fufanatic wrote: ↑Tue Jul 24, 2018 11:17 am
The Jackal wrote: ↑Tue Jul 24, 2018 10:39 am
Also, the polling in the FCS really isn't as critical as it is in the FBS. We crown a champion based on winning games, not a beauty contest.
Furman is in a good spot. They aren't so high that the target will squarely be on their back each week, but plenty of room to move up and stay safely within the range of teams that will be considered for the post season.
True, but as we've seen in previous years, being ranked in the preseason can help you immensely throughout the season remain in the polls if you're struggling or rise quicker if you're winning. It also seems to have a bigger than it should be impact on playoff teams. I'm certainly glad we are back in the polls to start the year for those very reasons, but two quick losses could put us on the outside looking in for several weeks afterwards.
Right. I'd feel differently if we were not ranked. It is much hard to climb the polls than fall from them.
The way Furman's schedule sets up, we have a good chance at playing a bunch of ranked teams:
- Almost assuredly Samford and Elon will be ranked when we face them. Clemson, as well, of course.
- Colgate is probably going to start just outside the top 25, but may finish the season there and would likely be a top 25 team if they beat UNH in week 2. We see them week 3.
- While I don't think Wofford will be as good this year, they start off ranked 11th and don't exactly have a terrifying slate prior to facing Furman (CIt, VMI, Wyo, GWU, UTC). I don't think they'll lose enough of those games to fall out of the rankings by the time they play Furman.
- WCU is another borderline top 25 team that plays a downy soft schedule (Newberry, bye, GWU, VMI) before facing us. They may well be a top 25 team by virtue of being on the bubble and 3-0.
Long story short, Furman will have plenty of opportunities to beat good teams this year.