Preseason Polls
I believe they should get rid of preseason polls. Why? Because is skews teams based on the polls when no one has seen them play. For example: When Bobby Bowden had left the program FSU was ranked the next 3 years in the top 10 to end the season out of the top 25. This years FSU basketball team got into the rankings because they beat #6 Florida. Yet, Florida is not even a top 30 team right now. I was dare say top 50. But, preseason rankings have allowed this to happen. One other example I would like to point out.
What should be done? In football don't put out a ranking until the 5th game of the season and what until the first week of January for basketball. That gives everyone the opportunity to view these teams and give somewhat of a fair evaluation.
What should be considered in the rankings? 1. The quality of teams you have played 2. Road wins. 3. The strength of the conference.
The current rankings system allows teams to be rewarded rankings that they don't deserve. And it is especially beneficial to those teams that have a weak conference schedule. A couple of wins over power 5 conference teams and over a ranked opponent then all of a sudden the team is in the top team. Why? Because they are winning weak conference games when other teams in power conference have to face tougher competition each week. There is no way in the world teams like Gonzaga, San Diego St, Butler should ever be considered in the top 10 of any year. Let's look at real facts. Those 3 teams are in the top 10 in the polls. Their schedule to this point is ranked below the 40's. Even though there are teams in the top with more loses. Those teams have the weakest schedule by far. I realize the players can't help the conference they are in. However, we should always recognize the strength of competition that is being played. There is a small school in Arkansas named Monmouth Springs and I will use them as an example. Because I have officiated several games in their conference I know it is a very weak conference with little to no talent at all in class A. But, Let's say they play in a couple of tournaments and beat one top 20 team in 6A. And they beat 3 bottom dweller 6A teams. Now that they are into the conference they are 15-1. Should they be ranked in the state? I submit to you a NO.
This is why we don't need a preseason rankings. It sounds good and most fans like it. I feel that you should be rewarded by the body of work you have done that current year based on the competition you have faced. Not just wins and loses.
What should be done? In football don't put out a ranking until the 5th game of the season and what until the first week of January for basketball. That gives everyone the opportunity to view these teams and give somewhat of a fair evaluation.
What should be considered in the rankings? 1. The quality of teams you have played 2. Road wins. 3. The strength of the conference.
The current rankings system allows teams to be rewarded rankings that they don't deserve. And it is especially beneficial to those teams that have a weak conference schedule. A couple of wins over power 5 conference teams and over a ranked opponent then all of a sudden the team is in the top team. Why? Because they are winning weak conference games when other teams in power conference have to face tougher competition each week. There is no way in the world teams like Gonzaga, San Diego St, Butler should ever be considered in the top 10 of any year. Let's look at real facts. Those 3 teams are in the top 10 in the polls. Their schedule to this point is ranked below the 40's. Even though there are teams in the top with more loses. Those teams have the weakest schedule by far. I realize the players can't help the conference they are in. However, we should always recognize the strength of competition that is being played. There is a small school in Arkansas named Monmouth Springs and I will use them as an example. Because I have officiated several games in their conference I know it is a very weak conference with little to no talent at all in class A. But, Let's say they play in a couple of tournaments and beat one top 20 team in 6A. And they beat 3 bottom dweller 6A teams. Now that they are into the conference they are 15-1. Should they be ranked in the state? I submit to you a NO.
This is why we don't need a preseason rankings. It sounds good and most fans like it. I feel that you should be rewarded by the body of work you have done that current year based on the competition you have faced. Not just wins and loses.
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