Without a doubt Boise State would get worn down if they played in a big conference but I think they are better than people are acknowledging. Take San Jose State as a barometer. They have played Alabama, Utah, Nevada, Wisconsin and Boise State. Tough schedule to say the least! Anyway, Boise is the only one to shut them out. Plus, at the end of the first quarter San Jose had 8 total yards of offense. Boise was up 41-0 at the half and had subs plays starting with the first snap of the 3rd quarter. Sure they could lose to any team on any given Saturday but I think they are better than people give them credit for. In a one game for the championship they will be the underdog but they could easily beat anybody in the country.
I have news for you. The only POWER HOUSE in the SEC is Alabama and thats it. The two you referred to are living on borrowed time. >>
Because of Cam Newton, the gap between Auburn and Alabama has closed. Auburn should beat LSU, and they could run the table before they meet in the Iron Bowl. Actually, the winner of the Iron Bowl may play for the national championship. We'll see.
Boise State is a decent football program, but they should not receive serious consideration because of their awful schedule. Same as TCU. Look at what happened to Ohio State when they played a "decent" team. The same would happen to Boise and TCU. Heck, Boise barely got by Virginia Tech, who lost to James Madison. Boise is not for real in my book.
<< <i>I don't see one team head and shoulders above the rest, let alone two. This year would be perfect for a playoff. >>
I agree. Although I will admit that because of their track record I will always favor the SEC's top dog, and I do believe that if any team comes out of the SEC with only 1 loss this year, then they deserve to play for the national championship. I still believe that if Boise or TCU, or Oregon played in the SEC, that injuries would take their toll, and those teams would easily have 2 or 3 losses.
>>
I got news for you. Slim chance any sec team this year would go undefeated if they played a pac-10 schedule.
<< <i>I don't see one team head and shoulders above the rest, let alone two. This year would be perfect for a playoff. >>
I agree. Although I will admit that because of their track record I will always favor the SEC's top dog, and I do believe that if any team comes out of the SEC with only 1 loss this year, then they deserve to play for the national championship. I still believe that if Boise or TCU, or Oregon played in the SEC, that injuries would take their toll, and those teams would easily have 2 or 3 losses.
>>
I got news for you. Slim chance any sec team this year would go undefeated if they played a pac-10 schedule. >>
I don't think any SEC team will be go undefeated this year and wouldn't be completely shocked if Oregon, the final undefeated PAC-10 team loses looking at who they still have to play!
two of the Mountain West teams are in the top 10 and they aren't even an automatic qualifier conference!? >>
True, but one of those teams (Boise) best win was a squeaker against a team that lost to James Madison. That's right, James Madison. And their toughest game remaining is against either Hawaii or Utah State.
The other team (Utah) had to go to overtime at home against Pittsburgh to pull out it's toughest game of the season. Oh, but wait, they have lethal Notre Dame left on their schedule. We all know what a powerhouse ND is this year. And thankfully they have to play TCU, so that one of those silly programs can fall from the unbeatens.
If we can't face the fact that Boise, Utah, and TCU play joke schedules in joke conferences, then reality is something that escapes us.
Oh my, I have changed my mind on this matter. Boise State is awesome. James Madison has very impressive wins that I was not aware of.
James Madison 10 Liberty 3 James Madison 17 Towson 13
But they did lose their homecoming game to New Hampshire 28-14. Perhaps Boise State should schedule New Hampshire next year. Now that would be impressive. They must be better then Wyoming. Don't ya think ?
two of the Mountain West teams are in the top 10 and they aren't even an automatic qualifier conference!? >>
True, but one of those teams (Boise) best win was a squeaker against a team that lost to James Madison. That's right, James Madison. And their toughest game remaining is against either Hawaii or Utah State.
The other team (Utah) had to go to overtime at home against Pittsburgh to pull out it's toughest game of the season. Oh, but wait, they have lethal Notre Dame left on their schedule. We all know what a powerhouse ND is this year. And thankfully they have to play TCU, so that one of those silly programs can fall from the unbeatens.
If we can't face the fact that Boise, Utah, and TCU play joke schedules in joke conferences, then reality is something that escapes us. >>
And Alabama got their butts kicked by a team that just got beaten by an un-ranked team.
Edmund- As usual you speak the truth and we all bow to your words.
I am not trying to say Boise plays a tough schedule. I am mearly suggesting it's tougher than many let on.
In terms of playing weak NON-conference schedule that is not something Boise does. That is something the SEC does. Though Boise's conference schedule is not strong they do have a pretty tough non-conference schedule. They thus play everybody they have to play and try to make the other games a reasoable challenge. No McNese States, LA-Monroes, Chattanoogas, or Appalachian States on their non-conference schedule!
And Alabama got their butts kicked by a team that just got beaten by an un-ranked team. >>
Uh, no. They lost a game on the road against a quality SEC ranked opponent. It was their third consecutive game against ranked opponents. Let's see Oregon, Boise State, TCU, or Utah say that they played three consecutive weeks against ranked opponents. Oh wait, they can't do that.
In terms of playing weak NON-conference schedule that is not something Boise does. That is something the SEC does. ! >>
Please. Boise played Virginia Tech this year. Alabama played Virginia Tech last year. Boise scheduled Oregon the past two years. Tennessee had Oregon this year, and I believe next year as well.
And in case no one has figured it out yet, Boise State (a.k.a Avoid-Nebraska.... State), has a very weak conference schedule. The SEC has a very strong conference schedule. It's Boise State's responsibility to schedule strong non-conference games to help in their rankings, because their conference schedule is lame. The SEC already has a vey strong conference schedule. Notice they have the most Top 20 teams in the nation.
I'm sure all this back and forth is just jealousy of the SEC, and the fact that you guys root for teams that aren't in their conference. My favorite team isn't in the SEC, but the facts are the facts, and it's the best conference in the nation. If we can't face that, then the tooth fairy left something under our pillows last night.
Lets not overlook the recruiting aspects. One of the major reasons that the SEC has established itself at the top, is the sheer number of top shelf recruits the they get each year.
USC elevated its program by being a dominate force in recruiting. For a long time they were hot spot for all of the five stars, not so much now with Lame Kiffen.
The major players on the recruiting trail now seems to be Texas and the SEC
Switching to recruiting the SEC does great. There is no doubt they have top recruiting classes year after year. Of course the SEC schools (except Vandy) have an easier time than the Pac 10 or Big 10 because their admission requirements are much easier. They are, by and large, low level academic schools. Those are facts. Go dig up some numbers but anybody that knows anything about college academics won't try to argue the academics of the SEC versus the Big 10 or Pac 10.
I think SEC is a great sports conference. It would be silly to doubt that. My only point is Boise State (and TCU for that matter) is better than some acknowledge. That's it. Nothing more. I am not making any deeper point than that. I am not saying that Boise or TCU would win the SEC. All I am saying is they are better than some acknowledge. It's silly to have a discussion with a child who makes irrational arguments so I will not belabor the point.
In terms of who the best conference is this year it's too early to tell. It might be the SEC but I think the Pac 10 is having a good year as well. Let's wait until the end and see where they things are when all the games, including bowl games, are done before we proclaim the best conference. At this point we are still finding out who is legit and who is not legit.
Sounds like Larry has a small case of regional prejudice. "We out here are smarter than you down there"
An open mind is is a wonderful thing. But of course, some will only view the South in terms of backward hillbillys/ coon asses/ or rednecks. So be it. We are OK with that.
Wow, if I could just some how trade in my two degrees from 'Bama' for a single degree from Oregon, I'd be RICH!!!!
Sounds like Larry has a small case of regional prejudice. "We out here are smarter than you down there"
An open mind is is a wonderful thing. But of course, some will only view the South in terms of backward hillbillys/ coon asses/ or rednecks. So be it. We are OK with that.
Wow, if I could just some how trade in my two degrees from 'Bama' for a single degree from Oregon, I'd be RICH!!!!
Though I have lived in the Southeast (near Knoxville) so can speak first hand I am not making general statements about hillbillys, rednecks, and what not. I could however tell many first hand stories of the aforementioned but I will refrain. Moving from the middle of Los Angeles to Eastern TN in the middle of 11th grade, in the 1980's, was a SHOCK. However, I will save those stories. I am talking about the facts having to do with admission requirements and academic positions of the schools of the Pac 10 and Big 10 as opposed to the SEC. Other than Vandy, which is a highly acclaimed academic institution (i.e. "the Harvard of the south") the schools of the SEC have lower admission requirements and lower academic positions than the Pac 10 and Big 10. It's just a fact. It contributes to their recruiting advantage. There are exceptions to these generalizations I make. To my knowledge, UCLA, Cal, Arizona and Washington are all considered excellent public insitutions with very high academic reputations. Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State jump to mind from the Big 10. Other than Vandy I do not believe any SEC schools are in the academic class of the above mentioned. There are smart people at every university... and dumb people too... but admission requirements and academic standing can be generalized. Likewise, it can generally be said that the SEC has some very good football teams year after year and, generally, they are better than the Pac 10.
Both my degrees are from second rate insitutions, on par with Alabama, but I have managed to squirrel a living for myself anyway.
Alabama has all the same graduate degree programs as most universities. Here's the head of the 'bama Marine Biology Sciences Dept getting ready for a research expedition.
I collect Vintage Cards, Commemorative Sets, and way too many vintage and modern player collections in Baseball (180 players), Football (175 players), and Basketball (87 players). Also have a Dallas Cowboy team collection.
I think SEC is a great sports conference. It would be silly to doubt that. My only point is Boise State (and TCU for that matter) is better than some acknowledge. That's it. Nothing more. I am not making any deeper point than that. I am not saying that Boise or TCU would win the SEC. All I am saying is they are better than some acknowledge. It's silly to have a discussion with a child who makes irrational arguments so I will not belabor the point.
. >>
You can make that claim all day long, and perhaps you may be right. Perhaps they are top notch football programs. But the fact is that they've yet to prove themselves year after year. Heck, the country thought Ohio State was a top football program, until they got exposed badly by LSU and Florida in championship games. So what did the pollsters do, they ranked Ohio State #1 again this year. And what happened ??? Ohio State got totally exposed at Wisconsin.
Boise State, TCU and Utah would get so exposed in the SEC that it wouldn't be funny. It probably would be painful to watch actually.
And Alabama got their butts kicked by a team that just got beaten by an un-ranked team. >>
Kentucky also took a very good Auburn team deep in the 4th quarter also. Couple that with the fact that South Carolina lost their premier running back in that game who had great success against Alabama.
Alabama went to South Carolina having played three top ranked teams in successive weeks. Two of them on the road. Let's see Oregon, OU, Boise, or TCU make that claim.
Holy Crap is this Rivals or something? Another good thread in the dumpster because a couple of SEC fans do not think the rest of the nation can play football.
The Sagarin ratings on USA Today do not seem to back up the claims of the SEC fan that they are undisputably the best football conference. I am not saying I agree with Sagarin but this is the current Sagarin rating for what it's worth and this guy gets paid for his ratings:
CONFERENCE CENTRAL MEAN SIMPLE AVERAGE TEAMS WIN50%
<< <i>Holy Crap is this Rivals or something? Another good thread in the dumpster because a couple of SEC fans do not think the rest of the nation can play football.
Ken >>
Ken, stop the complaining, and join the fun
This is what's done in college football circles across the country every week. Everyone debates who's the best team. It's part of the subjective nature of the system. Join the fun pal.
<< <i>Holy Crap is this Rivals or something? Another good thread in the dumpster because a couple of SEC fans do not think the rest of the nation can play football.
Ken >>
We're too dumb to do anything else. Everyone knows those California folks are smarterer, like oh my God.
Yes, the ACC schools you mentioned have long had very good academic reputations even though they are in, or close, to the south. They must bring everyone in from up north!
They are all not great traditional football powers other than Miami. I am surprised it's so high in the report. I have never before heard of them as being decent academically. I guess things change. However, it's a private school so bends all the rules to let in dumb athletes... just like U$C.
<< <i>Yes, the ACC schools you mentioned have long had very good academic reputations even though they are in, or close, to the south. They must bring everyone in from up north!
They are all not great traditional football powers other than Miami. I am surprised it's so high in the report. I have never before heard of them as being decent academically. I guess things change. However, it's a private school so bends all the rules to let in dumb athletes... just like U$C. >>
Miami is a GREAT school. Maybe it's because I'm from Florida or the fact that I'm only 19, but I've never known it as anything other than a great school.
BTW, Miami and Notre Dame were the only 1a teams that had a 100% graduation rate last year.
And all schools bend the rules to admit athletes. I wrote a paper on it last year. You'd be SHOCKED if you knew the minimum requirements to meet NCAA approval.
Okay.....Oregon could and would Mud Hole anyother team in the USA this Year and for sure Next Year. We have NO 5 Star players and it Rains a bunch. Harvard we are not.
Kirk Hirbstreet was on Mike and Mike this morning and made my point much better than I do. He said, "don't compare Boise to the big schools based on who they play... obviously their schedule is not as tough... but look at the team they are actually putting on the field.... They have 20 starters back, a top level and experienced quarterback, blah, blah, blah.... They can play with anyone in the country on a neutral field." That's all I am trying to say. I am not trying to say they would go 10-2 in the SEC... or even the Pac 10... but they are a very good team this year. Additionally, they have been getting a little better each year for the last 10 or so years since Dan Hawkins started building the program. They have achieved a pretty amazing level of consistency regardless of who their opponents are. Few teams have won with such consistency at any level of college football. Will they beat Alabama for the national championship? I don't know. They could lose by 40 but I think on any given day, this year, Boise (or TCU) can make a game of it and I, for one, hope they get that chance because that would make a much more compelling game than Alabama v. Ohio State for example.
This whole Boise State/TCU thing reminds me a little bit of what happened right before the 2008 Sugar Bowl. Hawaii went undefeated(11-0), Colt Brennan had thrown for almost 15,000 yards and over 125 touchowns in 3 years there and they were so sure that they were ready to play and beat a 10-2 Georgia team that lost to South Carolina and Tennesee in during SEC play. Final score: Ga 41 Hawaii 10.
This whole Boise State/TCU thing reminds me a little bit of what happened right before the 2008 Sugar Bowl. Hawaii went undefeated(11-0), Colt Brennan had thrown for almost 15,000 yards and over 125 touchowns in 3 years there and they were so sure that they were ready to play and beat a 10-2 Georgia team that lost to South Carolina and Tennesee in during SEC play. Final score: Ga 41 Hawaii 10.
I think that's a very fair comparison. I certainly can't argue with you. On any given day anything can happen. If Alabama played Boise I would expect 'bama to be favored by 5 or 6 points. I would expect 'bama to win 6 or 7 out of 10 if they played that many. However, on any given day.... I believe this year's Boise State (and maybe TCU also) team is much closer to the pack than previous years WAC schools. Even that Boise team that beat Oklahoma, a few years ago, was sort of a fluke type win. Oklahoma wasn't great and Boise used every less ounce they had to eek out the win.
I am trying to buy tickets for Boise at Nevada in November. Should be a good one.
That time of week again... games are getting closer! UCLA at Oregon and, as a Bruin fan, I am hoping they keep it within 40! The line is 24 and you probably have to take the Ducks!
ND favored by 7 against Navy. Interesting one. I would almost take Navy on that one.
Michigan State only favored by 5 at Northwestern? I will take Michigan State.
Looking forward to Wis v. Iowa also. Iowa by 5. I might take Wisconsin but hope for Iowa to get the W.
If the UCLA team that beat Texas would show up, I would take them and the 24...but if the one that got hammered by Cal is on the field, that amount wont help!
<< <i>This whole Boise State/TCU thing reminds me a little bit of what happened right before the 2008 Sugar Bowl. Hawaii went undefeated(11-0), Colt Brennan had thrown for almost 15,000 yards and over 125 touchowns in 3 years there and they were so sure that they were ready to play and beat a 10-2 Georgia team that lost to South Carolina and Tennesee in during SEC play. Final score: Ga 41 Hawaii 10. >>
Yeah, and everybody thought Boise State would get rolled by Oklahoma a few years ago, too. Didn't happen. Boise dominated a large portion of the game before needing a bit of trickeration to grab the win.
Boise is an outstanding team and they've put together a fantastic program. They are physical, tough, and athletic. They have legit WRs and a terrific QB. They are maybe the best-coached team in the country (it's certainly arguable, anyway). To continue to dismiss their success is simply not fair. The big boys all point to Boise State and say "Well, you never play any of the big boys, so you suck". Never mind that they DO play the big boys - Oregon & VA Tech come to mind - but it's the big boys themselves that refuse to play Boise.
And to the guy who mentioned that Boise State's best win was against a team that lost to James Madison - that's a fair point. But everybody remembers that Michigan lost to Appalachian State, right? Does anybody remember what Michigan's LAST game that year was? How about an excellent 41-35 win over a certain SEC school featuring a future Heisman QB and a supposedly awesome defense that got shredded by Michigan for 524 yards of offense and allowed 41 pts despite getting 4 turnovers? What does THAT say?
And to the guy who mentioned that Boise State's best win was against a team that lost to James Madison - that's a fair point. But everybody remembers that Michigan lost to Appalachian State, right? Does anybody remember what Michigan's LAST game that year was? How about an excellent 41-35 win over a certain SEC school featuring a future Heisman QB and a supposedly awesome defense that got shredded by Michigan for 524 yards of offense and allowed 41 pts despite getting 4 turnovers? What does THAT say?
Good stuff. I doubt that made it to the papers in the southeast. At least I think they have papers down there!?
Boise is an outstanding team and they've put together a fantastic program. Tabe >>
No they haven't. They are 2-3 in their last five bowl games. Their only "quality" wins in the past five years are against Oklahoma (by 1 point) and Oregon. How can a team that has only two quality wins in their past five years be a quality program, when they face cupcake after cupcake, week after week ? Oh, if you want to count the win over TCU in the bowl game. OK. But they lost to TCU in a bowl game the year before, and East Carolina beat them in a bowl game a few years back, along with Georgia blasting them four years ago.
Kirk H. is wrong. This years Boise State team squeaked past an opponent who lost to James Madison. Then they play against cupcakes the rest of the year. This team has no quality win this year.
Please answer this question for me. What would you guys be saying if LSU played Jackson St., Washington State, Colorado State, Rutgers, Navy, Air Force, and Tennessee State, week after week, year after year, while Boise State played USC, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, and Stanford year after year.
Would you guys be telling me that LSU should be ranked over Boise State ? I think not.
<< <i> He said, "don't compare Boise to the big schools based on who they play... obviously their schedule is not as tough... but look at the team they are actually putting on the field..... >>
Yeah, look at the team USC had in the Pac-10 with Reggie Bush & Matt Leinart, until they played a quality opponent at home against Vince Young and Texas. Everyone thought that USC team was the best of all time. Even better then 1996 Nebraska. 1996 Nebraska killed a good Florida team (who won the national championship the following year against FSU), by a score of 62-26. USC got schooled in their own backyard. Nice try Kirk.
As usual you are right Edmund. Whatever you said you are right. 100%! You make these boards a pleasure as you enlighten all of us. Thank you! You make much more sense than Kirk Hirbstreet. ESPN should really hire you to replace him. We will send letters of recommendation when you apply! "Dear ESPN: Edmund is the smartest sports guy in the whole wide world. I suggest you fire all those other morons and just have Edmund on. He was very open minded and expresses himself clearly. Everybody will love him."
Boise is an outstanding team and they've put together a fantastic program. Tabe >>
No they haven't. They are 2-3 in their last five bowl games. Their only "quality" wins in the past five years are against Oklahoma (by 1 point) and Oregon. How can a team that has only two quality wins in their past five years be a quality program, when they face cupcake after cupcake, week after week ? . >>
How can you say they haven't built a fantastic program? They are in BOISE, IDAHO. How many football prospects come out of IDAHO? They have been a division 1 member for 14 years. They take 2 and 3 star recruits from all around the country and continually upset and compete with historic programs. They may not be the best team in the nation but year after year Boise St finds a way to work themselves into the BCS rankings and sometimes into National Title debate. Argue all you want about how they get there, but they get the job done.
Here's a nice tidbit of info:
Boise State's football budget is right around $6.6 million a year. Alabama's yearly football budget is $6.5 million.....for their coaching staff....
I don't think anyone on here is saying they are the best team in the nation, but we are saying that they deserve to at least be considered. And maybe I'm missing something but I haven't seen a single person say Boise has a BETTER football PROGRAM than Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, etc. They simply haven't been around long enough or achieved enough for that to even be considered. However, what they've been able to accomplish given their resources is pretty damn fantastic to me. No bias on my part either. Not our faults we aren't haters
Stop acting like we're insulting your Mom. It's COLLEGE FOOTBALL. I swear you guys have the same arguments on here as I did with my friends when I was in high school.
Comments
Not surprise with the Wisconsin-OSU score
I was surprised with the AUBURN- Arkansas score- I saw part of the game-
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Auburn, LSU, Arkansas, & Alabama would run the board easily if they had Boise State's schedule.
Miss State and Ole Miss are no slouches. Ole Miss did get embarassed early by Jax St, however they have recouped a little.
I have news for you. The only POWER HOUSE in the SEC is Alabama and thats it. The two you referred to are living on borrowed time.
Ken
<< <i>
I have news for you. The only POWER HOUSE in the SEC is Alabama and thats it. The two you referred to are living on borrowed time.
>>
Because of Cam Newton, the gap between Auburn and Alabama has closed. Auburn should beat LSU, and they could run the table before they meet in the Iron Bowl. Actually, the winner of the Iron Bowl may play for the national championship. We'll see.
Boise State is a decent football program, but they should not receive serious consideration because of their awful schedule.
Same as TCU. Look at what happened to Ohio State when they played a "decent" team. The same would happen to
Boise and TCU. Heck, Boise barely got by Virginia Tech, who lost to James Madison. Boise is not for real in my book.
1 Oregon (39) 6-0 1471 2
2 Boise State (15) 6-0 1433 3
3 Oklahoma (3) 6-0 1355 6
4 TCU (3) 7-0 1340 4
5 Auburn 7-0 1279 7
6 LSU 7-0 1132 9
7 Alabama 6-1 1121 8
8 Michigan State 7-0 1062 13
9 Utah 6-0 1019 11
10 Wisconsin
<< <i>AP new Top 10 for the week:
1 Oregon (39) 6-0 1471 2
2 Boise State (15) 6-0 1433 3
3 Oklahoma (3) 6-0 1355 6
4 TCU (3) 7-0 1340 4
5 Auburn 7-0 1279 7
6 LSU 7-0 1132 9
7 Alabama 6-1 1121 8
8 Michigan State 7-0 1062 13
9 Utah 6-0 1019 11
10 Wisconsin >>
First time in the history of Oregon football that they have been ranked number 1. Now to see if they can hold it. They control their destiny.
Ken
RK TEAM AVG PVS RK PTS % RK PTS % AVG A&H RB CM KM JS PW %
1 Oklahoma .9215 NR 4 2486 .8723 3 1334 .9044 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 .060
2 Oregon .8921 NR 1 2774 .9733 1 1452 .9844 8 9 7 9 8 2 11 .330
3 Boise State .8898 NR 2 2685 .9421 2 1385 .9390 7 6 2 7 7 6 7 .260
4 Auburn .8641 NR 5 2410 .8456 5 1238 .8393 3 2 8 3 5 4 2 .140
5 TCU .8573 NR 3 2516 .8828 4 1300 .8814 5 7 5 6 6 7 5 .240
6 LSU .8245 NR 6 2164 .7593 6 1132 .7675 2 1 1 2 4 8 3 .100
7 Michigan State .7628 NR 8 1964 .6891 8 1037 .7031 4 4 12 4 3 3 4 .150
8 Alabama .6654 NR 7 2092 .7340 7 1085 .7356 12 10 4 11 16 20 15 .520
9 Utah .6540 NR 9 1925 .6754 9 1004 .6807 11 11 6 12 11 12 10 .440
10 Ohio State .5726 NR 10 1761 .6179 10 936 .6346 14 16 14 13 21 14 14 .580
11 Missouri .5491 NR 16 1196 .4196 16 640 .4339 6 5 0 5 2 9 6 .180
12 Stanford .5374 NR 13 1455 .5105 14 689 .4671 10 12 17 10 10 5 9 .410
13 Wisconsin .5335 NR 11 1646 .5775 11 867 .5878 16 18 13 17 19 10 13 .610
14 Oklahoma State .5261 NR 15 1247 .4375 15 659 .4468 9 8 10 8 9 19 8 .350
15 Iowa .4824 NR 12 1511 .5302 12 785 .5322 17 19 9 18 17 15 16 .660
16 Nebraska .4295 NR 14 1322 .4639 13 768 .5207 20 23 16 23 14 16 19 .740
17 Florida State .4267 NR 17 1124 .3944 17 608 .4122 13 15 15 15 18 11 12 .570
18 Arizona .3807 NR 18 1037 .3639 18 494 .3349 15 13 18 16 12 13 18 .600
19 Texas .2214 NR 22 397 .1393 22 256 .1736 18 17 11 25 15 17 20 .690
20 West Virginia .1812 NR 19 663 .2326 19 323 .2190 23 25 22 21 0 0 22 .650
21 South Carolina .1555 NR 21 576 .2021 20 284 .1925 24 22 23 0 24 0 24 .690
22 Kansas State .1422 NR 25 143 .0502 NR 53 .0359 19 14 0 14 13 21 21 .620
23 Arkansas .1302 NR 20 579 .2032 21 274 .1858 28 0 24 0 0 0 0 .000
24 Mississippi State .1253 NR NR 129 .0453 24 133 .0902 21 20 19 19 22 22 17 .800
25 Virginia Tech .0658 NR
<< <i>
<< <i>I don't see one team head and shoulders above the rest, let alone two. This year would be perfect for a playoff. >>
I agree. Although I will admit that because of their track record I will always favor the SEC's top dog, and I do believe
that if any team comes out of the SEC with only 1 loss this year, then they deserve to play for the national championship.
I still believe that if Boise or TCU, or Oregon played in the SEC, that injuries would take their toll, and those teams would
easily have 2 or 3 losses.
>>
I got news for you. Slim chance any sec team this year would go undefeated if they played a pac-10 schedule.
SEC Fan "knows" this isn't true. Of course they rarely, if ever, watch the Pac 10 play but they "know." Or maybe they "no."
3 are ranked in the top 8.
Those same 3 also landed top 10 recruiting classes last year and are on track to do the same this year.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I don't see one team head and shoulders above the rest, let alone two. This year would be perfect for a playoff. >>
I agree. Although I will admit that because of their track record I will always favor the SEC's top dog, and I do believe
that if any team comes out of the SEC with only 1 loss this year, then they deserve to play for the national championship.
I still believe that if Boise or TCU, or Oregon played in the SEC, that injuries would take their toll, and those teams would
easily have 2 or 3 losses.
>>
I got news for you. Slim chance any sec team this year would go undefeated if they played a pac-10 schedule. >>
I don't think any SEC team will be go undefeated this year and wouldn't be completely shocked if Oregon, the final undefeated PAC-10 team loses looking at who they still have to play!
3 are ranked in the top 8.
Those same 3 also landed top 10 recruiting classes last year and are on track to do the same this year.
True, but two of the Mountain West teams are in the top 10 and they aren't even an automatic qualifier conference!?
<< <i>
two of the Mountain West teams are in the top 10 and they aren't even an automatic qualifier conference!? >>
True, but one of those teams (Boise) best win was a squeaker against a team that lost to James Madison. That's right,
James Madison. And their toughest game remaining is against either Hawaii or Utah State.
The other team (Utah) had to go to overtime at home against Pittsburgh to pull out it's toughest game of the season.
Oh, but wait, they have lethal Notre Dame left on their schedule. We all know what a powerhouse ND is this year.
And thankfully they have to play TCU, so that one of those silly programs can fall from the unbeatens.
If we can't face the fact that Boise, Utah, and TCU play joke schedules in joke conferences, then reality is something
that escapes us.
wins that I was not aware of.
James Madison 10 Liberty 3
James Madison 17 Towson 13
But they did lose their homecoming game to New Hampshire 28-14. Perhaps Boise State should schedule New
Hampshire next year. Now that would be impressive. They must be better then Wyoming. Don't ya think ?
<< <i>
<< <i>
two of the Mountain West teams are in the top 10 and they aren't even an automatic qualifier conference!? >>
True, but one of those teams (Boise) best win was a squeaker against a team that lost to James Madison. That's right,
James Madison. And their toughest game remaining is against either Hawaii or Utah State.
The other team (Utah) had to go to overtime at home against Pittsburgh to pull out it's toughest game of the season.
Oh, but wait, they have lethal Notre Dame left on their schedule. We all know what a powerhouse ND is this year.
And thankfully they have to play TCU, so that one of those silly programs can fall from the unbeatens.
If we can't face the fact that Boise, Utah, and TCU play joke schedules in joke conferences, then reality is something
that escapes us. >>
And Alabama got their butts kicked by a team that just got beaten by an un-ranked team.
As usual you speak the truth and we all bow to your words.
I am not trying to say Boise plays a tough schedule. I am mearly suggesting it's tougher than many let on.
In terms of playing weak NON-conference schedule that is not something Boise does. That is something the SEC does. Though Boise's conference schedule is not strong they do have a pretty tough non-conference schedule. They thus play everybody they have to play and try to make the other games a reasoable challenge. No McNese States, LA-Monroes, Chattanoogas, or Appalachian States on their non-conference schedule!
Now, Now.....some of the SEC teams have a set. But on the whole they lack them and are scared of plane trips.
LSU and Tennessee get props from me for what they have done in the past.
Ken
<< <i>
And Alabama got their butts kicked by a team that just got beaten by an un-ranked team. >>
Uh, no. They lost a game on the road against a quality SEC ranked opponent. It was their third consecutive
game against ranked opponents. Let's see Oregon, Boise State, TCU, or Utah say that they played three
consecutive weeks against ranked opponents. Oh wait, they can't do that.
<< <i>
In terms of playing weak NON-conference schedule that is not something Boise does. That is something the SEC does. ! >>
Please. Boise played Virginia Tech this year. Alabama played Virginia Tech last year.
Boise scheduled Oregon the past two years. Tennessee had Oregon this year, and I believe next year as well.
And in case no one has figured it out yet, Boise State (a.k.a Avoid-Nebraska.... State), has a very weak conference schedule.
The SEC has a very strong conference schedule. It's Boise State's responsibility to schedule strong non-conference games
to help in their rankings, because their conference schedule is lame. The SEC already has a vey strong conference schedule.
Notice they have the most Top 20 teams in the nation.
I'm sure all this back and forth is just jealousy of the SEC, and the fact that you guys root for teams that aren't in
their conference. My favorite team isn't in the SEC, but the facts are the facts, and it's the best conference in the nation.
If we can't face that, then the tooth fairy left something under our pillows last night.
USC elevated its program by being a dominate force in recruiting. For a long time they were hot spot for all of the five stars, not so much now with Lame Kiffen.
The major players on the recruiting trail now seems to be Texas and the SEC
I think SEC is a great sports conference. It would be silly to doubt that. My only point is Boise State (and TCU for that matter) is better than some acknowledge. That's it. Nothing more. I am not making any deeper point than that. I am not saying that Boise or TCU would win the SEC. All I am saying is they are better than some acknowledge. It's silly to have a discussion with a child who makes irrational arguments so I will not belabor the point.
In terms of who the best conference is this year it's too early to tell. It might be the SEC but I think the Pac 10 is having a good year as well. Let's wait until the end and see where they things are when all the games, including bowl games, are done before we proclaim the best conference. At this point we are still finding out who is legit and who is not legit.
An open mind is is a wonderful thing. But of course, some will only view the South in terms of backward hillbillys/ coon asses/ or rednecks. So be it. We are OK with that.
Wow, if I could just some how trade in my two degrees from 'Bama' for a single degree from Oregon, I'd be RICH!!!!
An open mind is is a wonderful thing. But of course, some will only view the South in terms of backward hillbillys/ coon asses/ or rednecks. So be it. We are OK with that.
Wow, if I could just some how trade in my two degrees from 'Bama' for a single degree from Oregon, I'd be RICH!!!!
Though I have lived in the Southeast (near Knoxville) so can speak first hand I am not making general statements about hillbillys, rednecks, and what not. I could however tell many first hand stories of the aforementioned but I will refrain. Moving from the middle of Los Angeles to Eastern TN in the middle of 11th grade, in the 1980's, was a SHOCK. However, I will save those stories. I am talking about the facts having to do with admission requirements and academic positions of the schools of the Pac 10 and Big 10 as opposed to the SEC. Other than Vandy, which is a highly acclaimed academic institution (i.e. "the Harvard of the south") the schools of the SEC have lower admission requirements and lower academic positions than the Pac 10 and Big 10. It's just a fact. It contributes to their recruiting advantage. There are exceptions to these generalizations I make. To my knowledge, UCLA, Cal, Arizona and Washington are all considered excellent public insitutions with very high academic reputations. Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State jump to mind from the Big 10. Other than Vandy I do not believe any SEC schools are in the academic class of the above mentioned. There are smart people at every university... and dumb people too... but admission requirements and academic standing can be generalized. Likewise, it can generally be said that the SEC has some very good football teams year after year and, generally, they are better than the Pac 10.
Both my degrees are from second rate insitutions, on par with Alabama, but I have managed to squirrel a living for myself anyway.
<< <i>
I think SEC is a great sports conference. It would be silly to doubt that. My only point is Boise State (and TCU for that matter) is better than some acknowledge. That's it. Nothing more. I am not making any deeper point than that. I am not saying that Boise or TCU would win the SEC. All I am saying is they are better than some acknowledge. It's silly to have a discussion with a child who makes irrational arguments so I will not belabor the point.
. >>
You can make that claim all day long, and perhaps you may be right. Perhaps they are top notch football programs.
But the fact is that they've yet to prove themselves year after year. Heck, the country thought Ohio State was a top football program, until they got exposed badly by LSU and Florida in championship games. So what did the pollsters do, they ranked
Ohio State #1 again this year. And what happened ??? Ohio State got totally exposed at Wisconsin.
Boise State, TCU and Utah would get so exposed in the SEC that it wouldn't be funny. It probably would
be painful to watch actually.
<< <i>
And Alabama got their butts kicked by a team that just got beaten by an un-ranked team. >>
Kentucky also took a very good Auburn team deep in the 4th quarter also.
Couple that with the fact that South Carolina lost their premier running back in that game who had great success against Alabama.
Alabama went to South Carolina having played three top ranked teams in successive weeks. Two of them on the road.
Let's see Oregon, OU, Boise, or TCU make that claim.
Ken
CONFERENCE CENTRAL MEAN SIMPLE AVERAGE TEAMS WIN50%
1 PAC-10 (A) = 82.52 82.08 ( 1) 10 82.24 ( 1)
2 BIG 12 (A) = 78.91 78.52 ( 2) 12 78.80 ( 2)
3 SOUTHEASTERN (A) = 78.00 77.48 ( 3) 12 77.59 ( 3)
4 BIG TEN (A) = 75.83 75.20 ( 4) 11 75.42 ( 4)
5 ATLANTIC COAST (A) = 72.32 72.07 ( 5) 12 72.15 ( 5)
6 I-A INDEPENDENTS (A) = 71.93 71.79 ( 6) 3 71.80 ( 6)
7 MOUNTAIN WEST (A) = 70.93 70.54 ( 7) 9 70.89 ( 7)
8 WESTERN ATHLETIC (A) = 69.82 69.99 ( 8) 9 69.93 ( 8)
9 BIG EAST (A) = 69.51 69.74 ( 9) 8 69.73 ( 9)
10 CONFERENCE USA (A) = 63.23 63.45 ( 10) 12 63.45 ( 10)
11 BIG SKY (AA)= 61.23 60.34 ( 11) 9 60.62 ( 11)
12 COLONIAL (AA)= 60.63 59.90 ( 13) 10 60.14 ( 13)
13 MID-AMERICAN (A) = 60.42 60.06 ( 12) 13 60.19 ( 12)
14 MISSOURI VALLEY (AA)= 58.26 58.66 ( 14) 9 58.59 ( 14)
15 SOUTHERN (AA)= 57.99 57.42 ( 15) 9 57.58 ( 15)
16 GREAT WEST (AA)= 55.80 55.64 ( 16) 5 55.66 ( 16)
17 SUN BELT (A) = 53.61 54.17 ( 18) 9 54.11 ( 18)
18 SOUTHLAND (AA)= 53.51 54.47 ( 17) 8 54.21 ( 17)
19 NORTHEAST (AA)= 47.43 46.95 ( 21) 9 47.05 ( 21)
20 I-AA INDEPENDENTS (AA)= 47.41 47.09 ( 20) 6 47.24 ( 20)
21 OHIO VALLEY (AA)= 47.38 48.16 ( 19) 9 47.83 ( 19)
22 IVY LEAGUE (AA)= 43.90 43.47 ( 22) 8 43.55 ( 22)
23 SOUTHWESTERN (AA)= 43.42 42.70 ( 23) 10 42.89 ( 23)
24 PATRIOT LEAGUE (AA)= 41.69 42.06 ( 24) 7 41.96 ( 24)
25 BIG SOUTH (AA)= 41.55 41.92 ( 25) 7 41.69 ( 25)
26 PIONEER (AA)= 38.85 39.92 ( 26) 10 39.52 ( 26)
27 MID-EASTERN (AA)= 37.44 37.69 ( 27) 9 37.53 ( 27)
28 ***UNRATED*** (**)= -90.00
Also, many five stars are from Florida and Texas. Many want to stay close to home.
<< <i>Holy Crap is this Rivals or something? Another good thread in the dumpster because a couple of SEC fans do not think the rest of the nation can play football.
Ken >>
Ken, stop the complaining, and join the fun
This is what's done in college football circles across the country every week. Everyone debates who's the
best team. It's part of the subjective nature of the system. Join the fun pal.
<< <i>Holy Crap is this Rivals or something? Another good thread in the dumpster because a couple of SEC fans do not think the rest of the nation can play football.
Ken >>
We're too dumb to do anything else. Everyone knows those California folks are smarterer, like oh my God.
<< <i>Sounds like Larry has a small case of regional prejudice. "We out here are smarter than you down there"
>>
Not even a regional thing. Compare it to the ACC which has the majority of it's schools in the South too.:
(2010 rankings by the US News)
The SEC has: #17 Vandy, #53 UF, #56 Georgia, 79 Alabama, #85 Auburn, #104 Tennessee, #111 South Carolina, #124 LSU, #129 UK, #132 Arkansas, #143 Ole Miss, #151 Miss St
ACC: #9 Duke, 25th Wake Forest and UVA, #30 UNC, #31 BC, #35 Georgia tech, #47 Miami,#56 Maryland, #64 Clemson, #69 VTech, #104 FSU, #111 NC State.
Edited to add: Big 10
Big 10: #12 Northwestern, #29 Michigan, #45 Wisconsin, #47 Penn St, #47 Illinois, #56 Ohio St, #56 Purdue, #64 Minnesota, #72 Iowa, #75 Indiana, #79 Michigan St
They are all not great traditional football powers other than Miami. I am surprised it's so high in the report. I have never before heard of them as being decent academically. I guess things change. However, it's a private school so bends all the rules to let in dumb athletes... just like U$C.
<< <i>Yes, the ACC schools you mentioned have long had very good academic reputations even though they are in, or close, to the south. They must bring everyone in from up north!
They are all not great traditional football powers other than Miami. I am surprised it's so high in the report. I have never before heard of them as being decent academically. I guess things change. However, it's a private school so bends all the rules to let in dumb athletes... just like U$C.
Miami is a GREAT school. Maybe it's because I'm from Florida or the fact that I'm only 19, but I've never known it as anything other than a great school.
BTW, Miami and Notre Dame were the only 1a teams that had a 100% graduation rate last year.
And all schools bend the rules to admit athletes. I wrote a paper on it last year. You'd be SHOCKED if you knew the minimum requirements to meet NCAA approval.
My Bad.......
Okay.....Oregon could and would Mud Hole anyother team in the USA this Year and for sure Next Year. We have NO 5 Star players and it Rains a bunch. Harvard we are not.
Hows that?
Ken
<< <i>
Okay.....Oregon could and would Mud Hole anyother team in the USA this Year and for sure Next Year.
Hows that?
>>
Much better
I think that's a very fair comparison. I certainly can't argue with you. On any given day anything can happen. If Alabama played Boise I would expect 'bama to be favored by 5 or 6 points. I would expect 'bama to win 6 or 7 out of 10 if they played that many. However, on any given day.... I believe this year's Boise State (and maybe TCU also) team is much closer to the pack than previous years WAC schools. Even that Boise team that beat Oklahoma, a few years ago, was sort of a fluke type win. Oklahoma wasn't great and Boise used every less ounce they had to eek out the win.
I am trying to buy tickets for Boise at Nevada in November. Should be a good one.
ND favored by 7 against Navy. Interesting one. I would almost take Navy on that one.
Michigan State only favored by 5 at Northwestern? I will take Michigan State.
Looking forward to Wis v. Iowa also. Iowa by 5. I might take Wisconsin but hope for Iowa to get the W.
Nebraska by 5 at OK. I will take Nebraska.
Auburn by 6 against LSU. I will take the Tigers.
<< <i>This whole Boise State/TCU thing reminds me a little bit of what happened right before the 2008 Sugar Bowl. Hawaii went undefeated(11-0), Colt Brennan had thrown for almost 15,000 yards and over 125 touchowns in 3 years there and they were so sure that they were ready to play and beat a 10-2 Georgia team that lost to South Carolina and Tennesee in during SEC play. Final score: Ga 41 Hawaii 10. >>
Yeah, and everybody thought Boise State would get rolled by Oklahoma a few years ago, too. Didn't happen. Boise dominated a large portion of the game before needing a bit of trickeration to grab the win.
Boise is an outstanding team and they've put together a fantastic program. They are physical, tough, and athletic. They have legit WRs and a terrific QB. They are maybe the best-coached team in the country (it's certainly arguable, anyway). To continue to dismiss their success is simply not fair. The big boys all point to Boise State and say "Well, you never play any of the big boys, so you suck". Never mind that they DO play the big boys - Oregon & VA Tech come to mind - but it's the big boys themselves that refuse to play Boise.
And to the guy who mentioned that Boise State's best win was against a team that lost to James Madison - that's a fair point. But everybody remembers that Michigan lost to Appalachian State, right? Does anybody remember what Michigan's LAST game that year was? How about an excellent 41-35 win over a certain SEC school featuring a future Heisman QB and a supposedly awesome defense that got shredded by Michigan for 524 yards of offense and allowed 41 pts despite getting 4 turnovers? What does THAT say?
Tabe
Good stuff. I doubt that made it to the papers in the southeast. At least I think they have papers down there!?
<< <i>
Boise is an outstanding team and they've put together a fantastic program.
Tabe >>
No they haven't. They are 2-3 in their last five bowl games. Their only "quality" wins in the past five years
are against Oklahoma (by 1 point) and Oregon. How can a team that has only two quality wins in their past
five years be a quality program, when they face cupcake after cupcake, week after week ? Oh, if you want to
count the win over TCU in the bowl game. OK. But they lost to TCU in a bowl game the year before, and East Carolina
beat them in a bowl game a few years back, along with Georgia blasting them four years ago.
Kirk H. is wrong. This years Boise State team squeaked past an opponent who lost to James Madison. Then they play
against cupcakes the rest of the year. This team has no quality win this year.
Please answer this question for me. What would you guys be saying if LSU played Jackson St., Washington State,
Colorado State, Rutgers, Navy, Air Force, and Tennessee State, week after week, year after year,
while Boise State played USC, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, and Stanford year after year.
Would you guys be telling me that LSU should be ranked over Boise State ? I think not.
<< <i> He said, "don't compare Boise to the big schools based on who they play... obviously their schedule is not as tough... but look at the team they are actually putting on the field..... >>
Yeah, look at the team USC had in the Pac-10 with Reggie Bush & Matt Leinart, until they played a quality opponent
at home against Vince Young and Texas. Everyone thought that USC team was the best of all time. Even better then 1996 Nebraska. 1996 Nebraska killed a good Florida team (who won the national championship the following year against FSU), by a score of 62-26. USC got schooled in their own backyard. Nice try Kirk.
<< <i>
<< <i>
Boise is an outstanding team and they've put together a fantastic program.
Tabe >>
No they haven't. They are 2-3 in their last five bowl games. Their only "quality" wins in the past five years
are against Oklahoma (by 1 point) and Oregon. How can a team that has only two quality wins in their past
five years be a quality program, when they face cupcake after cupcake, week after week ? . >>
How can you say they haven't built a fantastic program? They are in BOISE, IDAHO. How many football prospects come out of IDAHO? They have been a division 1 member for 14 years. They take 2 and 3 star recruits from all around the country and continually upset and compete with historic programs. They may not be the best team in the nation but year after year Boise St finds a way to work themselves into the BCS rankings and sometimes into National Title debate. Argue all you want about how they get there, but they get the job done.
Here's a nice tidbit of info:
Boise State's football budget is right around $6.6 million a year. Alabama's yearly football budget is $6.5 million.....for their coaching staff....
I don't think anyone on here is saying they are the best team in the nation, but we are saying that they deserve to at least be considered. And maybe I'm missing something but I haven't seen a single person say Boise has a BETTER football PROGRAM than Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, etc. They simply haven't been around long enough or achieved enough for that to even be considered. However, what they've been able to accomplish given their resources is pretty damn fantastic to me. No bias on my part either. Not our faults we aren't haters
Stop acting like we're insulting your Mom. It's COLLEGE FOOTBALL. I swear you guys have the same arguments on here as I did with my friends when I was in high school.