- Preseason CFB Strength of Schedule (SOS) Update
“The Cowboy knows a good death is hard to find.”- Peter Weller “Longmire”
Thanks for popping back in for another Dose of Sports to Curb the Workday Boredom.
Strength of schedules in College Football are on my mind. Just a quick, ‘Where were we? Where are we now?’ Sort of thing.
Preseason Top10 Toughest SOS:
- Wisconsin 3-6
- Mississippi St 5-5
- Arkansas 2-7
- South Carolina 3-6
- Syracuse 3-7
- LSU 5-4
- Oklahoma 7-2
- UCLA 3-6
- Kentucky 4-5
- Stanford 3-7
That’s at least the order that seemed most plausible from everything I gathered over the Summer. Judging from the records, I’d say the list was close.
Despite the harsh preseason SOS, Single High Sports projected OU to finish the season 9th. They are living up to the billing so far.
This had me wondering over the weekend where the Top12 were in the preseason SOS. How easy were the top teams’ schedules and is that why they have the best records?
Well, let’s take a look.
Current SHS TOP 12 Preseason SOS:
- Ohio St #24
- Georgia #44
- Indiana #58
- Texas A&M #14
- Alabama #21
- Oregon #19
- Mississippi #48
- Notre Dame #22
- Texas Tech #72
- Texas #15
- Oklahoma #7
- Georgia Tech #42
Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Texas Tech, and Georgia Tech could have perhaps used a bit more of a challenge in order to properly test their metal and give us a clear look at them. Are they that good or do these teams simply benefit from the favorable schedule?
The simple answer is that it’s probably a combination of both.
OU
A healthy Oklahoma may very well be the best team in the Nation. They will get a chance to prove that this week against #5 Alabama. I’m not sure about their team’s health, but if they have all of their pieces, this is a very winnable game.
In fact, this is probably the most battle tested of all the top teams right now but now is not the time to rest back on the impressive seven wins. Now is the time for the Sooners to use the lessons learned while earning those battle scars. Winning in Tuscaloosa is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, one thing this Sooner team has shown throughout the entire season is that they have heart. A strong heart that potentially has what it takes to win this weekend. Winning seven games against the #7 SOS will build that sort of heart.
TTU
The Red Raiders spent the most money on players. Their reward? A cakewalk 72nd ranked SOS. Seems as though someone in Lubbock knows someone.
Anything but a semifinal finish should feel like disappointment for Texas Tech. In fact, the Red Raiders Week 8 loss to Arizona St should hurt them more than it has so far.
With the amount of money spent and the Sunday morning stroll of a schedule they get to play, the Red Raiders should be unbeaten so far. Inexcusable to lose a game before the playoffs with a setup like that.
—
We all get a card hand dealt to us every day. Sometimes it’s Aces, but most of the time it’s not. You’ve got to play the hand the best you can. Sometimes the best play is to fold.
Teams get handed down this ranked schedule or that but it’s up to the team to maximize the return considering the conditions.
Mississippi St spent a relatively low amount of money on players and were hit with the 2nd ranked SOS. TTU spent the most and were given the 72nd SOS. One team’s “hand” seems a bit easier to play than the others.
Nevertheless, you have to play the hand dealt. You can fold and wait for next season’s “hand” to be dealt, or you can maximize what you can from this tough season and build towards the next. One will go broke sitting around waiting for the perfect hand to come their way. Well done to Mississippi St. What an effort given the scheduling circumstances.
I do wonder this as I close–what would Texas Tech’s record be against MSU’s schedule?
It’s important to first remember that State beat the one team that beat Texas Tech (ASU). Let’s look at the five losses. Five losses in six weeks I might add. Sounds bad right. But who were they bested by?
- Tennessee
- @ Texas A&M
- @ Florida
- Texas
- Georgia
5-5 doesn’t sound so bad right about now if you’re a Bulldog fan.
Now, how many of those losses could Texas Tech turn into wins if they played Mississippi State’s schedule? Keep in mind that they would’ve already lost to Arizona St which the Bulldogs beat Week 2.
I don’t know the answer and neither do you, but the question itself is worth pondering as we praise these teams at the top. They are at the top, yes, but perhaps they’re simply benefactors of being dealt pocket Aces to another teams 5/3 off suit. Maybe if MSU had the #72 SOS they would be in the top12.
I almost think that they would.
The lesson for us all is that we have to stay humble and work hard regardless of the circumstances. When Aces get dealt, play wisely and win. When a 7/ deuce comes your way, be cunning enough to not throw them towards the muck. 7/ deuce is a winning hand more times than one may realize.
You see? It’s never about the cards dealt; it’s always about who is playing in the hand.
Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’
Whit W.
Thank you for stopping by for another dose of sports. Have a wonderful Monday!