The New AP Poll Is Out!

[Redwingtom]

And you guessed it, we don't even get one stinking vote after defeating an undefeated, #16 ranked team on their own floor!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/rankings

Conversely, Rutgers (5-4) and TCU (5-3) get votes. Each has one win over a lower ranked opponent than Vandy and no other significant victories.

And then there's Middle Tennessee State with their vaunted 3-3 record with 4 votes. MTSU has marquee wins over Central Florida (2-2), Austin Peay (3-5), and Tennessee Tech (3-4) and three blow out losses to ranked teams: #15 LSU (19 points), #5 Tennessee (17 points) and #10 Xavier (17 points).

[Falconboy]

And you guessed it, we don't even get one stinking vote after defeating an undefeated, #16 ranked team on their own floor!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/rankings

Conversely, Rutgers (5-4) and TCU (5-3) get votes. Each has one win over a lower ranked opponent than Vandy and no other significant victories.

And then there's Middle Tennessee State with their vaunted 3-3 record with 4 votes. MTSU has marquee wins over Central Florida (2-2), Austin Peay (3-5), and Tennessee Tech (3-4) and three blow out losses to ranked teams: #15 LSU (19 points), #5 Tennessee (17 points) and #10 Xavier (17 points).

It is disappointing but we've gotten rather used to this already have we not. No respect. Gotta get quite a few more wins to get any. If we go the rest of the non-conference undefeated and still haven't gotten any votes, then these poll voters are smokin something nasty.

[factman]

Isn't Coach Miller a voter? If he isn't voting for us, why wouyld someone else? Maybe there is an ulterior motive here!

[Jacobs4Heisman]

It would be a surprise if Miller were voting in the AP poll.

[bgsufalcon24]

Over the past 5 years, the AP poll has been much more unfavorable to us than the Coaches' Poll has. I don't really know why, but it's clear that the coaches have much more respect for our program than does the media. You would think that after a period of such sustained success, with all these victories and conference championships, plus some distinct success against out of conference opposition, that we'd be getting some respect.

Of course, we set an NCAA record for most wins to NOT go dancing last year. It's as if the powers that be have a vendetta against us.

Looking at the historical trend, since we already have 2 losses, it'll probably be February before we crack the top 25, and that's if we don't lose at all before then which though possible, is dicey.

[BigGibber]

I like to watch Jeff Sagarin's ratings.

http://www.rpiratings.com/womrate.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The AP and coaches' polls are more prestigious, but Sagarin is a much more accurate gage for at-large bids to the big dance...and ultimately, isn't that the goal. Right now we're at #43, which might not sound too good but I don't know if we've ever been ranked that good this early in the season, even in our sweet 16 year. We need to get into the mid to low 30's to have a legitimate shot at an at-large bid. A MAC run like we've had the last few of years would go a long way toward getting us there. Of course, a good run through the MAC tournament would take care of everything.

[AyZiggy97]

Isn't Coach Miller a voter? If he isn't voting for us, why wouyld someone else? Maybe there is an ulterior motive here!

The AP poll is of media members. The MAC representative in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll is Central Michigan's Sue Guevara.

It may take a lot to overcome the margin of loss to Ohio State.

[Falconfreak90]

Isn't Coach Miller a voter? If he isn't voting for us, why wouyld someone else? Maybe there is an ulterior motive here!

It may take a lot to overcome the margin of loss to Ohio State.

That's what I'm thinking. We got drilled in that game but OSU has buried everyone on their sked so far.

Eh, I don't let it get to me anymore cuz it happens every year. Beating Vandy was BiG and the national media decided not to notice. F them.

[Redwingtom]

But look at the OSU loss in perspective. Sure, they beat us by 19 on their home court, but look at what they did to their other opponents?

Eastern Illinois - 23
UAB - 33
West Virginia - 23
Oklahoma State - 21
UNC Greensboro - 33
IUPUI - 55
California - 12
Wisconsin - 15

Oh, and BTW, we scored more points against them than anybody but Duke who beat them 83-67 in Durham. Oklahoma State also scored 72 against them.

[AyZiggy97]

But look at the OSU loss in perspective. Sure, they beat us by 19 on their home court, but look at what they did to their other opponents?

Eastern Illinois - 23
UAB - 33
West Virginia - 23
Oklahoma State - 21
UNC Greensboro - 33
IUPUI - 55
California - 12
Wisconsin - 15

Oh, and BTW, we scored more points against them than anybody but Duke who beat them 83-67 in Durham. Oklahoma State also scored 72 against them.

I agree completely. I was only referring to the likely perception of poll voters who don't really care to take an in-depth look. Wins at St. Bonnies and Hartford would help turn that around.

[threestooges]

BG did get a vote in today's USA Today ESPN Coaches poll.

[Redwingtom]

BG did get a vote in today's USA Today ESPN Coaches poll.

I imagine we probably have the CMU coach to thank for that

[bgsufalcon24]

But look at the OSU loss in perspective. Sure, they beat us by 19 on their home court, but look at what they did to their other opponents?

Eastern Illinois - 23
UAB - 33
West Virginia - 23
Oklahoma State - 21
UNC Greensboro - 33
IUPUI - 55
California - 12
Wisconsin - 15

Oh, and BTW, we scored more points against them than anybody but Duke who beat them 83-67 in Durham. Oklahoma State also scored 72 against them.

I agree completely. I was only referring to the likely perception of poll voters who don't really care to take an in-depth look. Wins at St. Bonnies and Hartford would help turn that around.

I'm thinking about making the trek from Niagara Falls to see us play on Saturday. That's going to be a big game for both teams.

[Globetrotter]

Can these voters be contacted?

[musicman2343]

Can these voters be contacted?

Contacted maybe... but "reached" probably not. You'd never get through their thick skulls.