Sad that I had to go back to see what was actually being argued since it appeared both were saying the same thing and it was the bottom part of the rankings, not #2 vs #3. Then I found why this was even a topic. I will say that I read this thread every year and is probably #3 of my favorites (ELA holds #1 and #2 with the preseason rankings and weekly predictions). I actually have the cajones to contribute once in a while. What I like about it the most, is that everyone has their own idea of how they put together their list, everywhere from who would win on a neutral field today to some weird algorithm that compares punters shoe sizes.
Be honest, does anyone think the coaches or AP polls are any different. I guarantee that neither of those watch more than a couple of games and is more concerned about the stat line yet they can somehow pick the best 25 teams in the country. FWIW, I truly believe that coaches overrate teams on their schedule so it will help their SOS. Prime example is IA. Stat lines show they have not been blown out but I am positive there are at least 30 teams out there who could win the 10-3 shootout, yet they have stayed in the teens.
Rankings are tough because as the season goes, every team changes to an extent. Some progress and get better (ILL other than the WTF against NU), some are competitive thru adversity (PU and massive amount of injuries), some mail it in after their 1st humbling moment (Mary) and others fine tune specific aspects to become more complete or just need time to gel at certain areas.
These threads are fun, even when there are disagreements. Mostly it's not about the bottom tho which does make this more interesting. For the lawyers out there, please tell me how hard it is to dispute an opinion. Actually, the last statement goes to everyone but having a Law and Order moment
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