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Randy Dinkins's avatar

How can any power ranking metric have LSU at 4 with the schedule they've played?

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WNBAnow's avatar

Hi Randy! Thanks for the comment. While we concede they've indeed played all tomato cans, they've yet to look anything but uber impressive in doing so. Top scoring team in nation with the 4th best scoring defense. We'd make them favorites on a neutral court vs anyone outside of the top 3 (which is how we create most power ratings) The talent is obvious and they're likely to be unbeaten through January.

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PC's avatar

Interesting (circular) analysis: They've only played tomatoe cans, but we're impressed with their performance and stats beating up on tomatoe cans.

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WNBAnow's avatar

Being impressed w the ease and style a team wins is, in fact, a metric. The old-hats would call it the 'eye test.' Even still, plenty of teams play poor competition before their conference schedules and almost all fail to look as dominant and skilled. How would you rate them? Like the AP? Maybe when they're 20-0 this rating will be 'acceptable' analysis. Thanks for the comment PC!

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PC's avatar

Ha! I'm one of those OG's that definitely gets the "eye-test" analogy. Anyway, LSU's schedule is beyond what I've seen from other top teams in terms of poor competition. It's exceptionally weak by design to stack up wins and look impressive to the boosters, doners, and potential recruits that don't really understand the context. That said, it is what it is. Full disclosure...I'm 100% anti-Mulkey (BG) so perhaps my bias is showing.

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WNBAnow's avatar

1000% understand, and endorse, the anti-Mulkey sentiment! Probably one of the most, if not the most, unrootable figures in all of sports. I would also definitely agree that context matters and it is a bit ridiculous they're just racking up wins against much weaker squads. Even still, it seems like the talent they've stacked up could prove very formidable down the line. Among the top 10, they have the least amount of wiggle room in terms of slip-ups/less than impressive performances. Really do appreciate the commentary and feel free to chime in whenever you like!!

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Randy Dinkins's avatar

How can any power ranking metric have LSU at 4 with the schedule they've played?

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WNBAnow's avatar

Gotta be a preseason projection baked in, I'd say

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Joe Riccardi's avatar

Had to come back to say you were right about TCU. Love seeing these upsets on back to back weeks. Great basketball!

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