Zamboni_Driver's Preseason Rankings

[Zamboni_Driver]

I want to first apologize for the arrogance of making my own thread for my picks. But, I'm having fun pretending to be an analyst, like you see on ESPN. Since Lax magazine put theirs out without much analysis, I wanted to get this out which has analysis - whether it is good will be up to this message board!

Below are my preseason picks, which are based on the following:

1. I ranked last year's teams, by how I saw it
2. #1 was awarded 25 pts, #2 - 24 pts, and so on. If there was a tie, then each received the same number and the next number down was subtracted.
3. Teams were analyzed for losses/gains on the offense and defensive ends, as well as their intangibles (i.e. sheduling, coaching changes, etc) and awarded points. After the points were all completed they were collated (except for Colorado which was placed at 16 for reasons you can read below.

I think this type of analysis is only one of several that goes into the poll. I'd love to hear thoughts by people that have seen these teams play, since I have not.

Hopefully, this will give people something to munch on over the holidays.

[Zamboni_Driver]

ZD’s 2007 Rank 1: BYU (25)
Offense: Averaged 14 pts against T25 competition in 2007. However, lose 3 of their top 5 and potentially a 4th (-3). Had good number second tier point scorers (+1), and return what looks like several good offensive players from mission (+1: more points would be awarded but these players are wildcards in regards if their still in shape, familiar with any new schemes, etc).
Defense: Lose a key defensemen in Harris (-1), but overall return an intact defense that only gave up a T25 GAA of 8 (+3). In goal return Kikomoto (+1)
Intangibles: A coach can tell me how great they are and I don’t care. You can tell a team based on how the coach schedules. Coach Lamb showed some very aggressive scheduling in the fall (+2)
Pts: 25-3+1+1-1+2+1+2=28
ZD's 2008 Preseason #1

ZD’s 2007 Rank 2: Oregon (24)
Offense: Lose 3 tremendous goal scorers in Coffman <MCLA 1st>, Warren, and Tesar <MCLA 1st>, who accounted for 39% of the goals scored in 2007. Also, lose their FOS Miller <MCLA 1st> who was the reason they had the ball so much for these guys to score. (-4) However, they do return Knope and 6 second tier scorers that had more than 10pts. (+1)
Defense: A strong returning defensive core and goalie should compensate for the loss of Jolly <MCLA 2nd>. The losses on offense will force the defense to higher play, which may cause an increase in their T25 GAA, which was 9 in 2007 (+2)
Intangibles: You don’t lose the MCLA coach of the year, and not expect any effect on play (-3) . However, new head coach Ben Tiller being an internal promotion means there shouldn’t be too many changes and Joe Kerwin’s effect will continue for 2008 (+1). But as mentioned for BYU, scheduling speaks volumes about how good your team is and Oregon’s 2008 schedule suggests a significant drop off. In 2007 they faced 9 T25 (and Chapman) in the regular season, however, this year they only are projected to play 5 T25 teams (Simon Fraser, Colorado, CSU, Sonoma State, and BYU). Overall the schedule looks weaker, and there will be little ability to evaluate this team (-1). No roster available (-1).
Pts: 24-4+1+2-3+1-1 -1= 19
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #7

ZD’s 2007 Rank 3: Colorado State (23)
Offense: Significant losses to their offense, including top 3 scorers, 2 of which were 1st Team MCLA (-3). Not a lot of potential of reloading because of their second tier scorers only 4 marked more than 10 pts in 2007 (-1). Losing their FOS, will also reduce their offensive opportunities (-1)
Defense: Lose 1st Team MCLA Schnirl (-1), but should have a good core of defensemen returning (+1). Return their goalie, and with the goalie options the staff has there, competition should force better goalie play (+1)
Intangibles: Schedule includes 12 of 14 games against Top 25 competition (+2). In 2007 they only bettered their T25 opponents by an average of 2 pts. With this schedule, a drop in offensive output, that 2 pts might evaporate (-1)
Pts: 23-3-1-1-1+1+1+2-1 = 19
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #6

ZD’s 2007 Rank 4: UCSB (22)
Offense: Return their top 2 scorers (+3), but lose their next two, which wouldn’t normally be an issue, except very low production from their second tier scorers, and it is unclear if any will step up and replace the offensive loses (-1). Do seem to gain some offense in their freshman class (+1). Lose their FOS which will put more pressure on the defense (-1)
Defense: Losing Abate hurts, but Schiable returns to lead the defense (+1). Almerido back in cage will drop their GAA average (+2)
Intangibles: Schedule is a great 6-12 rank schedule, with little opportunities to determine if they belong in the Top 5 (-1).
Pts. 22+3-1+1-1+1+2-1= 26
ZD 2008 Preseason #3

ZD’s 2007 Rank T5: Boston College (21)
Offense: Although BC showed they belonged in the Top 10, their offensive output verses T25 competition was less than impressive (T25 GFA: 6). Returning their top 3 scorers, several second tier scorers, and what looks like a large offensive heavy freshman class will help those numbers. (+2)
Defense: Last years T25 GAA of 6 will be tested as the number of projected T25 games on their schedule increases. Returning entire defense including Ward (MCLA 2nd Team) and Hoffman in goal, should set up an excellent defensive core. The question will be whether they can play at that level on a more frequent basis. (+2)
Intangibles: Improved OOC schedule (several games against opponents likely to be in the top 15 range)– but overall not as physically demanding as some others. (-1) BC’s rise is directly related to Mike Levin. Another year at the helm I predict will mean more dedication, improved player development, and increasing wins (+1)
Pts: 21+2+2-1+1= 25
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #4

ZD’s 2007 Rank T5: Minnesota-Duluth (21)
Offense: Last year’s T25 GFA of 9 will only increase this year with the return of their top 3 scorers, which includes Nelson <MCLA 3rd>, and over 6 other players who marked atleast 10pts. Adding the fact their FOS Groom <MCLA 2nd> is back, this offense will have many opportunities to put points on the board. (+4)
Defense: Replacing Ziebol will not be easy, but with Launert <MCLA 1st> back in goal with 10 defensemen returning, look for their amazing T25 GAA of 6 to either stay put or even drop. (+2)
Intangibles: Roster not available, thus these offensive/defensive predictions should be tempered (-1). Although the schedule is not available, it can be inferred that they will play several projected T10 teams in BYU, CSU, Michigan, Arizona and BC (+1)
Pts: 21+4+2-1+1 = 27
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #2

ZD’s 2007 Rank T7: Arizona State (19)
Offense: Returning their top 3 scorers, including 2nd team MCLA Westfall, will only increase their offensive output, which put up an impressive T25 GFA of 12. (+3)
Defense: A huge weakness in 2007 (T25: 14 GAA), should be slightly improved with the return of the entire defensive core and a year of experience may help Tourault in goal. (+1)
Intangibles: The loss of Coach Hopkins (-3) is a wild card. Obviously Malone is very qualified (+2). But bringing in an outsider to ASU with new approaches, may cause some growing pains in the immediate future (-1), but definitely a smart move overall. Balanced 2008 schedule (0)
Pts: 19+3+1-3+2-1 = 21
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #5

ZD’s 2007 Rank T7: Northeastern (19)
Offense: Last year had 5 players marking more than 50 pts (many schools didn’t have 1). However, they only had a T25 GFA of 7 – but all their T25 opponents were T10. Thus this team could score but just not on T10 competition. Losing 3 of your top 5 scorers will not help when trying to win in the T10 in 2008, especially when losing 2 top scoring attackman (Cook<MCLA 1st>, Malcolm). (-3) However they return several second tier scorers that may help. (+1)
Defense: The stingy 2007 defense (T25 GAA: 6) was what kept them in most T25 games. Losing 2 long poles, including Miller <MCLA 3rd> and their goalie will again be a hit to their level of play. (-3)
Intangibles. Although they only lost 6 to graduation, comparison of rosters shows that 20 people on last years roster not on website 2008 roster. Large turnover is never positive (-1). Their schedule is predicted to have a low number of T25 competition, and when playing T25 they face T1-5 or T15-25. There will be little to assess their tournament potential if they lose to Boston College and UCSB (-1), if they can win those then it will be easy to move them up.
Pts: 19-3+1-3-1-1= 11
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #12

ZD’s 2007 #9: Arizona (17)
Offense: A strong returning cast of offensive players that should be able to maintain their 2007 T25 GFA of 11. To their benefit in 2008 will be 2 top scorers at attack, which will create even more decisions for opposing coaches to decide who gets the no. 1 defensemen. (+3)
Defense: Loses in Rickert and Cappo will be balanced with Gorman and Jeffry returning with another year of experience. (0) Losing Parker (G) will hurt. Although Coach Rovinelli is extremely capable of training a top notch goalie, the goalie position will be up for grabs and that may effect the defensive mentality and confidence. (-1)
Intangibles: Losing Brochart takes away a lot of knowledge and experience (-3), however promoting within the system in Rovinelli means too much probably won’t change over 2008 (+2).
Pts: 17+3-1-3+2=18
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #8

ZD’s 2007 T#10: Colorado (16)
Breaking down this team is useless. 4 of their top 5 scorers have graduated or left, and rumors site the 5th has also left. It is the same story on the defensive side, where Dumford and Ferrarone have graduated and several others have departed for other programs. Additionally rumors however site to an impressive incoming class from freshman and transfers. Initial reaction to this team is drop them out of the T25, however, due to history, the fact CU has been able to pull good local and national talent, and that Coach Galvin and his staff always put out a good product, this team was been arbitrarily placed at #16. Starting them on the bubble means they can play their way in or out, and early competitors will not be falsely punished or praised for the outcome of the game.
Pts: OFF
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #16

ZD’s 2007 T#10: Michigan (16)
Offense: Although this team posted a 2007 T25 GFA of 12, they didn’t reach that mark once verse a team ranked higher than #10. They appear to have suffered losses of their top 2 scorers [Fox, Blechman <MCLA 3rd>], who were both attackman. (-3). They do however appear to have a decent number of second tier scorers who could step into more prominent roles. (+1) Returning their FOS Kohlitz<MCLA 3rd> will give their offense more opportunities. (+1)
Defense: No real standouts on this squad last year, and the loss of Ferriell will make it tough to maintain a T25 GAA of 10. (0) Lose of Kaufman in goal may not hurt that much with the fact they gain 2 HS AA goalies and a senior goalie was elected captain. (-1)
Intangibles: The addition of Ken Broschart will pay dividends (+2). But they face 4 potential top 10 teams in 2 weeks in the beginning of the season, then a week mid schedule, and then returning against top 10 competition towards the end. Without a few #10-16 games it will be hard to judge them. (-1) If they win early it won’t be a problem to move them up.
Pts: 16-4+1+1+0-1+2-1= 15
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #10

ZD’s 2007 T#12: Georgia (14)
Offense: Top scorer Bryant <MCLA 3rd> graduated, but this squad returns Cox and McGahan, as well as several second tier scorers that accounted for 77% of the offense in 2007. They have a balanced offense, that appears to be able to attack from both the midline and attack positions, so look for even better numbers than their 2007 T25 GFA of 10. (+2)
Defense: This squad which returns everyone is an mystery. They had a 2007 T25 GAA of 9, which is respectable but not great compared to others, while at the same time their goalie had a 72% save percentage. This combination suggests either they have a outstanding goalie who has no defense in front of him, or their non T25 games were against very weak opponents and they padded the stats. Overall definite improvement, but remaining cautious (+1).
Intangibles: A roster was not available for this team, so all presumptions of returning talent must be dampered (-1) Last year this team didn’t play any T25 OOC games. Although no roster is also available, this year they play a T5 in Boston College and T20+ in Utah, leaving a large T5-20 gap where their only comparison will be in-conference T25 possible FSU, Florida, GT, and VT. The schedule suggests a better team, but scheduling will lack true comparison at the T10-15 range at the national level (-2). If they beat BC and their SELC foes then they’ll have credibility.
Pts: 14+2+1-1-2 = 14
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #11

ZD’s 2007 T#12: Sonoma State (14)
Offense: It doesn’t look like Sonoma is going to become an offensive powerhouse in 2008. They only return 1 scorer over 30 pts, and the next 4 highest are below 20pts. With the loses of McDonald. Cornelison, along with their FOS they will be hard pressed to maintain this T25 8 GFA in 2008. (-3)
Defense: Keebler<MCLA 3rd> and Cohen (LSM) seemed to have departed the program as well, leaving only 5 returning defensemen. Returning Pringle<MCLA 3rd> is a definite positive, but without a good defensive core look for their T25 GAA to grow above 9.(-2)
Intangibles: Head coach Doug Carl left the program, star players are not listed in the 2008 roster, press releases talk about 15 new freshman – this all points to turbulance, and that is never good. (-2)
Pts: 14-3-2-2=7
ZD’s Preseason Rank #17

ZD’s 2007 #14: Lindenwood (12)
Offense: This is not the same offensive squad as in 2007. Lose 4 of their top 5 scorers and their FOS, means their T25 GFA of 7 may drop even further. Returning Coursault to run with Diplock<MCLA 3rd> will be a positive, but not enough to compensate for the huge loses, and low number of second tier scorers. (-4)
Defense: Returning the entire defensive core, including Baethke<MCLA 3rd> and goalie will be this teams biggest strength in 2008. In 2007 this group held T25 opponents to a GAA of 9, and will likely maintain that average even though they may face more opposition opportunities (+2)
Intangibles: Their schedule is balanced with respect to games through the projected T25, but it doesn’t impress either and suggests a T12-16 team (0).
Pts: 12-4+2+0 = 10
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #14

ZD’s 2007 #15: Florida (11)
Offense: Returning only 1 player [Rossin (A)] to score more than 10 goals from the 2007 squad. Rossin was second in both pts and goals behind a senior attackman, which means Rossin will draw the #1 defensemen in 2008. This squad will need numerous people to step up, and there doesn’t appear to be much firepower returning (-3)
Defense: Losing Roland won’t hurt that much with 10 total returning defensemen, many recognized by the SELC awards. However this group gave up a T25 GAA of 10, and they appear to have lost their goalie (Perry). (0)
Intangibles: They have a balanced schedule with games ranging from T2 through T25 (7 against WCLL), which for a team with many returners would garner more points, but for a team that loses 3 top scorers, top D man, and goalie this schedule could easily provide 5-6 loses, with little comparison against other conferences. (-1) If they win the ones they are suppose to and get a few upsets in the WCLL this team will move up.
Pts: 11-3+0-2=6
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #18

ZD’s 2007 #16: Texas A&M (10)
Offense: Losses in Tabb <MCLA 3rd>, Turnbow, and James will allow teams to key their defenses against Bouchard, their top scorer in 2007. They do have some second tier scorers back, but several guys will have to step up their game, if they are to keep up their 2007 GFA of 10.(-2)
Defense: Losing Dufour will hurt, especially since this squad gave up a T25 GAA of 13 in 2007. With 14 returning defensemen and 2 sophomore goalies, this team looks to improved, but how much remains a question (0).
Intangibles: Last year scheduled 3 T10 OOC games. In 2008, schedule is more suited for a T15-20 team which suggests a weaker team (-1). Also, no roster is available to verify returning players (-1)
Pts: 10-2-0-1-1= 6
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #21

ZD’s 2007 T#17: Chapman (9)
Offense: Lots of firepower coming back in 2008, including top 4 scorers and a good number of second tier scorers. Additional boost will come from transfers Gennuso and Small (left Colorado). This team will improve on its T25 GFA of 10 in 2008 (+4)
Defense: The core of this defense is back, minus Guevara, and they appear to have picked up some D talent in transfers and incoming freshman. (+2) The goalie position might be the only area where there isn’t obvious improvement. The 2 returning juniors had a combined save percentage of 50% (0).
Intangibles: This is a wild card team. Last year’s play was sporadic, but there were considerable distractions. With new head coach Mike Wood I expect this team to be more consistent and focused. (+1) They have a very balanced schedule playing teams projected throughout the T25. (+1)
Pts: 9+4+2+0+1+1= 17
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #9

ZD’s 2007 T#17: Florida State (9)
Offense: Although they lost 4 seniors who all contributed more than 10 pts, a solid returning core (5 players marking 10pts or more) to surround Noonan <MCLA 3rd> and Haley. Another offensive gain will be the return of FOS Dunning, who will keep the ball in the FSU offense. (+3)
Defense: A good returning squad is encouraging, but it must be pointed out this group had a 2007 T25 GAA of 10, and 5 of 7 T25 games were against T15-25 competition. The loss of Cecil at LSM will not help decrease their GAA in 2008. (0)
Intangibles: With no roster available, who knows what kinda of hidden talent or hidden losses this team has experienced. (-1) What we do know is Whipple and Ciccarone have left the program, and with them goes some tremendous lacrosse knowledge. (-1). But their roster shows a good distribution of competition over the T25. Where last year they only took 1 big leap out of conference in Michigan, this year highlights OOC’s in Utah, Colorado, Loyola Marymount, UCSB, Northeastern, and BC. Scheduling tells me something here again (+1)
Pts: 9+3+0-1-1+1= 11
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #13

ZD’s 2007 T#19: Virginia Tech (7)
Offense: All of their firepower is back, including their three top scorers and several second tier scorers for 2008. Look for them to improved on their 2007 T25 GFA of 9. (+3)
Defense: The entire defense is back, and Jaffke will look to improve on his 56% save percentage, so again look for this team to decrease their 2007 T25 GAA of 10. (+2)
Intangibles: Their roster is not available. (-1). This schedule is embarrassing. They only face in-conference projected T25 opponents in Georgia and FSU. Their OOC games include Buffalo, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Central Michigan. This is scared scheduling, or trying to manipulate the system where they move up by others losing. Either way, it will be impossible to judge these guys nationally, and the only opportunity will be through their play against UGA and FSU and how these teams fair in their OOC games, and thus all interpretations will be diluted. This squad would have to go undefeated or 1 loss, and win the SELC to be considered in the Top 15. (-6)
Pts: 7+3+2-1-6= (5)
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #22

ZD’s 2007 T#19: Cal Poly SLO (7)
Offense: Another offense with positive momentum. Return 3 of their top 4 scorers and a supporting cast that accounted for 72% of the goals scored in 2007. Look for their T25 GFA to rise above 8. (+2)
Defense: A good cast of returners even with the loss of Vik (LSM), and Hatfield will look to improve on his 54% save percentage. Though this squad will have to do better than its 2007 T25 GAA of 10, in the face of greater competition. (0)
Intangibles: No roster available to check personnel (-1). Last year, their schedule only had 2 T25 OOC games, this year they boast Northeastern, Utah, CU, CSU, and overall 9 T25 projected games. This is big boy scheduling (+2), however, it may be a little too much too soon (-1).
Pts: 7+2+0-1+2-1= 9
ZD’s 2008 Preseason #15

ZD’s 2007 # 21: Utah (5)
Offense: The entire team lost 2 players to graduation (Fernandez, Turkula). Those happened to be the top 2 pts and goal scorers on the team. A 3rd attackman who was 4th in goals apparently has also left the program. The next 3 top scorers are also attackman, which makes me wonder if anyone played midfield last year. Look for their T25 GFA of 9 to either hold or drop in 2008. (-2)
Defense: Their 2007 T25 GAA was 14 (most likely because they had no midfielders on the field). Returning English <MCLA 3rd> and the rest of the defense will help, but several individuals have to step up their game. Unfortunately, one of those people will have to be a freshman goalie since Best is not with the team this year. (-1)
Intangibles: Utah in 2007 seemed to be very inconsistent. Returning only 15 players, while adding 15 freshmen is not usually the answer for inconsistency. (-1) But they have set a schedule that is balanced and will provide comparisons throughout the T25. This schedule is more realistic for Utah and will benefit them. (+2)
Pts: 5-2-1-1+2 = 3
ZD’s Preseason #23

ZD’s 2007 T#22: Georgia Tech (4)
Offense: Returning their top 3 scorers means this team should have a little more firepower, and watch for most of it coming from their two top attackmen. However, a huge jump in output is not expected since this group only put up a 2007 T25 GFA of 7. (+2)
Defense: Huge loses at the defensive and goalie positions. Departure Algozer<MCLA 1st> at defense, and a goalie who had a 70% save percentage will be hard to replace, since they only have 6 returning defensemen, and have only a freshman at goal. (-4)
Intangibles: This is a lower T25 team with a lower T25 schedule (0)
Pts: 4+2-4+0 = 2
ZD’s Preseason #25

ZD’s 2007 T #22: Michigan State (4)
Offense: Return 2 of their top 3 scorers, with some second tier scorers, so overall a slightly better offense than the 2007 T25 GFA of 6. (+1)
Defense: Significant loses at the defensive end: Zolkower <MCLA 1st>, Clugston <3rd> , Deihl, and Bratkovich in goal. (-3) Turchetti and Brittain will be able to patch some holes (+1), but look for their T25 GAA to increase or remain the same
Intangibles: The effect of losing Matt Holtz may be minimized since they promoted within the organization. Look for his effect to continue (0).
Pts: 4+1-3+1+0= 3
ZD’s Preseason #24

ZD’s 2007 #24: Illinois (2)
Offense: Even with the loss of Schnitzer, returning 4 top scorers will make this offense a multi-threat in 2008. But firepower will still be in question as they had a 2007 T25 GFA of 7, with many of those competitions against T14-25. Returning Sutherland at the FOS might be the difference in several games. (+2)
Defense: Slim numbers on defense this year might take a toll on this group - only 5 returning defensemen with 1 new freshman. Return Rakoczy who had a strong performance in 2007 (0).
Intangibles: The offense should keep the ball away from opposing teams which will ease the burden on the defense, which means a few of those closes losses in 2007 will be W’s in 2008 (+1). Second, the addition of Shanahan and Smith should perk up this team, especially at the individual play level (+1).
Pts: 2+2+0+1+1 = 6
ZD’s Preseason #19

ZD’s 2007 #25: Texas (1)
Offense: Basically everyone is back on this team, including Kroviak, Mcloud, and Nix, who all marked over 40 pts last year. Look for them to improve their T25 GFA above 9 in 2008. (+3)
Defense: The entire defense and goalie return to attempt to lower their T25 GAA of 10. (+3)
Intangibles: Roster not available to confirm personnel (-1). Schedule suggests a T17-22, which will mean this team will be hard to compare nationally. (0)
Pts: 1+3+3-1+0= 6
ZD’s Preseason #20

[Zamboni_Driver]

ZD’s 2008 Preseason Rankings:

1. BYU (28)
2. Minnesota-Duluth (27)
3. UCSB (26)
4. Boston College (25)
5. Arizona State (21)
6. Colorado State (19)
7. Oregon (19)
8. Arizona (18)
9. Chapman(17)
10. Michigan (15)
11. Georgia (14)
12. Northeastern (11)
13. FSU (11)
14. Lindenwood (10)
15. Cal Poly (9)
16. Colorado
17. Sonoma State (7)
18. Florida (6)
19. Illinois (6)
20. Texas (6)
21. Texas A&M (6)
22. Virginia Tech (5)
23. Utah (3)
24. Michigan State (3)
25. Georgia Tech (2)

[LaxTV_Admin]

Thanks. I personally think this is pretty cool to get such insight from someone who obviously follows the teams pretty closely.

[Adam Gamradt]

Although I have nothing to add, I wanted to say thanks!

I would hate to be in ZD's fantasy football league.

[Ballin']

i noticed under oregon analysis that you forgot they are going to be in colorado playing CSU and i would assume they would play CU while they are out there as well

[nhoskins]

In 2007 they faced 9 T25 (and Chapman) in the regular season, however, this year they only are projected to play 3 T25 teams (Simon Fraser, Sonoma State, and BYU). The Sonoma (which is a bit of a wild card this year) and BYU games are at the end of the season, thus the only comparison will be SFU that itself only faces 1 OOC projected T25 in Texas A&M. Overall the schedule looks weaker, and there will be little ability to evaluate this team (-2). No roster available (-1).
Pts: 24-4+1+2-3+1-2 -1= 18

"The Clan will play both teams that advanced to last years MCLA Division I National Championship Finals (Brigham Young, Oregon) as well as the 2007 MCLA Division II National Champion (Montana). They will also face-off against three other MCLA Tournament teams (Sonoma, Lindenwood, Texas A&M) and one other opponent that finished the 2007 season ranked in the MCLA’s Top 25 (Illinois)" (http://www.collegelax.us/news/2007/12/1 ... -schedule/)

I think this will be a much improved SFU team, and with their OOC schedule, they should be easy to evaluate. And with likely TWO games against Oregon (regular season, and somewhere in the playoffs), they should be a good benchmark to measure Oregon against.

[Zamboni_Driver]

In 2007 they faced 9 T25 (and Chapman) in the regular season, however, this year they only are projected to play 3 T25 teams (Simon Fraser, Sonoma State, and BYU). The Sonoma (which is a bit of a wild card this year) and BYU games are at the end of the season, thus the only comparison will be SFU that itself only faces 1 OOC projected T25 in Texas A&M. Overall the schedule looks weaker, and there will be little ability to evaluate this team (-2). No roster available (-1).
Pts: 24-4+1+2-3+1-2 -1= 18

"The Clan will play both teams that advanced to last years MCLA Division I National Championship Finals (Brigham Young, Oregon) as well as the 2007 MCLA Division II National Champion (Montana). They will also face-off against three other MCLA Tournament teams (Sonoma, Lindenwood, Texas A&M) and one other opponent that finished the 2007 season ranked in the MCLA’s Top 25 (Illinois)" (http://www.collegelax.us/news/2007/12/1 ... -schedule/)

I think this will be a much improved SFU team, and with their OOC schedule, they should be easy to evaluate. And with likely TWO games against Oregon (regular season, and somewhere in the playoffs), they should be a good benchmark to measure Oregon against.

This is not the same schedule posted on the PNCLL website. This type of schedule would have gotten SFU a better look from me.

I should have made it clear that there I reserve the right to change the rankings, if and when new or better information becomes available.

[umdulax1]

Nice work ZD

[Timbalaned]

i noticed under oregon analysis that you forgot they are going to be in colorado playing CSU and i would assume they would play CU while they are out there as well

yeah per their website, which i will admit, I don't think was updated til yesterday or the day before, they will play CU and CSU in Colorado.

[Ben Clark]

Nice work. I take a lot of pride in my top 25 poll, but this puts me to shame.

[Zamboni_Driver]

i noticed under oregon analysis that you forgot they are going to be in colorado playing CSU and i would assume they would play CU while they are out there as well

yeah per their website, which i will admit, I don't think was updated til yesterday or the day before, they will play CU and CSU in Colorado.

I'll check it out and update - this is what happens when both teams didn't update their websites. And I guess the PNCLL schedules for these teams is not accurate or only handles certain games, because it isn't listed there.

Good catch guys - keep them coming!

[Dan Wishengrad]

The home team must input all home games played within their conference to the master website, visiting OOC teams can not do so. All games to be played up here in the PNCLL are posted and have been checked for accuracy. But I just reviewed the RMLC schedule and it is very incomplete, it looks like most of the teams have failed to post their schedules yet.

Hopefully the RMLC teams will input their schedules ASAP. If Oregon's road OOC schedule is incomplete, it is not the fault of the Ducks in this case.

[Zamboni_Driver]

The home team must input all home games played within their conference to the master website, visiting OOC teams can not do so. All games to be played up here in the PNCLL are posted and have been checked for accuracy. But I just reviewed the RMLC schedule and it is very incomplete, it looks like most of the teams have failed to post their schedules yet.

Hopefully the RMLC teams will input their schedules ASAP. If Oregon's road OOC schedule is incomplete, it is not the fault of the Ducks in this case.

Oregon did update their website - but only recently - which caused the confusion. No fault to be placed anywhere.

UPDATE: Schedule was added as a link to the OUTLOOK thread. Adjusted analysis above, adding back 1 pt for a more balenced schedule. Summary post also updated.

[Dan Wishengrad]

No fault to be placed anywhere.

Some of us are still trying to add games on open dates, only to find that teams that appear to be free are actually scheduled for games that don't appear on conference websites at all because the home team from another conference hasn't bothered to even input their schedule yet. Team websites are often done by student-players who go by what the master schedule shows. This is very frustrating, and I am just one person who has wasted time contacting teams about potential games on open dates only to be told that the team is already scheduled but the game does not yet appear anywhere publicly.

Wasn't there supposed to be some kind of deadline for getting schedules turned in and confirmed? 2008 is less than two weeks away, after all. And, according to the MCLA master schedule, no games will be played in the UMLL or CCLA in 2008

Here's the entire CCLA schedule as of tonight:

http://www.mcla.us/games.cfm?conference ... seasonid=4

Here's the UMLL schedule:

http://www.mcla.us/games.cfm?conference ... seasonid=4

Here's the RMLC schedule:

http://www.mcla.us/games.cfm?conference ... seasonid=4

C'mon folks, let's get on this PLEASE! It's just not Zamboni Driver's rankings that suffer when you proacrastinate, after all

EDIT NOTE: It appears that the LSA, PNCLL and the WCLL are the only three conferences that have gotten their full schedules posted as of 12/20/07