AP is out - with a lot of changes

[Schoup]

Not surprised that Notre Dame tumbled to #7. That's where I had them. And K-State back in, as is DePaul. K-State played us very tough. A very impressive team.

The coaches' rankings could be very different tomorrow. If Georgia Tech pulls off another upset of Notre Dame, look for a big drop. Duke will tell us if they're for real depending on what happens with Louisville. NC State and Florida State will be another major test of strength.

It means that based on current rankings, Connecticut plays 11 of its 29 regular season games against teams ranked in the top 25. That's a demanding schedule. So much for UConn's move to the AAC being a step down in competition. This is equivalent to playing the old Big East schedules.

AAC is a step down. The toughness of the current schedule is based on OOC. AAC will be a cake walk with just USF ranked. UConn would win any P5 conference, like they did in the old BE with good teams like ND, UL, etc..But in a P5 there would be more than 1 ranked team to play in conference and back in the day guaranteed home/away ND battle. Look at the ACC, which was the best case P5 scenario for UConn, they have 5 teams in the top 15, 6 in the top 20, and teams like SU just outside the top 25.

Top 25 by conference
ACC 6
P12 6
B12 6
SEC 3
B10 2
AAC 2(1 not Uconn)

 

[Vowelguy]

So much for UConn's move to the AAC being a step down in competition.

Huh? The AAC is a step down in competition.
UConns overall schedule is the same strength because of an upgraded non-conference sked.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

AAC is a step down. The toughness of the current schedule is based on OOC. AAC will be a cake walk with just USF ranked. UConn would win any P5 conference, like they did in the old BE with good teams like ND, UL, etc..But in a P5 there would be more than 1 ranked team to play in conference and back in the day guaranteed home/away ND battle. Look at the ACC, which was the best case P5 scenario for UConn, they have 5 teams in the top 15, 6 in the top 20, and teams like SU just outside the top 25.

Top 25 by conference
ACC 6
P12 6
B12 6
SEC 3
B10 2
AAC 2(1 not Uconn)

But look at the OOC schedules of those ACC teams: they're mostly cakewalks themselves. Few of those ACC teams are scheduling tough teams early on. And take a look at the records of those AAC teams. They're improving. So overall, UConn's schedule is tough as nails, just like in the old days!

 

[Monte]

2017 Women's College Basketball Rankings and Polls for Week 9 - ESPN

Baylor up to 2 with ND dropping down to #7

I agree with the top 3, but I don't think Notre Dame is that bad.

 

[donalddoowop]

I would put S Carolina #2 b/c they have played a tougher OOC. Baylor schedule is ranked 127 as of now and SC is #8

Maybe that is why Baylor has looked so good lately and believe me, they look very good. I believe they should be ranked second. I'm glad Uconn played them when they did. Why? Because Uconn seems tired and worn down now and does not really need that big of a challenge for the immediate future, imo. Uconn's conference schedule has come just at the right time. We probably won't know just how good Baylor is until the NCAA Tournament because there are not many strong challenges on their conference schedule.

 

[donalddoowop]

During the offseason I was thinking Duke would finish 5th or 6th in the conference.. After going to the scrimmage and exhibition.... my expectations were increased to no lower than 4th.... with a good shot at #3.... with a run to the Sweet 16. 1) ND 2) FSU 3) Louisville 4) Duke 5) Syracuse 6) Miami 7) NC State 8) UVA 9) Ga Tech and then the rest. The top 7 being NCAA tournament teams.. with UVA on the bubble.

Now that the non-conference season is over... I would move up VPI to #7 and drop NC State to #8 with the ACC getting 8 teams in the NCAA's. Im not sure who is better between Miami and Syracuse.

Man, the ACC must be THE toughest conference this season; not the Pac 12 or SEC.

 

[triaddukefan]

Man, the ACC must be THE toughest conference this season; not the Pac 12 or SEC.

With ND getting upset by NC State... it makes the conference race much more interesting. ND still may come out on top.... but I dont see them plowing through the regular season and tournament like in previous years.

The sad thing is (for me) ... this year's conference tournament looks to be a great one..... unfortunately it wont be held ten minutes from my driveway as it has been the past 17 years

 

[Schoup]

Maybe that is why Baylor has looked so good lately and believe me, they look very good. I believe they should be ranked second. I'm glad Uconn played them when they did. Why? Because Uconn seems tired and worn down now and does not really need that big of a challenge for the immediate future, imo. Uconn's conference schedule has come just at the right time. We probably won't know just how good Baylor is until the NCAA Tournament because there are not many strong challenges on their conference schedule.

Baylor has played 7 games OOC that are questionable, 1 or 2 lower conference teas is okay, but 7 is ridiculous..

 

[Schoup]

With ND getting upset by NC State... it makes the conference race much more interesting. ND still may come out on top.... but I dont see them plowing through the regular season and tournament like in previous years.

The sad thing is (for me) ... this year's conference tournament looks to be a great one..... unfortunately it wont be held ten minutes from my driveway as it has been the past 17 years

You can thank the NC legislature. ironically the games are moving to South Carolina who had not held NCAA games for decades b/c of the confederate flag.

 

[triaddukefan]

You can thank the NC legislature. ironically the games are moving to South Carolina who had not held NCAA games for decades b/c of the confederate flag.

You dont have to lecture me..... I already know

 

[chuck.r]

Maybe that is why Baylor has looked so good lately and believe me, they look very good. I believe they should be ranked second. I'm glad Uconn played them when they did. Why? Because Uconn seems tired and worn down now and does not really need that big of a challenge for the immediate future, imo. Uconn's conference schedule has come just at the right time. We probably won't know just how good Baylor is until the NCAA Tournament because there are not many strong challenges on their conference schedule.

You likely have to look at the 'away' schedule for significant challenges - Baylor's home-court advantage is usually a bridge too far for the Big 12. Their toughest away games, therefore, are @ #17 WVU (this Wed.), @ #25 KSU, @ #15 Texas and @ #20 OU. @ OKST may be a stiff test as well.

 

[Schoup]

But look at the OOC schedules of those ACC teams: they're mostly cakewalks themselves. Few of those ACC teams are scheduling tough teams early on. And take a look at the records of those AAC teams. They're improving. So overall, UConn's schedule is tough as nails, just like in the old days!

No it's not. UConn's SOS is #1 now it will plummet b/c of the conf schedule. They will play 1 ranked team in conference. For example, B12,teams will play at least 5 and they play every team twice. Geno is scheduling a harder OOC b/c he knows the conference will not be a challenge at all. The early season OOC is really how he finds out what he has b/c the AAC games are not going to tel him who can handle pressure, close games, etc... UConn's only game they have any chance to lose before NCAA is S Carolina. That would not be the case if they were in ACC, B12, etc... Those conferences have 2 or more teams in the top 10 that would be a threat. UConn would can literally pay poorly and still win the AAC in a cake walk. Geno knows the challenge in the AAC is not winning but keeping players sharp b/c the competition is inferior. It's work to keep players on point and not ding things they can get away with in conf but can lose games in NCAA

 

[UcMiami]

Baylor has played 7 games OOC that are questionable, 1 or 2 lower conference teas is okay, but 7 is ridiculous..

Lets see ...
#3 Maryland has played 8 dogs
#4 Miss St - 10
#5 SC - 6
#6 FSU - 7
#7 ND - 7
#8 Louisville - 10
#9 UCLA - 8
#10 Standford - 8
It is what teams do. And it used to be more of what Uconn did as well when their conference wasn't composed of many of those dogs. Holy Cross, Hartford, VT, etc. Most teams play half of their non-conference schedule against dogs and some of them seldom if ever play a ranked team OOC. WVU climbed to #12 on the back of going 10-0 against absolute cream puffs and 2-0 against Auburn and Ole Miss which are not considered cream puffs simply because they are in a P5 and play equally dreadful OOCs

 

[Bajan Best]

Bajan Best Top 10:

01) Connecticut
02) Baylor
03) Florida State
04) Mississippi State
05) Maryland
06) South Carolina
07) Notre Dame
08) Louisville
09) UCLA
10) Duke

 

[Fairfield Fan]

No it's not. UConn's SOS is #1 now it will plummet b/c of the conf schedule. They will play 1 ranked team in conference. For example, B12,teams will play at least 5 and they play every team twice. Geno is scheduling a harder OOC b/c he knows the conference will not be a challenge at all. The early season OOC is really how he finds out what he has b/c the AAC games are not going to tel him who can handle pressure, close games, etc... UConn's only game they have any chance to lose before NCAA is S Carolina. That would not be the case if they were in ACC, B12, etc... Those conferences have 2 or more teams in the top 10 that would be a threat. UConn would can literally pay poorly and still win the AAC in a cake walk. Geno knows the challenge in the AAC is not winning but keeping players sharp b/c the competition is inferior. It's work to keep players on point and not ding things they can get away with in conf but can lose games in NCAA

But, of course, the ACC teams are no challenge whatsoever to UConn either. Connecticut destroys ACC teams whenever he plays them! Which is why the ACC teams refuse to schedule UConn anymore!

The AAC is similar to the Pac 12 a few years ago. Stanford ripped through its conference schedule after scheduling tough schools early in the season. But despite the weak conference schedule, Stanford was still tough. And now the Pac 12 is improving, as is the AAC, though at a slower pace.

And look at the ACC: several of those teams are pretty weak as well. And Notre Dame, a Big East refugee, absolutely clobbered everyone in the ACC until recently. So seems to me that UConn is right where it needs to be.

 

[MJL243]

UConn's SOS is #1 now it will plummet b/c of the conf schedule.

According to Massey:
SSF (SOS for the full season)
1. UConn
2. South Carolina
3. Texas
4. Notre Dame
5. UCLA
6. Washington State
7. Arizona State
8. Baylor
9. Stanford
10. Tennessee

 

[Schoup]

According to Massey:
SSF (SOS for the full season)
1. UConn
2. South Carolina
3. Texas
4. Notre Dame
5. UCLA
6. Washington State
7. Arizona State
8. Baylor
9. Stanford
10. Tennessee

You do know it's impossible to do SOS for a full season now. SOS done correctly changes as each game occurs and is based on your opponents and opponents opponents. For example if teams you beat in november who were ranked high under perform and lose 10 games, it changes your SOS. SOS is dynamics. Massey thus is using a BS method of SOS. Probably something like the BS method that NCAA does for fball where they calculate opponents record from the previous season and rank based on winning %. or the BS method where beating a 12-0 team from Bg Sky is valued the same as beating a 12-0 P5. If you want real sports stats with correct methodology look at Sagarin SOS.

 

[iri10]

You do know it's impossible to do SOS for a full season now. SOS done correctly changes as each game occurs and is based on your opponents and opponents opponents. For example if teams you beat in november who were ranked high under perform and lose 10 games, it changes your SOS. SOS is dynamics. Massey thus is using a BS method of SOS. Probably something like the BS method that NCAA does for fball where they calculate opponents record from the previous season and rank based on winning %. or the BS method where beating a 12-0 team from Bg Sky is valued the same as beating a 12-0 P5. If you want real sports stats with correct methodology look at Sagarin SOS.

Massey has an instantaneous SOS calculation just like all the other services. Then they also have the season SOS, which is probably just an extrapolation based on current SOS ratings for the future opponents. (the latter is of course subject to change as the season goes on, but will converge toward the final instantaneous SOS as expected.)

Massey does use an uncommon or unique method to actually calculate the instantaneous SOS, and I think it's actually among the best. It does a much better job parsing the schedules of statistical outliers like UConn, correctly weighing its strong OOC schedule more than its weak conference schedule:

Theory: Massey Schedule Ratings

 

[BroadwayVa]

2017 Women's College Basketball Rankings and Polls for Week 9 - ESPN

Baylor up to 2 with ND dropping down to #7

The wonderful thing about "fluid" polls as this one is: The ratings actually are not a measure of how they shall play YOUR team should they meet. Most of the teams Uconn met no longer have the same rating . (Baylor??_)

 

[easttexastrash]

I believe Baylor belongs at @ #2.

But Maryland loses and moves up one spot? Must have been a "good loss".

KSU moved into the top 25 after a 30 point loss.

 

[j66kicker]

KSU moved into the top 25 after a 30 point loss.

I think some of the ranked teams have noticed this "lose and move up" ploy, and decided to try it tonight

 

[Boreifs]

I would put S Carolina #2 b/c they have played a tougher OOC. Baylor schedule is ranked 127 as of now and SC is #8

Both Massey and Sagarin have Baylor rated second and South Carolina third. They most likely have more info than you do.

 

[easttexastrash]

Baylor back to where they started but with a new overlord . I'm sure Mulkey is thrilled.

You can be assured of that. She was irked when ND lost to UCONN by 11 at home and didn't drop a spot or two.

Rankings don't matter to UCONN because of those 11 trophies, but when competing for top talent a ranking may make other programs look more appealing to a recruit. With all the talent that UCONN has coming in players like Williams and Smith from the 2018 class may be looking for a program that is highly ranked where they think they can get playing time and make an immediate impact.

 

[UcMiami]

You can be assured of that. She was irked when ND lost to UCONN by 11 at home and didn't drop a spot or two.

Rankings don't matter to UCONN because of those 11 trophies, but when competing for top talent a ranking may make other programs look more appealing to a recruit. With all the talent that UCONN has coming in players like Williams and Smith from the 2018 class may be looking for a program that is highly ranked where they think they can get playing time and make an immediate impact.

Not sure that specific position within the top ten makes any significant difference to top prospects in the recruiting game - it is amazing how wide the gap between fanatics knowledge of their program and their main competitors and HS ballers knowledge tends to be. And Kim with her two NCs in this century stands above all others in terms of achievements with Muffet, Gary, and Tara the only others to have any hardware.

If Baylor being ranked tenth (should that ever happen) rather than second was going to make a difference in a recruit committing, I am not sure that you really want to get that recruit. If being 4th rather than 2nd was going to have an effect, I am sure you don't want that recruit!

 

[easttexastrash]

Not sure that specific position within the top ten makes any significant difference to top prospects in the recruiting game - it is amazing how wide the gap between fanatics knowledge of their program and their main competitors and HS ballers knowledge tends to be. And Kim with her two NCs in this century stands above all others in terms of achievements with Muffet, Gary, and Tara the only others to have any hardware.

If Baylor being ranked tenth (should that ever happen) rather than second was going to make a difference in a recruit committing, I am not sure that you really want to get that recruit. If being 4th rather than 2nd was going to have an effect, I am sure you don't want that recruit!

We want ALL the recruits...every post player this side of the Mississippi, included.