Early Playoff Picture

[bisonboone11]

Southern Illinois beat SDSU. I'd say SIU is currently in better shape than SDSU, except that I believe SIU's starting QB broke his index finger on his throwing hand and could be out for the season (I'm not positive on this though). They do have 4 very winnable games left though, and their losses are to Illinois (8 point loss), Eastern Illinois (3 point loss in OT), YSU (1 point loss), and NDSU. If they win out, they would be at 8-4 and I think they would definitely be in with the 4 losses to (apparent) playoff teams and an FBS team.

 

[grizeyes]

An 8-4 UM with a win over MSU has a good argument to get in.

Similarly, an 8-4 MSU with a win over EWU has a good argument.

I think either would be smack dab on the bubble if they go 8-4 without a quality win in their last few games. Be honest, an 8-4 Northern Iowa is getting in over either school. South Dakota State and Southern Illinois are in the same boat. If a MVFC team has a similar record as a Big Sky team and fighting for an at-large - it is going to the MVFC team every time this year.

The big question mark will be the OVC. What if they have a team at 9-3 or 8-4, ranked higher in the GPI than a Big Sky team? The OVC will likely be ranked higher as a conference. Shouldn't the OVC get 3 in the playoffs before the Big Sky gets 4? That will definitely be a discussion within the committee.

Yes - agree. I could see a 9-3 Griz team missing the playoffs - not saying it would happen - but if the Griz lose to MSU that would be three losses to the three BSC playoff teams and an OVC team with the same record and higher GPI getting in ahead of UM. Need to win out. Two losses in the last four games and we're done, IMO. One loss, and we're on the bubble.

 

[nzone]

Bottom line......if you want to make the play offs you gotta win football games.
Go Griz!!