Anyone else worried about our road record so far? True, we're 1-2, but can we handle the decent teams to be considered for a higher ranking? We're getting no respect from the media, we whooped #1 Arizona and #7 Miss State, well formally those ranks... and we lost to a hot Georgia team on the road, and then we drop out? And why didn't we even come close to be ranked in the ESPN/USA rankings this week? makes NO sense.. can someone explain this?? GEAUX TIGERS!!
It's our track record. Until we put together a 4-5 game win streak, including a couple of road wins, the voters will have their doubts. Dan McDonald of the Lafayette Daily Fertilizer is an AP (Ibelieve) voter. Every week he lists his Top 25. He had LSU at #25 the week after the Arizona game. Before and since, no votes for the Tigers. If we can't get repect locally, we cannot expect it from the national media.
I don't read alot into polls especially the coaches poll. How many coaches actually get to watch games besides the game film of teams they are preparing to play? Granted, they know more than the media about basketball, but they probably just don't get enough input on games across the country. The bottom line in college basketball is getting into the NCAA tourney, and the selection commitee pays little attention to the polls. They put more emphasis on RPI and strength of schedule.
MikeD hit the Nail on the Head Let's not get too caught up on the ranking. All we need to do is get in the Big Dance. Once you're in the Big Dance, anybody can win it within reason. Polls do not mean anything. LSU 1999-2000 season, LSU won the SEC regular season championship and was ranked in the top 10 and received a #4 seed. The NCAA committee looks heavily at RPI and strength of schedule. Currently, the SEC ranks first in Saragrin (might have spelled that wrong) which will help LSU out but LSU's out of conference schedule will hurt if they are on the bubble. Brady can control the out-of-conference and he has done a poor job of doing so especially this season with 4 seniors and experience. One thing to keep in mind, the NCAA committee likes a team that streaks late. A very strong performance in the SEC tournament will go a long way in seeding and making the Big Dance. The SEC tournament is in New Orleans this year. If you're in the championship game on Sunday regardless whether you win or loss, the NCAA committee has to think long and hard about your team. The SEC championship game is the last game/tournament played in which a team receives an automatic entry into the Big Dance.
Re: MikeD hit the Nail on the Head Can't agree more. He's got to do better. I will say though. Beating AZ could go a long way. What they need though is to beat a couple of ranked SEC teams on the road. Without a couple of road game wins against quality opponents.......it's going to be tough.
