All articles tagged with #strength of schedule
Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, defended the league's approach to playoff selection, emphasizing the importance of 'not losing' and strength of schedule, but the article argues that losses to weaker teams and other factors like head-to-head results also significantly influence playoff decisions, challenging Sankey's selective memory and spin.
Alabama Crimson Tide will not participate in the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the third time since 2014, as the selection committee chose the SMU Mustangs over them for the final at-large berth. Despite Alabama's stronger schedule, former coach Nick Saban, now an ESPN analyst, expressed concerns about the incentive to schedule tough nonconference games if strength of schedule isn't prioritized. Saban acknowledged that the best teams made the playoffs and emphasized that teams control their own destiny through their performance.
Nick Saban criticized the College Football Playoff selection process for not valuing strength of schedule, arguing it disincentivizes tough non-conference games. Despite Alabama's strong schedule, they missed the playoffs due to losses against weaker teams like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. Saban's comments may influence future SEC scheduling, potentially reducing non-conference games. The debate highlights broader concerns about the playoff selection criteria and its impact on college football scheduling strategies.
Critics argue that the College Football Playoff committee is not adequately rewarding teams for their strength of schedule, as evidenced by Boise State's higher ranking over Big 12 teams despite a weaker schedule. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark and others have expressed frustration, noting inconsistencies in how rankings are determined, with some teams seemingly benefiting from a better win-loss record rather than tougher competition. The debate highlights the subjective nature of the selection process, especially with the recent expansion to a 12-team playoff.
The New York Giants, currently at 2-9, are projected to have either the No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, depending on the source. The discrepancy arises from different methods of calculating 'Strength of Schedule' used by Tankathon and NFL.com. While Tankathon includes all 17 games, NFL.com considers only games already played. Regardless, the final draft order will be determined after the season ends, with the Giants likely considering a quarterback for their top pick. ESPN's Football Power Index predicts the Giants will finish as the league's worst team, potentially securing the No. 1 pick for the first time since 1965.
As the College Football Playoff race intensifies with two weeks left in the regular season, strength of schedule is a key discussion point. Indiana and Georgia are central to the debate, with Indiana ranked No. 5 despite a weak schedule, while Georgia, with the toughest schedule, is ranked No. 10. The rankings, influenced by ESPN's FPI, highlight discrepancies in team evaluations. The final rankings will be released on December 8, making upcoming games crucial for teams to solidify their positions.
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti has responded to criticism regarding his team's strength of schedule, particularly from SEC circles, as Indiana remains undefeated and highly ranked in the College Football Playoff standings. Cignetti highlighted that schedules are set years in advance and pointed out that SEC teams have also played weaker opponents. Despite the criticism, Cignetti is focused on upcoming games, including a crucial matchup against Ohio State, which could solidify Indiana's position in the Big Ten championship.
The article argues that the College Football Playoff selections should be based on actual game results rather than hypothetical matchups or preseason expectations. It criticizes the tendency to favor teams with more perceived prestige or tougher schedules, like those from the SEC, over undefeated teams like Indiana, which has performed well against its schedule. The author emphasizes that the regular season should be meaningful, and teams should be judged on their on-field achievements rather than hypothetical betting lines or past reputations.
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee faces a complex task in ranking two-loss SEC teams, with Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee each having a 1-1 record against each other. Strength of schedule is expected to play a significant role in the rankings, with Georgia's recent win over Tennessee simplifying some head-to-head criteria. The committee's subjective process, guided by objective data, will also consider factors like conference championships and results against ranked opponents, but not preseason polls or game control. The new 12-team playoff format will see the top five conference champions automatically qualify, with the top four receiving byes.
The article criticizes the traditional method of ranking college football teams based on the number of losses, highlighting the disparity between Georgia and Texas in the latest AP Poll. Despite Georgia's tougher schedule and a head-to-head victory over Texas, the Bulldogs are ranked lower due to having more losses. The piece argues for a more nuanced approach to rankings, considering the strength of schedule and quality of wins, as Georgia has faced more top-ranked teams compared to Texas.
Dave Richard, a Hall of Fame Fantasy analyst, introduces in-season Projected Strength of Schedule (PSoS) rankings for Fantasy Football on SportsLine. These rankings assess how upcoming schedules affect Fantasy-relevant players by position, helping identify potential value picks and busts. The analysis covers the next four weeks, the playoff stretch, and the entire season, providing insights into which teams and players face favorable or challenging matchups.
The College Football Playoff committee's ranking of BYU at No. 9 has sparked criticism, as many believe the team has a top-five resume. Despite being undefeated with significant wins over SMU and Kansas State, BYU is ranked lower than teams like Miami and Indiana, which have weaker schedules and fewer top-25 victories. The committee's decision appears influenced by subjective factors like the "eye test," leading to calls for reevaluation of the rankings.
The first College Football Playoff Rankings of the 2024 season are set to be released, marking the start of the 12-team playoff era. The rankings will consider factors like conference championships, head-to-head results, and strength of schedule. Indiana is a team of interest due to its high scoring margin despite a weak schedule. The top five conference champions will earn automatic playoff berths, with the top four receiving first-round byes. The subjective nature of the rankings process, guided by objective data, will be crucial in determining the playoff field.
SEC athletic directors argue that a 9-3 record should be sufficient for inclusion in the expanded College Football Playoff due to the strength of their schedules. They emphasize that playing tough non-conference games should be rewarded, and express concerns about the selection committee's decision-making process. The debate highlights the tension between rewarding strong schedules and maintaining traditional win-loss standards.
The New England Patriots are vying for a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, currently tied with the Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals. If teams finish with identical records, tiebreakers such as strength of schedule and head-to-head matchups will determine draft positioning. The Patriots could potentially move up in the draft order based on these tiebreakers.