LSU's middle of the pack, but his was DiNardo's crew. When Saban's number come in, look out. We'll top all schools in the SEC, save Vanderbilt. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/national/stories/022305dnspogradrates.cf1507ab.html And for all those who cried about LSU playing App. State, look at Tulane's schedule for October 1 and tell me how you really feel. I'm laughed, then said "Go Lions'. http://www.collegefootballnews.com/Conference_USA/2005_Pages/CUSA_Schedule.htm
I checked it out, and here's how I feel: not one damn bit different than I felt before I checked out Tulane's schedule. Why? Because playing a 1-AA team does little to damage Tulane's bowl hopes unless they go 6-5 whereas LSU's 60 point pasting of Appy State may cost them, say, a BCS bowl bid. In other words, perennial losers like Tulane can schedule Div 1-AA teams with impunity because, frankly, nobody cares whereas a major conference team with realistic preseason national title hopes is taking a risk they don't have to take, IMO.
Wow, didn't know Saban's classes would rate that high, that's awesome. About Southeastern, heck, i'd have MUCH rather played them than App. State. There is no such thing as a Division 1-aa power as relates to the way the media and the poll voters and the fans of division 1 see things. And all the hype about App. State being a 1-aa "power" was media whitewallish anyway. They were 6-5 last year, their only 1a opponent was at Wyoming, who they lost to 42-15. Year before that was 7-4, only 1a opponent was at Hawaii who they lost to 40-17. Year before that was 8-4, only 1a opponent was at Marshall, who they lost to 50-17. As numerous people have stated, i'd rather have seen the money stay in state.
Another national title would be great but I try to stay realistic and focused and hope for at least an SEC West championship. Anything other than that is a consequence.
Not me. I've been focused on this upcoming season since before the national championship season (which was completely shockingly unexpected). This season shaped us as a can't miss, due to the recruiting classes and the favorable home and away schedule. I may be alone in saying this, but I think an SEC West championship, but a loss in the SEC title game and no BCS game (whether title or not) would be a huge disappointment, even breaking in a new coach, mostly a new staff, and a talented, but questionable QB corp.
Points taken, I needed to be clearer. Tulane scheduled this game well in advance, our D-1AA was after a failed search for a D-1A that would play one game only in Baton Rouge. With the quality and quantity of opponents on our schedule, one D-1AA will not hurt our chances. My point was in reference to people saying LSU needs to play all these in-state D-1AA schools. If LSU started putting these teams on our schedule, people would laugh at us, just as I snickered at Tulane (anything for a crowd, right?). I agree playing any non division 1A team is bad, just make the situation worse by playing the Southeasterns.
