The SEC Myth exposed. How they game the schedule and get away with it

[Herky the Uruk-hai]

The SEC Myth exposed seems to be a bit of a reach for a title. I have never heard anyone claim that their schedule is tough because of the weak non-conference opponents. They point to the seven or eight quality conference games they have each year as the measure of their accomplishment. They have Vanderbilt, but the Big Ten has three or four teams each year that seem to be the lesser competition. In their opinion it is like playing Ohio State quality teams seven times each year.

 

[cmhawks99]

You assume too much... I actually don't care at all what ESPN says, I watch exactly ZERO minutes per year of their garbage filler programming, talk shows, sportscenter etc. I don't use their website, follow them on social media or listen to them on the radio. The only thing I know about what ESPN says is either from these forums, references from other media outlets or things my friends share on facebook.

There is no entertainment value for me to watch them, so I don't. I do care however, how they affect perception across the country, even national rankings.

Hear here....100% agreed, they are typical of all media anymore, pushing their own agenda and to tell you the Truth I dont care for the hypersensitive complainers and "expert" coaches in here. I like them even less on there.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

The SEC Myth exposed seems to be a bit of a reach for a title. I have never heard anyone claim that their schedule is tough because of the weak non-conference opponents. They point to the seven or eight quality conference games they have each year as the measure of their accomplishment. They have Vanderbilt, but the Big Ten has three or four teams each year that seem to be the lesser competition. In their opinion it is like playing Ohio State quality teams seven times each year.

The point is that how do you know several other teams are not "lesser quality" teams if they only pay competition when they play conference games? If they are play non P5, FCS teams how do we know?

 

[the24fan]

Hear here....100% agreed, they are typical of all media anymore, pushing their own agenda and to tell you the Truth I dont care for the hypersensitive complainers and "expert" coaches in here. I like them even less on there.

my point exactly! And that garbage network is the worst example of this problem! There are other networks that push their own agenda, but none come close to those biased clowns....

 

[cmhawks99]

my point exactly! And that garbage network is the worst example of this problem! There are other networks that push their own agenda, but none come close to those biased clowns....

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. I quit watching ANYTHING on ESPN several years ago, maybe as many as 6 or 7 outside of sports programming. I don't even watch the 30 for 30's which were mostly okay nor do I watch their highlites or day recaps. I refuse to support them in the least unless there is a game I want to watch and quite frankly I've slowly cut back on the amount of football or sports in general I watch because I don't like the direction they are going. Even the game itself and the "gladiators" that play them are becoming to political.

 

[Iafootballfan]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. I quit watching ANYTHING on ESPN several years ago, maybe as many as 6 or 7 outside of sports programming. I don't even watch the 30 for 30's which were mostly okay nor do I watch their highlites or day recaps. I refuse to support them in the least unless there is a game I want to watch and quite frankly I've slowly cut back on the amount of football or sports in general I watch because I don't like the direction they are going. Even the game itself and the "gladiators" that play them are becoming to political.

This. ESPN has essentially turned into MSNBC in the last two years. I rarely watch anymore.

 

[terrehawk]

While I happen to agree with the premise and the conclusion about the SEC, I don't like the fact that he didn't disclose his rating formulas. When you're using the above data and then manipulating these data to come up with a comprehensive rating, you need to tell us your comparative values used. By not disclosing the formula(s), it's possible to argue that he's tweaking things to fit his own expectations.

Just like ESPNs FPI or whatever their BS rating metric they use.

 

[terrehawk]

The SEC Myth exposed seems to be a bit of a reach for a title. I have never heard anyone claim that their schedule is tough because of the weak non-conference opponents. They point to the seven or eight quality conference games they have each year as the measure of their accomplishment. They have Vanderbilt, but the Big Ten has three or four teams each year that seem to be the lesser competition. In their opinion it is like playing Ohio State quality teams seven times each year.

How many true road games against Power 5 teams have SEC teams played in, say, the last 5 years?

 

[Recruiting Violation]

Just like ESPNs FPI or whatever their BS rating metric they use.

Good point. But if we're going to trash ESPN for being secretive, it doesn't make sense to praise someone else's work that is just as secretive, just because it agrees with what we're thinking.

 

[Recruiting Violation]

How many true road games against Power 5 teams have SEC teams played in, say, the last 5 years?

I don't know the answer, but I'm guessing it's not too many, especially when you remove the annual rivalry games (e.g. UGA/GT, UF/FSU). They haven't been pressured to schedule tough OOC, so they haven't done it.

 

[Herky the Uruk-hai]

The point is that how do you know several other teams are not "lesser quality" teams if they only pay competition when they play conference games? If they are play non P5, FCS teams how do we know?

I agree with your observation entirely and I am not saying I agree with their observation that year in and out the conference is as tough as they claim. It does seem that they are not punished all that much for playing cupcakes outside of their conference.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Anyone can put out preseason polls. What they are used for is what matters.
Having fun with the speculation and giving fans something of interest is fine.
Then throw them out. Entirely.
Reset to zero and start the "official" rankings after game 6. Use that for the playoffs.

 

[terrehawk]

They point to the seven or eight quality conference games they have each year as the measure of their accomplishment.

In their opinion it is like playing Ohio State quality teams seven times each year.

That is ridiculous.

 

[Bill_D]

I said this for years (b12 non conference last year too). SEC will get 2 teams in top 5, at least 1 more 6-10, and 3-5 11-25.....then they go on to play nobody out of conference and get a "SOS" boost because of the inflated preseason "rankings".....honestly those just need to go away (they won't) because it completely inflates conferences (mostly SEC, but Big 12 last year for sure)

The SEC would like to schedule at least one more non conference Power 5 team each year. LSU's AD told them he would schedule anybody but it is an extremely hard thing to get team's to play us. He makes the rounds every year to attempt to get opponents from any of the power 5 teams. Nobody returns his calls.

LSU got a home and home game with OK. Those games have been put off at the request of OK twice. It is now sometimes in the 2020s. When LSU played Iowa in the bowl several years ago there were discussions about a possible match ups. There always is such at bowls. Iowa never got back.

A few years ago for example for some reason LSU and ND had the same open date. LSU called them up and offered to play a game. Norte Dame replied and said after review they were going in "another direction" I think it was phrased. They then promptly scheduled Akron.

LSU is trying to promote a Labor Day Weekend game in New Orleans at the Super Dome where they agree with some school to find a neutral site in their area and play a home and home series. That was what brought about the LSU- Wisconsin game this week.

It is not as easy to get Power 5 opponents as you think. If they did not have these early games like the LSU-Wisconsin game, it would be hard as hell to get the ones they have now. There are at least 5 such games this weekend.

 

[terrehawk]

The SEC would like to schedule at least one more non conference Power 5 team each year. LSU's AD told them he would schedule anybody but it is an extremely hard thing to get team's to play us. He makes the rounds every year to attempt to get opponents from any of the power 5 teams. Nobody returns his calls.

LSU got a home and home game with OK. Those games have been put off at the request of OK twice. It is now sometimes in the 2020s. When LSU played Iowa in the bowl several years ago there were discussions about a possible match ups. There always is such at bowls. Iowa never got back.

A few years ago for example for some reason LSU and ND had the same open date. LSU called them up and offered to play a game. Norte Dame replied and said after review they were going in "another direction" I think it was phrased. They then promptly scheduled Akron.

LSU is trying to promote a Labor Day Weekend game in New Orleans at the Super Dome where they agree with some school to find a neutral site in their area and play a home and home series. That was what brought about the LSU- Wisconsin game this week.

It is not as easy to get Power 5 opponents as you think. If they did not have these early games like the LSU-Wisconsin game, it would be hard as hell to get the ones they have now. There are at least 5 such games this weekend.

That's a crock. Teams want a home and home and SEC teams won't do it. They want a home and neutral site or just a home only.

How many true road games vs P5 teams has the sec played in the past 5 years?

 

[Bill_D]

Just like ESPNs FPI or whatever their BS rating metric they use.

Well one of them played 2 against Michigan State and Clemson. What was that score again against MSU who beat Iowa for the Big Ten Chamoonship?

That's a crock. Teams want a home and home and SEC teams won't do it. They want a home and neutral site or just a home only.

How many true road games vs P5 teams has the sec played in the past 5 years?

you go tell that to the LSU AD. To get a road game LSU had to play zSyracuse there with no return game. No other Big Ten team would pick up the game with us even though LSU would have payed them to cancel a lesser game. You tell the Iowa AD to call Verne Ausbury and say he wants a home and home. I bet he works it out in 10 Days. He will even pay off one of the FBs teams on the schedule to get it.

By the way you don't think Lambeau Field is a home game for Wisconsin? They wil have about 55,000 fans to LSU's 25,000. It's a neutral field, but .....

 

[Slappy Pappy]

That's a crock. Teams want a home and home and SEC teams won't do it. They want a home and neutral site or just a home only.

How many true road games vs P5 teams has the sec played in the past 5 years?

Yeah, LOL at "Superdome and neutral site." What a crock!

Look at the SEC East last year. Much weaker than the B1G West. Lol at champ Florida 's home field bowl game vs. MICH.

 

[Hawgk]

You tell the Iowa AD to call Verne Ausbury and say he wants a home and home. I bet he works it out in 10 Days.

Actually I was standing next to Barta and Verge Ausburry at the Outback bowl when the topic of a home and home came up. Barta suggested the game be played in November to which Ausburry replied, "We've never had the guts to try a game North of the Mason Dixon line past September since I've been alive. We'd rather sneak a patsy in there that time of the year to get our guys healed up, anyways".

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

The SEC would like to schedule at least one more non conference Power 5 team each year. LSU's AD told them he would schedule anybody but it is an extremely hard thing to get team's to play us. He makes the rounds every year to attempt to get opponents from any of the power 5 teams. Nobody returns his calls.

LSU got a home and home game with OK. Those games have been put off at the request of OK twice. It is now sometimes in the 2020s. When LSU played Iowa in the bowl several years ago there were discussions about a possible match ups. There always is such at bowls. Iowa never got back.

A few years ago for example for some reason LSU and ND had the same open date. LSU called them up and offered to play a game. Norte Dame replied and said after review they were going in "another direction" I think it was phrased. They then promptly scheduled Akron.

LSU is trying to promote a Labor Day Weekend game in New Orleans at the Super Dome where they agree with some school to find a neutral site in their area and play a home and home series. That was what brought about the LSU- Wisconsin game this week.

It is not as easy to get Power 5 opponents as you think. If they did not have these early games like the LSU-Wisconsin game, it would be hard as hell to get the ones they have now. There are at least 5 such games this weekend.

95% of what you said is fabricated and/or there is no way for you to prove that any of this ever happened. From what I have "heard" is that teams from the south generally refuse to play a home-home vs teams north of the mason dixon line because of the colder weather, however; I am not sure if that is true or not. I certainly never heard even a whisper or rumor of a possible LSU-Iowa series. Crazy things happen all the time with schedule changes, I know Mizzou backed out and even paid the U of I a few years ago from a 2 year series and Iowa ended up having to play UNI instead. Schedules are made so far in advance that generally teams are playing schedules that an old AD and coach set up

 

[iaendzoner]

The SEC is a conference being propped up by the likes of ESPN and all the pundits!!!!

 

[Bison Beast]

That's a crock. Teams want a home and home and SEC teams won't do it. They want a home and neutral site or just a home only.

How many true road games vs P5 teams has the sec played in the past 5 years?

You talk about Bison Fans being delusional, the Big Ten can not compete with the SEC unless you are Ohio State. Iowa we know can't compete with the PAC, King is still trying to catch McCaffrey.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

You talk about Bison Fans being delusional, the Big Ten can not compete with the SEC unless you are Ohio State. Iowa we know can't compete with the PAC, King is still trying to catch McCaffrey.

Maybe you should stick to the kids table and talk about all your FCS accomplishments. What's next some fans from Mt Union bragging about all their DIII titles.

 

[iowanole1]

That's a crock. Teams want a home and home and SEC teams won't do it. They want a home and neutral site or just a home only.

How many true road games vs P5 teams has the sec played in the past 5 years?

Not including the annual rivalry games (Georgia tech, FSU, Louisville, Clemson), the SEC scheduled 15 true away games against power 5 schools between 2011-15.

 

[Iafootballfan]

LSU vs Wisconsin will be the staple of this argument about 6 weeks from now

 

[ichawk24]

To get a road game LSU had to play Syracuse there with no return game.

LSU and Syracuse agreed to play a home and home, with the 2015 game at Syracuse and the 2017 game in Baton Rogue.

http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootb...series_to_be_formally_announced_report_s.html

 

[Bill_D]

Actually I was standing next to Barta and Verge Ausburry at the Outback bowl when the topic of a home and home came up. Barta suggested the game be played in November to which Ausburry replied, "We've never had the guts to try a game North of the Mason Dixon line past September since I've been alive. We'd rather sneak a patsy in there that time of the year to get our guys healed up, anyways".

That a lie. If you ever met Ausbury you would know he is a straight up serious guy. It was a story of "I like the idea. Let's get together later. Later never came.

 

[Bill_D]

95% of what you said is fabricated and/or there is no way for you to prove that any of this ever happened. From what I have "heard" is that teams from the south generally refuse to play a home-home vs teams north of the mason dixon line because of the colder weather, however; I am not sure if that is true or not. I certainly never heard even a whisper or rumor of a possible LSU-Iowa series. Crazy things happen all the time with schedule changes, I know Mizzou backed out and even paid the U of I a few years ago from a 2 year series and Iowa ended up having to play UNI instead. Schedules are made so far in advance that generally teams are playing schedules that an old AD and coach set up

The last LSU played a ND it was November. The tome before that was November and the field was covered with snow.

Every time I see a string like this with an article that long in the opening post I think, "Here is someone trying to prove the SEC is not relevant." If you want to be relevant then I suggest you get to work and become relevant. Attacking the SEC because they are more relevant than you are doesn't help you become more relevant. An article like that is whining.

 

[ichawk24]

The last LSU played a ND it was November. The tome before that was November and the field was covered with snow.

Those games were 18 and 31 years ago.

 

[pepsicock]

The SEC stuck SC with 3 of 4 SEC road games to start this year . They would never do that to Alabama .

 

[ichawk24]

SC gets to play 3 of last 4 at home.

 

[Hawgk]

That a lie. If you ever met Ausbury you would know he is a straight up serious guy. It was a story of "I like the idea. Let's get together later. Later never came.

I've met him- he seemed like a douche. Pretty sure you haven't met him. When was the last time LSU won a game on the North side of the Mason Dixon line?

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

The last LSU played a ND it was November. The tome before that was November and the field was covered with snow.

Every time I see a string like this with an article that long in the opening post I think, "Here is someone trying to prove the SEC is not relevant." If you want to be relevant then I suggest you get to work and become relevant. Attacking the SEC because they are more relevant than you are doesn't help you become more relevant. An article like that is whining.

I think the SEC proved my point themselves in week 1

 

[terrehawk]

The last LSU played a ND it was November. The tome before that was November and the field was covered with snow.

Every time I see a string like this with an article that long in the opening post I think, "Here is someone trying to prove the SEC is not relevant." If you want to be relevant then I suggest you get to work and become relevant. Attacking the SEC because they are more relevant than you are doesn't help you become more relevant. An article like that is whining.

Oh.....hi