Shay Knighten has already hit 2 HRs vs TT & today had 4 RBIs
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Bull, did you not read the post where Plaino said that Shay knees were still injured to the extent that could not bear the weight needed to hit. I am in Lubbock for the series. I sat right behind and slightly to the left of home plate. I looked extremely close at Shay's knees. Both seemed to handle the her weight as she swung the bat! But what the hell do I know. There is a hidden message in this post
I've seen her twice in the last month, have some soft of contact with the ground that took some time to resume the game because of knee issues. Lighting up Tech players with the wind blowing out, isn't the same as hitting quality pitching, and the quickness required to do that. Tech is over 100th in the RPI ranking for a reason. Their pitchers aren't very good.
Get back to me when Knighten goes yard against somebody who's worth a damn.
Get back to me when Knighten goes yard against somebody who's worth a damn.
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You have absolutely not seen her do what you claim. But you go ahead and fabricate whatever makes you think you are right! I apoligized once to you for calling you an arrogant ***. I regret that. You are all that as well as a self serving know it all. All that I ever needed to know about you was when you said that you could be a DECENt women's basketball coach if you had Geno Auriema's talent! Arrogance and utter stupidity!!!
Plaino, I know you bleed Sooner sports, so why are you much more pro football than the other sports? Maybe I'm wrong, but I never seem to recall you pointing out the negatives for the boys like you do for the gals. Is it really so important to be so negative instead of hopeful? You have to think there is at least some chance for a repeat. 50/50, 25/75??? "So there's a chance". Or not IYO?
And that soft contact was because of her knees. You know that for a fact! You have talked with the OU softball staff ?
I am incredibly pro OU softball. And women's gymnastics and men's gymnastics.
I'd ask you if OU played Kansas in football and eeked out a ten point win, playing with mediocrity, do you think anyone would let that sit. They'd be all over Stoops and Stoops and every other coach. Well,e every coach except Riley.
McBrider, I've seen her chase down a foul down the right field line, and undergo a four or five minute delay before the game was resumed. I didn't make that up. And I've seen a shorter delay under similar circumstances since. Can't tell you the specific game, but I saw it happen. She's not 100% and neither is Romero, even though both had three run homers today.
OkBama, we were a unanimous number one heading into the season, returning the entire infield, the WCWS MPV and the starting centerfielder for the defending national champs who were adding a top pitcher from Mizzou and a great incoming five player recruiting class. Right now, we're at best a bubble team to make the top eight.
We all saw two years ago, what happens when you are unfairly forced to go on the road in the Supers. If we don't make it this year, it might not be unfair. If that isn't disappointing to you, then my question to you is why?
I think there are three injuries that are not fully healed, that impact this team. I also think that when you're available on tv a lot, teams learn more about hitter pitch weaknesses, or at least vulnerabilities. And they know better what they might see from OUr staff.
I didn't expect this team to win 30 straight like they did last season. But I think this group is more beatable for whatever reason. I suspect we'll see Paige Parker undergo more post season responsibility. Paige #1 wasn't great early in the year. She gave up key homers especially, that cost OU at least two important wins.
And I still think the details of the rigthie shift when Paige #2 is pitching, is counterproductive in multiple ways. I've seen the outfielders playing short stop not make plays the last two weeks, that Arnold would have made if she'd been at short and Caleigh at second and the outfielder where we put Clifton during the shift. I also think it makes tho DP combination guys a little less reliable when they return to their normal places. I understand the opposite view. It's valid. I just disagree with it. And I think I'm allowed to do that, despite mcbrider's accusations. And I know what I see.
But he's the expert, so he must know better.
I'd ask you if OU played Kansas in football and eeked out a ten point win, playing with mediocrity, do you think anyone would let that sit. They'd be all over Stoops and Stoops and every other coach. Well,e every coach except Riley.
McBrider, I've seen her chase down a foul down the right field line, and undergo a four or five minute delay before the game was resumed. I didn't make that up. And I've seen a shorter delay under similar circumstances since. Can't tell you the specific game, but I saw it happen. She's not 100% and neither is Romero, even though both had three run homers today.
OkBama, we were a unanimous number one heading into the season, returning the entire infield, the WCWS MPV and the starting centerfielder for the defending national champs who were adding a top pitcher from Mizzou and a great incoming five player recruiting class. Right now, we're at best a bubble team to make the top eight.
We all saw two years ago, what happens when you are unfairly forced to go on the road in the Supers. If we don't make it this year, it might not be unfair. If that isn't disappointing to you, then my question to you is why?
I think there are three injuries that are not fully healed, that impact this team. I also think that when you're available on tv a lot, teams learn more about hitter pitch weaknesses, or at least vulnerabilities. And they know better what they might see from OUr staff.
I didn't expect this team to win 30 straight like they did last season. But I think this group is more beatable for whatever reason. I suspect we'll see Paige Parker undergo more post season responsibility. Paige #1 wasn't great early in the year. She gave up key homers especially, that cost OU at least two important wins.
And I still think the details of the rigthie shift when Paige #2 is pitching, is counterproductive in multiple ways. I've seen the outfielders playing short stop not make plays the last two weeks, that Arnold would have made if she'd been at short and Caleigh at second and the outfielder where we put Clifton during the shift. I also think it makes tho DP combination guys a little less reliable when they return to their normal places. I understand the opposite view. It's valid. I just disagree with it. And I think I'm allowed to do that, despite mcbrider's accusations. And I know what I see.
But he's the expert, so he must know better.
I have known Plaino for years as a great Sooner fan and a fine person.
But like you Oklabama I have differed with him on his negative statements about OU softball recently.
I think we have a BETTER team this season than the National Championship team last season.
1. Last season we had no pitching depth. We had only Paige Parker . Now we have three other dependable pitchers plus Parker who is getting her mojo back.
2. We have added some great freshmen players like Mendes and Lopez and our freshmen last season are now seasoned sophomores
3.THE 2017 SOONER TEAM KNOWS HOW TO WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
THEY DID IT LAST SEASON
4 When its time for the Regionals and the Super Regionals other teams will see how DANGEROUS this Sooner team is
5. We have great momentum as we have won 20 out of our last 21 games.
6. And Shay Knighten is100% healthy. She was 3 for 3 today & had 4 RBIs and in each of the 2 games vs TT she has blasted HRs
There is a reason Plaino points out the negative in the women's sports more so than the men's. It is because he is a man and as such he automatically knows more than any coach who coaches women's sports. Look at all the post where he questions Patty Gasso's coaching decisions. He has never coached baseball or softball at the high school or college level, yet he is the self appointed expert on all things related to fundamentals and strategies. He knows more than Sherri Coale because Sherri coaches women. He claims that he could be a decent women's basketball coach if he had Geno Auriema's talent. The reason OU lost to Alabama in the 2015 softball super regionals was because the OU hitters stances were too wide and that did not allow them to hit the rise ball thrown by Alabama pitcher Alexis Osorio. Wow! Plaino knows more than OU's hitting coach.
I can't debate with you. You know much more than me and that doesn't bother me. I guess I'm just disappointed that you are telling us why we won't win instead of how we could win. I'd really enjoy your take on what we need to do to make another run rather than why we are going to be eliminated. For instance, do we really have to host a super regional in order to win the championship?
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Plaino, Did you see the Shay Knighten's play vs. Baylor where one of speedy Baylor players put down a bunt toward the OU pitcher & Shay from first base ran and fielded the ball with her bare hand between the pitcher & catcher & twisted around 180 degrees and threw a bullet to Clifton who covered 1st base for the bang bang out.
It was spectacular and THERE IS NO DOUBT that Shay had to be 100% healthy to complete that play.
It was spectacular and THERE IS NO DOUBT that Shay had to be 100% healthy to complete that play.
Most of that is just a blatant lie. But OUr hitting coach from two years ago, ain't exactly settin' on fire in Austin. He has at least one .300 hitter from before this season, who's barely hitting her weight. And she isn't very big. But as I said earlier, you're the expert around here. I'm just an opinion giver.
OUr infield defense has been less effective this year, than last with the same players returning with a year of experience. Maybe you have an explanation for that.
I'm "negative" about women's sports because I see it the same way I see men's sports. I believe they should be held to the same standard. If they're playing well, I praise the heck out of them. I've told 100 people in the last year, that OU played the most solid fundamentals defensively that I've seen from just about anybody in any sport in 2016. There has been a drop off in that respect just a little in 2017. A fundamental failure on a rundown last weekend was the difference in the game two loss to Baylor.
Yes Bull. I saw Shay's play on the bunt. Terrific play. And I think she got maybe a little break on the call. But Baylor hurt us with their bunting game. And I think a little part of it is that Knighten and Romero are a half a step slower this season due to leg issues.
And the offense has struggled against every top pitcher they've faced this year, and a few times against lesser ones. Not sure of the reason. Today they coasted. Yesterday, they didn't produce much against a very mediocre combination of pitching and defense. Tech is horrible, but got the go ahead run up late in the game. Thankfully, Lopez entered and shut them down.
BTW, I have said repeatedly that OU has a quality defense and quality pitching. And that makes us tough to beat in the post season, whether we're on the road or at home.
I have two comments to the post by you
1, Shay Knighten could not have made this play if she were injured
She raced 10 feet to this ball grabbed it with her bare hand made a 180 degree turn and rifled the ball to first base. for the out.
If her knee was injured it would have been physically impossible for Knighten to do all what she did and you indicate that the umpire "gave her a break on the call" (come on my friend Plaino, that did not happen).
2. You say OU;s offense has struggled against every top pitcher they have faced this year
They met many of the top teams & top pitchers early in the season before the OU lineup was set & they had some injuries BUT JUST LAST WEEK OU FACED BAYLOR'S FINE TOP PITCHER AND BEAT HER 6-0 WITH A HUGE HR BY PENDLEY.
AND OU SCORED 10 RUNS VS. #6 UCLA WINNING 10-1
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Selman is a step below elite, and she'd thrown ten innings Saturday and a couple in game two earlier on Sunday. When her arm was fresh, we couldn't lay off her rise ball. Baylor's defense wasn't great. But I understand that most teams don't play defense as close to as good as OU does. It's Patty's passion and their fundamentals are excellent. And I love that. Hitting can go up and down, and even pitching to a certain extent. But great defense can be consistent, and was a very important part of the NC last year.
But last year, they didn't run on Wodach. This year, she's not throwing out any more than anybody else. And even good, not necessarily great base runners are stealing bases. That didn't happen a year ago. The roll OU got on last season was a remarkable one. But they were clearly a top three or four team heading to the post season. That just isn't the case this year. And the team has taken just a small step back, despite having a true pitching staff this year, not just Parker.
But last year, they didn't run on Wodach. This year, she's not throwing out any more than anybody else. And even good, not necessarily great base runners are stealing bases. That didn't happen a year ago. The roll OU got on last season was a remarkable one. But they were clearly a top three or four team heading to the post season. That just isn't the case this year. And the team has taken just a small step back, despite having a true pitching staff this year, not just Parker.
Again I differ with you.OU's record this season is almost exactly the same as last season
BUT
1,. OU's pitching depth is100% better (VERY IMPORTANT) In fact four times better!
2,. OU is about the same place in the polls #7
3. You say OU has taken a step back, I say ??????
4 OU is on a roll this season just like last season. (OU has won 20 of their last 21 games)
The only difference between last season & this is the RPI has a love affair with the SEC & PAC 12 which I think is fraudulent.
(after the SEC & PAC 12 loses some teams in the regionals it will really help OU in the Supers).
I can think of several SEC & PAC 12 teams who won't make it out of the regionals
Texas A&M Auburn LSU Tennessee UCLA Oregon
(Baylor will win a regional as will OU.)
Bull, I love your optimism and gentleness in your disagreement with me. It's okay. But last year, we were a three seed in the post season. We will be lucky to be in the top eight this year. I know, I know. You disagree. But I've seen Patty's occasional public comments. She would tell you that her team hasn't been quite as good. She wanted to be in the committee's top ten after last weekend, and it didn't happen. It's a long hill to climb. After today, I believe we'll be ahead of Baylor, but they weren't in the top ten either. Possible to pass LSU, who lost game three at home to Mizzou tonight, but I wouldn't count on it.
If we do end up at nine or ten or eleven as we were two years ago in the seeding, I'm sure you'll still argue that we haven't taken a step back, but there is no way we make top four. And that would be a small step back, whether you agree or not.
I still love you though.
If we do end up at nine or ten or eleven as we were two years ago in the seeding, I'm sure you'll still argue that we haven't taken a step back, but there is no way we make top four. And that would be a small step back, whether you agree or not.
I still love you though.
Good thing I am not retired yet or I would jump into this discussion and show how little I know about the games in debate.
There are two or three different questions involved in this discussion. First, there is the issue of this year's pitching vs last year's. Yes, it has improved. We do have more depth. The issue about Paige's home runs exists, but she has a slightly better ERA, fewer walks and hits allowed, and fewer hit batsmen. She has surrendered a lot fewer doubles. Here are facts:
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?...yer_seq=1646630.0&year_stat_category_id=11021
We still have to see how the others do in the playoffs. Incidentally, Brit Finney shut down Alabama,, 2-1, last night, her best start of the year. She walked the first hitter, who scored. Then, she shut Bama down on three hits. In the bottom of the seventh, Brit doubled home the tying run, putting the winning run on third. Then, two hitters later, a single to second made Brit a winner.
Chestnut is about 19-3 at Central Oklahoma, and she is now just shutting everyone down. Good at that level.
Then, there is the issue of Shay. Shay and Sydney may be my favorite players, and neither has been as good this year. It is obvious how much the surgery affected them. Sydney struck out four times last year. She had that in the first twenty games this year. They haven't been hitting it as hard. Even their singles were harder last year. Recently, both have begun to come around. But, they aren't quite where they were last year. Give it about two weeks.
Yes, they did pinch run for Shay a lot earlier in the year. They still do at times. She is a good runner. But, they don't want that knee re-injured. They are the reason that we haven't been as effective against good pitching. They can hit it when healthy. They are getting it back.
But, 13 to 5 is a big drop off in home runs. The good news is that Shay doesn't strike out as much, and she walks more. Same number of doubles.
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=12580&stats_player_seq=1762160
But, Arnold is down a hundred points this year. Hatfield seems to have difficulty against better pitching. Wodach is off, although throwing isn't one area that is off, with the exception of one throw into center.
We really needed for someone to develop to replace Miller and Self. Dalton seemed to be an option. But, that may or may not work out. Mendes seems to be the answer that we had hoped for. Unfortunately, she didn't come around until after our early season struggles. Now, she creates havoc, and she could be the added attraction that we need to have a productive postseason. One outstanding speedster, not just good, can make a big difference. Think Turang. Bama had that one centerfielder that we just couldn't keep off base.
At this point, I think we are about the same as last year, if Sydney and Shay are healthy. Winning a CWS is all about having a good run. I think we have only won once when we didn't make an undefeated run--last year. It is a streak thing. We could use one pitcher, and I'm not so sure it isn't Lopez, to be an ace to help Parker. Right now, I have more confidence in Mariah than Lowary.
About that shift. I tend to think that it has caused us some defensive lapses as Hatfield has tried to cover second, etc. I am not a fan of the shift. But, I'm not so sure that Gasso isn't trying to psych out the opposition. She used only a partial shift against Tech as I understand. I want to see if she does it in the NCAAs.
If we have one other pitcher, I don't mind starting on the road. I think we can beat some of these on their home fields. I hope that if we don't host, we get to go to Oregon, Florida State, Auburn, or A&M. I think they are going to be in the top eight, and they don't belong. We'll see more when Oregon and Florida State meet in Eugene for three next week.
I still think it is OU, Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona.
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?...yer_seq=1646630.0&year_stat_category_id=11021
We still have to see how the others do in the playoffs. Incidentally, Brit Finney shut down Alabama,, 2-1, last night, her best start of the year. She walked the first hitter, who scored. Then, she shut Bama down on three hits. In the bottom of the seventh, Brit doubled home the tying run, putting the winning run on third. Then, two hitters later, a single to second made Brit a winner.
Chestnut is about 19-3 at Central Oklahoma, and she is now just shutting everyone down. Good at that level.
Then, there is the issue of Shay. Shay and Sydney may be my favorite players, and neither has been as good this year. It is obvious how much the surgery affected them. Sydney struck out four times last year. She had that in the first twenty games this year. They haven't been hitting it as hard. Even their singles were harder last year. Recently, both have begun to come around. But, they aren't quite where they were last year. Give it about two weeks.
Yes, they did pinch run for Shay a lot earlier in the year. They still do at times. She is a good runner. But, they don't want that knee re-injured. They are the reason that we haven't been as effective against good pitching. They can hit it when healthy. They are getting it back.
But, 13 to 5 is a big drop off in home runs. The good news is that Shay doesn't strike out as much, and she walks more. Same number of doubles.
http://stats.ncaa.org/player/index?game_sport_year_ctl_id=12580&stats_player_seq=1762160
But, Arnold is down a hundred points this year. Hatfield seems to have difficulty against better pitching. Wodach is off, although throwing isn't one area that is off, with the exception of one throw into center.
We really needed for someone to develop to replace Miller and Self. Dalton seemed to be an option. But, that may or may not work out. Mendes seems to be the answer that we had hoped for. Unfortunately, she didn't come around until after our early season struggles. Now, she creates havoc, and she could be the added attraction that we need to have a productive postseason. One outstanding speedster, not just good, can make a big difference. Think Turang. Bama had that one centerfielder that we just couldn't keep off base.
At this point, I think we are about the same as last year, if Sydney and Shay are healthy. Winning a CWS is all about having a good run. I think we have only won once when we didn't make an undefeated run--last year. It is a streak thing. We could use one pitcher, and I'm not so sure it isn't Lopez, to be an ace to help Parker. Right now, I have more confidence in Mariah than Lowary.
About that shift. I tend to think that it has caused us some defensive lapses as Hatfield has tried to cover second, etc. I am not a fan of the shift. But, I'm not so sure that Gasso isn't trying to psych out the opposition. She used only a partial shift against Tech as I understand. I want to see if she does it in the NCAAs.
If we have one other pitcher, I don't mind starting on the road. I think we can beat some of these on their home fields. I hope that if we don't host, we get to go to Oregon, Florida State, Auburn, or A&M. I think they are going to be in the top eight, and they don't belong. We'll see more when Oregon and Florida State meet in Eugene for three next week.
I still think it is OU, Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona.
Excellent analysis. The good news is I think Paige 1 is close to getting to where she was last April/May when she was in a zone. And her post season work was incredible. Against Baylor in game three, she was lights out, and Baylor can hit and their base running can be hard to deal with. She didn't give them a chance. And a few bang bang plays went OUr way.
Paige 2 is almost an enigma. She's a better fielder than Paige 1. But they seem to be able to bang the ball into the ground and somehow get baserunners, even though it gets crowded in the infield with five. I agree with you about Mariah, though she will dominate the lesser teams on OUr schedule.
I never could figure out last year why Brit Finney wasn't given a better opportunity. Do you know? Not enough strikes?
Paige 2 is almost an enigma. She's a better fielder than Paige 1. But they seem to be able to bang the ball into the ground and somehow get baserunners, even though it gets crowded in the infield with five. I agree with you about Mariah, though she will dominate the lesser teams on OUr schedule.
I never could figure out last year why Brit Finney wasn't given a better opportunity. Do you know? Not enough strikes?
Shay hit two more home runs today, 5 RBIs. She has four home runs for Lubbock this weekend. 14-3 run ruled in five.
Knighten as never been hotter. 4HRs (to all fields) many RBIs & batted over 500 this weekend
She is actually hitting better now this season vs. last season after a slow start.
OU has now 22 wins out of our last 23 games .
We are on a roll..
Let's not get too excited about four against Tech. Tech's pitching is batting practice. I was only impressed that she has her power back. But, I was more impressed by her bases loaded single in which they got a couple of calls, and she held on, didn't overswing, and laced it back up the middle. Smart. She has learned something.
And the powers that be tells us it's politics that have us at each other's throats.
Since this was Tech, I won't get excited. But, there is one very interesting aspect of Shay's development that does stand out. Right now, nearly all teams have played fifteen conference games and have three left. In conference play only:
Slugging Percentage:
--Leader: Shay Knighten 860
--second place 711
Home runs:
--Leader: Shay Knighten 6
--Second place: Pendley, Romero, and four others 4
RBIs:
---Leader: Shay Knighten 24
---second: Nicole Pendley 18
Total Bases:
---Leader: Shay Knighten 43
---Second: Sydney Romero 33
Runs scored:
---Leader: Shay Knighten and Caleigh Clifton 18
---Second: Nicole Mendes 17
Batting average:
---second: Nicole Mendes 462
---fourth: Shay Knighten 440
I would suggest that Shay just dominated the Big Twelve statistics.
Slugging Percentage:
--Leader: Shay Knighten 860
--second place 711
Home runs:
--Leader: Shay Knighten 6
--Second place: Pendley, Romero, and four others 4
RBIs:
---Leader: Shay Knighten 24
---second: Nicole Pendley 18
Total Bases:
---Leader: Shay Knighten 43
---Second: Sydney Romero 33
Runs scored:
---Leader: Shay Knighten and Caleigh Clifton 18
---Second: Nicole Mendes 17
Batting average:
---second: Nicole Mendes 462
---fourth: Shay Knighten 440
I would suggest that Shay just dominated the Big Twelve statistics.
Shay is a better player this season vs last season's National Championship year
She is starting to peak just at the right time.
THIS OU TEAM IS BETTER THAN LAST SEASON'S TEAM
They added pitching depth which is huge.
The new players added also make us better including & especially our freshman Nicole Mendes
Mendes is a superstar. She has the highest batting average on the team for the season
This weekend she had 9 hits in the three game series in 11 at bats.
She is very fast & she is dangerous to steal bases and she can also pitch if needed.
She can also hit the long ball.
She is clutch. She hit a key double late in the first game vs. Baylor last week when we were behind in extra innings. She hit it over the center fielder's head and it bounced off of the wall
She is the perfect leadoff batter for us
Hey the team has won 22 of the last 23 games
We are hot at the right time which is an RPI and the polls prerequisite for higher rankings and higher seedings.
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When you say "there is no way we make top four" do you mean RPI or Polls or semis of the WCWS" ?
The real question is whether we can make it to #8.
We are #12 with Minnesota having the same problem at #11. We both are seen as having had an inferior schedule. We need help to move up three and four places.
1. Baylor's loss to OSU probably knocked them down from #9.
2. A&M's losing two of three to Kentucky makes them vulnerable to drop from #5. This week, they finish the regular season against #10 Tennessee who just lost two of three to Florida. The loser of this series may drop out.
3. Florida State and Oregon both have had a bit easier schedules than most of the top ten. They meet for three games in Eugene this week. The loser could drop out.
All three of these puts us in a fight with Minnesota for the #8. Of course, it is possible that someone will notice that UCLA has a lot of losses and isn't exactly first in the Pacific Twelve. Right now, I see #8 Minnesota, #9 Oklahoma.
I have a thought.The RPI rankings are so irrational & fradulent against OU that
those who run it want to put OU at #17 so we don't host a regional. (The top 16 teams host a regional)
Explain this OU beat then #10 Baylor two out of three games
including a 6-0 win in game three.
BAYLOR AFTER THE OU SERIES MOVES UP (YES MOVES UP) IN THE RPI TO #9. AND THEY PUT OU AT#12.
OU keeps winning 22 out of our last 23games & RPI moves us down to #13 and Baylor (Who lost to Oklahoma State is back at #10 LSU who moved ahead of OU to #12 just LOST THEIR LAST GAME TO #31 RANKED MISSOURI.....HMMM?????
In the meanwhile in the two large respected Softball polls the ESPN poll and the Coaches poll have OU #7 and Baylor #15
Patti Gasso needs to call the NCAA because of the RPI anti OU bias. The two major polls both have us at #7 and the RPI just moved us down to #13...Hmmm? Hmmm?
What will happen this week if we sweep OSU who beat Baylor last week?
I would guess the RPI would drop us again as the want to prohibit OU from hosting a regional. The top 16 teams host a regional and the fraudulent RPI wants us at #17 in the next two weeks
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What a break through Bull!!! That's exactly what it is....it's a system designed to screw OU.
What a break through Bull!!! That's exactly what it is....it's a system designed to screw OU.
Absolutely Billy, just look at the honest facts
LSU just moved ahead of OU in the RPI poll to #12 and LSU's last game last Saturday
was a LOSS to #31 ranked Missouri,
And two weeks ago OU beat #10 Baylor in two of the 3 games and Baylor moved UP in RPI rankings to #9 three spots ahead of OU when the ESPN & COACHES POLLS BOTH HAVE OU #7 AND BAYLOR #15.
OU has won 22 of their last 23 games and they keep falling in the RPI poll and they keep moving up in both the large respected ESPN and the Coaches polls
The RPI poll in so many ways is a fraud.
Just the facts Billy just the honest facts.
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I've been around long enough to not blindly accept your "facts" as actual facts. I read your back and forth with Plaino in the other thread last week. You like to cling onto certain stats that benefit your case, then completely play dumb about or ignore the factors that are working against your case. If you actually read what Plaino was posting to you about what all factors into the RPI, then you would realize your comments about the RPI being biased against OU sounds absolutely stupid.
Bull, RPI has no real bias, because it's a computer program based on the caliber of competition you've played. There is no voting, to my understanding. I don't know the specifics, but I have a pretty good guess. Basically, you get credit for wins against teams ranked at a certain level. Better credit for a top ten win than a top 30 win. Or maybe 32.
So if you win two of three against a top 32 team, then you get more credit than someone who goes 3-0 against somebody not in the Top 100. I suspect that neutral wins and road wins count even more. So last seaon, when OU won during the conference schedule, a non conference game in Nashville, we got a lot of extra credit. Beating Baylor two of three at home, helped. But not as much as beating the three straight a year ago.
Patty tried to soup up he non conference schedule as much as possible. Or reasonable. But they needed one of those key wins. The lost a late lead against Arizona. A win, and we're top eight, no problem. If you look at the RPI we played two and lost, three and lost, four and lost. We beat UCLA, whom I think is five. But Baylor has more impressive wins, than OU does.
And Bull, you're right. RPI isn't everything. It's kind of the framework from which they start. The starting outline of the bracket, if you will. But the eyeball test and head to head to mean something. I believe when the bracket is made, we will be ahead of Baylor and we will be ahead of LSU, so long as we win the XII post season tournament, and LSU doesn't win theirs.
But that doesn't get us there. There are three teams in the Pac Ten that we are very unlikely to pass. Maybe four. We won't pass Arizona or Washington, who are now 1-2. We are very unlikely to pass Oregon. I think there is a chance we'll pass UCLA. But it goes back to the wins against top teams. They have a lot more than we do. They also have nearly double the losses. But in RPI, you get penalized less for losses to ranked teams, than you are awarded for wins over them.A lot more. Being 10-10 against top 16 teams gives you a lot more credit than going 5-5. It does reward SEC teams overly, because of perception. There are a ton of quality SEC teams. But like they do in football, they don't play nearly all of the others. But they get mental credit for it. It's hard to overcome.
OU is not going to finish ahead of Florida or Auburn, unless they go on long losing streaks. We're very unlikely to finish ahead of Florida State. And we're not going to finish ahead of all three of A&M, LSU and Tennessee. We might finish ahead of one. But if we don't, then there are no spaces in the top eight. If we pass two of the three, then we still have to pass Minnesota. That's possible. But if Minnesota wins out, including the Big 10 tournament, OU won't pass them by winning out.
So there is a lot there. OUt of these nine teams, we must finish ahead of six.Minnesota, LSU, A&M, Tennessee, UCLA, Florida State, Oregon, Kentucky and Alabama. And I'm assuming Baylor, because we have to win out to have a chance, I can see us passing some, but six will be a tall order. Kentucky and Bama are behind us now. But the rest have a higher RPI. And for some to fall, those last two might move up, because most of the rest of the SEC teams have games against other ranked SEC teams.