Is anyone actually advocating for us? (re: CFP)

[djm_psu_alum]

I give it to the SEC--they know what they want and they are retelentless and shameless in going after it. Even in the face of 8 conference games (vs 9 in B10), several of them not playing any opponents from the other major conferences, and bad losses by their top teams (Tenn vs Arkansas, Bama vs Vandy, and Ole Miss vs Kentucky and LSU), they want at least 5 if not 6 spots in the CFP.

Over the past few weeks but especially increased this past week, SEC folks and their media supporters have been playing up their conference while simultaneously dumping on the B10 but specifically PSU and Indiana. I get the criticism on Indiana which is in part on their lack of any historical success and their strength of schedule but outside of Michigan, they have beaten everyone by 14+ points and rank 5th in game control and 2nd in Average In-Game Win Probability (a data point that ESPN uses). Our schedule is 35th in the country, higher than Oregon, Texas, Indiana, BYU, Miami, and Notre Dame. We have one close loss to the #2 team. But I've heard Pat Forde, Finebaum, etc all crap on us and push other contenders. Has anyone been advocating for us? I mean that as an honest question.

I realize the obvious answer to that is the B10 should be but many of us feel the B10 will protect 2 programs at a greater intensity than the other members. And maybe they are advocating behind closed doors but the barrage of talking heads hyping up SEC's placement in the CFP will push those opinions into a perceived reality for many (perhaps, including those in CFP selection committee).

 

[LandoComando]

I give it to the SEC--they know what they want and they are retelentless and shameless in going after it. Even in the face of 8 conference games (vs 9 in B10), several of them not playing any opponents from the other major conferences, and bad losses by their top teams (Tenn vs Arkansas, Bama vs Vandy, and Ole Miss vs Kentucky and LSU), they want at least 5 if not 6 spots in the CFP.

Over the past few weeks but especially increased this past week, SEC folks and their media supporters have been playing up their conference while simultaneously dumping on the B10 but specifically PSU and Indiana. I get the criticism on Indiana which is in part on their lack of any historical success and their strength of schedule but outside of Michigan, they have beaten everyone by 14+ points and rank 5th in game control and 2nd in Average In-Game Win Probability (a data point that ESPN uses). Our schedule is 35th in the country, higher than Oregon, Texas, Indiana, BYU, Miami, and Notre Dame. We have one close loss to the #2 team. But I've heard Pat Forde, Finebaum, etc all crap on us and push other contenders. Has anyone been advocating for us? I mean that as an honest question.

I realize the obvious answer to that is the B10 should be but many of us feel the B10 will protect 2 programs at a greater intensity than the other members. And maybe they are advocating behind closed doors but the barrage of talking heads hyping up SEC's placement in the CFP will push those opinions into a perceived reality for many (perhaps, including those in CFP selection committee).

CBS is hyping us, Warren and Allar.
The committee chair is hyping us enough apparently--I think people underestimate where we stand with the Big Ten. They want us and Oregon in the playoff as much as they want Ohio State/Michigan. They'd push for USC too if that was an option.

 

[fastlax16]

CBS is hyping us, Warren and Allar.
The committee chair is hyping us enough apparently--I think people underestimate where we stand with the Big Ten. They want us and Oregon in the playoff as much as they want Ohio State/Michigan. They'd push for USC too if that was an option.

Parts of cbs are. Pate has made some arguments against us.

 

[LandoComando]

Parts of cbs are. Pate has made some arguments against us.

There's some valid arguments against us so I'm not overly worried about that
We all know we don't have a quality win--that should be discussed when reviewing how they should rank us.
Unless they want 6 SEC teams (which isn't happening) I don't have a problem
ACC/Big XII/G5 leaves 9 spots. Hell, I don't care if ND and Indiana are out and the SEC gets 6 with Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State as the others. Truthfully, those are probably the top 9 teams depending on what happens the rest of the way

 

[psu00]

There’s definitely a media push for the SEC lately. It’s funny how they say that PSU should be out but never apply the same reasoning to Texas. They also conveniently ignore the bad losses most of the SEC teams have. No one ever seems to call them on it.

Even Herbstreit was schilling for Tennessee to be in the playoff after being blown out by Georgia on Saturday. At this point I think Herbstreit has said that just about every SEC team should be in. .

It reminds me of the contradictory statements by announcers as we approach March Madness each year.

 

[LandoComando]

There’s definitely a media push for the SEC lately. It’s funny how they say that PSU should be out but never apply the same reasoning to Texas. They also conveniently ignore the bad losses most of the SEC teams have. No one ever seems to call them on it.

Even Herbstreit was schilling for Tennessee to be in the playoff after being blown out by Georgia on Saturday. At this point I think Herbstreit has said that just about every SEC team should be in. .

It reminds me of the contradictory statements by announcers as we approach March Madness each year.

Herbie has our back too--he's anti-Indiana. Well, will be after Saturday--he has to hype them up this week
The SEC has earned the respect they get over the past decade or so

 

[WaffleShopper]

It would be great if someone was advocating for us but I don't think it matters because if we win out then we are in. Other than getting to host a first round game, our seeding is almost irrelevant since there's little chance that we get a bye and the seeding will absolutely not be based on how good each team is. Our matchups will be a total crap shoot.

A 5 or 6 seed could get us Boise State or it could get us Georgia or Ole Miss depending on how things break. Falling to 7 or 8 might make our first round harder or easier.

Let the talking heads blather on about how good the SEC is and try not to worry about it. If we beat MN and MD then were in great shape. If we want to make a run in the playoffs then we're going to have to beat a good team anyway, no matter what the seeding is.

 

[djm_psu_alum]

Parts of cbs are. Pate has made some arguments against us.

Agree on both though Pate doesnt exactly have the platform that these other talking heads do.

 

[knickslions]

Who cares. Penn State sits at 4 and just needs to win last 2 games and host a playoff game. They can say all they want but too bad for SEC

 

[Obliviax]

The SEC and Finebaum have attacked us but the majority of issues are with those teams that don't really belong. Bosie State and Colorado would seem to be the biggest questionmarks. Indiana needs to win or keep it close with tOSU. If they get blown out, the SEC will get that slot. Of course, PSU needs to win out. I don't see any B1G schools making it who have two losses.

 

[djm_psu_alum]

There’s definitely a media push for the SEC lately. It’s funny how they say that PSU should be out but never apply the same reasoning to Texas. They also conveniently ignore the bad losses most of the SEC teams have. No one ever seems to call them on it.

Even Herbstreit was schilling for Tennessee to be in the playoff after being blown out by Georgia on Saturday. At this point I think Herbstreit has said that just about every SEC team should be in. .

It reminds me of the contradictory statements by announcers as we approach March Madness each year.

Someone tweeted (don't recall who) that between Texas, Indiana, and PSU, there is only 1 P4 win vs a team with a winning record -- us vs Illinois. The person was somewhat mistaken--Texas has a win vs currently 6-4 Vanderbilt. But the point is still relevant.

 

[psu00]

Someone tweeted (don't recall who) that between Texas, Indiana, and PSU, there is only 1 P4 win vs a team with a winning record -- us vs Illinois. The person was somewhat mistaken--Texas has a win vs currently 6-4 Vanderbilt. But the point is still relevant.

You can add Washington to the list for PSU so technically we’re up 2-1.

 

[doctornick]

You can add Washington to the list for PSU so technically we’re up 2-1.

Fair enough, but worth mentioning that Indiana also beat Washington so that's 2 for PSU and 1 for each of the other two teams.

 

[LandoComando]

Fair enough, but worth mentioning that Indiana also beat Washington so that's 2 for PSU and 1 for each of the other two teams.

I think almost everyone just has Washington at 6-6...the odds of them beating Oregon are...slim to none

 

[doctornick]

I think almost everyone just has Washington at 6-6...the odds of them beating Oregon are...slim to none

And Vanderbilt will likely end up 6-6 as well so there's that.

 

[LandoComando]

And Vanderbilt will likely end up 6-6 as well so there's that.

Good call--assuming LSU hasn't quit

 

[84Lion]

There’s definitely a media push for the SEC lately. It’s funny how they say that PSU should be out but never apply the same reasoning to Texas. They also conveniently ignore the bad losses most of the SEC teams have. No one ever seems to call them on it.

Even Herbstreit was schilling for Tennessee to be in the playoff after being blown out by Georgia on Saturday. At this point I think Herbstreit has said that just about every SEC team should be in. .

It reminds me of the contradictory statements by announcers as we approach March Madness each year.

Not surprising given that Disney/ESPN/ABC have the SEC contract and the CFP. That needs to be addressed at some point as a conflict of interest.

 

[Lion_Backer]

Not surprising given that Disney/ESPN/ABC have the SEC contract and the CFP. That needs to be addressed at some point as a conflict of interest.

You would think that the Big Ten Network and its parent company, FOX, would be advocating for PSU and other members of the B1G.

It has been a while since I've had any interest in listening to what the national pundits had to say regarding PSU or any other sports for that matter.

 

[Agoodnap]

Yes, you would think the BTN, FOX Sports, and CBS would be schilling for PSU and Indiana, but they aren't. One only needs to look at the BTN replays. For example, this past Sunday (yesterday) I checked the BTN TV schedule to find out when the Purdue game would be replayed and stepped through to late Monday and didn't find it on the schedule. This morning I checked again, and low and behold it's on at midnight tonight and 7:00AM tomorrow morning. Not exactly prime times to be seen. OSU on the other hand was being shown around 1:00PM and again around 7:00PM on Sunday. This happens basically every week, except when we lose.

 

[Frabjous]

SEC= SECond Loss!

 

[republion]

Just wait until OSU loses to Indiana and then a 10-2 OSU team gets in over a 11-1 Penn State team because “OSU won the head to head match up with PSU”.
Talk about heads exploding.

 

[voltz99]

I give it to the SEC--they know what they want and they are retelentless and shameless in going after it. Even in the face of 8 conference games (vs 9 in B10), several of them not playing any opponents from the other major conferences, and bad losses by their top teams (Tenn vs Arkansas, Bama vs Vandy, and Ole Miss vs Kentucky and LSU), they want at least 5 if not 6 spots in the CFP.

Over the past few weeks but especially increased this past week, SEC folks and their media supporters have been playing up their conference while simultaneously dumping on the B10 but specifically PSU and Indiana. I get the criticism on Indiana which is in part on their lack of any historical success and their strength of schedule but outside of Michigan, they have beaten everyone by 14+ points and rank 5th in game control and 2nd in Average In-Game Win Probability (a data point that ESPN uses). Our schedule is 35th in the country, higher than Oregon, Texas, Indiana, BYU, Miami, and Notre Dame. We have one close loss to the #2 team. But I've heard Pat Forde, Finebaum, etc all crap on us and push other contenders. Has anyone been advocating for us? I mean that as an honest question.

I realize the obvious answer to that is the B10 should be but many of us feel the B10 will protect 2 programs at a greater intensity than the other members. And maybe they are advocating behind closed doors but the barrage of talking heads hyping up SEC's placement in the CFP will push those opinions into a perceived reality for many (perhaps, including those in CFP selection committee).

Yes. PSU is ranked 4th. The people doing the ranking clearly advocate for PSU. At the end of the day Penn State will be a big draw and generate a lot of money. Most teams behind PSU dont have a better resume. That is the point that the naysayers omit. They also ignore the bad losses.

 

[Obliviax]

Any team in the B1G that has zero or one loss will get into the tournament. That is my prediction! Any two-loss team is toast. the argument is how many SEC teams get in given only one team has a single loss or less. And if you are going to take a two-loss team, who will it be?

One loss includes TX and TX A&M

Two losses include GA, TN, AL and Ole Miss.

A&M still plays TX so there will be another two-loss team (A&M or TX). AL still has to play OK in Norman. Plus, you've got the SEC title game where a two loss team, playing for the championship, ends up with 3 losses. My bet is they get four but not more. The SEC title game may well be an elimination game.

 

[nittanymoops]

Clearly someone is advocating for us, as we are currently 4th.

I am OK with five SEC teams, four B1G plus Boise, ACC and big 12. Since ND has by far and away the worst loss, and few quality wins, I don’t see why they are so high. An also-ran in the MAC? They should not get in and when they wonder why, someone should say “join a conference.”

 

[SR108]

Just win out.

 

[Hero17]

The arguement IMO needs to signature wins vs bad losses, yes some sec teams have signature wins vs Penn state who doesn’t but that only 1/2 of the argument. Herbie and others need to also point out who has bad losses, e.g bama and nd.

 

[djm_psu_alum]

Clearly someone is advocating for us, as we are currently 4th.

I am OK with five SEC teams, four B1G plus Boise, ACC and big 12. Since ND has by far and away the worst loss, and few quality wins, I don’t see why they are so high. An also-ran in the MAC? They should not get in and when they wonder why, someone should say “join a conference.”

Agree about Notre Dame. It is almost as if they didn't lose to Northern Illinois as I rarely ever see it mentioned. They are 82nd in strength of schedule, lost to a MAC team, and 2 wins for P4 teams.

 

[doctornick]

Agree about Notre Dame. It is almost as if they didn't lose to Northern Illinois as I rarely ever see it mentioned. They are 82nd in strength of schedule, lost to a MAC team, and 2 wins for P4 teams.

Notre Dame's schedule is pretty weak this year. Obviously FSU being terrible hurt them but they also only have 8 games vs P4 opponents which is pathetic.

The win vs A&M is doing a ton of work for Notre Dame.

 

[Obliviax]

Notre Dame's schedule is pretty weak this year. Obviously FSU being terrible hurt them but they also only have 8 games vs P4 opponents which is pathetic.

The win vs A&M is doing a ton of work for Notre Dame.

But they are playing Army (18) which, on paper, would be a higher-rated team than PSU beat this year. Army has played nobody good. their quality win is Air Force.

 

[LandoComando]

Just wait until OSU loses to Indiana and then a 10-2 OSU team gets in over a 11-1 Penn State team because “OSU won the head to head match up with PSU”.
Talk about heads exploding.

Not even close to comparable as they would have lost to #1 and #2 before before CCGs....we lost to Pitt and Michigan by about 40.

 

[doctornick]

But they are playing Army (18) which, on paper, would be a higher-rated team than PSU beat this year. Army has played nobody good. their quality win is Air Force.

Army is only ranked because they are undefeated. If Notre Dame defeats them, they won't be ranked or undefeated anymore. Army is a tricky opponent due to their style of play, but they aren't really "good" in the sense of having a boatload of great players. Notre Dame beating Army isn't really an accomplishment because Army really has not beaten anyone this year.

Notre Dame's schedule is pathetic this season.

 

[Obliviax]

Army is only ranked because they are undefeated. If Notre Dame defeats them, they won't be ranked or undefeated anymore. Army is a tricky opponent due to their style of play, but they aren't really "good" in the sense of having a boatload of great players. Notre Dame beating Army isn't really an accomplishment because Army really has not beaten anyone this year.

Notre Dame's schedule is pathetic this season.

Agreed. that is why I said "on paper".

 

[IANit]

Herbie has our back too--he's anti-Indiana. Well, will be after Saturday--he has to hype them up this week
The SEC has earned the respect they get over the past decade or so

As long as we win out and Ohio State beats Indiana convincingly then I think we are in. If Indiana somehow wins, I don't know.

 

[LandoComando]

As long as we win out and Ohio State beats Indiana convincingly then I think we are in. If Indiana somehow wins, I don't know.

If we go 11-1 we're 100% in
If we go 10-2 we're 100% in

 

[Ward Hog]

We just have to win the games. ESPN guys are the worst. Last evening I saw a clip where Feinbaum and some other clown were discussing how South Carolina should get in over PSU and Indiana. They admitted that they wouldn't due to 3 losses, but should.

 

[LandoComando]

We just have to win the games. ESPN guys are the worst. Last evening I saw a clip where Feinbaum and some other clown were discussing how South Carolina should get in over PSU and Indiana. They admitted that they wouldn't due to 3 losses, but should.

If Ohio State blows out Indiana I really don't see an argument for Indiana being in with that schedule
I think USCe would be 10-0 right now if they had Indiana's schedule and I don't think USCe is that good

 

[LionDeNittany]

As long as we win out and Ohio State beats Indiana convincingly then I think we are in. If Indiana somehow wins, I don't know.

If Indiana beats OSU you think PSU is out?

We are ranked #4

 

[IANit]

If Indiana beats OSU you think PSU is out?

We are ranked #4

Right now. It makes us look bad if we couldn't take care of what would then be seen as a middling Ohio State team at home, while not having quality wins. The SEC shills are already beating this drum. I think we'll be OK.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Right now. It makes us look bad if we couldn't take care of what would then be seen as a middling Ohio State team at home, while not having quality wins. The SEC shills are already beating this drum. I think we'll be OK.

I can't see any way for us to look bad losing to OSU in a close game.

SEC has Alabama who lost to Vandy who lost to Georgia St.

 

[knickslions]

As long as we win out and Ohio State beats Indiana convincingly then I think we are in. If Indiana somehow wins, I don't know.

Penn state wins out nothing else matters. They are easily in and hosting playoff game.