These are all power 5 teams. Team 1 is the only one with a conference championship. But 2 has made it 3 times and 4 has made it once. No conference championship appearances for team 3.

I’d go #2, then #3 (even though those two are very close) I wouldn’t argue to hard with way. Then #1 and then #4.

I'd still give #3 the slight edge.

Is the number of draft picks the determining factor? 3 clearly has had the most talent over the 5 years.

Is the number of draft picks the determining factor? 3 clearly has had the most talent over the 5 years.

 

The SOS matters to me the most probably. An awesome record against a crap schedule does nothing for me. Example: UCF.

The SOS matters to me the most probably. An awesome record against a crap schedule does nothing for me. Example: UCF.

To be fair, UCFs SOS in the same time period is 82.

These are all power 5 teams. Team 1 is the only one with a conference championship. But 2 has made it 3 times and 4 has made it once. No conference championship appearances for team 3.

 

Hmm...then #2 is Wisconsin maybe? A team loaded with try-hard dudes mixed in with some solid linemen and the occasional great running back? It is definitely a do-more-with-less type of team, and they have played in several Conference Championship games. They fit the bill.

To be fair, UCFs SOS in the same time period is 82.

 

Right, I'm just saying. SOS matters to me, and it's why I'd give #3 the light edge.

Hmm...then #2 is Wisconsin maybe? A team loaded with try-hard dudes mixed in with some solid linemen and the occasional great running back? It is definitely a do-more-with-less type of team, and they have played in several Conference Championship games. They fit the bill.

2 is Wisconsin.

Math is bugging me on Team #3, that I rated as the best program over the last 5 years of the ones you listed. 5 years, 12 games per year, is 60 games. They played in 5 bowl games (3-2), so why haven't they played 65 games? They have never played in a conference title game, but they either get tons of super athletic and highly rated recruits, or they do a masterful job at developing kids and spitting out draftable guys.

 

Hmm? An Auburn type program? LSU? Something like one of those?

Since one team has been revealed I’ll just reveal what the debate was. 1) Penn State 2) Wisconsin 3) LSU 4) Auburn

 

The debate started because the guy I was debating with said that LSU should get a benefit of the doubt even if they lose to Bama based on the fact that they’ve proved to be a contender over the years. My argument was what you’ve been in the past isn’t super relevant when I talking about this year. But I did say that if Ohio State beats Wisconsin would he give Wisconsin the same benefit of the doubt based on what they’ve been in the past and he said no because they haven’t been as good as LSU in the past. I just added Penn State and Auburn for fun.

Math is bugging me on Team #3, that I rated as the best program over the last 5 years of the ones you listed. 5 years, 12 games per year, is 60 games. They played in 5 bowl games (3-2), so why haven't they played 65 games? They have never played in a conference title game, but they either get tons of super athletic and highly rated recruits, or they do a masterful job at developing kids and spitting out draftable guys.

 

Hmm? An Auburn type program? LSU? Something like one of those?

LSU only played 11 regular season games in

2015 and 2016.

I would tell you Team #3 is in a power 5 league, a really good (but not elite) program, with so-so coaching but great athletes.

 

I couldn't have more accurately described LSU's program more perfectly if I had known who it was.

LSU only played 11 regular season games in

2015 and 2016.

 

Hmm...okay...that was bothering me, but it reinforced that it couldn't be a team who had played for a Conference Title, and Alabama has been pretty good in the SEC West over the last 5 years. :bunny:

Team #2 has some gaudy numbers, but they are making a championship game every year, so I'm guessing they are in a 2nd tier conference (especially considering their lack of draftees).

 

So, if we are honest, the Big 10 West has been a 2nd tier conference. :sssh:

So, if we are honest, the Big 10 West has been a 2nd tier conference. :sssh:

It’s been bad but even then the average SOS for Wisconsin during that time period is in the top half of all Power 5 teams.