Athlon sports ranks the Big Ten coaches so you don't have to.

[74Hunter]

I find sports talk radio entertaining, much more so than any other form of radio. Every now and then, you get some information passed on to you, and, imo, it's not a bad thing to be informed.

Fwiw, i was wrong. Found the article I think they were referencing, it was on SBNattion, and we have the 25th toughest, not 26th according to them.

The got it from here. Based on opponent win %.

http://www.fbschedul...le-ncaa-method/

Iowa is sitting at 85th based on this - and I wouldn't say their schedule is 60 places easier than ours.

Thanks for the link. I dunno, Iowa has an extremely easy schedule, imo.

Guess we'll see as it plays out.

 

[zoogs]

Thanks for the link as well.

It is indeed a ranking by 2013 opponent W/L %. Nebraska's #25 ranking is based on a 2013 opponent combined record of 90-63, which I should point out includes FCS McNeese State at 10-3. To be fair, any school scheduling FBS teams have the same benefit, and the difference might not be very substantial. We do have other teams coming off strong 2013 W/L records - which is not the same thing as saying they're good, but nonetheless...

 

[Junior]

Well, it appears to me that the original list is devoid of validity. At least I haven't seen any validation of it in this thread or the original article.

It appears to me to be simply put together by a reporter that just threw darts at the wall.

Again, if that makes you feel better... but it doesn't mean you are correct. As you said, it is largely subjective.

why do you keep saying it makes me feel better? Are you trying to convince yourself of something?

Landlord's post at least has some type of facts to go along with it. As he just said, it isn't all encompassing. But, at least it's a starting point with some facts behind it. The original article has nothing to validate it at all other than some hack's opinion.

You are definitely right about it not being all encompassing. He did nothing more than look at basic records. Did he look at schedule strength? Take into consideration that Nebraska had 7 home games last year and still struggled to get to 8 wins in the regular season?

People are criticizing Northwestern for their win/loss last year,but they played Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State (and Nebraska). We only played 2 of those 4. Do you think we would have won 5 Big Ten games if Wisconsin and Ohio State were on our schedule?

So Landlord's post has the facts of a very basic win/loss record, but absolutely no analysis.

 

[StPaulHusker]

And since we like to compare ourselves to Alabama, they are at #95 with an opponent W/L record of 71-79

 

[zoogs]

And since we like to compare ourselves to Alabama, they are at #95 with an opponent W/L record of 71-79

Wow! That is really interesting. I'm definitely surprised it's that low.

4-8 WVU (do they stink now?)

6-6 FAU

1-11 Southern Miss

4-8 Florida (Either they'll be back, or Muschamp will be gone)

8-5 Ole Miss

3-9 Arkansas (what happened to these guys?! 11-2 in 2011)

9-4 Texas A&M

5-7 Tennessee

10-3 LSU

7-6 Missy State

12-2 Auburn

Definitely not a very tough schedule either, although two very high caliber teams there in bold. Our schedule I think could be slightly tougher than theirs on paper right now, but not at the top -- we just have a stronger middle class. The problem is that second tier of ours will prove rather illusory, IMO -- Fresno, Iowa, Minnesota; at least two of those are going to be irrelevant this year, I'd say. While teams like Tennessee and Florida have talented recruiting bases and are liable to bounce back. But for now, I'd say it's pretty cool how many 8+ win FBS programs we have on our schedule.

At the top I'd say Auburn/LSU/A&M makes for a more intimidating slate than Michigan State/Wisconsin/Miami, mostly because of LSU and the talent all three of Alabama's top opponents have.

 

[BigRedBuster]

So Landlord's post has the facts of a very basic win/loss record, but absolutely no analysis.

At least Landlords has at least some facts to start with. That is way more than the original article had.

 

[BigRedBuster]

And since we like to compare ourselves to Alabama, they are at #95 with an opponent W/L record of 71-79

LOL...that's hilarious. I'm sure people will still try to act like they have conquered the world and are untouchable at the end of that gauntlet.

 

[NUance]

We need to reboot this thread. Those jackasses at Athlons don't know jack sh#t. Here is the real list:

1. Urban Meyer, Ohio State: He’s the devil.

2. Mark Dantonio, Michigan State: If only he could field an offense.

3. (4) Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern: He’s done the most with the least.

4. (3) James Franklin, Penn State: The guy can recruit. I’ll give him that.

5. (9) Bo Pelini, Nebraska: 9 wins! Every year!! Woo hoo!!! (And he likes cats.)

6. (5) Gary Andersen, Wisconsin: Too soon to tell on this guy.

7. Jerry Kill, Minnesota: He raised the gophers up to mediocrity. And he beat us.

8. Brady Hoke, Michigan: He’s 15-11 over the last two years.

9 (6) Kirk Ferentz, Iowa: Mr. Mediocrity. Most overpaid coach in FBS.

10. (14) Kyle Flood, Rutgers: The two new guy rankings based solely on records.

11. (10) Randy Edsall, Maryland: Best post-win riots in the B1G!

12 (11) Kevin Wilson, Indiana: The Hoosiers sucked before Wilson got there. They still do.

13. (12) Darrell Hazell, Purdue: See #12.

14. (13) Tim Beckman, Illinois: He’s done the least with the most.

 

[Saunders]

His standing here is probably a statement about the power of public relations. If he was a bit chummier with the press he might sit third or even second on the list. Link

Which is bullsh#t because Dantonio acts just like Pelini, but he's considered "Old School"

 

[BigRedBuster]

And since we like to compare ourselves to Alabama, they are at #95 with an opponent W/L record of 71-79

Wow! That is really interesting. I'm definitely surprised it's that low.

4-8 WVU (do they stink now?)

6-6 FAU

1-11 Southern Miss

4-8 Florida (Either they'll be back, or Muschamp will be gone)

8-5 Ole Miss

3-9 Arkansas (what happened to these guys?! 11-2 in 2011)

9-4 Texas A&M

5-7 Tennessee

10-3 LSU

7-6 Missy State

12-2 Auburn

Definitely not a very tough schedule either, although two very high caliber teams there in bold. Our schedule I think could be slightly tougher than theirs on paper right now, but not at the top -- we just have a stronger middle class. The problem is that second tier of ours will prove rather illusory, IMO -- Fresno, Iowa, Minnesota; at least two of those are going to be irrelevant this year, I'd say. While teams like Tennessee and Florida have talented recruiting bases and are liable to bounce back. But for now, I'd say it's pretty cool how many 8+ win FBS programs we have on our schedule.

At the top I'd say Auburn/LSU/A&M makes for a more intimidating slate than Michigan State/Wisconsin/Miami, mostly because of LSU and the talent all three of Alabama's top opponents have.

Are you sure Auburn is going to be a daunting opponent next year?

2010 undefeated

2011 8-5

2012 3-9

2013 undefeated

Which team is it going to be?

 

[StPaulHusker]

And since we like to compare ourselves to Alabama, they are at #95 with an opponent W/L record of 71-79

Wow! That is really interesting. I'm definitely surprised it's that low.

4-8 WVU (do they stink now?)

6-6 FAU

1-11 Southern Miss

4-8 Florida (Either they'll be back, or Muschamp will be gone)

8-5 Ole Miss

3-9 Arkansas (what happened to these guys?! 11-2 in 2011)

9-4 Texas A&M

5-7 Tennessee

10-3 LSU

7-6 Missy State

12-2 Auburn

Definitely not a very tough schedule either, although two very high caliber teams there in bold. Our schedule I think could be slightly tougher than theirs on paper right now, but not at the top -- we just have a stronger middle class. The problem is that second tier of ours will prove rather illusory, IMO -- Fresno, Iowa, Minnesota; at least two of those are going to be irrelevant this year, I'd say. While teams like Tennessee and Florida have talented recruiting bases and are liable to bounce back. But for now, I'd say it's pretty cool how many 8+ win FBS programs we have on our schedule.

At the top I'd say Auburn/LSU/A&M makes for a more intimidating slate than Michigan State/Wisconsin/Miami, mostly because of LSU and the talent all three of Alabama's top opponents have.

You left out the mighty Western Carolina Catamounts with their 2-10 record from 2013. I am sure they will be a powerhouse by November.

 

[Landlord]

Every year besides last year is irrelevant in gauging how Auburn will be next year.

 

[StPaulHusker]

His standing here is probably a statement about the power of public relations. If he was a bit chummier with the press he might sit third or even second on the list. Link

Which is bullsh#t because Dantonio acts just like Pelini, but he's considered "Old School"

The media gives Dantonio a break because he had a heart attack

 

[BigRedBuster]

Every year besides last year is irrelevant in gauging how Auburn will be next year.

Looking at the last 4 years, why is that even relevant?

 

[Saunders]

People are criticizing Northwestern for their win/loss last year,but they played Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State (and Nebraska). We only played 2 of those 4. Do you think we would have won 5 Big Ten games if Wisconsin and Ohio State were on our schedule?

See: 2011, 2012