The USA Today Coaches Poll came out yesterday, and predictably, USC was ranked No. 1. Some say preseason polls don't matter, but it's definitely an advantage to start the season No. 1 in case there are more than two undefeated teams. Such was the case in 2004, when USC, Oklahoma, and Auburn were all undefeated, and USC stayed No. 1 throughout the entire season.
Interestingly, the coaches gave LSU the No. 2 ranking, adding fuel to a rivalry that only seems to exist in Louisiana. Tigers fans, who are still upset that they had to share their 2003 National Title with USC, had their flames fanned even before the rankings came out by Head Coach Les Miles.
"I would like nothing better than to play USC for the [national] title," Miles reportedly said in a speech to a heavily pro-LSU gathering in New Orleans. "I can tell you this, that they have a much easier road to travel. They're going to play real knockdown drag-outs with UCLA and Washington, Cal-Berkeley, Stanford -- some real juggernauts -- and they're going to end up, it would be my guess, in some position so if they win a game or two, that they'll end up in the title [game]."I would like that path for us. I think the SEC provides much stiffer competition."
Last week in the LA Times, Chris Dufresne helped break down the myth that the SEC is the only conference that matters. Also, the dirty little secret in the SEC has always been its teams' soft nonconference schedules. While USC scheduled road games at Nebraska and Notre Dame, LSU gets to play Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, and Tulane. LSU does have a rare tough nonconference home game against Virginia Tech, but the Tigers' road schedule features just one somewhat difficult opponent in Alabama. Meanwhile, the Trojans have a stretch with four of five road games, at Notre Dame, at Oregon, at Cal, and at Arizona State (now coached by Dennis Erickson).
LSU has a great team, and they undeniably have some difficult games this year. But if I were Les Miles, I'd be careful what I wished for. USC's "road to travel" to the BCS title game in New Orleans is not appreciably easier. I'm not sure if that's a path Les Miles would really want.
Effective business articles that will improve your business.
Understanding the difference between accidents and incidents is essential for effective risk assessments. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but in the context of workplace safety, they have distinct meanings … Read More
Managing construction projects effectively requires not only skilled labor and quality materials but also the right equipment for the job. For contractors, balancing the need for specialized heavy machinery with … Read More
Choosing the right hosting company and plan is crucial to ensuring your website’s performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. With so many hosting options available, it can be overwhelming to know which … Read More
The health and wellness markets are part of a rapidly expanding segment of the global business economy. People are taking a proactive approach to improving their general quality of life, … Read More
Job interviews can be nerve wracking, yet exciting experiences. This is your opportunity to take the next step of your career, but at the same time, you probably have a … Read More
Investing in real estate doesn’t always mean amassing a portfolio of traditional properties like single-family rentals. For some, becoming a landlord may not be their dream. Nevertheless, would-be investors want … Read More
In the modern world where your online footprint matters most, enhancing your business website’s SEO is not just beneficial; it’s essential. With millions of searches conducted every day, your online … Read More
While credit cards are undeniably convenient for everyday purchases, using them to fund your bank account can be a financially precarious move. The high fees and potential credit score implications … Read More
All-on-4 denture implants have revolutionized dental restoration, offering a transformative solution for individuals with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. This innovative approach provides a stable and permanent solution by securing … Read More
Nobody likes seeing those flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror? Getting a speeding ticket can be frustrating and costly, but don’t lose hope we have some helpful … Read More
