Final Blogpoll help
As I mentioned a couple days ago, I'm a voter in this season's Blogpoll and must submit my final ballot tomorrow morning. Commenter UMatWake pointed out the potentials dangers of ranking Wake too high, as the poll does give an award every week to the ballot showing the most bias towards its team.
So, I now submit the question to you, the readers. Is 9 too high a ranking for Wake Forest? I don't feel like it's completely rediculous, but I know I'm not totally objective in these areas. Even if it might be a fair ranking, am I better off dropping them a few spots to 12 or so and bowing to poll politics pressure? I can always move them up when they win a couple games and prove their worth, but I'm just not sure.
Let me know what you think. This might be one of the most important decisions we make.
Just kidding...but seriously.
8/17/08, 5:03 PM
First off, I wouldn't move Wake just because of the CK award. I would put them where you truly think they stand. However, as an outsider observer (and mostly a big ten fan), I just do not think they warrant a top ten ranking yet. Remember, Wake was only 9-4 last year and needed a miracle (against Maryland) to not end the regular season 7-5. Just stating the facts here. I think they will be a little better this year, but how much?
Based on your initial rankings, I would slot Wake at #13 and move Auburn, Texas, WV, and Wiscy up a spot. Slotting Wake at 13 is still higher than what the average ballot would be (I think) and still much higher than the initial AP and Coaches poll. BTW, I might also swap VT and Kansas with Oregon and TT, just a thought.
Again, I would put Wake where you think they should truly be, but I think putting them at 9 preseason is a little too homerism. Wake does have a favorable schedule this year with respectable non-conference opponents. So if they start winning, I think you should have enough to rank Wake higher based on their resume.
Just one man's opinion. I'll be rooting for Wake all year.
8/17/08, 5:28 PM
Knew I could count on you, UM!
I think you may be right. Someone like you is probably exactly what I needed to ground myself a little bit.
I think Moving them down to the 12-13 region is pretty fair. We'll see what the ultimate decision is, I'll be sure to post my final ballot tomorrow.
Anyone else please still share your thoughts!
8/17/08, 11:10 PM
I would definitely say that #9 is too high for Wake. The defense is definitely capable of making 2008 a special year for the Demon Deacons, but they've got play on both sides of the ball.
The offense has some talent at the skill positions and with Riley Skinner, but the offensive line is definitely a point of concern right now.
Also, just in terms of overall talent, I think I'd move Auburn, Texas, WVU, and Wisconsin in front of Wake. I also might be tempted to move Kansas in front of Wake given their Orange Bowl performance last year. Texas Tech could also be a candidate to move ahead of Wake.
Anywhere from 13 to 15 is probably what I'd say.
8/18/08, 1:30 AM
Good advice, Jared. I think the final poll you'll see in the morning will reflect a lot of what your saying. I'm thinking Wake at 13, but we'll see for sure.
8/18/08, 11:01 PM
Zach-
I love the confidence but my initial reaction was that number nine is way too high for this team. A weakness at offensive line is something that can ruin a season. The defense is solid and the skill positions are solid but the preseason top 10 is a position reserved for those programs that can beat almost anyone in the country. Wake is not right there yet. The Deacs are 3-5 in their last eight games versus top 25 teams and none of them were of top 10 caliber (maybe Louisville). As much as I love my Deacs I don't think they are beating many of the top SEC, Pac-10 or Big 12 teams this year. Hopefully they will benefit from a down ACC and a non-conference schedule that will let them get some wins that look better than they really are. As this point, they are not going to be favored to beat Tennessee, California, Texas A&M, Michigan or other national programs that may not be at the top of their games this year.
I hope I am proven wrong but I think the national publications have the Deacs correctly ranked.
This is from someone who just finished a weekend in SEC country telling people our hopes are for a 12-0 season.
8/19/08, 2:22 PM
All valid points, DCD. Still, regardless of what the odds makers would say, I would say Wake is the favorite over schools like Michigan and Texas A&M.
Your point about our record against the top 25 is a very good one, however. Thankfully it's a new year.
I've tempered my rankings some. You'll see the final ballot tomorrow night.