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re: 3/6 Schedule Matrix + Permanents
Posted on 1/19/24 at 5:17 pm to southernboisb
Posted on 1/19/24 at 5:17 pm to southernboisb
Many people cite the “unfairness” of having traditional powers as their permanent opponents. In particular, that was the argument by Alabama.
But the thing is that in a 9-game schedule, the permanent opponents are only 1/3rd of the schedule.
However let’s say there’s a demarcation between TOP 8 and BOTTOM 8. If Alabama has 3 TOP 8 teams as permanents, and they themselves are a TOP 8 team, then there are 4 TOP 8 and 8 BOTTOM 8 teams to choose for their other 6 opponents. If those are divided up evenly, they would have 5 TOP 8 opponents and 4 BOTTOM 8 opponents each year.
Now, consider LSU, who are said to have 2 TOP 8 and 1 BOTTOM 8 team as permanents. This leaves 5 TOP 8 and 7 BOTTOM 8 for rotating. One year they would get 2 TOP and 4 BOT and the other year they would get 3 TOP and 3 BOT to round out their schedules, so they would end with 4 TOP 8/5 BOT 8 one year and 5 TOP 8/4 BOT 8 the next.
So hardly the huge disadvantage that it’s been made out to be. When you consider the rise and fall of programs through the years, sometimes a bottom 8 team may be a tougher opponent than a top 8 team (looking at you, Tennessee).
But the thing is that in a 9-game schedule, the permanent opponents are only 1/3rd of the schedule.
However let’s say there’s a demarcation between TOP 8 and BOTTOM 8. If Alabama has 3 TOP 8 teams as permanents, and they themselves are a TOP 8 team, then there are 4 TOP 8 and 8 BOTTOM 8 teams to choose for their other 6 opponents. If those are divided up evenly, they would have 5 TOP 8 opponents and 4 BOTTOM 8 opponents each year.
Now, consider LSU, who are said to have 2 TOP 8 and 1 BOTTOM 8 team as permanents. This leaves 5 TOP 8 and 7 BOTTOM 8 for rotating. One year they would get 2 TOP and 4 BOT and the other year they would get 3 TOP and 3 BOT to round out their schedules, so they would end with 4 TOP 8/5 BOT 8 one year and 5 TOP 8/4 BOT 8 the next.
So hardly the huge disadvantage that it’s been made out to be. When you consider the rise and fall of programs through the years, sometimes a bottom 8 team may be a tougher opponent than a top 8 team (looking at you, Tennessee).
2
Posted on 1/19/24 at 5:47 pm to Tiger Phil
quote:
So hardly the huge disadvantage that it’s been made out to be. When you consider the rise and fall of programs through the years, sometimes a bottom 8 team may be a tougher opponent than a top 8 team (looking at you, Tennessee).
Ultimately, I agree. The perms do make a little bit of a difference, but it isn't that big of a deal. Imo, it's more important to play the games that need to be played.
TN Schedule as an example
Y1/3
Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, Auburn
Miss State, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
Y2/4
Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, A&M
Ole Miss, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
vs
Y1/3
Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, LSU, Auburn
Miss State, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
Y2/4
Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M
Ole Miss, Arkansas, Missouri, Vanderbilt
It really boils down to 2 games.
Oklahoma 2 vs 4
Kentucky 4 vs 2
The rest of the schedule is identical. Is that different? Probably, but both schedules are hard as shite. One is just probably a little bit harder. It isn't something to get all crazy about imo.
This post was edited on 1/19/24 at 5:48 pm
Posted on 1/19/24 at 6:04 pm to Tiger Phil
But the catch to that was Tn. was considered a "bottom 8" team...giving them 2 upper & 1 lower teams.
& those 3 teams (Aub., LSU, & Tn.) were/are the 3 Ala. played yearly...so what was the issue?
& those 3 teams (Aub., LSU, & Tn.) were/are the 3 Ala. played yearly...so what was the issue?
This post was edited on 1/20/24 at 9:42 am
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