Hey, everybody, it’s QBR’s kissing cousin, ESPN’s FPI! According to Mickey’s computers, Georgia is a narrow choice to win the SEC East. The projected order of finish looks like this:
- Georgia
- Florida
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Vanderbilt
The Commodores may have the lowest FPI showing in the conference, but it’s still good for 46th in the country, a sign that ESPN still likes the strength of the SEC. I presume that’s also reflected in Georgia’s strength of schedule ranking, which is a (much higher than I expected) fourth.
Would be hard for the East to be as weak this year as it has been the last 2-3 years…IMHO
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All the traditional indicators are going to point towards this team being very good. The clear pick for the SEC East and likely to be mentioned as a darkhorse playoff team in a couple of places.
It should be a really exciting time to be a Georgia Bulldog.
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And that’s different from most of the last few preseason predictions how? I’m unfortunately having a hard time getting excited anymore, but will still be there cheering regardless
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We were 3rd at best last year…honestly, only the Gators have lived up to East Hype, pretty much ever.
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the new ESPN numbers that interest me are these: down 12 million subscribers since 2014, and dropping fast. At $7 a head, that will add up to enough money that even the UGA Reserve Fund would notice. Maybe they’ll go back to reporting sports…..but probably not.
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Looks like they are looking to limit political commentary… surprised Bluto hasn’t picked up on this yet…
http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/04/sage_steele_espn.html
http://www.espn.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/816/new-espn-guidelines-recognize-connection-between-sports-politics
OF COURSE they’re limiting conservative commentary. Maybe THAT’S why they’re down 12 million subscribers. I’m sure Dog in Florida has a good explanation for us.
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Georgia’s strength of schedule is harder than you thought? I’ve been saying that all along.
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Maybe I’m just not getting the point of FPI. It has us at #13, which I would assume indicates an projections as the 13th best team in the country? Only 1 team on our schedule is rated higher than us — Auburn. Only 4 are rated in the top 30 in FPI. At the same time, our projected W/L is roughly 8-4. I don’t think if we went 8-4 with that schedule we’d be anywhere near the top 25, let alone the top 15. Like I said, maybe I’m just missing the point of FPI? Or maybe I’m wrong to assume there is a point, other than killing time between now and August.
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Your last point is the point.
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East is weak, No way UGA shouldn’t win it, blah blah blah. We’ve heard this for the past 5 years. In between foot shots, choking spells, brain farts, and the 2013 class of ill repute we have had very little to be excited about.
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^^^This. Cowdog is right. Beat Florida, then talk.
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Bye, bye Butch.
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One would think we’re a shoe-in for first in the division. Jeebus, if Kirby can’t win it I don’t see much of an argument for keeping him – other than the recruiting.
But I’m having a tough time ranking numbers 2 through 7. A lot of unpredictability there. With top DC Collins gone, fu may have a much tougher time than many folks are thinking. Underachiever utk lost a batch of top contributors. Vandy, scu, mizzou and kentuck all have some possibilities to get 6 or so wins and reach bowl eligibility.
Other than us, I don’t see a potential 10 game winner in the whole bunch. The sec east may have reached mediocrity nirvana!
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East is only weak when compared to the West. There hasn’tx been a dominant team for a few years but, come on, looking at other conferences is more the norm. And yes, we should be the favorites this season. If we don’t get to Atlanta we should all be disappointed. We have talent, we have quality depth, and our schedule isn’t daunting for what we have taking the field. No excuses, win 10 during the regular season, minimum, be able to compete for the SEC title. Only a rash of 2013 like injuries would make me feel differently.
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I’d move TN down a notch, two notches, maybe three. KY, MO and SC all look to be better…and TN is going to be worse than last year..which makes me smile.
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Nobody is pointing fingers at the Beamer kid, if anything makes me nervous it’s the special teams….
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I agree that STs are the biggest question mark from a player standpoint. But I do believe we will be better at kicking and punting in 2017, and I don’t know how we can help but be better on returns. As I said, they are legit question marks at this point, just feel optimistic about the new kickers. Should know soon.
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