Playoff Rankings

Wisconsin should be helped by the fact NW and Iowa came into this week ranked.  Michigan should be ranked next week. 

Yup, but regardless, despite 25 years of success and a top 4 record in the last 5 years, no respect.

They best recognize Bucky now.  If things play out of this moment, Bucky should be no worse than 5th.   I'd think 4th.

66 yards committee, 66 yards.  Think about it.

Agreed, Cavetoad.  However,  I'll believe it when I read it next Monday (or does it come out on Tuesday?).    They will probably have Auburn hop over Bucky  because it's the $EC bias.  I do hope I'm wrong.

These  weekly deals mean nothing.....just win baby.   Bama has to play Auburn in the Iron Bowl,   Then the SEC championship game against Georgia.  Clemson will Play Miami in the ACC.  Lots of ball to be played.

Just win baby.

Notre Dame better cash as far or farther than O$U and Penn State did last week.  They are frauds for sure. 

The next three games will be tough.  I'll say it again, cannot keep starting slow.  

Yup, don't overlook Minny in Minny.

SanDiegoPackFan posted:

Agreed, Cavetoad.  However,  I'll believe it when I read it next Monday (or does it come out on Tuesday?).    They will probably have Auburn hop over Bucky  because it's the $EC bias.  I do hope I'm wrong.

I also think they will put Auburn higher than the Badgers because it would fit their mold. Never any respect for Bucky. 10-0. We had better move up in the rankings this week.

Michigan was 21 this week and dominated so if the Badgers can get past them that's another solid win.  

At this point that's all they can do- line up and play who is in front of them. 

Hornibrook had better bring his A game this week as this is easily the best defense they will have faced so far.  He plays like he did yesterday we won't have to worry about the playoffs.  

So in the Coaches Poll Badgers drop 1 to #4. Miami and Clemson leap over them. 

Climbed 1 spot to 5th in the AP.  Hard to believe Miami got 4 1st place votes in the AP.  They haven't beaten anybody of note except pretenders Notre Dame. 

Tschmack posted:

Wisconsin should be helped by the fact NW and Iowa came into this week ranked.  Michigan should be ranked next week. 

One of the talking heads said it the best this weekend when they talked about UW.  They said that if it was an Ohio State, Alabama, etc. they schedule wouldn't matter they would say "well you can only play who is on your schedule" but when it comes to teams like UW they don't get that benefit of a doubt.  And like others have said here it really is baffling to me the total disregard for the UW program.  I think it would be very hard to leave them out if they run the table but it wouldn't shock me either.

As for this week's rankings this is how I think it will shake out:

1.  Bama

2. Miami

3. Clemson - No one talks about them losing to a semi crappy Syracuse team do they?

4. Oklahoma

5.  UW (I wouldn't be shocked if UW comes in #7)

6.  Auburn

7. Georgia

8.  Ohio State

9. ND

10.  TCU or OK State

This is how I have them:

1. Alabama
2. Miami
3. Oklahoma (Ohio St win, TCU win, Ok St win)
4. Wisconsin
5. Clemson  (Syracuse loss)
6. Auburn
7. Georgia
8. Ohio St
9. Norte Dame
10. Oklahoma St.
11. U Central FLA
12. U SoCal
13. Penn St
14. TCU
15. Wash St

There is no way I would have Clemson in the top 4 or ranked ahead of Wisconsin.   They lost to a mediocre Syracuse team and that should knock them down a few pegs. 

Hungry5 has a good list especially the top 8.  

Oklahoma is the real wildcard in all of this in that yes they are very one dimensional (translation - they score a lot of points and are fun to watch for fans - hint hint) but they have also played and beaten some really good teams including at Ohio State which is no small feat.  

Oklahoma winning makes Ohio St. look better.

In Vegas, Ohio St. will be favored to beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten champ game. 

I think Vegas had Georgia winning last week.  They also had OSU a double digit favorite over Iowa.  And I agree baring injuries OSU will be favored over the Badgers.  The games are played on the field.

My point was that UW will probably be ranked above OSU. But OSU will be favored and rightly so. They are probably the better team.

So it is kind of weird.

This week the Coaches poll has them at 4, the AP at 5.   Seems pretty respectful to me.

Tschmack posted:

There is no way I would have Clemson in the top 4 or ranked ahead of Wisconsin.   They lost to a mediocre Syracuse team and that should knock them down a few pegs. 

Hungry5 has a good list especially the top 8.  

Oklahoma is the real wildcard in all of this in that yes they are very one dimensional (translation - they score a lot of points and are fun to watch for fans - hint hint) but they have also played and beaten some really good teams including at Ohio State which is no small feat.  

 

Great point on Oklahoma and them scoring a ton of points and that makes it fun for the fans.  Ok I am putting on my tin foil hat for a minute but does anyone else think that the "best matchups" or the team that brings the best ratings gets more of a benefit of a doubt in the rankings?  They say they don't but I do have to wonder sometimes. 

As many of you know I live less than an hour from Columbus so I get all Buckeyes all the time so I will fill you in on the lastest from the media and the fans today.  On the drive home the local ESPN nubes and fans said that OSU will beat UW by 21 points and it wont be a battle at all.  Too much talent etc.  Oh how sweet it would be to have OSU get throttled by UW.

Wow, I just can't see OSU putting a beat down on the Badgers.  I just think this Badgers team is a notch better than last year and OSU maybe a notch worse and they played to an OT game last year. 

It all depends on Hornibrook. Maybe they should try having another QB play some series. He played better when he had to share time with Bart.

Go look at Miami's wins. They have had some much closer wins against not so good of teams than the Badgers have had. The only reason Miami is #2 is the east coast bias.  And we all know it. 

Even if the game was 38-0 I have a feeling much wouldn't have changed.

Citadel? Who are the other crappy clubs these 'fantastic amazing schedule teams' playing this weekend.   $EC and Big12 both have horrid teams in their conferences that Bucky and most B1G teams would dominate.  I watched a good chunk of that Big 12 OU vs OUSt game.   Wow, has anyone heard of defense?  

Still no respect for the B1G.  Other than ECB I don't see how Penn State worked through their issues with what we all know.   Nebraska will never work back to national respect at this point.    Maryland and Rutgers were mistakes to add to the B1G.   Barry is no longer on the playoff committee.  

 I hope Horni comes around, but DAMN, if Bucky had a QB that you didn't crap yourself every time he drops back to pass, they'd be unbeatable right now.

I have faith in this D vs. any team in the nation.  I think there's lots of talent on the roster.   Horni is only a soph but he needs to become what we all pray he can be... either way F the pundits.

fightphoe93 posted:

Wow, I just can't see OSU putting a beat down on the Badgers.  I just think this Badgers team is a notch better than last year and OSU maybe a notch worse and they played to an OT game last year. 

Oh how I wish I was making that up.  One guy called in and said "its what we do and that is beat over rated Wisconsin teams"

I have unfortunately seen every OSU game this year and you are right they are a notch worse than last year and they are banged up on defense which is their weakness to begin with especially in the secondary.  If UW's OL can win the battle they win that game.

Moved up to #5 in the Playoff rankings.  All the guys basically said an undefeated Wisconsin makes into the Final 4.  Clemson will play Miami and the loser there will more than likely drop out.  And it will be very interesting to see how the Alabama, Auburn, Georgia triumvirate plays out. 

fightphoe93 posted:

Wow, I just can't see OSU putting a beat down on the Badgers.  I just think this Badgers team is a notch better than last year and OSU maybe a notch worse and they played to an OT game last year. 

I didn’t think this before- but I do now. Iowa put up 55 on OSU- they couldn’t scratch the Badgers. That’s no fluke.

And i also agree that the Badgers are better than last year- and that mostly because they have a superstar at RB. The OL is getting their feet under them, too.

Hornibrook is the concern, beating that dead horse. Really wish Cephus was out there- but they’ll just need to get it from someone. Davis has been solid, and other guys need to progress. Make them pay for 9 in the box...

Hornibrook is the decider on whether we win Big Ten and how far we go.

Leonhard has built a defense better than recent Badger D's.  OL, RB, TE are all 5 star quality.  Paul Chryst is not going to get out coached.  That leaves QB and WR and we all know how poor QB play can stack the deck.

ammo posted:

Moved up to #5 in the Playoff rankings.  All the guys basically said an undefeated Wisconsin makes into the Final 4.  Clemson will play Miami and the loser there will more than likely drop out.  And it will be very interesting to see how the Alabama, Auburn, Georgia triumvirate plays out. 

I figured as much and am glad to see some recognition.  There was no way they could ignore the beatdown Bucky's D did against a team that put up 55 on O$U.  If they had, they would have been, or should have been, mocked mercilessly.

So now, one game at a time.   I hope the kids aren't reading their press.  Go take care of Michigan at home.  Get to work.  Get it done.  Do NOT take this opportunity for granted.

The great thing is I think PC has a good feel for this club and will keep the kids focused.   He's also a very even keeled coach.  I don't think he'll let the media get to the kids.   They already have seemed to take on his persona and it shows on the field.

Add to that, Leonhard.   PLEASE let him stay around for a few years.  BA has been fantastic at finding new DCs to replace those who have left.  I pray that JL wants to stay for at least 5 years and BA pays him to keep him motivated to do so.   All the D exposure has to have D recruits noticing the program and want to go be a part of it.   Let's stop the carousel for a few years!

Let the chips fall where they may, just do your job and have fun!

F'EM BUCKY!!! 

RatPack posted:

Hornibrook is the decider on whether we win Big Ten and how far we go.

Leonhard has built a defense better than recent Badger D's.  OL, RB, TE are all 5 star quality.  Paul Chryst is not going to get out coached.  That leaves QB and WR and we all know how poor QB play can stack the deck.

He clearly is the X factor.  I have hope that he can be serviceable.  PC needs to work some magic on Horni.

I have no issue with them being at #5 and honestly thought they would have been a little lower based upon the opinions of UW in the media.

But as others have said take care of Michigan first and keep the one game at a time focus.  I think the Chryst is the type to keep this team focused on the job at hand and hopefully there isn't a let down after last week.

I thought they would be lower as well, but #5 is a great position to be in, especially with the other top teams that have to play each other.

WI controls their own path to the playoff. If they win out, there is no way to not move up one spot.

Potential bad scenario for WI?

CLE / MIA play nail biter with CLE winning - both ending 11-1

OK wins out with another win over either OK St or TCU (both ranked)

AUB smokes ALA in reg season final, and crushes GEO again in SEC title game.

WI beats MICH, then MICH beats OhSt. WI wins B1G title game...

Does a 2 loss Auburn jump them, with Oklahoma, & Clemson and Miami staying in the top 4 too?

Not that the past really matters but in some way it may....the last 2 Big 10 representatives in the final 4 were shut out.   The year before OSU won.  

Wisconsin fans want Wisconsin in, Big 10 fans want the Big 10 in, football fans want good games, ESPN wants good ratings.   Lots of constituents.

FreeSafety posted:

I thought they would be lower as well, but #5 is a great position to be in, especially with the other top teams that have to play each other.

WI controls their own path to the playoff. If they win out, there is no way to not move up one spot.

One team that worries me for the playoffs is Auburn.  If Auburn beats Bama and beats Georgia in the $EC title game I have this hunch the committee would put them in over UW even if Bucky runs the table.   Maybe I am way off base here but I am preparing myself for things like that.

Taylor does need to do better at protecting the ball.  That has become worrisome over the past few games.  Biad-Ass might be out too, as well as Dixon and some other WRs.  Next man up.

Something we need to consider is I think we are putting way too much stock in Iowa's win over O$U.  It was the perfect storm.  It's tough to go on the road in the Big Ten and win a late or night game especially when you had an emotional win the week before as the Buckeyes did beating Penn State. 

UW just needs to win out and I think things will shake out accordingly. 

Is it time for Jazz.   I just can't believe it's still a "leg problem" any more.  If Peavy isn't ready for this game, then he's gone for the season.   Something is going on behind the scenes with Peavy.   We need him to be a leader and help this team now. 

Again, if it's a legit "injury"; then there's nothing he can do to help.  But if it's something else.......????

When isn't it time for Jazz? Was discussing Miles just yesterday in the WHY THE COWBOYS SUCK thread.

Chet Baker rules

Paul Chryst confirms that WRs George Rushing and Jazz Peavy are not with the team "for different reasons."
"There's a lot going on right now in these guys' lives. All that matters is they are doing all right. That was kind of decided for both to help them navigate everything."

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) November 16, 2017

Baker is very, very good. I'm also a big fan of Roy Hargrove.