sure if this was a Stoops move a few years back (and I'm probably not going to research it), but when you look at the OOC for the Wildcats - it's weaker than in past years.
Arizona has @BYU, Northern Arizona and New Mexico. Not exactly a gauntlet. ;)
gatorhippy said:
posted on June 15, 2007 3:10 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
Here's my problem with this list and others like it...
It's more of a judgement of teams that matter or are popular and the difficulty of their schedule rather than basing it purely upon a team's actual capability versus the competition they play on their schedule and rating accordingly...
For instance...
Comparing Duke and FSU...
Both play only 5 games in their own stadiums this year...
Duke: Uconn, WF, VT, Clem, GT
@ NWU, Navy, ND, UCG, UVA, FSU, UNCFSU: UAB, NCSU, UCG, Duke, Maryland
@ CU, UF, Clem, WF, BC, VT
Bama (Jax)Given the talent comparisons between Duke and FSU; Duke appears to have a MUCH more difficult schedule...
I say this because we can break down the comparisons of OOC teams played as practically equal...
UConn and UAB are not far apart but I would actually hand a nod to UConn as they play in the more difficult BE...
Looking at the three OOC opponents being played away from home stadiums...
UF and the Irish are easily on equal footing with the only difference being really that UF is a huge rivalry but the Gators won't be much better than ND if they even ARE as good as the Cheeseburger Boys this year given the losses on defense...
Hence this comparison is a push...
Colorado/Bama vs NWU/Navy...
Even though both Bama and the Buffs have a past of success; neither is going to be far from the records they posted last year not making them much better opponents than the NWU/Navy tandem that Duke will face on the road...
Throw in that FSU/Bama will be at a neutral site (JAX) that is less than two hours from Tally but closer to 7 hours from T-Town; FSU will have what practically amounts to a home game on its hands...
Both of these teams' schedules in the end are at least equally as difficult...
But in the end, Duke in reality has the harder schedule given that they are laden with the burden of less talent...
Same theory can be applied with Duke to WVU for instance...
Disregarding the extra away game for Duke...
As well as...
Considering for arguments sake that Conference games are a push for both squads...
The OOC for both of these teams would favor a harder schedule for Duke without even considering talent level...
In addition, if we're to compare conference schedules the edge seems to lean even more in the favor of a rougher lot that Duke had saddled itself with in scheduling this year...
When the talent difference is tossed in, the scale drops to the ground under the uphill climb that Duke faces compared to WVU...
In conclusion...
Lesser teams are playing just as difficult; if not more given the lesser talent level; of schedules as the more "popular" teams that consistently show up in ratings such as posted above...
They just aren't given the credit...
Just the way I see it...
IBleedOrange said:
posted on June 15, 2007 4:23 PM — 65.107.56.104 — link — abuse?
#31 - Gatorhippy
Give your boys some credit! They may have lost a lot of guys on defense, but they're still gonna be much better than ND!
Even with Brady Quinn at the helm last year, they still weren't deserving of even being on the same field as LSU.
This season ND is going to have a 1st year starter at QB, no Jeff S., and no whatever that RB's name was that left for the NFL and didn't get drafted. Plus, their D was already suspect to begin with.
Anyways, I'm just glad to see my Vols up there at #6. All the talk about SEC teams not playing tough OOC teams doesn't apply to Tennessee. I can't remember a season that we didn't play at least 1 or 2 tough OOC teams.
Big10 Ben said:
posted on June 15, 2007 4:25 PM — 66.37.61.56 — link — abuse?
It won't matter who has the toughest schedule if we can't even watch the games! I am a loyal Comcast subscriber in Pgh but won't be able to watch my beloved PSU since Comcast won't carry the Big Ten Network. August is the launch date for the network so there isn't much time for Comcast to change thier mind. Please call your local rep to demand Comcast carry BTN!
Zac said:
posted on June 16, 2007 9:42 AM — 65.31.230.72 — link — abuse?
GatorHippy brings up a good point. If a team is USC, LSU, MI, etc., on the surface and by comparison, their schedule may not seem as tough to a team ranked somewhere between 100 and 119. Let's face it. The farther down the ladder the team, the tougher it is for them to climb; almost all the teams are tougher. My opinion: I think one has to take a team out of their schedule and forget where they're ranked, look at their schedule as a whole, and determine the extent of the challenge that schedule commands.
Consider Louisville, a team ranked about the same this year as last year. Last year, in addition to their traditional non-com game against KY, they were at Temple, home to Miami, at KS St, and at Mid TN St. This year, in addition to being @ KY, they're at home against Murray St, Mid TN St, and Utah, while visiting NC St. Though Utah is always competitive, and KY is expected to be better, one might not classify this as an improvement. On the other hand, consider their 5 toughest games (KY, Rutgers, S FL, Utah, WVU). They're away at 3 out of the five, not to mention they have a trip to what should be an improved NC St.
Consider BYU. They start against AS, before visiting UCLA & Tulsa. Their previous year's schedule included BC & OR. But, they're in a "weak" mid-major conference which only sent 4 teams to bowls, winning 3 of the 4.
The point is toughness of schedule is relative to where a team fits on the ladder of schedules, in addition to the challenge faced by a team to improve over its position on that ladder the year before. The higher a team on the ladder, the tougher it is to stay their, let alone improve. A team can have a couple of top ten teams on their schedule, but if they have a couple of teams between 70 & 80, how's that much different from a team which plays those ranked 30-40? It's how successful a team is against their schedule that should matter - Are they winning the games they should win; are they wining those games the way they should win those games? Everything else should be decided by the bowl picture, or a play-off. Just a thought.
SEMINOLE_NATION said:
posted on June 16, 2007 9:51 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
gatorhippy #31:
I can understand your point about talent levels making it more difficult for the Dukes of the world. However, if that's the case then I guess UF cant claim their schedule was the toughest in the nation last year. After all, as far as talent levels go they didn't play a single team with better or more talent in a large degree. Whereas, every time Duke steps on the field the other team has more and better talent.
Is that fair? I don't think it is.
I DO think UF played the toughest schedule last year - not Duke or any other crappy team. Here's why, UF despite how talented they were, scheduled the toughest teams they could possibly schedule. They faced teams often that could at least match or compete (in the case of LSU maybe even exceed a tiny bit) with UF's talent. Duke on the other hand, will most likely be out manned no matter who is on their schedule. So I wouldn't take away from a major program like UF last year or FSU this year for going out and making a schedule much tougher then most other major programs would do.
On a side note about the Bama-FSU game. The FSU Athletic Department decided to split the allotment of tickets 50/50 with Bama. Given the fact Bama travels very well, the fact they had 90,000+ at their spring game, and the FSU game is one of the biggest on their schedule - I think they'll take advantage of their half of the tickets. I don't think it'll be much like a home game for FSU. It should be 50/50.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 16, 2007 12:02 PM — 70.249.43.247 — link — abuse?
FIU OCC
@ Penn St
Maryland
@ Miami
@ Kansas
@ ArkansaFAU OCC
@ Ok State
Minnesota
@ Kentucky
USF
@ UFTroy OCC
@ Arkansas
@ Florida
Oklahoma St
@ Georgia
Looks to me like some of these teams schedule really tough competetion
NDAFArly said:
posted on June 17, 2007 8:42 PM — 74.132.156.159 — link — abuse?
Kevin Thompson says:
posted on June 14, 2007 01:45 PM — IP: 68.19.48.159 — link
Why in the world is Notre Dame on that list?
Are you serious? They play 5 teams in the first 8 weeks that are top 15 teams. I always find it funny people like you knock ND for their schedule, but don't know who's even on it? At PSU, at Michigan, USC, GT, at UCLA, all top 15 teams. BC and Purdue are also both ranked above them on the top 30. Learn your stuff before you post.
'Cane Mutiny said:
posted on June 17, 2007 8:56 PM — 70.146.116.173 — link — abuse?
Even though I don't necessarily like them, much respect as always to the Seminoles. It takes some gumption to schedule five home games, and you guys have, of course, played Miami every year for a long time, unlike some other school I know. Good luck to the 'Noles, always my second-favorite Florida school, and please, beat the Gators!
..It's great to be a Miami Hurricane..
NDAFArly said:
posted on June 18, 2007 11:40 AM — 74.132.156.159 — link — abuse?
From what I have read in a few mags is that they return almsot their entire team, and at the end of last year they had key injuries. I think a lot of "experts" think they will resemble the team that beat USC. Phil Steele is really high on them. It says they return 20 out of 22 starters on offense and defense. But you know how preseason polls are.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 18, 2007 3:12 PM — 70.249.43.247 — link — abuse?
#41 Seminole #42 ND Another factor to consider is that alot of these so-called sports authoritys are located on the west coast, hince the L.A. Hollywood area literally has thousands of reporters and want to be reporters along with the pazarati and part-time T.V. personalities that tend to focuss more on the big 3 of the Pac-10 especially since they lack the NFL. Millions of fans=thousands of bias sports reporting to the point that their veiws impact the national audience.
Hookem-Horns
gatorhippy said:
posted on June 18, 2007 3:44 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
SEMI_NAT (#36):
Duke's schedule is certainly not so much easier than FSU's (regardless of talent difference) to warrant them not to even be placed on that list...
I'm not taking any thing from the Noles, I'm saying teams like Duke don't get the credit they deserve...
Another example...
USC/UCLA...
They play essentially opposite schedules in conference (i.e. Bruins play on the road against teams USC plays at home and vice versa), but obviously equal in difficulty...
The difference is in the OOC...
USC: Idaho, @ Nebraska, @ ND
UCLA: BYU, @ Utah, NDIdaho and BYU is a push...
For USC @ ND is essentially the same as ND at home for the Bruins; the difficulty stands pretty even...
Glaring difference would be @ NEB vs @ Utah...
But is it such a difference that no credit is garnered on the Bruins for tough scheduling while the Trojans get rated as having the eighth toughest...
No way...
Polls and ratings like these are extremely biased against teams that are consistently middle to rear of the pack in BCS conferences...
gatorhippy said:
posted on June 18, 2007 4:31 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
SEMI_NAT (#36):
Almost forgot...
The reason I still say FSU/Bama is more of a home game for the Noles is not because of FAN attendance or ticket allottment...
It has to do with the fact that Tally is only a little more than 150 miles from J-Ville while Tusacloosa is near 500 miles away...
Even if the stadium is split exactly even attendance wise, the Noles are essentially playing at home because of the short trip over...
A good annual example is UF/UGA where UF travels substantially less mileage even though the stadium is split down the middle...
Less travel equals advantage...
Hence, Bama is essentially a home game for FSU still...
Tomcat said:
posted on June 18, 2007 4:47 PM — 70.249.43.247 — link — abuse?
#44 WarEagle Not so fast my fine friend.Right now everybodys even 0 wins 0 losses I kinda hate to say it but everyone remembers 04. The current system dictates that every team in every league needs to schedule at least 1 or 2 tough OCC games in addition to their tough in league games.
The Sunbelt and C-USA guys seem to always play the big boys. Really looks like the stength of schedule argument has more revelance towards the end of the season, wouldnt you agree?
Hookem-Horns
posted on June 18, 2007 5:17 PM — 205.188.116.201 — link — abuse?
Tomcat: #47 I don't disagree with you. I'm a big proponet of mandating the scheduling of at least 2 OOC schools from a BCS conference for EVERY school in a BCS conference. Auburn has theirs for 2007, Kansas State and South Florida. Personally, I'd like to see Auburn schedule some more Pac 10 and Big 12 schools. Auburn and the Horns had a few games back in the 1980s. I'd love to see that again.
BTW, in 2004, SOS wouldn't have helped Auburn much no matter what the SOS. For them to have started at #17, they were not going to catch Top 5 USC and OU no matter what.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 18, 2007 11:47 PM — 69.150.51.133 — link — abuse?
#48 War Eagle Atlanta Are you an advocate for some sort of playoff? These SOS threads and arguements go on forever and these schedules for the most part are made years in advance.I like the idea of the inividual schools and their A.D.s haveing the flexability in making the out of conference schedules that are the best for their prospective Universities.On the same token nobody really wants to see a Sam Houston St or Northwestern La St play a Texas or LSU.
I dont know about the BCS conference opponents only thing you mentioned.I will say that Div 1-A should play Div-1A. For example this year UT's O.C.schedule is to be considered weak by the press and so-called sports authorities. None are from a BCS conference, however schools like TCU, UCF, Ark St and Rice are at least Div 1-A.
TCU is not Ohio St or Ark, but they are coming off back to back 11 win seasons and are ranked top 25.TCU is an old SWC school that has defeated OU, TTech and BU the last couple of years.Looking foward to future matchups with Arkansas and UCLA. I'd love to see AU vs UT or LSU vs UT etc. etc.
The AU Tigers really did get the shaft in 04 going undefeated and beating Tenn twice should have been enough, however the system needs tweeking.
Hookem-Adios TomcatJAS07 said:
posted on June 19, 2007 4:16 AM — 67.172.14.93 — link — abuse?
Yup 16th is a pretty tough schedule, and my team Purdue plays ohio st. and mich again back to back if i remember correctly. Not to mention nd, and penn st.. They will finish 5th or 6th in da b10. They'll be back soon to win the b10 once again soon. I'm waiting for another brees or a quarterback who is worth watching!!!!!!
hrposon said:
posted on June 19, 2007 11:38 AM — 12.189.97.194 — link — abuse?
Tomcat #49 and War Eagle #48
The only way to have a meaningful NonConference schedule and a high quality regular football season is do away with the BCS and implement an 8 team playoff of conference winners. The bowl season is usually a bust except for a couple of motivated teams. Do you really think OU would have lost to Boise State in September or October?
I sure did love the game, though...rlsecret said:
posted on June 19, 2007 12:02 PM — 168.216.194.181 — link — abuse?
hey kev...writing ZAC about his obsession with his obvious hatred towards the big east...i fully understand the difficulty of the week-in week-out competition of the other four major conferences and the possibilities of key injuries ruining a season...but the growth of the big east is just over the horizen, and the excitement that rutgers,l-ville and wvu displayed in their year-ending round robin was good for college football...i realize they represent three small states,but their games affected the fate of many teams from major markets...texas and oklahoma have schedules lucky to fall into the top 50,yet they both are top ten teams...whats up with that?well we all know that answer...MAJOR MARKETS,TRADITION,COLORFUL T.V.COVERAGE,ETC...all the important reasons to make money...analysts think the only money wvu makes is spent on cheap couches...go uconn,pitt,syra...maybe the big easy will go 6-0 in next years bowls...thanks kev...im out
posted on June 19, 2007 2:22 PM — 152.163.100.70 — link — abuse?
Tomcat, hrposen: Yes, I am for a playoff, but I know we are quite a ways off from that presently. That's why I am for this mandated scheduling I mentioned previously. Even that scenario would be like pulling teeth. I see nothing wrong with the major conference champions teeing it up after the season, perhaps using all the bowls in the playoff system. But until that time comes, having each school play 2 OOC games against other BCS conference schools would go a long way to make sure no one was skating with a real cream-puff schedule.
Although I like the idea of 1A playing only 1A, I don't think it should be mandatory because it would penalize some of the 'up-and-coming' schools who occasionaly like to test the waters before they make the leap to 1A. No fan of a big 1A school likes to see their team play a 1AA school or lower, but you have to imagine that it's pretty exciting for that 1AA team and their fans. I've actually been surprised by how many fans some of these schools would bring into Auburn. (back when I would go to these lesser games) They didn't really have an expectation of winning, but they were sure fired up about being there. If I was in their shoes, I'm sure I'd feel the same way.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 19, 2007 10:47 PM — 69.150.51.133 — link — abuse?
#51 hrposon I'm all for the idea of playoffs and the obolishtion of BCS & BCS conferences.I do not advocate limiting the playoffs only to conference champions only.Some conferences are loaded with quality teams deserving of a shot, and some conference champions have four losses.
For example in 2006 The XII championship team featured two teams that Texas defeated during the regular season, the best team in the conference was not the conference champion it was #4 Texas.
You will also remember one year that FSU went to a BCS bowl as conference champs,They won their conference that year with 4 or 5 losses, while other teams were undefeated or with 1 loss unable to attend a BCS bowl.
Then you have the Boise St, BYU, Utah and TCU teams, that are not members of BCS conference.These teams can have a perfect season and still no shot at a title game.
The system does need a change, but I would not want to limit the playoff bowl series to only conference champs from only BCS conferences.
Yes I loved the Boise st vs OU game, wish I had the DVD to watch the sooners get beat over & over.
Longhorn Fans love to see other teams beat the sooners.
Go Mean Green beat OU
Go Tulsa beat OU
Gigem-Aggies
Go Cowboys
Hookem-HornsJoe said:
posted on June 20, 2007 12:39 AM — 75.182.55.172 — link — abuse?
I always think preseason rankings of any sort are ridiculous. I guess they give us something to talk about though. Anyway, I am interested to see how the final SOS rankings compare to this list. Only 71 days until kickoff, but who's counting, right?
hrposon said:
posted on June 20, 2007 12:41 AM — 12.189.97.194 — link — abuse?
Tomcat @ 55 - Eight conference champions is a good start and could go to 16 when the NCAA sees how much more money they would make. The biggest casualty would be the Big 2 and PAC 1 Rose Bowl coalition. In 2006, Texas wasn't any good with Colt McCoy hurt. They couldn't beat KSU and TAMU, even though the zebras gave the game to A&M. The good news was the Ags get to keeep Fran for a couple more years.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 20, 2007 3:29 AM — 69.150.51.133 — link — abuse?
#53 War Eagle I understand were your coming from and I remember just a couple of years ago Texas State{SWT} played Texas A&M.When I saw it on the schedule I thought oh no thats going to be a slaughter, The Bobcats played a hell of a game an almost pulled a huge upset.Those boys played hard and Fran was outcoached, this game gave the Bobcats the confidence and momentum to carry them all the way through the season.Its kinda unusual for a loss to inspire a team,but it did.Can you imagine being a player on that team. I can hear the boys now, hollering and talking about the game.Knocking off A&M woulda been like a H/S team beating the Cowboys or something.
That Texas State team had one of the best seasons ever going like 10-3 and got a chance to play for their championship.
So ya War Eagle I understand your comments.Last year Baylor played Northwestern not the ones from Chicago the ones from N W Louisiana.Thats okay probably a good game for both schools.I just dont want to see SHSU vs UT etc.etc. Neither do the pollsters or ESPN analyst.etc.etc.
Hookem-Horns
Go BobcatsOU Fan said:
posted on June 20, 2007 7:38 AM — 136.221.65.6 — link — abuse?
Tomcat post 55, I wish I had taped the KSU-Texas game to watch the horns get beat over and over. I also wish I would have taped the ATM-Texas game in Austin so I could watch the horns lose in their own back yard over and over:) And I don't know about you, but I can't wait until October! BOOMER SOONER
Coach Fred said:
posted on June 20, 2007 3:01 PM — 121.97.228.176 — link — abuse?
The Alabama Crimson Tide are showing lots of pride in their team right now.
They are paying their new coach Nick Saban more than any other coach in the nation.
And they had over 92,000 fans show up for their spring game this year.
posted on June 20, 2007 3:20 PM — 64.12.116.77 — link — abuse?
Sure, a 16-team playoff would be better, because sometimes the conference champion isn't necessarily the best team in the conference, and sometimes conferences have more than a few deserving teams. However, I'd be happy just to get the 8 teams in. I wonder, though, that if we really did have a championship between the 8 conference winners if teams would care about loading up all the OOC games with creampuffs. There would be no incentive to play quality OOC opponents because winning the conference would be the only goal, so you could get into the playoff. I guess every scenario has it's pluses and minuses.
gatorstud said:
posted on June 20, 2007 4:12 PM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
coach fred......they had 92,000 at the spring game...cause they wanted to make sure they saw saban before he bolts and accepts a position with "the morning show w/ matt lauer"....lol....but, i'm sure that if anyone asked saban about it...he would just say he's not interested in the job at all.....would you believe him ??????????
go gators....and hokies
OU-Ron said:
posted on June 20, 2007 4:13 PM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse?
Tomcat
You’re in luck, I have the OU-Boise st game on DVD, and it’s just after the Texass-A&M game in Austin, you get two games on one disc. And being the great Texass fan that I am, I will send you a copy free, just let me know where to send it.
Texass sucks
GO SOONERS
Zac said:
posted on June 20, 2007 5:53 PM — 65.31.230.72 — link — abuse?
War Eagle: Somebody came up with a Top 10 team scenario, and I think that would be a good place to start. Me, I'd just as soon see the entire Top 25 be involved, but that may actually be too much. We've discussed this idea before, the bottom 4 playing off to round out the top 8, and so on. What's important is this. It should not involve conference champions; it shouldn't matter if more than 2 teams from the conference round out the Top 10. When the season's over, a play-off should involve those teams with the highest rankings based upon legitimate, recognized poles.
Coach Fred, though a fan of the Big East, I prayed for Bama finding a decent head coach. I was amazed to hear of the 92,000 fans who showed up for Bama's spring game. WVU charges $5.00/person to attend their spring game. All of the money goes to a children's hospital. Since Rodriguez took over they've been averaging about 12,000 fans/spring game. Imagine the gift they could have given, had that many shown up. (Of course, there would have been other issues, given WVU's stadium has a max-capacity of only 72,000, I think it is…) As for Saban, I sincerely hope he's worth the money. Best of luck to the Tide!!!
Tomcat said:
posted on June 20, 2007 10:50 PM — 69.150.78.60 — link — abuse?
OU Ron # 63 Thanks Ron I sincerly appreciate the offer, however I found the two disc set with K-St vs UT and UO vs OU on disc #2.I'm still laughing Ron.Thank goodness they changed the clock back to the way it was in 05, I honestly beleive the results would have been different in all four games mentioned. BTW I heard that David McWilliams and Fred Akers are on their way to Austin to straighten out this mess, doesnt sound as funny as Switzer and Sherril on their way to Norman does it? Really every team has had their off the feild problems, but breaking into cars? Geez, that kid blew one heck of an opportunity that alot of kids only dream about.
Hookem-Horns
OU-Sux
Red River shootout truly one of the great rivalry games in CFBTomcat said:
posted on June 20, 2007 11:13 PM — 69.150.78.60 — link — abuse?
OU Fan #59 I'm glad you got those taped, did you record the game were #39 Robison busted the ball lose from Bomar and it was scouped up by Rod Wright{ a D Lineman} and he ran it all the way for a T.D.? I honestly didnt see the first half of the K-St vs UT game, kinda a shame the coaching staff didnt pull that QB he obviuosly wasnt 100%, looked like they were really coming back towards the end though.
Looking foward to 2007
OU vs UM
TCU vs UT
Go Tulsa
Go Mean Green
Hookem-Horns
P.S. Are you still in Deucsland? What kind of T.V. coverage do they have?
God Bless our troupsOU Fan said:
posted on June 21, 2007 5:42 AM — 136.221.65.6 — link — abuse?
Tomcat post 66, yes I am still in Deutschland. All military housing units have a cable network called AFN which stands for Armed Forces Network, and it has about 10 channels. Out of those 10 channels, we do have ESPN which is not too bad. We can also pick up German channels and if I want to pay extra money, I can get channels out of Britain, but thats quite alright. But when it comes to college football, AFN has no Fox Sports, ESPN 2, TBS, etc, and ABC and CBS are not permanent channels in the AFN network. Plus I believe ESPN on AFN picks and chooses which ESPN programs to air, meaning I'm not exactly for sure if it follows the ESPN in the states. An example would be that I wanted to watch the OU womens softball team play DePaul and that game was aired on ESPN in the states, but it was not aired on ESPN here. Also on AFN, there is AFN movie channel, news channel, etc. What AFN does is they pick the most popular citcoms, soap operas, talk shows, etc from the states and air them on different AFN channels. But the downfall to that is say AFN airs a game that is played on ABC in the states and you notice that there is another game that will be next on ABC in the states that you really want to watch. Well, AFN might air a totally different program after the game on the same AFN channel that aired the game from ABC in the states. And when a new episode from a TV series is aired in the states say on Tuesday night, that same new episode will be aired on AFN either Wedesday night or sometime Thursday. My wife is a big fan of that TV series "House," and the new episode every week is aired in the states on Monday or Tuesday I believe, and AFN will air it on Thursday at 8:00 PM(2000.) I have only been here since this past Decemeber, but AFN was pretty good about what bowl games they aired. Obviously they did not air every game, but they pretty much aired what I guess you could say were the most popular games. I watched the OU-Boise State game live, and that game started at 3:00 AM here in Germany. Germany is 6 hours ahead of the U.S. easten time zone. I also watched the OSU-Alabama game live, but since that game was played in the states sometime in the early afternoon, I did not have to stay up too late to watch it. Also what AFN does is for example when Florida whooped the tar out of Ohio State, I was asleep, but AFN aired that game the next evening at a reasonable time so I and other military personnel who missed the game because it was on so late could watch it after work. What I will mainly be doing this season is listening to Sooner football games and any other Sooner sports I can find online, watching taped Sooner football games mailed to me from my father, watching games on AFN, and tracking other teams online. I hope that gave you a better idea of what we have over here. BOOMER SOONER!
posted on June 21, 2007 5:23 PM — 64.12.116.77 — link — abuse?
Zac: I could accept either or as a playoff scenario. Part of me wants to rid the subjectivity of the polls, but the other side knows that the polls are generally right. If a playoff system were to utilize the polls, I'd be in favor of waiting a few weeks into the season before the first poll was taken. As we all know, a lot of pre-season hype is just that--hype.
Alas, we're all preaching to the choir. There seems to be way too much money (and fun) in prolonging the problem rather than fixing it. I've never been to a college basketball blog, but I can't imagine it having the same fervor during tournament time as we have here during bowl season.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 21, 2007 10:30 PM — 69.150.78.60 — link — abuse?
#68 OU Fan thanks for the explanation, doesnt really sound too bad and with internet access you can stay on top of things even if your not able to watch the live game.I was in G.B. in 80-81 and the only game aired was the NFL Superbowl and thats it.It was really purty funny because they had British commentators trying to expain what was going on.Was kinda like having American broadcasters trying to expain cricket.
Keep up the good job over there defending our country.God Bless our Troops
Hookem-Horns
Adios Tomcat
posted on June 22, 2007 4:42 PM — 64.12.116.77 — link — abuse?
hrposen: I don't know if that would necessarily be the case. A lot of major conferences, including the SEC, split their TV revenue. Down South, the SEC rivalries are the ones that pay the bills on TV, so I don't know if tougher OOC scheduling would be quite the financial incentive that one would think.
Don't get me wrong, though, I like the idea of tougher OOC scheduling for BCS teams. In the absense of a playoff, in order to resolve weak scheduling teams from getting an advantage, the 2-BSC OOC scheduling should be mandated.
Look at Boise state last year: The only 'real' BCS team they played prior to the bowl game was Oregon State. The year before, they played OSU and Georgia, losing both, and getting clubbed like a Harp seal by Georgia. I'm sorry, I'm not impressed with a WAC schedule. So what if you skate through Nevada and Fresno State? You want some respect from me and most other college football fans, Broncos? Schedule at least two of the following every year: Texas, Alabama, Boston College, Miami, Va Tech, et al. Then we can talk.
hrposon said:
posted on June 22, 2007 10:35 PM — 64.19.150.164 — link — abuse?
War Eagle @74 - I wish I knew the details of each conference's revenue sharing, but I do know there are some rewards for playing a national TV game. Let's say USC (ABC conference) plays Florida (CBS conference) the second week of September, there must be huge rewards for each school. The problem is that the loser gets killed in the BCS rankings to get into the championship game. Solution, get rid of the BCS.
Tomcat said:
posted on June 23, 2007 12:02 AM — 69.150.78.60 — link — abuse?
#73 hrposon I disagree, the results would be the opposite.If you have 8 team playoffs between conference champs only ,then there would be no incentive to schedule tough teams out of conference.No more Texas vs Ohio St or OU vs UM,Tenn vs Cal or VT vs LSU etc. etc.
Why ? it would not be to your advantage to schedule anything like that.With the current system we see games like that because beating a formatal opponent helps with rankings etc.etc.
Another thing to consider would be teams like Notre Dame would be out of the picture because they cannot be conference champs.
War Eagle While I'll agree that the WAC is no SEC or XII.Teams like Auburn,Texas,LSU etc would probably go undefeated in the WAC, they would still have to schedule tough out of conference games in order to get in a BCS bowl. Whuping the heck outa La Tech for example doesnt mean too much.
Teams like TCU- Mt west play some tough OOC games against some good teams. They have to play real tough competition because they are not in a BCS conference. This year TCU plays Texas a real big game for both schools.Its a win-win situation for both univeristies. They are both top 25 programs coming off of 11 and 10 win seasons.
If TCU beats Texas it will help them later on in the season as far as ranking and which bowl they go to. It gives alot of creditbility to both programs to schedule such a game.
Hookem-Hornshrposon said:
posted on June 23, 2007 9:23 AM — 64.19.150.164 — link — abuse?
I did some checking, apparently the Big 12 is the only major conference that doesn't share TV money equally. No wonder the system is broken, they are a bunch of communists. Lenin and Stalin found out that the farmers don't work as hard when they can't keep some of the potatoes.
hrposon said:
posted on June 23, 2007 11:14 AM — 64.19.150.164 — link — abuse?
Tomcat @76 - My goal is to find out on the field who is the best football team without Kirk Herbstreit telling the voters whom to select. You saw what happened in the 2005 Heisman voting. For that matter, 2006 also.
I don't think it is a coincidence that the best team over recent years, USC, also schedules great nonconference teams. It's great for hat and T-shirt sales, ticket sales, alumni contributions and recruiting, as the kids like to see themselves on TV. On September 1, 110K in Ann Arbor are going to see Appalachian State "get clubbed like a harp seal" (thanks War Eagle), and 90K in Austin are going to see Arkansas State get killed too. Wouldn't everyone in America rather see Texas and Michigan play?
posted on June 23, 2007 12:02 PM — link — abuse?
@hrposon - Yes, this info is on the Big XII thread, over there on the Big XII blog, on that Big XII topic. ;)
Tomcat said:
posted on June 23, 2007 10:06 PM — 69.150.78.60 — link — abuse?
hrposon I'm really laughing now,your all over the place now.As a result of your post #77 the Big XII commissioner has resigned and taken a position with the Big 10 network.
Loyd Carr is having nightmares about a return trip to the Rose Bowl.USC's t-shirt sales have plummited and Kirt Herbstreet has been sending subliminal messages brainwashing America.
No doubt that Arkansas State has the toughest schedule and they belong to a potatoe free conference.
Hookem-HornsTheShrewdone said:
posted on June 24, 2007 5:22 AM — 71.136.12.154 — link — abuse?
War Eagle - it's not like you can just pick who you want to play and they have to oblige. Boise State does try to play harder non-conference teams...most teams won't give them a shot a all, and nobody other than Oregon State has given them a Home/Home deal. For the record, either next year or the year after, we've actually convinced both Oregon teams to play us. We, just like Hawaii, and Fresno State live by the motto that we'll play anyone. What's the worst that happens, we lose? But, that's why other teams won't play us...because they just might lose. So, the WAC will just continue to live by our motto, and beat your BCS teams they have to play us, in Bowl games.
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Nolen1999 said:
posted on June 14, 2007 10:34 AM — 216.9.250.6 — link — abuse?Im glad to see my Noles gaining some respect. My question is, how come the "U" didn't crack the top 25?
Go Noles!