Rambler63 wrote:This is probably the best schedule Loyola has had since the early 1990s, maybe the mid 80s. This is a really solid schedule. Getting a Big 10 team to go to a neutral site for a game, getting two better than average A-10 games, a possible ACC game, and a probable top 10 game... AT HOME? These teams aren't necessarily big names, but they're big in schedule strength and whatever the unknown parameters of the NET are going to look like. I count possibly 8 top 150 games, 5 top 100 games, 2 top 50s, and 1 top 10 in the non-con. Compare that to any non-con schedule for a P5 team.
I think you're reaching a bit in your analysis. The schedule may be the best Loyola has had since the 90's, but I'm just looking at it from the potential to get enough quality wins for at-large consideration.From that perspective, a lot has to go right for LOC. There are 4 sub 200 level games; calling Richmond [12-20, 178 rpi] and St Joes [16-16, 149 rpi] "better than average A-10 teams is at best generous. Nevada was the only top 50 team last year, and there's a number of games vs teams that hovered at either side of the top 100 that have to tilt your way. Say you go 1-1 vs Maryland/Nevada, and play Wyoming or even if it's BC , say they are #10 in the tuff ACC. Where's the quality wins to beat the argument for the 18-13 power 5 team with a 4-8 record against the top 50. I think LOC needed to avoid that many 200 level games and needed to schedule a possible roadie win vs a top 50 team like they had last year at Florida. It's tough, I don't make the rules but I understand them enough to know when a schedule has some obvious limitations to at large possibilities. And I'm not saying many MVC teams are in better shape schedule wise, though I'd say at least 2 of the other top 4 teams are. MSU's schedule[ and no, we're not top 4 MVC this year] is pretty weak at home, but we have 2 of 3 possible P-5 teams guaranteed[ Nebraska #54/USC #37/ Texas Tech #18] , and a third true roadie p-5 win opportunity[Oregon state #140], plus a top 50 at home vs WKU[ #32] and a road win opportunity at Murray State[#51]. Probably not up to all that this year, and there's still too many bad loss opportunities in it, but for what it's worth.
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