Non-Conference Schedule Rankings Now Complete; Gophers finish #140

[topos]

I don't like the idea of having a tough non-conf schedule by adding multiple Q1 games. The Big Ten schedule has more than adequate number of potential Q1/Q2 games to capitalize. The name of the game is to schedule for the NCAA Tournament. A couple of challenges early on is good to prepare for brutal Big Ten schedule.

Which means scheduling Q1 and Q2 opportunities, and ideally, away from home.

Weak non-conference schedules like ours are a known deterrent to making the NCAA tournament field.

 

[howeda7]

Ahead of only UCLA, Rutgers and Penn State in the B1G.

 

[formerlybis]

I don't like the idea of having a tough non-conf schedule by adding multiple Q1 games. The Big Ten schedule has more than adequate number of potential Q1/Q2 games to capitalize. The name of the game is to schedule for the NCAA Tournament. A couple of challenges early on is good to prepare for brutal Big Ten schedule.

The league does give you a bunch of Q1/Q2 games - that's true. But if you don't have a "scalp" from the noncon, your margin for error in the conference season dwindles. For example, if the Gophers win at Missouri, that goes a long way on a resume. Losing that game? Hardly any effect. There's a lot more upside than down. You need one less win (maybe fewer) in conference if you get one of those in the noncon.

Ahead of only UCLA, Rutgers and Penn State in the B1G.

If you re-rank by straight NET rankings, it's only PSU. Nebraska and Rutgers are in the same neighborhood, but still above MN.

UCLA is almost exactly 50th percentile when you do it by NET because they've got a fair number of opponents that are middling instead of extreme cupcakes (e.g. Cal, a traditional rival that isn't in the top 122). They're also playing Az/Az St/Gonzaga

 

[gopherbadgerman]

You think this schedule was made with getting to the NCAA tour in mind?

IMO it was made to get some easy wins and build confidence with as little risk as possible