Easiest Coaching Paths to the Playoffs

[castlebravo1]

Interesting ESPN article on which schools have the "easiest" path to the playoff, based on resources, schedule, conference, etc.  Guess who came in at #1?

http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/98306/ranking-the-coaching-paths-to-playoff

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

Meh...I don't put much stock in an editorial. It seems that ESPN goes out of its way to take shots at UT these days.

 

[echeese]

Not sure how ranking us #1 is a shot.

Basically barring 4 undefeateds, they are saying  1 loss TEXAS is a shoe in and I would agree.

I wouldn't strongly disagree with their conclusions

 

[streettopeschel]

It's not a shot at all. And HORRORS...it means UT staying in the Big 12 isn't a death sentence and if we get out chit together on the field everything should work out just fine.

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

Any "Easiest Path to the CFP" list that includes Syracuse has no credibility. Maybe back in the 60's it did.

 

[java]

We have multiple factors in our favor:

1. tradition,

2. fan support,

3. flagship status,

4. large state school,

5. national brand,

6. a coach that commands respect,

7. great TV ratings.

Those items are listed in no particular order. The Texas/USC game was one of the highest rated college games of all time, and Texas/OU routinely is one of the highest rated games of the year. I realize network vs cable plays a part, but the argument still stands.

There are good reasons that Texas should be in the playoffs when the record justifies it.

 

[java]

Off topic, I wonder if the perception of the SEC has changed, at all, after their attempt to 'fix' their bowl games and their abysmal result.

 

[streettopeschel]

Any "Easiest Path to the CFP" list that includes Syracuse has no credibility. Maybe back in the 60's it did.

you're gonna want to re-read the article. the Cuse has one of the toughest paths they say.

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

you're gonna want to re-read the article. the Cuse has one of the toughest paths they say.

You're right - my mistake. Didn't read the article carefully because I thought the premise was bullshit.

 

[streettopeschel]

Why is the premise bullshit?

 

[Dieselprime]

Why is the premise bullshit?

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

Why is the premise bullshit?

Because it's entirely opinion based. She didn't include any "strength of schedule" type historical data to support her assertion. Why is UT's 9-game Big12 schedule easier than Bama's 8?

 

[streettopeschel]

Pretty much all sports writing is nothing more than opinion. I thought the points made were pretty valid.

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

Pretty much all sports writing is nothing more than opinion. I thought the points made were pretty valid.

She keeps banging on the "with no conference title game to trip over" point for Big12 teams while failing to acknowledge that we play 9 league games.

This debate, to me, is what the "SEC Bias" discussion is for you. You either believe it or you don't. That's my last comment on this topic.

 

[streettopeschel]

Okey dokey. And that's my last comment. Unless I change my mind.

 

[streettopeschel]

Ok I changed my mind. We lost a chance in '01 and tried like hell in '09 to blow a NC in the CCG.

Math would indicate there's a greater chance of losing if you play 13 games vs 12.