How Playing an FBS Team Prepared Villanova to Win the NC

[AZGrizFan]

And my only point is that for about 50 other FCS teams, playing an FBS team did NOTHING for their playoff hopes.

How do you know that? How do you know that playing an FBS didn't make a team better than it otherwise would have been?

How do you know it did?


That's my point.

[AZGrizFan]

And my only point is that for about 50 other FCS teams, playing an FBS team did NOTHING for their playoff hopes.

How do you know that? How do you know that playing an FBS didn't make a team better than it otherwise would have been?

There were 7 other teams in Montana's half of the bracket. ALL of them played an FBS team. NONE of them made it out of the bracket. I'd say playing an FBS team didn't do much to prepare them for Montana.

[BlueHen86]

How do you know that? How do you know that playing an FBS didn't make a team better than it otherwise would have been?

There were 7 other teams in Montana's half of the bracket. ALL of them played an FBS team. NONE of them made it out of the bracket. I'd say playing an FBS team didn't do much to prepare them for Montana.

Obviously playing an FBS doesn't guarantee a championship. But you seem to be arguing that playing an FBS doesn't help at all.

If Talley had said practice helped Villanova win the NC, would you make the argument that practice didn't help, since the other teams in Montana's side of the bracket also practiced?

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

There were 7 other teams in Montana's half of the bracket. ALL of them played an FBS team. NONE of them made it out of the bracket. I'd say playing an FBS team didn't do much to prepare them for Montana.

Obviously playing an FBS doesn't guarantee a championship. But you seem to be arguing that playing an FBS doesn't help at all.

If Talley had said practice helped Villanova win the NC, would you make the argument that practice didn't help, since the other teams in Montana's side of the bracket also practiced?

Sorry AZ but that lays it out pretty cleanly.

I think it does help some teams with confidence and so forth so I can't say it doesn't help my problem is with the people that think that Montana is not prepared because they didn't play an FBS. By the time you get to the playoffs or at least after the first playoff game...you are as prepared as you're gonna be.

[AZGrizFan]

Obviously playing an FBS doesn't guarantee a championship. But you seem to be arguing that playing an FBS doesn't help at all.

If Talley had said practice helped Villanova win the NC, would you make the argument that practice didn't help, since the other teams in Montana's side of the bracket also practiced?

Sorry AZ but that lays it out pretty cleanly.

I think it does help some teams with confidence and so forth so I can't say it doesn't help my problem is with the people that think that Montana is not prepared because they didn't play an FBS. By the time you get to the playoffs or at least after the first playoff game...you are as prepared as you're gonna be.

And that's my only point. 86's argument is ridiculous. It's EASY for Talley to say it NOW. Funny how you don't hear other coaches bragging about how their FBS game prepared THEM.

8 of Montana's 11 games they can do nothing about. Most folks didn't have a problem with UCDavis and Cal Poly on the schedule...so, replacing Western State with University of Florida probably wouldn't have helped Montana get over the hump and beat Villanova.

But, that's just my humble opinion.

[kemajic]

How do you know that? How do you know that playing an FBS didn't make a team better than it otherwise would have been?

There were 7 other teams in Montana's half of the bracket. ALL of them played an FBS team. NONE of them made it out of the bracket. I'd say playing an FBS team didn't do much to prepare them for Montana.

It must have done something for them if they all made the playoffs.

[kemajic]

Sorry AZ but that lays it out pretty cleanly.

I think it does help some teams with confidence and so forth so I can't say it doesn't help my problem is with the people that think that Montana is not prepared because they didn't play an FBS. By the time you get to the playoffs or at least after the first playoff game...you are as prepared as you're gonna be.

And that's my only point. 86's argument is ridiculous. It's EASY for Talley to say it NOW. Funny how you don't hear other coaches bragging about how their FBS game prepared THEM.

8 of Montana's 11 games they can do nothing about. Most folks didn't have a problem with UCDavis and Cal Poly on the schedule...so, replacing Western State with University of Florida probably wouldn't have helped Montana get over the hump and beat Villanova.

But, that's just my humble opinion.

So in your humble opinion, an OOC schedule of three teams that were a combined 13-20 where 4 of the wins were against DII opponents, is just right for one of the top programs in the country?

What Montana could do is offset the cupcakes that exist in the BSC with a strong OOC schedule.

[CSUBUCDAD]

I cannot guarantee that playing FBS teams will make you better, I can, however guarantee you that playing DII and III teams year in and year out in your OOC will NOT make you better.

[dbackjon]

And that's my only point. 86's argument is ridiculous. It's EASY for Talley to say it NOW. Funny how you don't hear other coaches bragging about how their FBS game prepared THEM.

8 of Montana's 11 games they can do nothing about. Most folks didn't have a problem with UCDavis and Cal Poly on the schedule...so, replacing Western State with University of Florida probably wouldn't have helped Montana get over the hump and beat Villanova.

But, that's just my humble opinion.

So in your humble opinion, an OOC schedule of three teams that were a combined 13-20 where 4 of the wins were against DII opponents, is just right for one of the top programs in the country?

What Montana could do is offset the cupcakes that exist in the BSC with a strong OOC schedule.

Big Sky was second-strongest conference in the country this year. And when scheduled, UC-Davis and Cal Poly were good teams.

I know you like to repeat the mantra that the Big Sky is weak, in order to help justify your dream of Montana making it to the "Big Time", but let reality take hold, every now and then.

[kalm]

If and when Montana moves up they will face a similar predicament. Schedule that extra ooc Big Sky cupcake giving them the best shot at 7-5 and at least a trip to the Humanitarian Bowl, or schedule a FBS power which might get them passed over at 6-6 but if they were still to get the invite, the experience of which would help them beat North Texas in Boise?

[BlueHen86]

Sorry AZ but that lays it out pretty cleanly.

I think it does help some teams with confidence and so forth so I can't say it doesn't help my problem is with the people that think that Montana is not prepared because they didn't play an FBS. By the time you get to the playoffs or at least after the first playoff game...you are as prepared as you're gonna be.

And that's my only point. 86's argument is ridiculous. It's EASY for Talley to say it NOW. Funny how you don't hear other coaches bragging about how their FBS game prepared THEM.

8 of Montana's 11 games they can do nothing about. Most folks didn't have a problem with UCDavis and Cal Poly on the schedule...so, replacing Western State with University of Florida probably wouldn't have helped Montana get over the hump and beat Villanova.

But, that's just my humble opinion.

Your argument is ridiculous. There are probably several ways to prepare for the playoffs, Montana and Villanova chose different approaches. Villanova won and you are taking issue with Andy Talley touting his teams approach.

I have no problem with Montana's approach, it got them to the NC game two years in a row. But, as someone else said earlier on this thread, if Talley said playing and FBS helped his team, then it probably did.

[AZGrizFan]

And that's my only point. 86's argument is ridiculous. It's EASY for Talley to say it NOW. Funny how you don't hear other coaches bragging about how their FBS game prepared THEM.

8 of Montana's 11 games they can do nothing about. Most folks didn't have a problem with UCDavis and Cal Poly on the schedule...so, replacing Western State with University of Florida probably wouldn't have helped Montana get over the hump and beat Villanova.

But, that's just my humble opinion.

So in your humble opinion, an OOC schedule of three teams that were a combined 13-20 where 4 of the wins were against DII opponents, is just right for one of the top programs in the country?

What Montana could do is offset the cupcakes that exist in the BSC with a strong OOC schedule.

majic, first of all, nobody has EVER bitched about having Cal Poly on the schedule. If you've got issues with THEM being on the schedule then there'll be no pleasing you. Second, we can't control who our opponents schedule..nor who they beat. Hell, App State could be 3-8 the year we're scheduled to play them. And finally, If Motana scheduled three CAA teams as OOC every year and went 8-3 and were on the road for the playoffs every year you'd be at the head of the fucking line bitching to O'Day about no home playoff games.

[AZGrizFan]

And that's my only point. 86's argument is ridiculous. It's EASY for Talley to say it NOW. Funny how you don't hear other coaches bragging about how their FBS game prepared THEM.

8 of Montana's 11 games they can do nothing about. Most folks didn't have a problem with UCDavis and Cal Poly on the schedule...so, replacing Western State with University of Florida probably wouldn't have helped Montana get over the hump and beat Villanova.

But, that's just my humble opinion.

Your argument is ridiculous. There are probably several ways to prepare for the playoffs, Montana and Villanova chose different approaches. Villanova won and you are taking issue with Andy Talley touting his teams approach.

I have no problem with Montana's approach, it got them to the NC game two years in a row. But, as someone else said earlier on this thread, if Talley said playing and FBS helped his team, then it probably did.

But it sure helps having better players.

[kemajic]

So in your humble opinion, an OOC schedule of three teams that were a combined 13-20 where 4 of the wins were against DII opponents, is just right for one of the top programs in the country?

What Montana could do is offset the cupcakes that exist in the BSC with a strong OOC schedule.

Big Sky was second-strongest conference in the country this year. And when scheduled, UC-Davis and Cal Poly were good teams.

I know you like to repeat the mantra that the Big Sky is weak, in order to help justify your dream of Montana making it to the "Big Time", but let reality take hold, every now and then.

Supplying facts is letting "reality take hold." 13-20 is 13-20. As a result, Montana's regular season opponents combined WL was 51-72; 9 of those wins were against DIIs; 8 of the losses were against DIIs. That is reality; spin it as you will; you cannot make it look strong.

My dream is not for Montana to make it to the "Big Time." My dream is to see Montana play a challenging and respected regular season schedule. If that requires "making it to the Big Time," I'm with it.

[AZGrizFan]

Big Sky was second-strongest conference in the country this year. And when scheduled, UC-Davis and Cal Poly were good teams.

I know you like to repeat the mantra that the Big Sky is weak, in order to help justify your dream of Montana making it to the "Big Time", but let reality take hold, every now and then.

Supplying facts is letting "reality take hold." 13-20 is 13-20. As a result, Montana's regular season opponents combined WL was 51-72; 9 of those wins were against DIIs; 8 of the losses were against DIIs. That is reality; spin it as you will; you cannot make it look strong.

My dream is not for Montana to make it to the "Big Time." My dream is to see Montana play a challenging and respected regular season schedule. If that requires "making it to the Big Time," I'm with it.

What would be an acceptable OOC schedule to you?

[andy7171]

I think the big problem here is AZ taking bh86 serious. Half the stuff us CAA posters say about Montana is to get you guys all riled up. JEESH! How can you not see this?

[AZGrizFan]

I think the big problem here is AZ taking bh86 serious. Half the stuff us CAA posters say about Montana is to get you guys all riled up. JEESH! How can you not see this?

I started this entire thread to get CAA guys riled up. How can you not see this?

[putter]

Big Sky was second-strongest conference in the country this year. And when scheduled, UC-Davis and Cal Poly were good teams.

I know you like to repeat the mantra that the Big Sky is weak, in order to help justify your dream of Montana making it to the "Big Time", but let reality take hold, every now and then.

Supplying facts is letting "reality take hold." 13-20 is 13-20. As a result, Montana's regular season opponents combined WL was 51-72; 9 of those wins were against DIIs; 8 of the losses were against DIIs. That is reality; spin it as you will; you cannot make it look strong.

My dream is not for Montana to make it to the "Big Time." My dream is to see Montana play a challenging and respected regular season schedule. If that requires "making it to the Big Time," I'm with it.

So lets look into our crystal ball to see which OOC opponents will have the best/winning records so it can look good. Scheduling Cal Poly and UC Davis are not bad OOC FCS opponents while Western State is a waste other than to get the cobwebs out. If playing FBS opponents really make you better then ISU should have cakewalked the Big Sky this yea.

[BlueHen86]

So lets look into our crystal ball to see which OOC opponents will have the best/winning records so it can look good. Scheduling Cal Poly and UC Davis are not bad OOC FCS opponents while Western State is a waste other than to get the cobwebs out. If playing FBS opponents really make you better then ISU should have cakewalked the Big Sky this yea.

Nice grasp of logic there...

Playing an FBS might make you better than you would have been if you otherwise didn't play an FBS, it doesn't automatically make you better than any other team. Eating right and getting enough sleep also might make you better but it doesn't mean that you will win, it just improves your chances.

Playing in the CAA makes you better too.

[BlueHen86]

I think the big problem here is AZ taking bh86 serious. Half the stuff us CAA posters say about Montana is to get you guys all riled up. JEESH! How can you not see this?

What have I said on this thread that you don't think is serious?

Other than playing in the CAA makes you better.

[D1B]

I posted this on e-griz as a response to a Griz fan insisting we need to play an FBS school to "prepare" for the playoffs. Apparently Talley credited the tough schedule and their FBS game for preparing his team. I wonder what happened in his FIRST 24 years as the head coach?

2009 - Temple; National Champions
2008 - West Virginia; 2nd round loss
2007 - Maryland; home for Thanksgiving
2006 - Central Florida; home for Thanksgiving
2005 - Rutgers; home for Thanksgiving
2004 - None; home for Thanksgiving
2003 - Temple; home for Thanksgiving
2002 - Rutgers; Semifinals loss
2001 - None; home for Thanksgiving
2000 - Rutgers; home for Thanksgiving
1999 - Air Force; home for Thanksgiving
1998 - Pitt; Home for Thanksgiving
1997 - None; 2nd round loss
1996 - Rutgers; 1st round loss
1995 - Navy; Home for Thanksgiving
1994 - None; home for Thanksgiving
1993 - None; home for Thanksgiving

By my count that's TWELVE FBS games they've played since Montana started our 17 year stretch of playoffs. All that preparation has gotten them a total of FOUR playoff appearances, and before this year they'd made it to the semi's exactly ONCE. In that same timeframe the Griz have 17 straight playoff appearances, 7 NC game appearances, 2 National Titles and a slew of semi-final appearances.

I don't know about you, but I DEFINITELY see a connection.

Nice gradeschool logic Joltin Joe.

[putter]

So lets look into our crystal ball to see which OOC opponents will have the best/winning records so it can look good. Scheduling Cal Poly and UC Davis are not bad OOC FCS opponents while Western State is a waste other than to get the cobwebs out. If playing FBS opponents really make you better then ISU should have cakewalked the Big Sky this yea.

Nice grasp of logic there...

Playing an FBS might make you better than you would have been if you otherwise didn't play an FBS, it doesn't automatically make you better than any other team. Eating right and getting enough sleep also might make you better but it doesn't mean that you will win, it just improves your chances.

Playing in the CAA makes you better too.

Yes, but it is MY logic....

Honestly, did ISU play anyone this year that was as deep or quality as Oklahoma?

[JMU DJ]

Honestly, did ISU play anyone this year that was as deep or quality as Oklahoma?

Did ISU beat Oklahoma?

[AZGrizFan]

I posted this on e-griz as a response to a Griz fan insisting we need to play an FBS school to "prepare" for the playoffs. Apparently Talley credited the tough schedule and their FBS game for preparing his team. I wonder what happened in his FIRST 24 years as the head coach?

2009 - Temple; National Champions
2008 - West Virginia; 2nd round loss
2007 - Maryland; home for Thanksgiving
2006 - Central Florida; home for Thanksgiving
2005 - Rutgers; home for Thanksgiving
2004 - None; home for Thanksgiving
2003 - Temple; home for Thanksgiving
2002 - Rutgers; Semifinals loss
2001 - None; home for Thanksgiving
2000 - Rutgers; home for Thanksgiving
1999 - Air Force; home for Thanksgiving
1998 - Pitt; Home for Thanksgiving
1997 - None; 2nd round loss
1996 - Rutgers; 1st round loss
1995 - Navy; Home for Thanksgiving
1994 - None; home for Thanksgiving
1993 - None; home for Thanksgiving

By my count that's TWELVE FBS games they've played since Montana started our 17 year stretch of playoffs. All that preparation has gotten them a total of FOUR playoff appearances, and before this year they'd made it to the semi's exactly ONCE. In that same timeframe the Griz have 17 straight playoff appearances, 7 NC game appearances, 2 National Titles and a slew of semi-final appearances.

I don't know about you, but I DEFINITELY see a connection.

Nice gradeschool logic Joltin Joe.

The only "logic" I'm implying is that it's not WHO you play, it's who you play WITH. 11 times they played an FBS team to better prepare them for the playoffs, and it wasn't enough because their players stuck. This time, they got lucky and had better players.

[AZGrizFan]

Honestly, did ISU play anyone this year that was as deep or quality as Oklahoma?

Did ISU beat Oklahoma?

No, but a lot of other teams did!