Rankings

[BUBraves2006]

I know they are just opinion but it's a tad bit preposterous that Indiana State isn't ranked. The AP poll is at least coming around where they are essentially number 28 but the Coaches Poll is still down around number 33.

They are 20-3 and 20-2 with Avila (didn't play against Alabama).

At least the CBS Sports "Top 25 and 1" has them at 22. I just don't get it.
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I guess it's all name recognition and what you did recently.

Imagine if we had pulled out that InSU game a week ago and hadn't had Hickman hurt. Without playing a full what if game, we could easily have the identical record to Indiana State.

Question would be, would we be ranked now since our non conference SOS was so much better? I honestly think the answer is yes, but it's a fun exercise to ponder.

 

[Stryker]

First, unfortunately no matter what we think of the decision process by the voters etc, we have to take it into account, so I usually look at NET.

ISUb's NET is 23 currently, so they are a fringe team in the poll based on NET. Then you have to look at who they beat. They have no bad losses, but they only have one good win (It was either BU or Drake at the time, can't remember). They lost to every other good team they played (Drake, Michigan St, & Alabama). I believe they would be ranked if they had not lost to Drake or picked up a win against MSU OR Alabama. It also matters in NET how they lost, they were clobbered by Alabama, losing by 22, and lost by double digits to MSU as well. A win over a good conference opponent, but a weaker Q1 team, just doesn't do enough for the voters these days combined with how they lost to the ranked teams they played.

I do concur, if BU had ISUb's overall record, BU would be ranked. BU's quad 1 win (Utah St.) is better than Indiana State's imo, and has better optics, especially with how how good the Mountain West conference is this season. 2 bad losses by BU this year though hurt quite a bit.