Re: New Poll Predictions for 1/25
I somewhat agree. I have been surprised at how much credit the NCHA has been getting all year as it seems weaker than last season. However, CSS this season is typically very good, and I say typically in regards to the UWRF weekend.
Also, the NCHA has the very best interconference record in all of DIII. You can discount that, but you can't entirely negate it. Sure, they don't all play whoppers of NC schedules, but it is what it is.
Next, in my opinion Stout has been too inconsistent to be ranked. SNC loses to Eau Claire, Elmira loses to Morrisville and CSS loses to SJU, but they all consistently win games. Stout goes out and wins a bunch, then lays an egg, then wins some, then lays an egg, then sweeps UWRF, then lays an egg... You get what I'm saying.[/QUOTE]
I get what your saying. I don't actually believe Stout should be ranked either but they should receive some consideration especially in light of their non-conference schedule. Hopefully they will finish strong. My point was that they are competitive with other NCHA teams and yet lose 9-1 to Norwich and 7-3 to Middlebury.
Beating up on each other every week makes the NCHA arguably the most competitive and entertaining conference out there however without more quality wins against strong non conference opponents it's difficult for me to see how they are ranked so high. I won't argue the NCHA has the best inter conference record however when you actually look closely at nc quality opponents you wonder. Even St. Norbert managed to lose to Salem State and only tied Hamline, their only nc opponents with winning percentages above 500. I am not arguing SNC's ranking as I agree with you in that they are consistently good and they are in a competitive conference. I am just saying they are not lights out against quality non-conference opponents and they are the NCHA's top team.
It is what it is
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Wherever you go. There you are