Here is Alabama's AD already hinting at dropping P4 opponents in future seasons since strength of schedule does not matter: So, why are we playing FSU and Miami?
I would propose we keep the FSU game, but not schedule any other P4's unless the system is changed again.
We have 2 traditional rivals: fsu and uga. fsu could be dropped but I doubt it'll happen. Maybe we'll move them from being last. Probably best to have a cupcake opener or 2. The sec schedule after next year who knows. But it'll be tough enough no matter what they come up with. uga is probably the only lock. Tier 2 rivals are not locks - Tennessee, LSU, Auburn (fading). We'll maybe keep the first 2 in our sec schedule going forward. "Old SEC East" opponents which I doubt anyone cares that much which we keep on a regular schedule - UK, USC, Vandy, Mizzou. We'll probably play one of the Texas schools every year. I'd rather it be Texas since they are also their state's flagship and Austin is cool.
The point is you should schedule as many directional schools as possible if you want to maximize your chances of making the CFP. SOS does not matter for SEC teams. Only the loss column matters.
I hate FSU as much as the next person, but in a sport that looks more and more unrecognizable each season than the sport I once loved, moving them off the last game of the year or off the schedule entirely would just about do it for me. Those are the games that bring meaning to college football.
That would suck. Having some good OOC teams gives us some guaranteed good games that fans can schedule and plan for. You have to enjoy the journey, otherwise, what's the point.
Sucks, but if the corrupt committee is going to reward teams that play Long Island U I guess that's the smart thing to do. Bring back the computers.
Ive only gone to one cupcake and i was passing through and sais what he hell. Whoever the team before fsu was a few years ago. Thats how memorable those games are.
The only change that would have caused to this year's schedule is no Miami game. We have the guaranteed good games in conference.
You have to wonder about our decision to bring Colorado and Arizona State onto our schedule. Doesn't look very good today. At the time I think we were enthusiastic about it. Both of those programs are currently in ascendancy. We'll see where they are when we get to those games, and of course, so much depends on where we are in ascendancy or drifting along in mediocrity.
I would rather we play interesting opponents, that are not top 10, but good enough to make for a good game experience, whether it be a live game experience or on Networks. There is nothing more lame than playing all crappy OOC games. But the Miami scheduling was dumb to be the first game (ruined another streak) of the year, but because winning that game will not do anything for our standing as The flagship university in the state of Florida. However... losing that game killed our recruiting down south... not worth it.
LOL! Well, Greg, to follow your logic, we had an even tougher schedule than you did and three or four games where we didn't perform as well as we should have, so that means we should have gotten in over you, too! Just throw out the records and go with strength of schedule and whoever shit the bed the most! Hell, we should get a bye!
I think they’ll tweak the current format sooner rather than later. The selection show was an hour long infomercial on how it was flawed. But still, knowing what’s at stake and already having 2 losses, you don’t go into Norman and get spanked if you want to be a playoff team. Bama has no one to blame but themselves.
If Bama doesn’t lose to Vandy, they probably make the CFP, even if they lose the SEC Championship game. I agree that there is an optimal point for strength of schedule, but I really don’t think Bama was cheated this year. SMU would have been cheated if they were left out because they actually took the risk of playing on championship weekend. You don’t want to reward Bama for not playing in the SEC Championship.
Would you like any cheese with that whine Bama? They've gotten the benefit of the doubt every time in the 4 team playoff format, for once they don't get the most possible preferential treatment and they go off like this. Alabama's OOC schedule wasn't that tough this year, three cupcakes and a game at 5-7 Wisconsin. While they deserve credit for taking a risk and going to Madison where Wisconsin is usually very tough, that game didn't cost them anything. They were the highest rated 3 loss team, rated above teams with better records like Miami. They still get an inordinate amount of respect from these committees. Next time don't lose by 3 TDs in late November to a 6-6 team.
