http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/football/polls/coaches-poll/2017/5
http://collegefootball.ap.org/poll
These polls are interesting. FSU at 0-1 with a backup QB no one has seen are at 11. Also yes Amway is now the sponsor for the coaches poll.
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I've always thought the Coaches poll was the least meaningful poll.
Luckily, AP also has us at #13!
Now you're talking my language! Hell yeah
Coaches' Poll was more relevant when it was part of the BCS calculations.
I don't care who the poll is from if it has the Hokies ranked its relevant. AP, coaches, Atholon, Bleacher Report, Football writers of America. It's all people payi attention to the Hokies.
Except it's not because 99% of the voters don't watch us
Casual fans or fans of others teams watch top 25 games, our scores are on the top of the scroll and automatic when you click on ESPN scores on the website, more fans will come to home games and on and on and on.
They're all kind of meaningless. Just keep winning. Playoff rankings after conference championship week is all that matters.
They mean a lot. More eyes on the program, more likely to draw better TV coverage, better game times, more donors, more tickets sold etc etc etc.
You're not wrong but we spend way too much time getting arsed over the polls. Getting mad about FSU and Miami is such a useless thing to get worked up about. I think it's niced to be ranked but 13th vs. 25th it doesn't matter I just want us to win the football game.
With that being said, if y'all can't understand that all these polls are worthless when the Playoff rankings come out then I'm not sure what to tell you lol
I wouldn't say they are worthless. There is a pretty strong correlation to being at the top of the polls and the playoff rankings.
For example, where was Ohio St ranked at the end of last regular season in the polls?
2nd. Did they ultimately go over a team that beat them and had the same record and win the Big Ten but was ranked lower? So your last comment might not be entirely accurate
If you actually think the opinions of the playoff committee are not in any way persuaded by pre-existing rankings, I don't know what to tell you lol
All I'm saying is a 13-0 team will find its way into the playoff regardless of where they are right now, who voted them in, where they started, etc.
It's hilarious that I've seen Joe post similar things (i.e. Tech's ranking doesn't matter) and no one bats an eye. When I say it it's travesty.
Unless you had all 5 P5 champs go undefeated, then rankings would matter quite a bit. (Not just your own, but those of the teams you beat)
But that's not what we are taking about here. We all understand what 13-0 gets you.
But there is a reason there is usually never more than 1 undefeated team, because it's hard. So rankings and perception matter.
The news year bowls definitely look at rankings. Who goes to the Irange bowl per the bowl contract?
Technically, the teams in NY6 bowls are placed by the committee who makes their own rankings.
There's no way that their ratings are completely isolated from bias of the other major ratings
I'm not arguing the bias. Just stating that there are no independent agents in the NY6 selection process. The people that run the Orange Bowl or the Peach Bowl don't have any say in who plays in their bowl games (as opposed to the Belk Bowl, who has some leeway as to which team they select).
But, with the criteria for the Orange Bowl, the committee is not beholden to the AP or any other ranking. If Michigan and LSU are the #2 teams in their respective conferences, and the AP has Michigan ranked higher, but the committee feels like LSU should go to the game, then they will rank LSU ahead of Michigan, and they don't have to explain themselves.
This from the ESPn write up on the Orange Bowl contract. Sure seems that ranking has a lot to with it.
Yes, the ranking that is generated by the Playoff committee. There is no outside ranking in play.
It's like how the BCS always patted themselves on the back for having 15 straight years of #1 vs #2 playing each other. Of course they did, when they made those teams #1 and #2.
just don't participate in the thread. It means more than nothing and less then a lot, but there is a sizable contingent of our fanbase that feels compelled to complain about Miami and disrespekt as often as possible, so it's nice corralling all of that noise into a single thread each week
You mean like the shitstorm that is going to hit Kirk Bohls' twitter account, since it appears that he left VT off of his ballot?
Unpopular opinion, VT Twitter is the worst twitter. Between bitching about voters and bitching about David Hale referring to us as VaTech I'm embarrassed to be on twitter sometimes.
I wouldn't take Joe seriously. He drinks PBR with a lime.
Could've stopped with "he drinks PBR"
/ducks
No need to duck, my friend
I'd like to introduce you you FSU, anOSU, Texas, Tennessee Twitter fans.
Yes and they all do the same shit. I saw people wishing Hale would lose his job over that. It's just immature.
I agree 100%. I pointed out the omission and potential twitter storm because I find it entertaining to see people lose their minds over what is clearly a mistake on Bohls' part (esp since he said he included VT).
I somewhat disagree with you that rankings don't matter at all. I get that winning takes care of it al, but perception helps with recruiting and other things.
With that being said, I completely agree with you on the Twitter thing. I was so embarrassed by the ones that were tweeting Hale about the VaTech stuff. I don't even think he meant it "Vah Tech." It was just his abbreviation for us. It's no different than using "Tx Tech" for Texas Tech.
Politics twitter, on both sides, is way worse. (a reason why it's avoided here...)
The weird thing about that is he had VT ranked #20 after week three, then dropped them from the polls after a 64-17 victory. The logic is puzzling.
He said he had them in. Might've been a mistake somewhere a la Bielema last season. Now are fans are calling him a liar. Such a good look.
Rankings mean a hell of a lot more than just who gets to play for the title.
That little number carries a hell of a lot of weight, and the higher that number goes, the more people will pay attention to you. The more people pay attention to you, the more they will talk about you. The more people talk about you, the more you will attract the casual fan to follow your games. The more you attract the casual fan, the more the television networks are going to be willing to put you in prime television slots for games and other premium broadcasts like dedicated segments and GameDay. The more that networks are able to showcase you in those premium segments, the more attractive you will be for elite recruits who want to ensure their skills are showcased to their fullest extent. The more elite recruits you bring in, the more wins you get.
Obviously, this whole thing simplifies a few of those steps, but getting a keeping a ranking is absolutely a vital step in the evolution of a program from good to great. We're in that transition, and you have to believe we are paying very close attention to our ranking when they come out, because it represents a very clear status on how the program is progressing. The higher we climb, the more doors will unlock to how we will be able to showcase ourselves to the nation, and more importantly, to the recruits and the casual fan. Better recruits brings us more wins, which puts us on more premium events, which brings more casual fans, who spend money on merchandise, collectibles, and Hokie Club memberships (to ensure they can watch the games in person). That money gets put back into the program for various enhancements (indoor practice facility, locker room makeover, Lane Stadium expansions) that only help keep us moving forward to our eventual goal.
tl;dr - Rankings matter. The better the ranking, the more money you are likely to make in the short term. Consistent rankings bring in more money over the long term. Ergo, rankings matter.
Being ranked in the polls means that "VA Tech" is always listed on the ticker updating top 25 scores, on websites and on television. It also means that "Virginia Tech" will be mentioned by every college football radio broadcast in the nation that updates the top 25. I like to see us listed as a fan, and it's additional promotion for recruiting and for the school in general.
It keeps the idea in everyone's head that VT is a perennial top 25 team, and one of the top programs in the nation.
Other than that, it is pretty meaningless, but for fans it lets us enjoy the journey watching us move up in the polls over the season.
I have no problem with Vah Tech. Another handle that others can relate to. And I don't feel disrespected at all. Jeez...get a life.
I've warmed up to it to. Call us whatever you want, as long as we're talked about
I'm glad I'm not the only one.
While hearing someone vocalize "Vah Tech" is still like nails on a chalkboard for me, seeing it in text seems completely reasonable, especially considering the real estate that ESPN has to work with on the ticker.
And besides... I seem to remember us putting "VA TECH" on our jerseys at one point, but my Google-Fu has failed me.
Edit: Never mind, found one:
There's a caveat to this. I don't believe we ever actually wore this in a game. This was just a mockup for Bruce to wear for a photoshoot for Sports Illustrated.
Then they also made them for this program cover
This is weird. VT had several different uniforms between '79 and '84/5 (or whenever the Bruce photo happened) - why is he wearing a 5-6 year-old jersey in that photo??
You aren't kidding. VA TECH used to be painted in the end zones, too.
The further back you go, the more you see it used. It would be kind of like getting worked up over use of "VPI" or the "Fighting Gobblers".
VA TECH isn't a modern thing we use, but it isn't completely made up, either.
Miami's bak (behind the Hokies, that is)
Another Liverpool fan I see! Your blood pressure must be off the charts.
You become numb to the pain after a while...only been waiting for title no. 19 since 1990.
13th in AP Poll as well
If FSU had played Miami this last weekend and FSU had won, they would be exactly where they are now. If they had lost, we would be ahead of them and Miami would have jumped us "cuz dey bak".
Thought we would be ahead a bit more since some teams remaine idol and some others failed.
Oh god, we were 13 when Pitt beat us 5 years ago. Man, I hope Fuente is exorising our old demons.
Win in Heinz Field - Check
Win in FedEx Field - Check
Win in Dowdy-Ficklen - Check
Someone GIF me Fuente as the Exorcist
Gimme the Carrier Dome next..... too soon?
That was my exact thought when I saw that list. Fuck Donovan McNabb.
We don't even play Syracuse again until 2021 at home in Blacksburg and the next trip to Syracuse is not on the HokieSports future schedule currently. So it would be at least 2026 or 2027 before we go back to that place that shall not be named.
By then, they might actually have a new stadium built
or at the very least, air condition the Carrier Dome
by Trane.
Hey by then that shithole will actually have air conditioners in a building named after a company that makes them.
8 seconds!
That's 7 seconds faster than Rick Pitino!
... shit, take your leg...
Don't insult shitholes by calling that place a shithole.
13th in both polls...
Related: ODU just announced an alternate uniform for Saturday
I'm in no way saying we don't deserve the ranking, but they really want a top 10 matchup when Clemson comes to town. Doesn't bother me though, LANE is going to be electric that night.
I pray every day I'm going to get to go.
I don't think it's going to happen. 3+ teams in the 7-12 range would have to lose.
OK State to TCU
Georgia to Miss St
FSU to NC State
Outside chance: Penn State to Iowa
I dislike Penn State and wish they would lose every game every forever, but they have lit up the world this year and Iowa has looked less than impressive every week. I know you said outside chance, but I don't think Penn State is at risk until it starts playing the big boys.
I don't know why, but I never doubt Iowa at home.
Don't forget USC to Cal
I know Cal isn't good, but neither is USC
No one is considering the wow factor. I thought the buzz last week was lame. B'burg will rock!
The buzz was lame because the game was lame. Delaware (especially with so many dropped/missed passed in that first half) just isn't going to get the crowd going like OSU/Clemson.
No last week's Game Day buzz, where ever it was did not seem to enthusiastic. If GD comes to the Burg we will rock it!
Yea based on pictures the crowd size wasn't that great. Gameday crew did a good job getting them all to bunch up at the front to make it look more packed.
They won't have to do that in Blacksburg.
I am curious on where they would potentially set up in Blacksburg. The 2 times they came in 2005, they set up on University Mall with the Torg Bridge as a backdrop:
That was a great spot, and created an arena-like atmosphere with the hill on the side and the street that essentially funneled all fans into the viewing area.
2007 for the ECU game had us set up on the Lacrosse field directly across from the stadium
While being a great spot, it did neuter the atmosphere a bit, just because it was a big wide open area.
The practice field area, with the indoor facility, Merryman, and Lane all acting as a backdrop would seem to be a perfect spot, but I can't imagine Fuente would want us there for multiple hours on end. We'd kill the grass. So what else could make sense. The drillfield?
I have always wanted to see it smack in the middle of the drill field with Burress behind it. I've wondered why it has never happened there.
Only reason they were close to the stadium in 2007 was because we had the noon game.
Alumni Mall is probably a better option now than it was in 2005, now that we have the new Corps dorms built of Hokie stone to show off.
I think there or the Drillfield. Most other large open areas would affect parking too much.
Is the construction on Alumni Mall complete? I was there over the summer, and it looked like they were finishing up, but there were still fences and scaffolding all around the area closest to the bridge. If its cleaned up, I agree, that's the best spot on campus for it.
Given how long its been since we've had GameDay, and how the team has been playing the last couple years, I could see a massive turnout if we do get it next week.
Good point. I don't know how far the construction was reaching down the hill.
I know that the dorms are open on Upper Quad, and that looks complete from the pictures the VTCC sends out. Of course, all of those pictures are pointed up the hill, not down towards the mall. I know they're still tearing down Monteith and Thomas, but that's on the back side of the quad, and wouldn't be seen much from the mall anyway.
Yes. All the construction directly on Alumni Mall is done. They're still renovating one building over near McBryde, but it would be out of the shot.
eh, not necessarily. I have seen plenty of times where a team jumps another team in the rankings even with them both winning when you have Team A play sloppy/a close game against a very inferior team and its on a national network channel and then team B that beats another team very convincingly.
Case in point, we jumped Auburn this week.
If we can take care of ODU convincingly, I think we move to number 10 just to make the Clemson game that much more marquee.
Yeah, but wouldn't it be better strategy wise to do vanilla thing (like with Delaware) and hold the cards close to the chest in prep for Clemon?
What if our vanilla still beats the pants off the other guys?
That would be ideal. ODU has been getting a mite too big for their britches lately. Part of me wants to simply obliterate them into nothingness and be done with it.
I say we go vanilla next week and then full neapolitan for Clemson.
I'm more of a spumoni man myself.
Mason said this was a pretty vanilla game plan. We just executed.
We should have jumped Auburn last week, when they actually lost.
That's like letting a hot girl use you for your body.
DID YOU KNOW: Amway owns the Orlando Magic?
Ohhhhhhh is that why they call it Amway Center?
Total Offense: 35
Total Defense: 61
Never thought I'd see that as long as Bud was coaching, but I want to see Off. Points per Possession versus Def. Points per Possession. A lot more important stat now that spread offenses and variations have taken over.
I didn't get a look at defense, but sorting the Total Offense category for passing yards, rushing yards, yards per game and yards per play were all right around 35 ranking consistently. Over 6.4 ypp.
Giving up 41 points through a 3-0 start that includes a Big12 team is good enough for me.
would you rather have a top 10 defense or offense?
Offense .
That's a loaded question. What's the ranking range of the other unit? Top 30? I'd rather have a top 10 defense. Top 50? A Top 10 offense would do.
10 of the last 20 BCS Champions had Top 10 offense, while 15 had Top 10 Defense. VT had a Top 10 Defense in 1999...I'm going with defense as well...defense wins championships!
Year Champion TO TD
2016 Clemson 12 8
2015 Alabama 45 3
2014 Ohio State 9 19
2013 Florida State 6 3
2012 Alabama 31 1
2011 Alabama 20 1
2010 Auburn 7 53
2009 Alabama 22 2
2008 Florida 4 4
2007 LSU 11 17
2006 Florida 23 6
2005 Texas 1 9
2004 USC 6 3
2003 LSU 19 1
2003 USC 5 17
2002 Ohio State 41 2
2001 Miami (FL) 3 1
2000 Oklahoma 9 5
1999 Florida State 3 11
1998 Tennessee 19 8
One of these things is not like the others...
Take out the six that had both, and there are 4 top 10 offenses, 9 top 10 defenses. And then there's 2007 LSU outside the top 10 in both.
Yup, math holds.
60% of the time these polls are wrong every time
AP poll doesn't mean anything. The only thing it may help with is TV and getting playoff committee to watch our games.
Sooooooooo it means a lot then.
Just keep winning and the polls should take care of themselves.
That being said, in week 3 no team with a loss should be in the top 25 it doesn't matter to whom. It was a loss and there should be at least 25 3-0 teams out there.
There are currently 37 undefeated teams. I've linked them here (Thanks r/CFB!).
If you think a 3-0 Eastern Michigan, Toledo, or UTSA is better than Ohio State, FSU, and Auburn then I'm not sure what to tell you.
I get where you're coming from but that's just not the way any of this works.
Really? Losing on the road by 1 score vs the #2 team should knock a team out of the polls? Or losing to #1 on opening day being within 1 score with 2 min left in the 3rd, only to have a couple ST breakdowns to result in a multi-score loss, means you shouldn't be ranked at all?
Then again I don't think there should be any ranking before week 5. How often is a pre-season great a flop, and a pre-season nothing turn into a power house.