Polls

[Baywave1]

Have one loss in mid-October and Tulane will be ranked. Just gotta keep winning

[PeteRasche]

Have one loss in mid-October and Tulane will be ranked. Just gotta keep winning

Maybe, maybe not. But more than anything, if we go 12-1 I'm confident we will be the NY6 rep. All the big name threats have already lost. Even if Fresno goes undefeated, last year's reputation would carry us (and when it came down to the end of the year and the debate began to rage, every sportswriter would look and notice we'd played Ole Miss without Pratt.)

I did notice a potential threat in Georgia State. They could keep winning all year and likely not get ranked until week 11 when they play.... at LSU. If LSU is top 10 and they upset them, they'd immediately jump to the head of the NY6 race.

[long green]

No, we’ll definitely be ranked again in October if we keep winning. I think a win at Memphis (hasn’t happened in a while) will do it.

I’d be surprised if Georgia State gets to LSU unbeaten. They have been hot and cold with this coach. Last year they beat USM like we should have done (in Hattiesburg to boot) and went 4-8 anyway. As for them vs LSU they’re not good at what you need to be good at to beat LSU.

[wavedom]

For us to get back in we are going to need to win by large margins every week and a lot of ranked teams need to start losing. The rest of this schedule is really weak. Memphis may be the best of what we have left but they aren't good. We have to hope Willie has it in him to not let up.

[waverider]

There are 8 games today with teams that are 3-0 or better. That’s 8 teams that will pick up a loss. As far as the polls, where those teams are ranked and who they play will matter, but in the records race, we gain a little ground.

On Gameday today they did the lightning round and one of the questions was who the best G5 team is. They mentioned Air Force and Fresno St before settling on Tulane. I bring that up because voters that may not pay attention to us, will hear the “experts” say that Tulane is still the best G5 and may be more willing to give us votes.

[PeteRasche]

On Gameday today they did the lightning round and one of the questions was who the best G5 team is. They mentioned Air Force and Fresno St before settling on Tulane. I bring that up because voters that may not pay attention to us, will hear the “experts” say that Tulane is still the best G5 and may be more willing to give us votes.

I saw that, and noted that Herbstreit (who was the one tasked with making the call) emphasized "if Pratt is healthy" before going with us. And of course, that part is correct. Every single game this year is going to be like (what we didn't know about) last year, where he's one bad move away from being completely done. May his MCL hold on this year just like his heel/Achilles did last year! Of course, that said, every single team is one play away from losing a star player and having season expectations shattered ... it's football.

[Poseidon]

On Gameday today they did the lightning round and one of the questions was who the best G5 team is. They mentioned Air Force and Fresno St before settling on Tulane. I bring that up because voters that may not pay attention to us, will hear the “experts” say that Tulane is still the best G5 and may be more willing to give us votes.

I saw that, and noted that Herbstreit (who was the one tasked with making the call) emphasized "if Pratt is healthy" before going with us. And of course, that part is correct. Every single game this year is going to be like (what we didn't know about) last year, where he's one bad move away from being completely done. May his MCL hold on this year just like his heel/Achilles did last year! Of course, that said, every single team is one play away from losing a star player and having season expectations shattered ... it's football.

I think we are better team with Pratt as it stands. I still think we can win the conference and make a NY6 with Horton. I also think the a game or two may hinge on the running backs making a few big plays and honestly that though worries me more.

Now the NY6 game or CCG on the road vs SMU is were Pratt would be the real difference IMO.

[Marathon Wave]

There are 8 games today with teams that are 3-0 or better. That’s 8 teams that will pick up a loss. As far as the polls, where those teams are ranked and who they play will matter, but in the records race, we gain a little ground.

On Gameday today they did the lightning round and one of the questions was who the best G5 team is. They mentioned Air Force and Fresno St before settling on Tulane. I bring that up because voters that may not pay attention to us, will hear the “experts” say that Tulane is still the best G5 and may be more willing to give us votes.

Thanks for posting rider.
Didn't catch the broadcast myself. Glad to here we're still getting talked up by the "experts".

[WaveProf]

We dropped to 38th in the coaches poll (11 votes)

Fresno is 26th (93 votes), Air Force 36th (24), Wyoming 39th (8), Marshall 40th (2), JMU 40th (2), Liberty 42nd (1), Georgia State 42nd (1)



We missed our chance to stay close or even to Fresno the last two weeks by looking unimpressive. That's hard to overcome. They are going to need to lose a game, without a doubt, for us to get where we want to be. And that's IF we win out.

[waverider]

33rd in AP with 11 votes

Fresno St #25

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:

Kansas St. 57, Kentucky 41, Colorado 32, Louisville 32, UCLA 28, Maryland 20, TCU 17, Tulane 11

Quite a significant number of votes between 33 and 25.

[Poseidon]

There is this idea that since we are up against Col vs USC Saturday that is going to hurt our exposure.

I submit that if we really put it to UAB particularly early:
1)people who are watching CU vs USC casually flip over to see that on ESPN2 while on commercial break it would help us.
2)If we are an alternate game on in a multiscreen setting like a bar it would help us.
3)if during the CU halftime they show highlights of ehipping UAB in the first half it would help us.
4)If they do a cut in to our game during the CU USC game talking about how last time USC lost wast Tulane..."well here is how Tulane is doing today"
5)lastly if we beat UAB more thoroughly than Georgia did.

All of that said if UAB is tied or up at half maybe it hurts as well.

Yes, all of this gives more credence as to why we should have Pratt play and throw 4 tds in the first half and have the Pratt is back angle. Contrary wo what i said in another thread.

[Marathon Wave]

If the general public, pub goers, arre watching us, that won't matter at all. We needed to put up 50 against Nicholls. Horrible red zone so far. Can't trade FG for TD.

[PeteRasche]

You forgot one, Poseidon. What about everyone who flips over when USC is up by 50?

[waverider]

The only thing that matters is a big win scrolling during every game the rest of the day. I doubt they cut into our game unless there’s something worth mentioning (they’ve forgotten who USC played in a bowl). One story that could get verrrrrry little attention is that Trent Dilfer is coaching his first ever American conference game.

Now, if Pratt throws 4 first half TDS then he may get mentioned during the early game halftimes.

[Baywave1]

Interesting that undefeated Liberty is being completely ignored by all

In AAC, Tulane and Memphis are only teams currently with winning records.

[QuarterbackU]

Looking at how the schedule breaks out across the country the next three weeks, if we beat UAB and take care of Memphis at Memphis on ESPN (the media/coaches will remember us and Pratt Magic vs USC) - we will get in the polls and keep rising by attrition the rest of the schedule.

Would be lovely if Memphis could beat Boise State this week for optics of two 4-1 teams on ESPN.

[Wavefan]

Really hope Georgia state loses a couple before they play lsu. I would hate to have to pull for lsu in that game for any reason.

[Sophandros]

There is this idea that since we are up against Col vs USC Saturday that is going to hurt our exposure.

I submit that if we really put it to UAB particularly early:
1)people who are watching CU vs USC casually flip over to see that on ESPN2 while on commercial break it would help us.
2)If we are an alternate game on in a multiscreen setting like a bar it would help us.
3)if during the CU halftime they show highlights of ehipping UAB in the first half it would help us.
4)If they do a cut in to our game during the CU USC game talking about how last time USC lost wast Tulane..."well here is how Tulane is doing today"
5)lastly if we beat UAB more thoroughly than Georgia did.

All of that said if UAB is tied or up at half maybe it hurts as well.

Yes, all of this gives more credence as to why we should have Pratt play and throw 4 tds in the first half and have the Pratt is back angle. Contrary wo what i said in another thread.

I think people are more likely to flip to Florida at Kentucky.

But let's not kid ourselves here: the people voting clearly don't watch the games.

[tulaneoutlaw]

Georgia St. is in the same division as James Madison and Marshall, both of which are also unbeaten. They both have P5 wins (albeit over lousy UVA and VT). Only one of those even has the possibility of going unbeaten and it's also possible the beat up on each other. That also ignores App and Georgia Southern, both of which seem lively. It'll be a surprise if any sunbelt team makes it through unscathed.

[PeteRasche]

Georgia St. is in the same division as James Madison and Marshall, both of which are also unbeaten. They both have P5 wins (albeit over lousy UVA and VT). Only one of those even has the possibility of going unbeaten and it's also possible the beat up on each other. That also ignores App and Georgia Southern, both of which seem lively. It'll be a surprise if any sunbelt team makes it through unscathed.

Marshall also still has NC State in two weeks from now. If Marshall goes undefeated with 2 P5 wins and having beaten all those SBC "contenders" you mention, they almost certainly jump those MWC teams and are the NY6 rep.

(I note that you didn't even mention USA in your "lively" SBC list )

[tulaneoutlaw]

Georgia St. is in the same division as James Madison and Marshall, both of which are also unbeaten. They both have P5 wins (albeit over lousy UVA and VT). Only one of those even has the possibility of going unbeaten and it's also possible the beat up on each other. That also ignores App and Georgia Southern, both of which seem lively. It'll be a surprise if any sunbelt team makes it through unscathed.

Marshall also still has NC State in two weeks from now. If Marshall goes undefeated with 2 P5 wins and having beaten all those SBC "contenders" you mention, they almost certainly jump those MWC teams and are the NY6 rep.

(I note that you didn't even mention USA in your "lively" SBC list )

Agreed on Marshall. I didn't mention USA because they are in the Sunbelt West and don't play everyone in the east, but yeah, I'd throw them and Troy and maybe Texas St. into the live bucket. Heck, even ULL might have life in the league. Sadly the Sun Belt is grading out as a better conference top to bottom than the AAC (we have a better top for now), but there's a ton of parity in that league.

[PeteRasche]

I just created a list on the "non-Tulane" in a thread meant to not be discussion - keep that here - but just for easy reference. I will update that first post every week as teams fall off the list, or if the "notes" need some updating.

[GretnaGrn]

Georgia St. is in the same division as James Madison and Marshall, both of which are also unbeaten. They both have P5 wins (albeit over lousy UVA and VT). Only one of those even has the possibility of going unbeaten and it's also possible the beat up on each other. That also ignores App and Georgia Southern, both of which seem lively. It'll be a surprise if any sunbelt team makes it through unscathed.

Marshall also still has NC State in two weeks from now. If Marshall goes undefeated with 2 P5 wins and having beaten all those SBC "contenders" you mention, they almost certainly jump those MWC teams and are the NY6 rep.

(I note that you didn't even mention USA in your "lively" SBC list )

Agreed on Marshall. I didn't mention USA because they are in the Sunbelt West and don't play everyone in the east, but yeah, I'd throw them and Troy and maybe Texas St. into the live bucket. Heck, even ULL might have life in the league. Sadly the Sun Belt is grading out as a better conference top to bottom than the AAC (we have a better top for now), but there's a ton of parity in that league.

The top 3-4 teams in the current AAC are probably better than the top 3-4 in the Sun Belt, but the teams after that are an embarrassment for the AAC, and the Sun Belt absolutely has the superior depth at this stage. Honestly, I'm willing to entertain a debate that Marshall (barf) is at least on par with SMU/UTSA, if not Memphis as well.

[MNAlum]

Maybe we should collaborate with the Sunbelt and be the first with relegation. ESPN might throw $ at it for the novelty that could draw TV streaming viewers

[PeteRasche]

The ironic thing is, as evidence by the PAC for the past many years, parity within your conference is actually NOT what you want for the CFP and NY6. Unless you're the P2, you can't afford to have all your teams beating each other and having multiple losses. Two losses in any league other than the P2 just creates another opening for another P2 team into a coveted postseason spot.

I suspect the MWC and SBC will both fall prey to this in the next two months. Hopefully that leaves a repeat-champ Tulane as the easy choice for the NY6.