I see your point,

[Solon]

I'd be frustrated too if the national media was talking about my favorite team this way:

BYU slipped three places to No. 18 after needing a blocked PAT -- and the help of a controversial penalty -- in the final seconds to preserve a 28-27 victory against Washington. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3574200

The argument over the appropriateness of the penalty aside, it's lame that the media (or this article, at least) seems to think the BYU "needed" it to win. I guess the lesson is that style points matter: run up the score if you get the chance.

I also think it's lame to bitch about the polls and getting enough respect. The polls have no bearing on the season. Just win and the rankings will take care of themselves.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by Solon

The polls have no bearing on the season. Just win and the rankings will take care of themselves.

Are you serious? The polls have HUGE bearing on the season. That's why so many analysts think the first polls should be postponed until after four or six weeks of play. Where you start in the polls is a significant factor in where you finish in the polls.

[Solon]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Are you serious? The polls have HUGE bearing on the season. That's why so many analysts think the first polls should be postponed until after four or six weeks of play. Where you start in the polls is a significant factor in where you finish in the polls.

The polls don't change anything about your opponents: if you win all your games, you'll be near the top. If you need help from the polls, you didn't do your job.

[All-American]

Frustrating, indeed, but I can't believe that in the long run it will matter at all. We'll feel a little slighted during this week, but it won't be a matter of discussion a week from now, win or lose.

[MikeWaters]

if NIU doesn't roll through the playoffs in Div 1aa, none of this conversation is going to matter.