Strength of schedule seems to be important for every team but Notre Dame
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The more things change, the more they remain the same. With the first College Football Playoff rankings out, once again they are an advertisement for Notre Dame bias. You already know the story — Notre Dame sets its own schedule (with the exception of five rotating teams from the weak ACC) and independent status means no conference championship game. Finishing 10-2 every year almost guarantees the Irish a spot in the CFP. We sarcastically predicted the Irish clinched a CFP berth here before they even played. This year appears to be no different. The Irish lost their first two games to ranked teams — Texas A&M and Miami. Now they shouldn’t be penalized for those close losses but their only remaining victory over a ranked team was USC, 34-24, leaving them 1-2 against ranked opponents. The remaining victories against weak teams are unimpressive.
Meanwhile, Texas and Oklahoma are behind the Irish in the polls even though they have victories over highly ranked teams, two losses as well and more difficult schedules. We were told strength of schedule would be emphasized more this year — I guess except when it comes to the Irish. Why? Because it is the only national team on the college football stage, the No. 1 television draw. It showed in last year's record ratings during the championship game. Whether that’s consciously or subconsciously considered by the selection committee, partiality in any form is wrong. The fact is, if you like them or don't like them, learn to love them because they are the highest rated team on television.
The Irish should take a back seat to Power Four
Having said that, the Irish are good, very good as a matter of fact, but at this time should be ranked behind those schools. Is this a fair system? Of course not. All the Power Four schools have to do is make it more difficult for the Irish to qualify. How? By making Notre Dame finish in the top eight rankings each year. That would send shock waves through South Bend and either force Notre Dame to strengthen its schedule or join a conference. The Power Four leagues will find out as the CFP expands next year that Notre Dame always has the advantage and making it more difficult will only make it more fair to all. First, it requires recognition of the problem and the cooperation of the Power Four leagues to implement and I don't see the ACC, which has an agreement with Notre Dame, coming on board. So fuhgeddaboudit!
Big-name coaches can be expensive mistakes
All schools with open head coaching positions, and there are a lot of them, always want to make a splash. Get the "big name," the coach who can instantly turn around a program. What it really should be called is the "con game." Current coaches' names are thrown out there as candidates for openings only to sign huge extensions. It's called leverage. Then comes the "name" coach being hired only to see his firing soon thereafter at a huge buyout. Right now, it's estimated to be $185 million so far this year alone. How did Brian Kelly do at LSU, or Hugh Freeze at Auburn, or Billy Napier at Florida? Remember Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M? It used to be athletic directors promoted from within. Notre Dame finally wised up after being part of the con game and promoted Marcus Freeman, who has been an outright success. What happened to rewarding loyalty and commitment within the program instead of going out and overpaying for the perceived stud? It evaporated when winning became an immediate process and it has caused irreparable harm throughout, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars being wasted on fired coaches and disasters on the field. The fact is there is no sure thing, and athletic directors should get back to basics and consider qualified coaches already on the payroll.
My Top 25 picks
No. 7 Brigham Young at No. 8 Texas Tech (-10): This is THE game in the Big 12. In the end, this conference is likely to receive just the one automatic berth to the champion. That’s why this game is a must win for the Red Raiders, who previously lost to Utah. The Cougars' star running back, LJ Martin, is expected to play but is coming off an injury. Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is a special player and healthy again and the key to the game.
Tech’s defense is ranked in the top 10 in every major category. Texas Tech has just more horses and depth with their roster changeover via the name, image and likeness system. BYU might have a freshman quarterback with the best first name playing like a senior — Bear Bachmeier has been super (63% completions, 1,693 yards, 11 touchdowns, 3 interceptions). The Cougars have escaped with wins several times this year on the road but with GameDay in Lubbock, the Red Raiders run away with it and end the Cougars' undefeated season.
No. 3 Texas A&M (-4) at No. 22 Missouri: The Tigers' last chance to make some noise in the SEC. Their coach continues to overachieve. The Aggies have talent at every position and coach Mike Elko got a signature win at Notre Dame and a victory here will all but clinch a CFP berth. Mizzou starting quarterback Beau Pribula is out so backup Matt Zollers takes over. A big problem for the Tigers.
Meanwhile. Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed brings chaos to the Tigers' defense and is playing for the Heisman. I like Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz but he's going to have to become a magician to pull this off. Aggies roll.
No. 9 Oregon (-6) at No. 17 Iowa: The Hawkeyes are huge home underdogs. How does Iowa’s coach Kirk Ferentz do this every year with inferior talent? Well, a weak schedule helps and the Hawkeyes have defeated nobody of significance but they did play Indiana tough, losing 15-14. It’s the same formula — don’t beat yourself. But this year, it’s been the defense that yields just 235 total yards a game. Unfortunately, Oregon averages 237 yards rushing and 483 total yards a game. So, it’s the classic unstoppable force against the immovable object and Kinnick Stadium is an intimidating venue. If Iowa can hang around by controlling the ball, it could be interesting. Nah! That’s just my heart talking. My head says coach Dan Lanning’s Ducks role!
followtheschreib61@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Strength of schedule seems important for every team but the Irish
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos