ESPN's Power 16 - Note on USC

[medlisg]

Just another message for the little people in Pac 10 country!

Check out this Link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/powerranking?season=2004&week=12

War Damn Eagle!

:moon: :clap: :scared :142lmao:

 

[Scott4USC]

East Coast Bias.

It's amazing how many people don't want SC playing for the NC. Maybe they don't want another dynasty. Maybe they don't want SC winning another NC. Maybe they don't want SC to be one NC closer to the glorious ND and Alabama in all time NC's.

It's obvious that as long as the NC stays in the east the Media(Alberts, James, ESPN, CFN) is happy. It doesn't matter that USC has won 10 NC's in football. It doesn't matter that SC has won 5 Heisman Trophies. It doesn't matter that SC is the undefeated defending NC and ranked #1 in both polls. It doesn't matter that SC has the best SOS out of all three undefeated teams. It doesn't matter that USC has defeated #4 CAL, top #15 2 loss Virginia Tech, and top #20 2 loss ASU. It doesn't matter that USC has won 30 out of its last 31 games, and it's last 19, the last loss coming in triple overtime on the road. It doesn't matter that SC has defeated six of its opponents by 30 or more points, tops in the nation. It doesn't matter that SC has done all of this without Mike Williams, Winston Justice, Brandon Hancock, Kenechi Udeze, and has also missed their top WR Steve Smith for most of the year. It doesn't matter that SC was #1 in both polls last year yet still missed out on the NC game.

East Coast Bias at its best, folks. USC might be on a 21 game winning streak heading into their bowl game and a lot of people STILL don't think they're worthy enough at a shot for the NC.

 

[Scott4USC]

USC could hold key to opponent

Strength of schedule is big factor

By Scott Wolf, Staff Writer

Third-ranked Auburn became a media darling Monday, but despite picking up ground in the Bowl Championship Series rankings, No. 2 Oklahoma remains in a better position to make the Orange Bowl.

And, ironically, USC could ultimately decide whether the Tigers or Sooners advance to the Orange Bowl.

Auburn cut its deficit in half and trails Oklahoma by just .271 in the BCS standings released Monday. But even with its momentum, the Tigers still need more help from the top 25 poll voters to overtake Oklahoma.

"Oklahoma's absolutely in a better spot," BCS computer analyst Jerry Palm said. "Auburn needs to get more out of the top 25 polls. I don't think they will catch Oklahoma or pass them in the computer rankings."

The BCS formula relies on the top 25 polls for 67 percent of its results and computer rankings for the other 33 percent.

Although Auburn tied Oklahoma for No. 2 in the Associated Press poll Sunday, the Tigers still trail in the computer rankings. That's where USC could influence which team it might play in the Orange Bowl, if all three win their remaining games.

Oklahoma is No. 1 in the computers, USC is No. 2 and Auburn No. 3. The Trojans' strength of schedule down the stretch could determine whether Auburn can leapfrog them and move into the No. 2 spot.

If Auburn can surpass USC (10-0) in the computers, it would overtake Oklahoma (10-0) for the No. 2 overall spot in the BCS standings. If USC's schedule of strength does not allow that, the Tigers need a lot more help from the poll voters.

"USC's strength of schedule games are important," Palm said. "If the computers stay the same, then Auburn needs to pick up 65 points in the AP poll and 61 points in the coaches' poll to catch Oklahoma.

"That's probably unlikely to happen."

It's not enough for Auburn to merely finish No. 2 in both top 25 polls; the Tigers must build those 60-point leads to offset their weaker computer rankings.

"The difference between Auburn and the other schools is their nonconference schedule," Palm said.

Auburn (10-0) defeated Louisiana-Monroe, The Citadel and Louisiana Tech in its nonconference games.

The other big winner Monday was Utah, which benefited from Wisconsin's loss and is No. 6 in the BCS standings. The Utes seem destined for the Fiesta Bowl.

"They're pretty much a lock," Palm said.

It appears unlikely that No. 7 Michigan could surpass Utah. The Utes must finish in the top six to guarantee themselves a BCS bowl game. Ironically, if they play the Big East Conference champ, which is still to be determined, it might not gain them a whole lot of respect because of the conference's struggles this season.

Another team in great shape is No. 4 California, which is cruising toward a Rose Bowl berth against Michigan and should finish no worse than fourth in the BCS standings with a victory over Stanford.

None of this makes any difference to USC, which just needs to win its last two games to get to the Orange Bowl.

"We've been fortunate to be considered on top and need to hold at least where we are," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "But to put all our stock in where we are right now would be a mistake."

It tied the Sooners for second in the AP Top 25 and got within two points of No. 2 in the coaches poll. The polls each count for one-third of a BCS grade. A compilation of six computer rankings make up the other third, and, according to the computers, Oklahoma is the best team in the country.

USC

BCS rank: 1 (.9808)
AP poll: 1 (1,608 points)
ESPN/USA Today poll: 1 (1,514 points)
Computer ranking: 2
Record: 10-0
Opponents' Record: 43-46
Games remaining: Nov. 27 -- Notre Dame; Dec. 4 -- at UCLA

OKLAHOMA

BCS rank: 2 (.9621)
AP poll: Tied 2 (1,536 points)
ESPN/USA Today poll: 2 (1,435 points)
Computer ranking: 1
Record: 10-0
Opponents' Record: 55-42.
Games remaining: Nov. 20 -- at Baylor; Dec. 4 -- Big 12
championship game

AUBURN

BCS rank: 3 (.9350)
AP poll: Tied 2 (1,536 points)
ESPN/USA Today poll: 3 (1,433 points)
Computer ranking: 3
Record: 10-0
Opponents' Record (Div. I-A only): 43-42
Games remaining: Nov. 20 -- at Alabama; Dec. 4 -- SEC championship game

 

[kosar]

USC is overrated.

 

[THE KOD]

The facts don't support it.

USC is over rated.

Oh hi kosar

 

[kosar]

Hi Scotty. How are you today?

I agree, definitely overrated.

 

[THE KOD]

fine kosar

go Auburn

 

[oldschoolcapper]

scott4usc,

Why do last year's stats matter at all? Why should it matter how many championships USC has? What does 5 Heisman trophy winners have to do with who plays for THIS year's national championship? Why does it matter what players you lost? Funny, I thought the beauty of college football is that you have to never have a player for more than 5 years (except Jason White) and the coaching staff has to adjust to what their players can do. I personally believe USC should play Auburn for the championship. It would be nice for Ok to be the one left out this year. But let's not forget this is a totally different situation from last year. This year you have the possibility of 3 undefeated teams, last year was totally different because we were dealing with one-loss teams. Anyway, that's all I have time for right now have to run listen to Paul Finebaum.

osc

 

[THE KOD]

scott4usc,

Why do last year's stats matter at all? Why should it matter how many championships USC has? What does 5 Heisman trophy winners have to do with who plays for THIS year's national championship? Why does it matter what players you lost?

..............................................................

osc\

Excuse me for answering for scott4ucla but here goes.

He dwells on the past. He lives it over and over. He produces facts that can't be contested.

It matters because he is a dork.

 

[Pujo21]

If USC Makes The Orange Bowl against Oklahoma or Auburn, I would like to see CALIFORNIA play Oklahoma or Auburn in The Sugar Bowl.

Now we're talking !

Now just what would the line be on CAL vs. OKLAHOMA or AUBURN ?

Do the folks here really wanna see Cal vs. Mich in The Rose Bowl.
;142loser:

 

[dr. freeze]

Oklahoma has beaten 3 top 25 teams on the road

USC has beaten 1 top 25 team on the road hailing from the powerful Big East conference....LMAO

The most underserving team CLEARLY is USC

 

[Stuman]

Auburn has beaten 3 top 15 teams. Who else has done this? The fact that USC started the season ranked number one is the only reason they are still there. If they had started at around 18 like AU did, where would they be ranked now? Ahead of AU? Right...

"The BCS formula relies on the top 25 polls for 67 percent of its results and computer rankings for the other 33 percent."

hmmm...This kind of turns the BCS into a popularity contest doesn't it? I think the BCS is more flawed than it ever has been, becuase now coaches have a very distinct financial gain if they slant their votes within their own conferences. I have more faith in the computers.

 

[fletcher]

he dwells on the past 2,5 years , because from the 80's till pc got job they had what 2 very good years and many middle pac 10 years. yes they are one of the tops in ncaa but has not been for a long time 2.5 years and lines are up out here for the game against auburn, ok, utah and cal none were over- 5 (utah), you can bet the game you think and if it does not get played you get cash back.

 

[oldschoolcapper]

here's a simple test to see who is most deserving....

Who has the best defense?

we all know defense wins championships and it is obvious who has the most dominating defense of the 3. Coach Bill Oliver (DC of Alabama's '92 NC team) said Auburn had the fastest and best tackling defense he has seen in his life. If you can't score against them, you can't beat them. As long as they don't turn the ball over, they will not lose. This year Auburn has been the best TEAM in college football.


osc

 

[medlisg]

I expected that reaction from scott....Typical


Everyone in this country knows that USC is number one because of last year! That's why no one wants to see them play in the NC game. They don't deserve it! They are probably the third best team in the nation and that is questionable. Scott can talk all he wants about past stats and Heisman trophies, yet there is not one of those 5 Heisman winners from USC that can match athleticism with BO JACKSON... FACT!!

I think Auburn and Oklahoma are definitely 1-2. I also think when it all plays out that OU is going to be the one that gets screwed! Both of these teams play in the best two conferences and are still undefeated..... AU/OU is clearly the best matchup for the Orange Bowl. USC would fall to either!

:moon: :clap: :142lmao:

 

[Scott4USC]

medlisg :nono:

I think Auburn and Oklahoma are definitely 1-2. I also think when it all plays out that OU is going to be the one that gets screwed! Both of these teams play in the best two conferences and are still undefeated.....

Why do you think the Big 12 and SEC are the 2 best conferences? That explanation should be a good one. It prob. will be "they just are." Let me tell you why they are NOT!

Defend this: How many wins vs the other BCS schools does the SEC got?

Exactly 1.........one?.......yes friggen 1.....and it took LSU OT to beat OSU in OT.....at home no less.

And the Pac-10???
ASU beat Nwestern and routed Iowa
UCLA beat Illini
SC beat Va Tech

For those who "may" be mathematically impaired that is 4 to 1 and the SEC has 2 more teams in their conf. Truly laughable. :142lmao:

How about losses to non-bcs schools?

Losses to non-bcs schools include:

Pac 10- Fresno St, Utah, Boise St

SEC- Maine, memphis, wyoming, navy, rutgers, lousiville, ohio

Pac 10's losses were to probably 3 of the best non-bcs schools. Obviously the losses on both sides weren't from the top teams in either conference but I'm sure the SEC would claim wins over strong ooc opponents as evidence that they are top so you can point out losses to rutgers and 1AA maine that maybe its not the most brutal conference out there.

Let me refresh you with this FACT!

THE PAC 10 THIS YEAR HAS PLAYED TWICE AS MANY NON CONFERENCE GAMES AGAINST OTHER BCS CONFERENCES + ND AS THESE TWO LEAGUES.

This year probably looks bad to you because the Pac 10 is only 4-8. Adding fuel to your fire.

What is more pitiful is TO HAVE ONLY PLAYED 6 GAMES out of a possible 36 against these other major conferences EACH (figure 3 non conference games per team x12). Believe this to be about right.

FOLKS THAT IS THE SECRET TO ALL THESE RANKED TEAMS, PARTICULARLY IN SEC LAND.

Now the Pac 10 is 4-8, and that IS BAD. The mighty SEC is 2-4, and without Mr. Senna (OSU KICKER) playing shank against LSU, they could be 1-5 right now.

THEN CONSIDER THAT THEY (SEC) PLAY NEARLY ALL OF THESE GAMES AT HOME.

Kudo's to the Big 12 going 3-0 against us. That is why a reasoned person would probably say they are the stronger league this season. Just realize though that of their collective 4-2 mark, only 1 win came from a team in the BIG 12 NORTH, and I believe they only played 3 total games against BCS conference schools. THAT IS PITIFUL NOT TO HAVE A TEAM DOING BETTER THAN IOWA STATE when they are playing the Non BCS Conference schools en masse.

It is amazing that for all this computer mumbo jumbo, all the supposed experts talking about how bad the Pac 10 is, THESE CLOWNS NEVER LOOK AT THIS STUFF.

This isn't homerism. It is realism. Just consider it this way if you are the most ardent Big 12 or SEC guy right now. Let's compare two very similar teams in record; ALABAMA (6-4) & OREGON STATE (5-5). SHOULD WE EVEN BOTHER TO CONSIDER WHO HAS PLAYED THE TOUGHER NON CONFERENCE SCHEDULE?

Alabama: Utah State, Western Carolina, Southern Miss
Oregon State: New Mexico, Boise State, LSU

Folks that ain't close. If you put those two teams on a neutral field right this minute, WHO WOULD YOU BET ON?? Tell me Oregon State doesn't have the better track record playing tougher competition.

CASE CLOSED!

:clap: :clap: :clap:

*This outstanding data was given to me from another poster

 

[THE KOD]

even after all that I would still have to agree with kosar

USC is overrated.

 

[djgorno55]

agree USC overrated should be ranked around 3 or 4.

 

[kosar]

even after all that I would still have to agree with kosar

USC is overrated.

I would have to agree with you, Scotty. Overrated. They're maybe the 5th or 6th best team out there, at best.

 

[oldschoolcapper]

Scott4pac10,

I love the way you pick and choose which stats to use. The Big 12 and SEC don't have to play many OOC BCS schools because their conference schedule is so tough.

Funny you picked Alabama to play Oregon St. The same Alabama team that is using a 3rd string QB, 2nd sting RB and FB. Their offense is terrible, but their defense would shut down Oregon St. Give me a break. Don't make comparisons with middle to bottom level teams, make them with those at the top.


osc