Do rankings really matter?
They do to some people.
Broadcasters need them to hype up the weekend slate, even though it seems illogical to me to rank teams before they play a down in the regular season.
Whether it’s a voting board or a numerical evaluation, rankings only serve one purpose: determining postseason destination. So you would think winning games beforehand should matter; far from it.
At certain levels, it seems that if you chirp loud enough, you can get your way.
Weeks after claiming early-season polls don’t matter, Pittsburgh football coach Pat Narduzzi used colorful language to change his position on national television completely, moments after a questionable field goal call gave the Panthers a win at Virginia Tech last week. “We have a heck of a football team,” Narduzzi said on ESPN after the game. “Now, if any of those voters out there want to wake their a****s up, that might figure that out.”
He didn’t say “heck” and used more inappropriate words you don’t say on TV to make his point, and apparently it worked. Pittsburgh moved to No. 25 this week. The Panthers can only back up their new spot with stellar wins (he says sarcastically) over Miami (OH), Bucknell and Syracuse.
It also dropped Kentucky out of the top 25, even after the Cats produced the largest road comeback win in program history at South Carolina and possess another road victory over Texas A&M on their resume.
There have been countless times when a school started unranked in whatever poll or picked to finish near the bottom of its conference standings, only to compete for the top prize by season’s end.
The point remains that teams have plenty of time to prove themselves. Who needs to determine where they rank on a list now?
Starting this week, all area teams are fully immersed in district play, but in the current RPI system, those games can do more harm than good. Teams can’t control the quality of competition within their district, nor can they affect their opponent’s schedule or the scheduling choices of their opponent’s opponents. Yet, it determines a team’s RPI number.
Schools can only schedule teams willing to play them and control their performance on the field. Thankfully, the best litmus test remains between the lines, regardless of where the game is played. You can’t determine it by a number or a spot on a list.
Abolish rankings to the last few weeks of the season. Voters are fickle. It’s why I opted out of voting in polls. I couldn’t stomach it anymore.
I’ll stick with our good-natured picks each week.
After a visit from the Kentucky Queen last weekend, and a stroll through JUDD PLAZA the other day, Wynonna’s amazing song list will help out the picks. I’d say she ranks near the top of Ashland natives.
Week 8 PicksRussell over Lewis County: For more than two seasons, the Lions hit “Rock Bottom” in the winning department, but it all changed with an opening-week win at West Carter. An earlier district victory over Bath County should get them back to the postseason, but fending off the visiting Red Devils will be too tough a task.
Ashland over Boyd County: It’s “All Downhill from Ashland.” The Tomcats want to be the measuring stick in district play. They have their sights set on reclaiming the crown, and the rival Lions stand in the way. Boyd County must start well if it hopes to stay in striking distance, but the Tomcats’ quick-strike offense looms large.
Raceland over Fairview: The Rams have “Everything” in front of them and start the path back to Kroger Field in Westwood Friday night. Raceland coach Michael Salmons pays little attention to rankings because his teams have shown they can win on the road in November. The Eagles will compete as always, but the visitors have too much firepower.
East Carter over Fleming County: The Raiders’ “Drive” for home playoff games continues with a stop in Flemingsburg. East Carter’s running game will be key against a Panthers defense that struggles to stop it.
Ironton over Harvest Prep: The Fighting Tigers meet a familiar playoff foe. The Warriors have moved down a division and have a deceiving 2-5 record, but you’ll have to “Tell Me Why” if you don’t think Ironton will produce another dominating win.
Lawrence County over Powell County: When Kaden Johnson starts running downhill, there may be “No One Else On Earth” that can catch him. and with the way Lawrence County keeps churning out yards, no team seems able to catch them in the district standings either.
West Carter over Jackson County: “Is It Over Yet?” Yes. The Comets’ bye week has concluded, and they can put the early part of the schedule in the rearview. The important games begin this week, and Jackson County doesn’t appear to be a roadblock on their district path.