The Big East
I don't even think it's worth saying that the Big East is brutal, but I really feel like piling on since I rated the Beast ahead of the PAC-10 in last week's Rock Chalk Roundtable. The UConn loss at UNC is not too big of a surprise, but the USF loss to Pitt at home was exactly what the Big East didn't need ... or KU. In fact, I wonder if that result and the implications on KU's loss in Tampa didn't factor into the mentality of the Jayhawk players as they went to battle with ISU. That's absolutely no excuse for the first half of course, but as the USF loss turned from a hard-fought epic to a "how did we lose to those guys" scenario, I know it affected my game preparation. Unlike the last time we lost a road non-con though, at least we bounced back by handling our first road conference game to make sure we stay on target.
The Developmental Division Plan
Yesterday, I mentioned a developmental division plan. First of all, unlike Bob Stoops I'm completely happy with the Big 12 as is with the one minor flaw -- occasional schedule imbalance due to division rotation. To me, it's not that big of a deal and sure makes for good conversation. Plus, I think the Big 12 Championship game is awesome and happens to be the only game that matters -- other than those occasions when the national championship game is legit.
Anyway, just for fun I like to dream up other formats. My alternate "developmental division" format works like this -- you divide the conference into three four-team divisions. Top four teams in one, middle four in a "B" divisioin and the bottom four in the "C." You play all three teams in your division and depending if you are a top one-two or a three-four in your division then you play the one-two or three-fours from the other two divisions. It makes for a seven-game conference season and an 11-game regular season schedule. However, it adds a conference playoff. The first and second place teams in the "A" division take the top two seeds. The "B" division winner is the three seed and the "C" division winner takes the fourth seed. Higher seeds host on Thanksgiving weekend, then you have the neutral site championship as usual on the weekend after.
In January, the divisions are re-aligned with the "B" and "C" winners moving up a division and the last place teams in "A" and "B" move down a division. Note the weaknesses:
Anyway, as I said, I'm not an advocate for changing the system, but it's always fun to dream up new scenarios.
Undefeated
Kentucky dropped out the race to be "this year's Kansas," but Vanderbilt, OSU and Northwestern are still in the mix. Vandy had the most impressive win as they took out Auburn 14-13. OSU clocked A&M 56-28 and Northwestern had a bye. Up next for the crew, at Miss St, at Mizzou and a home game with Michigan State. Give Vandy the best chance at survival.
As for the rest of the undefeated teams, the Big 12 will lose two for sure on Saturday as MU/OSU go head-to-head along with Texas and OU. I like Texas Tech maintaining perfect status as they will host the Huskers in Lubbock.
Full list of perfect teams:
Northwestern 5-0
Oklahoma State 5-0
Vanderbilt 5-0
Penn State 6-0
Mizzou 5-0
Oklahoma 5-0
Oklahoma State 5-0
Texas 5-0
Texas Tech 5-0
Alabama 6-0
LSU 4-0
Ball State 6-0
Utah 6-0
BYU 5-0
Boise State 4-0
Off the List:
Kentucky exits with a 17-14 loss to Alabama
South Florida exits with a 21-26 home loss to Pitt
UConn goes down 38-12 to UNC