2024 College Football Thread: Ohio State advances to play unbeaten hypothetical SEC team (2 Viewers)

[SWC]

i sort of feel like ramblin wreck is beating the tar out of the sec apologists around here and i for one am here for it take that to the bank brochachos

 

[kupcho1]

Losing Carson Beck might be the best thing to happen to the Dawgs

For forward discussion, I'd love to hear more on this. Can you elaborate?

I think losing the experienced starting QB that led the team to an 11-2 record with 3,485 yards and 28 TDs against 12 interceptions is terrible news for Georgia.

OK, so maybe not the best thing, but I really like Stockton, and I think the switch to him is going to give ND fits. I think Georgia is going to change up their offense to play to Stockton's strengths, and since there's no film on it, that'll present problems for ND. Georgia has had weeks to prepare for this game, and I think we'll see some innovation on 1/1.

 

[Wildcat]

After seeing how the first round played out, why did Boise get a bye? They may be hurt by the bye, their big advantage would have been a southern team play in the Boise cold. They are rested, but now play a power team in a traditional bowl that travels well. I know they played Oregon very well, but they may have to play better than that to beat Penn St on a neutral field.

I’m not sure if your explanation makes any sense. Why would it have mattered if they played an extra game at home? By not playing and getting a bye it is the same as a win. Plus it saves them the chance of injury and gives them rest.

I don't think they are that good (I know they played Oregon great). I thought they should have been a 10-12 seed tbh. The bye is the same as a win outside of the fact that there has to be some questions in their mind about how good they really are.

I doubt they have any questions in their minds. I’m sure they think they’re good. I’m sure if you asked each of them, 100% would say they’d prefer the bye over playing

 

[belljr]

Losing Carson Beck might be the best thing to happen to the Dawgs

For forward discussion, I'd love to hear more on this. Can you elaborate?

I think losing the experienced starting QB that led the team to an 11-2 record with 3,485 yards and 28 TDs against 12 interceptions is terrible news for Georgia.

OK, so maybe not the best thing, but I really like Stockton, and I think the switch to him is going to give ND fits. I think Georgia is going to change up their offense to play to Stockton's strengths, and since there's no film on it, that'll present problems for ND. Georgia has had weeks to prepare for this game, and I think we'll see some innovation on 1/1.

ND is way deep into their DL it's going to be tough no matter who is QB

 

[FairWarning]

Losing Carson Beck might be the best thing to happen to the Dawgs

For forward discussion, I'd love to hear more on this. Can you elaborate?

I think losing the experienced starting QB that led the team to an 11-2 record with 3,485 yards and 28 TDs against 12 interceptions is terrible news for Georgia.

OK, so maybe not the best thing, but I really like Stockton, and I think the switch to him is going to give ND fits. I think Georgia is going to change up their offense to play to Stockton's strengths, and since there's no film on it, that'll present problems for ND. Georgia has had weeks to prepare for this game, and I think we'll see some innovation on 1/1.

ND is way deep into their DL it's going to be tough no matter who is QB

That is a huge concern for ND. They need the kids on the DL to step up, a very tough task.

 

[Joe Bryant]

That's because you're an SEC guy.

I think most people look at the entire overall schedule. As I think they should. Because I'm an SEC Guy?

What does labeling me as an "SEC Guy" even mean? I live in Knoxville and I pull for UT and see some SEC games. That puts me with a label? This whole thing is fascinating.

 

[Joe Bryant]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

OK?

None of that makes any difference with what I'm saying in that I think one should look at the entire schedule as a whole. In and out of conference. I don't care if a team plays 10 conference games or zero like Notre Dame. I care about their total schedule. Seems like the only logical way to see it.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

OK?

None of that makes any difference with what I'm saying in that I think one should look at the entire schedule as a whole. In and out of conference. I don't care if a team plays 10 conference games or zero like Notre Dame. I care about their total schedule. Seems like the only logical way to see it.

Fair enough. How do you evaluate one team's schedule vs another when there are no common opponents?

 

[Joe Bryant]

i sort of feel like ramblin wreck is beating the tar out of the sec apologists around here and i for one am here for it take that to the bank brochachos

How so?

 

[Joe Bryant]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

OK?

None of that makes any difference with what I'm saying in that I think one should look at the entire schedule as a whole. In and out of conference. I don't care if a team plays 10 conference games or zero like Notre Dame. I care about their total schedule. Seems like the only logical way to see it.

Fair enough. How do you evaluate one team's schedule vs another when there are no common opponents?

The way you do with any team. Or early in the season when teams haven't played a lot yet. By what your eyes tell you as to how good they are.

 

[SWC]

i sort of feel like ramblin wreck is beating the tar out of the sec apologists around here and i for one am here for it take that to the bank brochachos

How so?

i think he has had much better fact based arguments than those who have just drove by and said smu didnt belong in the playoffs indiana didnt belong in the playoffs etc and basically is making a lot of people look like they are reacting emotionally out of some idea that alabama and other sec schools should be automatically gifted a spot in the playoffs despite multiple losses and some really bad losses rather than recognizing that the teams in the playoff all have strong arguments to be there and likely stronger arguments than some of the blue bloods who just assume they should be in based on name recognition alone basically that sums it up take that to the bank joemigo

 

[Joe Bryant]

That's because you're an SEC guy.

I am interested in the labeling here.

I said to you earlier, "If I were the Committee, I probably would have swapped Alabama for SMU. But I understand why they did what they did. That's hardly a hot take."

Does that make me an "SEC Guy"?

 

[Joe Bryant]

i sort of feel like ramblin wreck is beating the tar out of the sec apologists around here and i for one am here for it take that to the bank brochachos

How so?

i think he has had much better fact based arguments than those who have just drove by and said smu didnt belong in the playoffs indiana didnt belong in the playoffs etc and basically is making a lot of people look like they are reacting emotionally out of some idea that alabama and other sec schools should be automatically gifted a spot in the playoffs despite multiple losses and some really bad losses rather than recognizing that the teams in the playoff all have strong arguments to be there and likely stronger arguments than some of the blue bloods who just assume they should be in based on name recognition alone basically that sums it up take that to the bank joemigo

Ok. I haven't been following this thread from the start but I haven't seen much of what you're saying. I thought what Kirk Herbstreit said questioning the strength from teams like Indiana and SMU was reasonable. And I thought Joel Klatt had a strong argument for excluding some of the SEC teams.

I'm fascinated how this has turned into "apologists" or I'm an "SEC Guy" when I've said I if I were the Committee, I'd probably have put Alabama, ranked #4 in ESPN's Power Rankings in over SMU.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

OK?

None of that makes any difference with what I'm saying in that I think one should look at the entire schedule as a whole. In and out of conference. I don't care if a team plays 10 conference games or zero like Notre Dame. I care about their total schedule. Seems like the only logical way to see it.

Fair enough. How do you evaluate one team's schedule vs another when there are no common opponents?

The way you do with any team. Or early in the season when teams haven't played a lot yet. By what your eyes tell you as to how good they are.

How do you evaluate someone's schedule at the end of the season when we have all the data to analyze? Again, there are no common opponents. How do we determine if Ohio St beating a 6-6 Nebraska is better than Georgia beating a 6-6 Arkansas, for example?

I think Indiana would have certainly passed an eye test. They can't control how good Washington, Nebraska, etc... were. They did beat the tar out of everyone they played except Ohio State. For me, Alabama didn't pass the eye test. I already admitted it was the stinker against Oklahoma that did it for me. They couldn't stop Oklahoma who could barely complete a pass and couldn't move the ball on them either. I know Alabama had a 2 point win against South Carolina but that was when SC was 3-3 and struggling. They act like they beat the SC team that was playing much better football in November.

I don't even know anyone can accurately say Alabama's schedule was tougher than Indiana's schedule. The only data points are four SEC vs Big Ten games: Texas vs Michigan, Alabama vs Wisconsin, LSU vs UCLA and LSU vs USC. Many just assume that Ole Miss, Missouri, and Florida are better than Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. Those assumptions then become "facts" for people like Herbstreit to push the SEC teams. I wonder how much ESPN having a contract with the SEC comes into play for Herbstreit?

 

[Joe Bryant]

How do you evaluate someone's schedule at the end of the season when we have all the data to analyze?

By what I've seen watching the games.

How would you evaluate them?

 

[Joe Bryant]

I wonder how much ESPN having a contract with the SEC comes into play for Herbstreit?

Wow. I hadn't heard that one.

It seems interesting to question Herbstreit's honesty. I don't know him, maybe he actually is a dishonest guy. I'd never heard that accusation of him though.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

I don't have any rankings I can say I like. If we had smaller conferences and a full round robin that would help.

Looking at these rankings and removing all the automatic bid stuff, the playoffs (best 12 teams) would be:
1 Texas
8 vs 9 Penn St vs Tennessee

2 Ohio State
7 vs 10 Ole Miss vs Indiana

3 Notre Dame
6 vs 11 Oregon vs Miami

4 Alabama
5 vs 12 Georgia vs Louisville

Can you imagine the screaming if Alabama and Texas have byes over Georgia? Or Louisville getting in the playoffs at 8-4 in the ACC? Or undefeated Oregon being the 6 seed?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

I don't have any rankings I can say I like. If we had smaller conferences and a full round robin that would help.

Looking at these rankings and removing all the automatic bid stuff, the playoffs (best 12 teams) would be:
1 Texas
8 vs 9 Penn St vs Tennessee

2 Ohio State
7 vs 10 Ole Miss vs Indiana

3 Notre Dame
6 vs 11 Oregon vs Miami

4 Alabama
5 vs 12 Georgia vs Louisville

Can you imagine the screaming if Alabama and Texas have byes over Georgia? Or Louisville getting in the playoffs at 8-4 in the ACC? Or undefeated Oregon being the 6 seed?

Thanks. So you make your own rankings?

What's your top 25?

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

How do you evaluate someone's schedule at the end of the season when we have all the data to analyze?

By what I've seen watching the games.

How would you evaluate them?

Then when discussing Alabama vs SMU on selection Sunday, we don't mention ranked wins? It's just one person's opinion that Alabama's 9-3 with their schedule is better than SMU's 11-1 with their schedule or vice versa? I've seen both teams look very good throughout the season and both look mediocre. The difference for me is still losing two games to mediocre teams like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

I don't have any rankings I can say I like. If we had smaller conferences and a full round robin that would help.

Looking at these rankings and removing all the automatic bid stuff, the playoffs (best 12 teams) would be:
1 Texas
8 vs 9 Penn St vs Tennessee

2 Ohio State
7 vs 10 Ole Miss vs Indiana

3 Notre Dame
6 vs 11 Oregon vs Miami

4 Alabama
5 vs 12 Georgia vs Louisville

Can you imagine the screaming if Alabama and Texas have byes over Georgia? Or Louisville getting in the playoffs at 8-4 in the ACC? Or undefeated Oregon being the 6 seed?

Thanks. So you make your own rankings?

What's your top 25?

No, I did not claim to make my own rankings. Thanks

 

[Joe Bryant]

How do you evaluate someone's schedule at the end of the season when we have all the data to analyze?

By what I've seen watching the games.

How would you evaluate them?

Then when discussing Alabama vs SMU on selection Sunday, we don't mention ranked wins? It's just one person's opinion that Alabama's 9-3 with their schedule is better than SMU's 11-1 with their schedule or vice versa? I've seen both teams look very good throughout the season and both look mediocre. The difference for me is still losing two games to mediocre teams like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt.

Of course we mention ranked wins. I'm not sure what you mean there.

And yes, it's an opinion if Alabamas 9-3 with their schedule is better than SMU's 11-1 with their schedule. That's the whole thing we're talking about.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

I don't have any rankings I can say I like. If we had smaller conferences and a full round robin that would help.

Looking at these rankings and removing all the automatic bid stuff, the playoffs (best 12 teams) would be:
1 Texas
8 vs 9 Penn St vs Tennessee

2 Ohio State
7 vs 10 Ole Miss vs Indiana

3 Notre Dame
6 vs 11 Oregon vs Miami

4 Alabama
5 vs 12 Georgia vs Louisville

Can you imagine the screaming if Alabama and Texas have byes over Georgia? Or Louisville getting in the playoffs at 8-4 in the ACC? Or undefeated Oregon being the 6 seed?

Thanks. So you make your own rankings?

What's your top 25?

No, I did not claim to make my own rankings. Thanks

Thanks. If you don't make your own rankings, and you don't like any of the national rankings, how do you sort the teams?

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

How do you evaluate someone's schedule at the end of the season when we have all the data to analyze?

By what I've seen watching the games.

How would you evaluate them?

Then when discussing Alabama vs SMU on selection Sunday, we don't mention ranked wins? It's just one person's opinion that Alabama's 9-3 with their schedule is better than SMU's 11-1 with their schedule or vice versa? I've seen both teams look very good throughout the season and both look mediocre. The difference for me is still losing two games to mediocre teams like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt.

Of course we mention ranked wins. I'm not sure what you mean there.

And yes, it's an opinion if Alabamas 9-3 with their schedule is better than SMU's 11-1 with their schedule. That's the whole thing we're talking about.

My last post on this as I've exhausted this thread and feel like we are going in circles. Appreciate the discussion though.

If we mention ranked wins, how do we fairly rank the teams when there are no common opponents? Eye test? The same people that ranked Missouri #19 giving Alabama another ranked win also ranked SMU ahead of Alabama. Isn't that enough? The committee's eye test said SMU was the better team so no need to mention ranked wins and all the other stuff.

 

[Joe Bryant]

How do you evaluate someone's schedule at the end of the season when we have all the data to analyze?

By what I've seen watching the games.

How would you evaluate them?

Then when discussing Alabama vs SMU on selection Sunday, we don't mention ranked wins? It's just one person's opinion that Alabama's 9-3 with their schedule is better than SMU's 11-1 with their schedule or vice versa? I've seen both teams look very good throughout the season and both look mediocre. The difference for me is still losing two games to mediocre teams like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt.

Of course we mention ranked wins. I'm not sure what you mean there.

And yes, it's an opinion if Alabamas 9-3 with their schedule is better than SMU's 11-1 with their schedule. That's the whole thing we're talking about.

My last post on this as I've exhausted this thread and feel like we are going in circles. Appreciate the discussion though.

If we mention ranked wins, how do we fairly rank the teams when there are no common opponents? Eye test? The same people that ranked Missouri #19 giving Alabama another ranked win also ranked SMU ahead of Alabama. Isn't that enough? The committee's eye test said SMU was the better team so no need to mention ranked wins and all the other stuff.

Thanks. Yes, eye test from actually watching the games.

I would like to understand though. If you don't make your own rankings, and you don't like any of the national rankings, how do you sort the teams?

 

[Capella]

Just jumping in to say I do not want a 3 loss team in that lost two games to 6-6 teams. Including one where they didn’t score a td and then the other was Vanderbilt. Don’t care who they are or who they played that isn’t good enough.

If the 3 losses were to ranked teams by a td or less than we can talk. Bama had no argument at all.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Just jumping in to say I do not want a 3 loss team in that lost two games to 6-6 teams. Including one where they didn’t score a td and then the other was Vanderbilt. Don’t care who they are or who they played that isn’t good enough.

If the 3 losses were to ranked teams by a td or less than we can talk. Bama had no argument at all.

Thanks. And that's a reasonable argument. Oklahoma and Vanderbilt losses are obviously negatives.

I'd say the other side of that is Alabama ranked #4 on ESPN's Power Rankings with wins over:

South Carolina ranked 14
LSU ranked 17
Missouri ranked 21
Auburn ranked 28
plus a dominating win over Georgia ranked 5.

And to be clear, I fully understand keeping them out and putting SMU in. I've said that repeatedly. I'm simply suggesting the other side to the discussion.

 

[Schmeabs]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

ESPN power rankings are garbage. It has undefeated Oregon at number 6. The team they beat in Ohio State at 2, who also lost to Michigan. A three loss Alabama team at 4 is laughable.

ESPN is in the tank for the SEC. They are a joke.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

So who in here is going to the Rose Bowl? Ticket prices have been coming down and my kid and his buddy really want to go. Since I’ll be in the area there is a good chance that the 3 of us go if ticket prices continue to come down.

I will be there with 9 other Duck fans

do you know the duck sections? we would want to sit on that side

I am in section 18L which we bought through the Oregon ticket office. Oregon is on the West? side of the stadium I believe. Sections 14-22 I think.

Yeah thats right. I’m in 17L, and bought tix for others in 15L.

looking at 13-L row 4 now that they are dropping

 

[SFBayDuck]

SECSPN is on the path to what we’ve seen with cable news - completely partisan with more interest in agenda than facts or truth or balance. They’ve already mastered the incessant rambling and yelling talking heads, this past couple of weeks has affirmed the partisanship.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

ESPN power rankings are garbage. It has undefeated Oregon at number 6. The team they beat in Ohio State at 2, who also lost to Michigan. A three loss Alabama team at 4 is laughable.

ESPN is in the tank for the SEC. They are a joke.

Interesting, Thanks. What ranking do you like?

 

[Instinctive]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

Don't bring your facts here

 

[Joe Bryant]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

Don't bring your facts here

I would hope facts are welcome here. My question is how much weight to put on different. I don't find the number of conference games from each conference particularly compelling. For the same reason I don't Notre Dame having no conference games. As I've said, I'm much more interested in overall schedule played.

 

[Schmeabs]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

Don't bring your facts here

I would hope facts are welcome here. My question is how much weight to put on different. I don't find the number of conference games from each conference particularly compelling. For the same reason I don't Notre Dame having no conference games. As I've said, I'm much more interested in overall schedule played.

You don't think Alabama playing Mercer in week 10 is an advantage?

 

[Joe Bryant]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

Don't bring your facts here

I would hope facts are welcome here. My question is how much weight to put on different. I don't find the number of conference games from each conference particularly compelling. For the same reason I don't Notre Dame having no conference games. As I've said, I'm much more interested in overall schedule played.

You don't think Alabama playing Mercer in week 10 is an advantage?

It's a weak opponent in Week 10. Is that what you mean?

Does anyone disagree there?

 

[whoknew]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

ESPN power rankings are garbage. It has undefeated Oregon at number 6. The team they beat in Ohio State at 2, who also lost to Michigan. A three loss Alabama team at 4 is laughable.

ESPN is in the tank for the SEC. They are a joke.

Wait - Ohio State lost to Michigan? That’s right. And they only scored 10 points, right? And that’s four in a row they’ve lost to Michigan? And then they got all bent out of shape when Michigan celebrated on their field? And a state rep tried to make it a felony?

Now I remember. Good times.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

ESPN power rankings are garbage. It has undefeated Oregon at number 6. The team they beat in Ohio State at 2, who also lost to Michigan. A three loss Alabama team at 4 is laughable.

ESPN is in the tank for the SEC. They are a joke.

Interesting, Thanks. What ranking do you like?

A buddy of mine does rankings each year. Not sure of the formula but I've always liked them. Here is the latest ranking:
Week 17

 

[Schmeabs]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

Don't bring your facts here

I would hope facts are welcome here. My question is how much weight to put on different. I don't find the number of conference games from each conference particularly compelling. For the same reason I don't Notre Dame having no conference games. As I've said, I'm much more interested in overall schedule played.

You don't think Alabama playing Mercer in week 10 is an advantage?

It's a weak opponent in Week 10. Is that what you mean?

Does anyone disagree there?

No, that is not what I mean. When teams in the Big 10 are having to play a tough conference game late in the season the SEC is getting another BYE week with teams like Mercer. 8 conference games instead of 9 is a huge advantage.

 

[Joe Bryant]

The SEC also played 20 games against P4 and Pac 12 opponents. The Big Ten played 18, the Big 12 played 14, and the ACC played 27. The SEC avoiding that 9th conference game matters too. The ACC plays 9 conference games and more P4 non-conference than anyone.

Don't bring your facts here

I would hope facts are welcome here. My question is how much weight to put on different. I don't find the number of conference games from each conference particularly compelling. For the same reason I don't Notre Dame having no conference games. As I've said, I'm much more interested in overall schedule played.

You don't think Alabama playing Mercer in week 10 is an advantage?

It's a weak opponent in Week 10. Is that what you mean?

Does anyone disagree there?

No, that is not what I mean. When teams in the Big 10 are having to play a tough conference game late in the season the SEC is getting another BYE week with teams like Mercer. 8 conference games instead of 9 is a huge advantage.

Sure. I don't think anyone would argue Mercer is a weak opponent that week. I think we all get that.

 

[Joe Bryant]

8 conference games instead of 9 is a huge advantage.

By this logic, how does Notre Dame even get in the playoffs?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Another question - what ranking source do people like?

I think ESPN's Power Rankings are good. https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi

But I'm assuming many do not like that ranking.

What do you like?

ESPN power rankings are garbage. It has undefeated Oregon at number 6. The team they beat in Ohio State at 2, who also lost to Michigan. A three loss Alabama team at 4 is laughable.

ESPN is in the tank for the SEC. They are a joke.

Interesting, Thanks. What ranking do you like?

A buddy of mine does rankings each year. Not sure of the formula but I've always liked them. Here is the latest ranking:
Week 17

That's great. Would love if you could ask him more about it and how he comes up with it. I love seeing people put thought into a ranking like that.

 

[Schmeabs]

8 conference games instead of 9 is a huge advantage.

By this logic, how does Notre Dame even get in the playoffs?

Notre Dame played 8 Power 5 schools this year. Not the greatest schedule I will give you that. They are getting punished for not being in a conference as the highest seed they can get is 5. My argument is not about Notre Dame though, it is the advantage that the SEC gets by playing only 8 conference games when others like Big 10 are playing 9.

 

[Joe Bryant]

8 conference games instead of 9 is a huge advantage.

By this logic, how does Notre Dame even get in the playoffs?

Notre Dame played 8 Power 5 schools this year. Not the greatest schedule I will give you that. They are getting punished for not being in a conference as the highest seed they can get is 5. My argument is not about Notre Dame though, it is the advantage that the SEC gets by playing only 8 conference games when others like Big 10 are playing 9.

Thanks. I think we're talking in circles. My argument is I think teams should be judged by how they fared against the other teams on their schedule. As a whole. Regardless of whether they're in or out of conference. Just like Notre Dame does.

Alabama can schedule Mercer. That's a weak opponent. Alabama can schedule Ohio State. That's a strong opponent. I couldn't care less that they're both out of conference. I care how good they are.

 

[Tin Cup]

Any discussion regarding the 8 teams actually left rather than the coulda/woulda/shoulda Monday morning quarterbacking?

Seems to me like we have two games (tOSU-Oregon and Georgia-Notre Dame) that seem more compelling than the other two (Texas-ASU and PSU-Boise State).

 

[Joe Bryant]

Any discussion regarding the 8 teams actually left rather than the coulda/woulda/shoulda Monday morning quarterbacking?

Sure. You're welcome and encouraged to discuss that. Feel free.

I asked about new QB and Georgia. This seems like devastating news to lose your veteran starting QB like that. I guess it'll be good they don't have lots of film on the backup. But terrible news for Georgia.

 

[Tin Cup]

Yeah, Stockton looked rough in SEC championship game. 12-16 for 71 yards and a pick. I’m sure he wasn’t getting many starter reps before that, but if he’s on the Georgia roster you’ve got to figure he has some level of talent, right? I mean he was a top-7 QB and top 110 overall recruit per 247 in his class.

With a few weeks to prepare, maybe a better version shows up vs. ND. Otherwise, could be a long day for Georgia offensively.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Carson Beck already sucked so it's a lateral move most likely.

Geogia is not good this year. If they weren't playing another potentially very overrated team I would house the bet against them as large as I went against Tennessee (almost my largest bet ever).

 

[Joe Bryant]

Carson Beck already sucked so it's a lateral move most likely.

Geogia is not good this year. If they weren't playing another potentially very overrated team I would house the bet against them as large as I went against Tennessee (almost my largest bet ever).

Who would you say is good this year?

Where would you rank Georgia?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Carson Beck already sucked so it's a lateral move most likely.

Geogia is not good this year. If they weren't playing another potentially very overrated team I would house the bet against them as large as I went against Tennessee (almost my largest bet ever).

Who would you say is good this year?

Where would you rank Georgia?

I think Oregon and Ohio State are a class above this year. Maybe Boise, with their schedule it's tough to say so they could really go either way,, but the way they hung with Oregon is impressive. Maybe Penn St for the same reason.

I think this year is the weakest the SEC has been in two decades. I actually think South Carolina was the best team in the SEC the second half of the season by far. Their redshirt freshman QB got off to a slow start at the beginning of the year (not surprising for a freshman QB), but once he got things going they were better than anyone in the SEC.

Texas is a total wildcard. They could be good but I'm not convinced. They only played one decent team (and I stress decent, as I don't think Georgia is nearly as good as their rank/seed indicates) all year, twice, and lost to them both times. Arizona State +395 is a massively positive EV dart throw. ASU will be the 2nd toughest team Texas has played this year.

 

[Schmeabs]

I am a resident Oregon fan so I am going to give some info about the team that may not be common knowledge. Our starting center last year, 1st team All American Jackson Powers-Johnson drafted by the Raiders in 2nd round was going to be difficult to replace. He opted out of the Fiesta Bowl last year and freshman Iapani Laloulu started at center and played great. He was set to be the starting center this year but we had some injuries in fall camp at guard so coaches put Laloulu at guard first two games of the year (Idaho and Boise State) and a junior walk on at center. This went horrible as the offensive line didn't gel and gave up multiple sacks and we didn't run the ball well at all. Coaches made a change the third game and put Laloulu back at center as we got a guard healthy and the line has been playing great ever since then. Boise State played well against us but it wouldn't be a close game if we played them again.

Oregon had an early bye this year and I think they were the only team in the Big 10 that played 7 straight conference games. The 7th game was at Wisconsin (who was coming off a bye) and had multiple guys beat up so that is why game was closer than expected.

Against Penn State, lots of the team had the flu but battled through it. No knock on Penn State as I think they are a good team. Run defense was worst I have seen Oregon all year. I don't think we see that again.

I just don't see a more complete team than Oregon this year. Doesn't mean they can't lose. I think Oregon and Ohio State are the two best teams this year. Shameful that they have to play each other in the quarterfinals. I think Oregon wins again because of a few factors. Their best edge player Jordan Burch missed the 1st game and the strength of the defense is the line. Ohio State lost their starting left tackle and center since the first game and I expect Oregon to stop the run like the first time they played then and get to Howard forcing him to turn the ball over.

Oregon has been really humming on offense and moved the ball very well last time against Ohio State. The balance is key and I expect Gabriel to continue to play his best against the best competition. I don't see Howard as a great QB.

For the most part Oregon has been pretty fortunate with injuries in that nobody significant has been lost for the year. In fact, with the long rest this will be the healthiest they have been all year.

Ryan Day or Chip Kelly have never beaten Oregon and I don't expect they will in the Rose Bowl. My prediction is Oregon wins 34-24.