SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Looking at the Socon right now, I think we're going to get 2 teams in the playoffs for sure, with 3 being the most likely number. There is one possible scenario in which 5 get in, here it is.
Wofford (currently 5-0) wins (at least) 3 of the next 5, finishing 8-3 or 9-2 (outcome against Citadel is irrelevant.
Western Carolina loses to both Furman and Mercer and finishes 7-4
Samford loses to Mercer and Furman, finishes 7-4 but beats Wofford
Furman wins out, but loses to Mercer, finishes 7-4.
Mercer wins out, finishes 7-4.
Some may look at this and say that only Wofford gets in. They would also point out that Samford wouldn't/shouldn't qualify, noting having 7 D1 wins. But they did last year. Samford could have a quality win at Wofford
Furman could have quality losses to Wofford, Elon, NC State and Mercer but quality wins against Western and Samford
Mercer would have a quality win at Furman and Samford, and a quality loss to Wofford, Auburn and an understandable loss to Alabama.
And finally Western would have numerous quality losses and a quality win against Samford.
Now, will this happen? No idea? does it harm the concept of quality wins or losses with this sort of inconsistency? Yes
But all of this is possible, as is the socon playoff race
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Quote:
Originally Posted by
youngterrier
Looking at the Socon right now, I think we're going to get 2 teams in the playoffs for sure, with 3 being the most likely number. There is one possible scenario in which 5 get in, here it is.
Wofford (currently 5-0) wins (at least) 3 of the next 5, finishing 8-3 or 9-2 (outcome against Citadel is irrelevant.
Western Carolina loses to both Furman and Mercer and finishes 7-4
Samford loses to Mercer and Furman, finishes 7-4 but beats Wofford
Furman wins out, but loses to Mercer, finishes 7-4.
Mercer wins out, finishes 7-4.
Some may look at this and say that only Wofford gets in. They would also point out that Samford wouldn't/shouldn't qualify, noting having 7 D1 wins. But they did last year. Samford could have a quality win at Wofford
Furman could have quality losses to Wofford, Elon, NC State and Mercer but quality wins against Western and Samford
Mercer would have a quality win at Furman and Samford, and a quality loss to Wofford, Auburn and an understandable loss to Alabama.
And finally Western would have numerous quality losses and a quality win against Samford.
Now, will this happen? No idea? does it harm the concept of quality wins or losses with this sort of inconsistency? Yes
But all of this is possible, as is the socon playoff race
I was about to suggest on the other thread that you should do the math on this and work through it. Cool - Thanks!
I'm sure the MVFC, CAA, and Big Lie Conference guys will be right over soon to support the 5 Teams from the SoCon scenario! They'll LOVE IT!!!
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Samford got in last year after losing to ETSU in the last week, so anything could happen. But, unless the MVFC and CAA beat themselves bloody, only 1 or 2 7-4 SoCon teams would get in.
All I want is for Wofford to run the table and let everybody else figure it out.:)
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Quote:
Originally Posted by
walliver
Samford got in last year after losing to ETSU in the last week, so anything could happen. But, unless the MVFC and CAA beat themselves bloody, only 1 or 2 7-4 SoCon teams would get in.
All I want is for Wofford to run the table and let everybody else figure it out.:)
BINGO!!!
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Let's just continue to stay above the chaos by continuing winning.....let the others deal with the mess...
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Samford got in last year probably because the win at UCA was very significant. I don't think our Kennesaw State win this year will swing that much weight. All of these scenarios are possible, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. I was in coaching for many years, although granted on the HS level, and I used to think I could watch teams and sorta tell which team was what. NOT this year with the SoCon. Really, I don't even know what my Bulldogs are made of just yet. The talent I do recognize, and it could mean we run the remaining(SoCon) table. We could also lose Saturday week and throw in the towel. If we are honest, those same statements can be said for 4 or 5 other SoCon teams. Although Wofford is in the best position right now, the old cliché "this race will go down to the wire" certainly comes to mind.
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Quote:
Originally Posted by
youngterrier
only Wofford gets in
There, much more concise and more accurate.
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
I think Wofford has an 80%+ chance of making the playoffs this year. We'll be favored against Chatt, ETSU, VMI and probably are this week against the citadel. Samford will be a competitive game. We only need 2 wins to meet the 7 D1 win mark and since the playoffs have expanded to 20+ teams, an 8-3 Wofford team has not been left out. The infamous 2002 "Wofford team" was 9-3 with 8 D1 wins (maybe more?), but that was in a 16 team field. Absolutely no way we get left out at 8 wins now.
either way, I'm not concerned about Wofford not making the playoffs, and I think Western will make it as well as they too should be favored against VMI and ETSU. They then need to win 1 of 3 against Citadel, Mercer and Furman, and I think they are capable of winning at least 2 of those.
Samford is the real 8 ball because it's only been one year where they haven't finished 7-4/8-3 and they've already lost 2 this year with Wofford, Furman and Mercer still on the schedule.
Having said that, I think a 7-4 Mercer team should get in, as should a 7-4 Furman team.
Re: SoCon Playoff chaos scenario
Lots will depend on the bubble from around the country as well. Samford will be technically 6-4 against D1 competition and probably the easiest to leave out. Although 6 win teams do get in. It needs a damn good resume with it. 7-4 is no lock either. I will agree 8 wins should be lock for any SoCon team.