Hidden: Coference controversy?: I would love to argue with the " some that say the ACC( All Cream Puff Conference) has passed conferences like the SEC. You have got to be kidding me. The Big 12 yes, for sure. That conference has become a joke the last couple of years. But in no way can that be said for the likes of the Big Ten, Pac Ten, and SEC. Here is how I rank em- Just for shits and giggles! 1-SEC 2-Big 10 3-Pac 10 4-Acc 5-Big 12 6 Little East-haha I don't know maybe am a bit partial here, but for example just take a look at some of the schedules in the SEC. They are brutal. Florida plays Bama, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina w/ spurrier, Auburn for 1. With still having games against other division foes like Kentucky and Vandy. Also let's not forget FSU and Tennesee. Can a schedule get any more ridiculous than that. Just trying to stir up some College Football talk. Real excited about this season as with every season! Should be a wild year. No clear cut #1!!
posted by phillygator to football at 09:15 AM - 36 comments
While obviously too early to know for sure, i don't see the Big 12 staying at # 5 on your list. Oklahoma is back into national contention, Texas, while without the best player in college football last year, is still strong, Nebraska just came off a a great rebound year and will be better this year (did they beat a Big 10 school last year pretty handily?), returning their top recruiting class from a year or two ago, and Kansas looks to get better this year, although i have to admit that their nonconference schedule is WEAK. K-State has a new coach and a fast, aggressive playing style that will improve them dramatically, and the Aggies of A & M will be tough as well. I think the Big 12 will begin to re-emerge this year from the doldrums back to the prime-time. I could see them putting four, maybe five teams into quality bowls (OU, Texas Nebraska, KU and/or Texas A & M) with one or two more into the lesser ranks (K-State, Texas A & M, KU) Conference rankings by the end of this upcoming season: 1. SEC, 2. Big 10, 3. Big 12, 4. Pac 10, 5. ACC, 6. Big East
posted by brainofdtrain at 09:41 AM on July 26, 2006
People love to hate the Big 12. However there are a lot of tough teams there. They beat each other up durring the season. There is no way the ACC is even close in talent to the Big 12. I will acknowledge the SEC being very tough, but I dont think the Big 10 has anything on the Big 12. The ACC is a joke of a conference, always has been and I see nothing changing there that makes a difference at all.
posted by T.C. at 10:30 AM on July 26, 2006
I won't argue that the Big 12 is the number one conference but I feel you are vastly underating it. The conference has two legitimate pre-season top 10 ten teams in UT and OU. Nebraska is not yet where they want to be but definitly at top 20 team on the way up. Texas Tech will also be a top 20 team again. Texas A&M, KSU and KU could all make good showings. I will agree that the non-conference schedules of many of the teams is pathetic. I would rate this the third or fourth strongest conference. And lets not forget which conference produced the undisputed national champion last year.
posted by swobe at 10:33 AM on July 26, 2006
The ACC is a joke of a conference, always has been and I see nothing changing there that makes a difference at all. Yeah, especially now that they have added Miami and Virginia Tech -- two teams that really suck in college football.
posted by bperk at 10:35 AM on July 26, 2006
Big Ten is the toughest conference with the SEC very very close behind. Ohio State and Penn State just won a BCS Bowl game and they will both be ranked high. Wisconsin won the Capitol One game, Iowa lost but they are a good team, Northwestern is a team on the rise as is Minnesota. Michigan always gets ranked high. Big 12 has Texas and Chokelahoma and that won't matter when OSU beats Texas September 9th. SEC always has the Power 5 in LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee with Alabama making its way to some type of prominence, but last year LSU was the only team that really did a great job thats why they're just below the Big Ten.
posted by Clevelander32 at 10:41 AM on July 26, 2006
Sorry chicobangs, I didn't know I had to get your support to post something nor did I give a damn!!
posted by phillygator at 10:42 AM on July 26, 2006
I have always agreed that the SEC and the Big 10 are neck and neck. These two conferences are the cream of the crop. The reason I give the edge to the SEC is because they play a championship game after that brutal schedule often presenting a rematch. Which creates are greater possibility of missing a BCS game with that loss. For Example LSU and Auburn were totally robbed. To play those schedules and not be in the BCS Champ game is a travesty. Would the NCAA please, please have a playoff!!!!
posted by phillygator at 10:52 AM on July 26, 2006
OSU and PSU did have good seasons last year but OSU did lose to Texas at home and this year they visit Austin, should be a really good game. Who can't root for Joe Pa, I just think he'll have a hard time equalling last season (but I hope he can). OU's big question will be at QB as will UT's. 7 National Championships hardly qualifies as a choker.
posted by swobe at 10:52 AM on July 26, 2006
I agree with you phillygator about the title game(s) they tend to hurt the conferences that have them more than help. A playoff would be nice but the bowls are big money and maney talks...
posted by swobe at 10:54 AM on July 26, 2006
Chicobangs was trying to help, phillygator. But it sounds like you would rather be an ass.
posted by forrestv at 10:55 AM on July 26, 2006
Coference!
posted by 86 at 10:59 AM on July 26, 2006
The SEC is the most overrated conference in the country. The teams hardly ever play teams outside of their conference, limiting competition to all southern teams when they do. Last year, Ohio State lost in a very close game to Oklahoma. Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, even ACC teams play a tough non-conference schedule (NC State recently played Ohio State two years in a row). When was the last time Florida, Florida State, or Miami scheduled a major non-conference opponent in the regular season? Florida State lost four games, but, because of the flawed BCS system, was given a berth last season. Even the Mid-American Conference, mostly for the money, schedules major non-conference opponents. The way to judge how competitive a conference is to look at their schedules. If SEC teams just limit games to other southern teams like Central Florida, then a fair assessment cannot be made.
posted by quaybon at 11:01 AM on July 26, 2006
Oops, I meant Ohio State lost to Texas in a close game.
posted by quaybon at 11:02 AM on July 26, 2006
phillygator, I was, and will continue to be, polite. You don't need my support, nor did I ask you to give a damn. I was genuinely trying to be helpful. But never mind. Mods, please delete both my comments from this thread.
posted by chicobangs at 11:12 AM on July 26, 2006
I think your ranking the Big 12 at #5 is a joke. I seem to recall a Texas team beating an Ohio State team out of the Big 10(at their place) and beating a PAC 10 team on their home turf(Rose Bowl). Are you kidding me?? You rank the ACC above the Big 12 who has had a representatinve in the Championshipship game 5 of the past 8 years? Come on now get real. The Big 12 is on the rise again and I see at least 5 teams being in the top 25 before it is all over(Texas,Nebraska, OU, A&m, and Tech). Not too mant conferences in America have that many teams in the top 25 year in and year out. I guess the Florida State player who said Duke could be the top team in the Big 12 was like the rest of the Florida fans, just plum ignorant. I agree the SEC is the best conference in college football, but the Big 12 should hold a strong 2nd in my opinion. Does anybody remember the past 2 Rose Bowls?? Texas beat the best Big 10 team, and the "best team in college footbal history" in consecutive years. Many say it was all Vince Young, but the defense was the reason Young got the ball back with a crucial 4th down stop, so the Horns could go on to win the title!! So go on and criticize this all you want, but the Big 12 is once again a Powerhouse conference and all you east coast fans need to beware!!!!
posted by DallasFan at 11:52 AM on July 26, 2006
It is hard to keep those southern conferences straight. Miami is now in the ACC. However, it does not excuse Alabama, Florida, Florida State and the other SEC teams from not scheduling tougher non-conference opponents. The Big 10, Big 12, and Pac-10 are the toughest conferences based on their schedules.
posted by quaybon at 12:01 PM on July 26, 2006
Quaybon, that is because they play each other out of conference up until Miami joined the ACC. Last year Florida played 8 teams in the top 25 6 of those games were top 10 opponents. How more more tough games do they have to play. Look at the results from those schedules. This often leaves the Sec out of the big game. For example Texas plays oklahoma, Nebraska as major threats. The other teams are second tier. You cannot mention Baylor, mizz, T.T., ok st., kansas, and k state. As Auburn, Tenn., Bama, LSU, and Georgia. I back this up by saying the Sec had 5 teams with 8 wins or more. Where the big 12 had 2. Even Colorado, the winner of the North was pathetic. In know way did they deserve a shot to be playing in the BCS, albeit the big 12 championship winner. Losing 112-20 in the two games against Texas. Texas totally benfited from their cream puff schedule to get to the big game, just as Oklahoma had in the past. It was about time Texas went and played a team like Ohio state. I believe that was a great rivalry born in college football, non-conference obviously. If they had lost that game to Ohio state, there is no way they get to the "game" PSU would have. There only loss was to Michigan on the road, what by one?
posted by phillygator at 12:10 PM on July 26, 2006
Dallas fan we will have to talk more on just that fact, that you are a Dallas fan. I cannot wait until football season. so many big games this year.OCT 8th see you in tha jungle.
posted by phillygator at 12:29 PM on July 26, 2006
The fact still remains the top 25 teams the SEC played were either from their own conference or the south. Remember Florida State and Florida playing each other for the so-called national championship a few years back. Talk about ridiculous. What about LSU playing Oklahoma for the '04 BCS championship? Oklahoma, which had 52 scored on them earlier in the year, but won the conference championship game, should not have even been considered. California had lost to USC by less than a touchdown that year and did not make the BCS. USC played the Big Ten Champion in its game. LSU, the SEC champion, easily beat an inferior team. Their needs to be a championship bowl tournament. Conferences need to get rid of these conference championship games which a team frequently plays another team for the second time in a season. The SEC always seem to get off easy. USC versus LSU did not happen. The next year, USC pummeled Oklahoma 55-19. Where was the SEC? USC lost to Texas because the offense became predictable, which is coaching. White up the middle on fourth down was a terrible call. Let Leinhart roll out and run an option pass or run, or...punt. Remember Notre Dame? I agree about Texas until last year, when they did beat Ohio State in a close one. Once again, the conference championship game was a complete farce against Colorado. So, that leaves the Pac-10 and Big 10 with the toughest schedules, especially with a vastly improved Notre Dame team playing Michigan, Michigan State, USC, and other tough teams. By the way, if Notre Dame goes undefeated this year, which they very well could, are they considered for a BCS game?
posted by quaybon at 01:03 PM on July 26, 2006
Phillygator, you call their schedule a creampuff schedule?? Come on now, Texas did beat a fine OSU team and beat an even better USC team, all on the road. Texas beat OU and will do the same this year. The Big 12 is back on the rise, and the SEC will be represented in the "game" this year, to play the Longhorns!!!
posted by DallasFan at 01:10 PM on July 26, 2006
DallasFan, Texas will NOT beat OU this year. I live in Ft. Worth and will bet you a happy hour at the bar of your choice on that one. :)
posted by T.C. at 01:26 PM on July 26, 2006
I swear we argue about the dumbest things. I dont think a single conference went undefeated when playing non conference foes last year. Everyone has scrubs and everyone has bottom feeders that just give them match up problems whether it be by scheme or personnel. Guys you are all acting like a bunch of children and never look at things from any other way besides emotional.
posted by Drallig9399 at 02:01 PM on July 26, 2006
Best. Pissing contest. Ever. ...and it's not even on the front page anymore. That's dedication holmes.
posted by YukonGold at 02:05 PM on July 26, 2006
DallasFan, Texas will NOT beat OU this year. I live in Ft. Worth and will bet you a happy hour at the bar of your choice on that one. :) I would love to take you up on that bet, since all the OU "fans" didnt even bother to want to bet last year!!! Bhomar is a joke of a QB and the UT defense will own that young man again!!!
posted by DallasFan at 02:25 PM on July 26, 2006
I swear we argue about the dumbest things... I agree, Drallig, but isn't it fun? As far as where the various conferences rank, who cares? As long as each conference presents one or more matchups each week between 2 competent and closely matched teams, our entertainment needs are being met. For the post season, the NCAA must (not should) go to a playoff system. This is guaranteed to piss off a lot of bowl entrepreneures (damn French words, can't spell 'em), but there are an awful lot of really useless bowl games out there. Those who say that you cannot correctly select the top 16 football teams in each season are probably right, but I am willing to bet that numbers 12 through 16 would have little or no chance at making it through to a championship game. Thus, if you can pick 16, anyone beyond the top 10 or 12 is irrelevant except to round out the field. I went to a Division 1AA school, and living in New England where there are a lot of 1AA schools, I follow that level as well as following the "big guys". It is good, entertaining football. The bonus is that there is no doubt who the national champion is.
posted by Howard_T at 02:29 PM on July 26, 2006
Phillygator may want to pull your head out of your ass and take a look at the fact the Big 12 has produced 2 national champions and OU in the championship game on other occassions in the last 8 years. The Big 12 north may be weakening, but the southern division is the most competitive in all of college sports.
posted by jaygolf at 02:53 PM on July 26, 2006
Well put jaygolf!!!!
posted by DallasFan at 03:07 PM on July 26, 2006
Excellent point jaygolf!
posted by swobe at 03:42 PM on July 26, 2006
Phillygator, you got more shit wrong in here than an Okie at a spellin' bee. By the way, Oct. 8th we'll see a bunch o' you hands at the Red River shootout, can't wait. Hook 'em Horns!
posted by mjkredliner at 04:12 PM on July 26, 2006
Me thinks Phillygator was dropping a NFL reference into a NCAA thread. He's referring to The Cowboys visit to Philly on October 8th. Dallas gets to play Philly again on Christmas Day in Dallas. It's always nice in Dallas on Christmas Day.
posted by Termite at 04:34 PM on July 26, 2006
All right, all you Big 12 honks, talk about the top teams in the conference all you want to. Teams now in the ACC have won or split 8 of the last 25 national championships and lost the BCS title game 3 more times. The top of the ACC is as good as anybody. Where the ACC suffers is at the bottom. Duke is going to be awful forever. Wake Forest (my team) occasionally climbs out of mediocrity and can win 6 or 7. UNC has delusions of grandeur. NCSt should be a decent football school, but hasn't done anything since the offensive coordinator they stole from BYU got stolen by the USC Trojans. We all know what happened there.
posted by gradioc at 05:23 PM on July 26, 2006
Gradioc....such a homer Big 12 (big 8) then: won national championship games or shared 7 times in last 25 years....lost at least 3 Count back 30 years won 12 championships...not to far behind ACC
posted by sgtcookzane at 05:39 PM on July 26, 2006
All right, all you Big 12 honks, talk about the top teams in the conference all you want to. Teams now in the ACC have won or split 8 of the last 25 national championships and lost the BCS title game 3 more times. The top of the ACC is as good as anybody. Where the ACC suffers is at the bottom. Duke is going to be awful forever. Wake Forest (my team) occasionally climbs out of mediocrity and can win 6 or 7. UNC has delusions of grandeur. NCSt should be a decent football school, but hasn't done anything since the offensive coordinator they stole from BYU (a guy named Norm Chow) got stolen by the USC Trojans. We all know what happened there.
posted by gradioc at 05:42 PM on July 26, 2006
Lincoln Financial Field is known as "Tha Jungle"? Is Paul Brown Stadium known as "Tha Eagles Nest"? These new stadiums are just sooo hard to keep up with...
posted by mjkredliner at 05:47 PM on July 26, 2006
My point is that the Big 12, like the ACC, suffers from the weakness at the bottom. The SEC, to me, is clearly #1, because of their strength top to bottom. Big 10 is just a hair off the lead. I feel the PAC-10 is overrated a little. Their bad teams are really bad. Wake Forest has beaten 2 PAC-10 teams in bowls in the last decade (OreSt and Arizona St). The Big 12 bad teams are really bad too, giving your good teams some eye-popping wins and virtual bye weeks.
posted by gradioc at 06:03 PM on July 26, 2006
I'd love to argue it with you too, but this thread isn't going to last very long. A weak link followed by a long front-page rant is not how front-page posts work. This sounds like you have a column in you. Flesh out what you've written a little more, clean it up, and your piece could become the centerpiece of the pre-NCAA season. As it is, though, it doesn't belong on the front page. Not like this.
posted by chicobangs at 09:32 AM on July 26, 2006