I think "hype" is a much better word than "expectations." Where did that hype come from? Changing the subject slightly ... Who is mentioning Auburn now-a-day outside of the commentators on SECN? Very few. I suspect a lot of it has to do with so many in the media pushing AU as one of the final four teams, calling Johnson a "Heisman candidate," and repeating Malzahn's line that hiring Muschamp was Auburn hiring "the best defensive coordinator in college football."
Terry, You obviously know football and, usually, at least give the appearance of trying to be objective. But, in this instance, unless I cannot read or add correctly, you are very wrong. According to the latest rankings, neither team ha played a top ten opponent. The highest ranked opponent is UF, which even you admit, LSU beat. From your tables, it appears LSU's opponents have a 7-6 conference record, Alabama's opponents are 8-5, hardly a statistically significant difference. Did I misread or misadd something here?
Notice the breakdown again ... highlighted area on the first attachment. Now, if we go by where they are ranked today it changes a bit. But, the story still remains the same in terms of opponent strength. (Add Wisky and it gets bigger.) Current rankings: LSU played one top 25 team, Bama two. Bama has played four in the top 30 (SEC) and LSU two. I'm not sure where you're getting 8 and 5 from. The far right column shows conference records for 2015. IF we take the entire season we're looking at Bama's opponents with a 31-20 record, LSU's with a 29-17 record. But, now we're getting into comparing OOC teams which is a crap shoot, at best. Without head to head comparisons (like UA vs UArk and LSU vs UArk) objective and subjective opinion both fly out the window. There's really nothing empirical to use.
Dew wat? I don't recall getting into a conversation in 2011 about opponent comparisons between the two teams. I doubt you do either; seriously doubt. Here's why. That was the year the tornado's ran through Alabama and I wasn't hanging out here and posting with you guys. I was too busy running a few sites dedicated to tornado relief. You're more than welcomed to look. It'll be futile. https://web.archive.org/web/20111102182322/http://forums.tigerfan.com/tigers-den - This was three days before the regular season game. Look through the threads ... please.
our O line vs bama's D line....will the gumps put 8 in the box and dare 6 to win it? can our d line force coker to make mistakes? the vols did. whose secondary will step up?
Yes, Saban is well known for attempting (and usually succeeding) to take away or neutralize the opponent's bread and butter.
