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

 

[SelectionSunday]

Final Big Ten Non-Conference Schedule Rankings (my preseason projection in parentheses)
#7 Michigan (#1, 1st in Big Ten)
#34 Purdue (#10, 2nd in Big Ten)
#41 Illinois (#64, 4th in Big Ten)
#58 Michigan State (#66, 5th in Big Ten)
#65 Maryland (#33, 3rd in Big Ten)
#132 Oregon (#79 10th in Big Ten)
#137 UCLA (#213, 15th in Big Ten)
#158 Ohio State (#70, 7th in Big Ten)
#161 Wisconsin (#69, 6th in Big Ten)
#211 Northwestern (#75, 8th in Big Ten)
#215 Indiana (#135, 13th in Big Ten)
#248 Washington (#76, 9th in Big Ten)
#250 Rutgers (#238, 16th in Big Ten)
#251 USC (#83, 11th in Big Ten)
#256 Iowa (#134, 12th in Big Ten)
#278 Gophers (#140, 14th in Big Ten)
#306 Nebraska (#139, 13th in Big Ten)
#358 Penn State (#297, 18th in Big Ten)

#283 School Thou Shall Not Mention Here (#280)

 

[Ope3]

Final Big Ten Non-Conference Schedule Rankings (my preseason projection in parentheses)
#7 Michigan (#1, 1st in Big Ten)
#34 Purdue (#10, 2nd in Big Ten)
#41 Illinois (#64, 4th in Big Ten)
#58 Michigan State (#66, 5th in Big Ten)
#65 Maryland (#33, 3rd in Big Ten)
#132 Oregon (#79 10th in Big Ten)
#137 UCLA (#213, 15th in Big Ten)
#158 Ohio State (#70, 7th in Big Ten)
#161 Wisconsin (#69, 6th in Big Ten)
#211 Northwestern (#75, 8th in Big Ten)
#215 Indiana (#135, 13th in Big Ten)
#248 Washington (#76, 9th in Big Ten)
#250 Rutgers (#238, 16th in Big Ten)
#251 USC (#83, 11th in Big Ten)
#256 Iowa (#134, 12th in Big Ten)
#278 Gophers (#140, 14th in Big Ten)
#306 Nebraska (#139, 13th in Big Ten)
#358 Penn State (#297, 18th in Big Ten)

#283 School Thou Shall Not Mention Here (#280)

Uffda. Good thing the Gophers were nowhere near the bubble.