SEC Ds are looking overrated

[Tebowism0823]

Originally Posted by orangeblueorangeblue

I don't discount the perception, nor do I think it's in any way wrong over the last few years. But that doesn't mean that the conference got the benefit of the doubt this year with regard to defense.

I'm willing to entertain the possibility that the SEC defenses weren't as stout as they were the last few years but still looked as tough due to generally weaker offenses across the league.

Seeing how the offenses have looked against the out of conference opponents, the opposite could be said. Maybe SEC defenses make the offenses look bad.

[Tebowism0823]

Originally Posted by orangeblueorangeblue

I think this is sort of a cop out. Like losing a fight and then saying "Whatever, I didn't really care" after wards.

Is it a cop out or isn't it? I believe you said it couldn't be both ways.

[phatGator]

I get a chuckle out of the logic of SEC homers. When an SEC team wins it's proof the SEC is the most dominate conference. When an SEC team loses, it proves the SEC is the most dominate conference because if the team cared it would have won.

I think the SEC is overall the strongest conference. But it seems some on GC think the SEC ranks above the NFL, and every other conference plays Pop Warner ball. Is it any wonder the rest of the country hates the SEC?

Perhaps the SEC should form a super league and not even bother playing OOC. Play only other SEC teams, have an SEC super bowl, and then award the World Champion trophy.

[themistocles]

SEC teams have not played very well so far this bowl season.

Still 3 games to go:
Florida
Tex A&M
Bama

It is not unusual to see a given conference have a roughly even record in bowls regarding W/L.

As of Right Now, Conference Records are:
WAC - 2-0
Conference USA - 4-1
ACC - 4-2
Big 12 - 4-3 (only due to 3 victories over Big 10 teams)
SEC - 3-2
Big East - 2-1
Pac 12 - 3-3
Independents - 1-1
Sun Belt - 1-2
Mid American - 2-4
Big 10 - 2-6
Mountain West - 1-4
Mountain West - 1-4


The only Conferences with any number of Games left is the SEC (3), with the Big 12 having 2 and all others 1.

[LimeyGator]

I expect 3 SEC wins there from the remaining games...

[LurkerExposed]

Originally Posted by NoahBeanBizzel

I'm surprised at what teams from other conferences are doing offensively against some of the SEC defenses. I always felt that Georgia's defense-especially against the run-was overrated, but LSU and South Carolina got lit up, and THAT did surprise me.

I think 'Bama's defense is a bit overrated too. I wouldn't be surprised to see Notre Dame have success against the Tide. I would think we'll shut Louisville down, but won't be shocked if Bridgewater gives us a few problems.

Originally Posted by OaktownGator

Clemson just played at a very high level on offense... especially Boyd. They'd have put up over 50 on most teams the way they played LSU.

UGA wasn't at all ready to play, which seems like a common theme for them in bowl games.

The one that surprised me was Michigan against USCe. Gamecocks couldn't cover Gallon. But the officials clearly had some bias against USCe in that game. Clowney was held constantly without calls. If the holding gets called, that whole game changes.

USC got lit up? Allowing 11 more passing yards, 22 more rushing yds, and a little over 10 points more over our season averages to a traditional power that had a month to prepare for us is not what I would call getting "lit up". Michigan threw for 16 more yds than they averaged in '12, but were held 45 less rushing yds, 30 less total yds and 2 points less than their average scoring per game. Nothing outstanding to be sure, but also nothing to suggest South Carolina was "lit up"...

Our offense created issues earlier in the game with either scoring our points in big plays, or ending possessions in multiple three-and-outs. This resulted in Michigan holding a 31:28 to 13:32 time-of-possession advantage through 3 quarters. The Wolverines held a 289-267 advantage in total offensive yards at that point. USC out-gained UM 159-66 in the final quarter and out-scored them 12-6. We stepped up at the end....

[FearNoSpear]

Originally Posted by orangeblueorangeblue

Right, but if they blow them out it's like "oh yeah, the SEC is the best." If they lose or it's close, suddenly it's "oh, they didn't care, came in flat." There's really no way to lose in that realm of justification.

I don't see it. I think in general, bowl games are treated equally, and we can't go making assumptions about collective feelings toward the game to validate our preconceived opinions on conference strength.



This one also defies logic (and a previous explanation in this thread).

After watching our game tonight I now have to admit you're right.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Yeah, sadly, me too.