We are accustomed to seeing Indiana with one of the toughest schedules because we don’t play ourselves. Does this method of rating teams’ schedules account for this?
That is true, and I think naturally, any model measuring strength of schedule would because of the dissolving of the Big Ten divisions. That idea (tough schedule because it doesn't play itself) centers on the space IU occupied within its division, which was a weaker space in a small pool next to 5 tough teams. Now, at best, it's a mid-tier space in a larger pool of 17 varied teams. So its schedule isn't as packed with lopsided matchups simply because those were the only teams it was allowed to schedule. Now that it can schedule more slightly easier opponents, its slate of opponents is a bit more comparable to other P4 teams' schedules.
Thanks. An unanticipated benefit of conference expansion.
Seeing P4 instead of P5 makes me a little sad. The Pac-10 or Pac-12 conference teams have won more NCAA championships than any other conference (including women's sports).
We are accustomed to seeing Indiana with one of the toughest schedules because we don’t play ourselves. Does this method of rating teams’ schedules account for this?
That is true, and I think naturally, any model measuring strength of schedule would because of the dissolving of the Big Ten divisions. That idea (tough schedule because it doesn't play itself) centers on the space IU occupied within its division, which was a weaker space in a small pool next to 5 tough teams. Now, at best, it's a mid-tier space in a larger pool of 17 varied teams. So its schedule isn't as packed with lopsided matchups simply because those were the only teams it was allowed to schedule. Now that it can schedule more slightly easier opponents, its slate of opponents is a bit more comparable to other P4 teams' schedules.
Thanks. An unanticipated benefit of conference expansion.
Seeing P4 instead of P5 makes me a little sad. The Pac-10 or Pac-12 conference teams have won more NCAA championships than any other conference (including women's sports).
I'm with you on that. Feels weird to type it, and sometimes I still type/say Power 5. Will be quite an adjustment.
Good article and revealing data.