BCS 2013-14: This space for rent

[MavHockey14]

Ah. You weren't saying overrated because of Braxton; you were saying overrated even with Braxton. Appreciate the clarification and we basically agree.

Well, yeah. But there's a more fundamental problem here. Nobody's played any games yet; nobody's earned their ranking -- not just OSU. In a better world there wouldn't be any ratings at all until 3 or more games were played. But preseason rankings sell lots of publications, to say nothing of the ads in them. So, we're stuck with them. Still, it's well to remember that the source of these inflated claims is the media, not the coaches and players.


EDIT: On the bright side, the new playoff system appears to address this problem pretty well. The real rankings, as crafted by the selection committee, don't even start until October 28th. That should greatly reduce the impact of the preseason stuff. In other words, the inevitable banter may still irritate, but it's been rendered relatively harmless.

I agree that preseason rankings are pointless.

Am I crazy for thinking that the Playoff Committee shouldn't even put a poll out? The NCAA Basketball Committee doesn't put out a poll?

I'll probably start the new thread this week. I'll also finish up my personal preseason predictions for the rest of the Big 5 and Notre Dame.

[pgb-ohio]

Re: BCS 2013-14: This space for rent

I agree that preseason rankings are pointless.

I'll also finish up my personal preseason predictions for the rest of the Big 5 and Notre Dame.

When I saw these comments in the same post, my first reaction was: Wait...What?

But after a moment's reflection, I realized your distinction makes a lot of sense. As long as it's clear you're just making predictions, you're free to make any outlandish assumptions you want. It's your crystal ball, it's all in good fun. The idea that a team is overrated or underrated is beside the point.

But published rankings? The problem is they've been used to justify giving teams favorable starting positions in the season long race -- favorable starting positions they've done nothing to earn. Again, the new format appears to address this problem. Gotta see how it works in practice for a few years before passing judgment, but let's hope.

Am I crazy for thinking that the Playoff Committee shouldn't even put a poll out? The NCAA Basketball Committee doesn't put out a poll?

Not crazy. But I can think of a few of reasons why official rankings for football are a good idea:

1. Transparency. Drawing the line between #4 and #5 is going to be both nationally relevant and controversial. Not nearly as bad as splitting hairs between #2 and #3, but it's still going under the microscope. Better to let the public see the process, however flawed. Otherwise the image of shady deals in smoke filled rooms persists. The size of the field in Hoops makes situation quite different. Separating #68 from #69 isn't going to attract a large number of conspiracy theorists.

2. Keeping Expectations Reasonable. Inevitably we're going to get late season rivalry games and conference title match-ups where neither team is within striking distance of the top four. Better for the teams involved to know that up front, so the focus can be on the game at hand.

3. Keeping The Beauty Contests In Their Place. Suppose the Official Committee really did withhold all rankings until the field of four was announced. Unofficial sources would be happy to fill the void. Probable result? More confusion and controversy.

The common thread in all of this? It's very important that the process be perceived as legitimate. IMHO, releasing official rankings on October 28th (and beyond) should balance the competing concerns fairly well.

[dxmnkd316]

Re: BCS 2013-14: This space for rent

When I saw these comments in the same post, my first reaction was: Wait...What?

But after a moment's reflection, I realized your distinction makes a lot of sense. As long as it's clear you're just making predictions, you're free to make any outlandish assumptions you want. It's your crystal ball, it's all in good fun. The idea that a team is overrated or underrated is beside the point.

But published rankings? The problem is they've been used to justify giving teams favorable starting positions in the season long race -- favorable starting positions they've done nothing to earn. Again, the new format appears to address this problem. Gotta see how it works in practice for a few years before passing judgment, but let's hope.

Not crazy. But I can think of a few of reasons why official rankings for football are a good idea:

1. Transparency. Drawing the line between #4 and #5 is going to be both nationally relevant and controversial. Not nearly as bad as splitting hairs between #2 and #3, but it's still going under the microscope. Better to let the public see the process, however flawed. Otherwise the image of shady deals in smoke filled rooms persists. The size of the field in Hoops makes situation quite different. Separating #68 from #69 isn't going to attract a large number of conspiracy theorists.

2. Keeping Expectations Reasonable. Inevitably we're going to get late season rivalry games and conference title match-ups where neither team is within striking distance of the top four. Better for the teams involved to know that up front, so the focus can be on the game at hand.

3. Keeping The Beauty Contests In Their Place. Suppose the Official Committee really did withhold all rankings until the field of four was announced. Unofficial sources would be happy to fill the void. Probable result? More confusion and controversy.

The common thread in all of this? It's very important that the process be perceived as legitimate. IMHO, releasing official rankings on October 28th (and beyond) should balance the competing concerns fairly well.

I think this is a good explanation of how I feel about it as well.

[Spartanforlife4]

Re: BCS 2013-14: This space for rent

If there is one fan base that loves them it's Notre Dame. They can do just about anything and be ranked in the Top 25 the next season.

[MavHockey14]

Re: BCS 2013-14: This space for rent

New Thread is up and running. Three days and we'll see real football.