Potential TV Ratings Play No Role Whatsoever

[oUTraged]

I do...it's a close call either way. I ask for facts...you have none...only suppositions based on nothing, really.

If SMU loses and knocks Bama out (assuming the committee keeps them in), that would invalidate your theories, right?

And what are your suppositions based on? You seem to think that human beings are incapable of lying and/or showing bias. It's obvious you want to argue for the sake of argument, because your vision of the world is irrational. Alabama is in the playoffs regardless of who wins or loses this next weekend.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

And what are your suppositions based on? You seem to think that human beings are incapable of lying and/or showing bias. It's obvious you want to argue for the sake of argument, because your vision of the world is irrational. Alabama is in the playoffs regardless of who wins or loses this next weekend.

No my default position is that people can set aside whatever biases they have and be objective, just like they do every day with juries. I would have no problem doing so, and would have Ohio State above Tenn even though I would like for the Vols to be ranked ahead for obvious reasons.

But most here go so much beyond that it is laughable, saying -without evidence- that mysterious powers behind the scenes are actually in control and not the actual committee members, or that committee members receive bribes to vote a certain way. These ideas are just silly and there is no basis in evidence for any of them.

It is based mostly on a misunderstanding of how the world works at that level, and it's because they've never been in a similar position. I think this view was best summed up by the guy that said unironically, "if you are fair and objective you have no business being on this committee"...that commitment to the crazy at 11 I can respect even if it's nuts

But you have people here thinking that refs regularly fix games at the conference's (or other mysterious powers) request, and it never occurs to them that if something like that happens regularly it must have involved thousands of people and yet there has never been any evidence of it occuring. But introspection about nutty opinions is asking a lot for some folks.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

No my default position is that people can set aside whatever biases they have and be objective, just like they do every day with juries. I would have no problem doing so, and would have Ohio State above Tenn even though I would like for the Vols to be ranked ahead for obvious reasons.

But most here go so much beyond that it is laughable, saying -without evidence- that mysterious powers behind the scenes are actually in control and not the actual committee members, or that committee members receive bribes to vote a certain way. These ideas are just silly and there is no basis in evidence for any of them.

It is based mostly on a misunderstanding of how the world works at that level, and it's because they've never been in a similar position. I think this view was best summed up by the guy that said unironically, "if you are fair and objective you have no business being on this committee"...that commitment to the crazy at 11 I can respect even if it's nuts

But you have people here thinking that refs regularly fix games at the conference's (or other mysterious powers) request, and it never occurs to them that if something like that happens regularly it must have involved thousands of people and yet there has never been any evidence of it occuring. But introspection about nutty opinions is asking a lot for some folks.

Get a grip on the reality of the situation. The CFP, with the bowl and conference payouts, will come to something like $2 Billion Dollars.

It's an enormous business venture. Thinking that it will be free of bias or business decisions with that much money flowing is absurd.

Fixed? No. Nudged in as profitable of a direction as possible at the start? Absolutely. That profit largely comes year after year in TV money, certainly not in butts in seats.

Decisions are made to make sure viewership is optimized. If they aren't, the business isn't doing due diligence. It's not a charity. It's not a public service. It's a business.

Decisions are made to help the business.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

Get a grip on the reality of the situation. The CFP, with the bowl and conference payouts, will come to something like $2 Billion Dollars.

It's an enormous business venture. Thinking that it will be free of bias or business decisions with that much money flowing is absurd.

Fixed? No. Nudged in as profitable of a direction as possible at the start? Absolutely. That profit largely comes year after year in TV money, certainly not in butts in seats.

Decisions are made to make sure viewership is optimized. If they aren't, the business isn't doing due diligence. It's not a charity. It's not a public service. It's a business.

Decisions are made to help the business.

I keep asking, “ok, how does it work”, this conspiracy you speak of…nobody gives any answers, all vague generalities like your post.

13 committee members give their opinion…you think it’s not really their opinion… that they get nudged…

Ok…what does that look like? Are they bribed?

 

[General Jack]

Not you. I’m the one sending the email. Strongly worded. This aggression will not stand man.

Just abide... Dude.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

I keep asking, “ok, how does it work”, this conspiracy you speak of…nobody gives any answers, all vague generalities like your post.

13 committee members give their opinion…you think it’s not really their opinion… that they get nudged…

Ok…what does that look like? Are they bribed?

They are in the industry. The discussions for the playoffs aren't JUST centered on "who is best" but also involve "what is best for the industry."

It's not different than any other business. A committee is assigned to pick a group to represent the business. They want to choose a representative group NOT necessarily the "best employees."

 

[General Jack]

I keep asking, “ok, how does it work”, this conspiracy you speak of…nobody gives any answers, all vague generalities like your post.

13 committee members give their opinion…you think it’s not really their opinion… that they get nudged…

Ok…what does that look like? Are they bribed?

You seem to be looking for a smoking gun or a paper trail. This isn't a financial statement audit.

What is generally being discussed here is influence and self-servicing interest of feeding the machine they are a part of. Making the machine more profitable through exposure and appealing to the deep pockets that will continue to fuel the machine, which will continue to feed them through committee assignments, TV interviews, product marketing, etc.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I keep asking, “ok, how does it work”, this conspiracy you speak of…nobody gives any answers, all vague generalities like your post.

13 committee members give their opinion…you think it’s not really their opinion… that they get nudged…

Ok…what does that look like? Are they bribed?

The guidelines for awarding first round protection for teams other than the Big Ten, or what ever they are called now, and the SEC are the least understood basis for selection the best team in the Nation. If one wants to give a ”buy’ to the top rated four teams , most involved in the process would, I think, agree to seeding those teams along the ranking of those teams by the two polls. The bias is in the placement of the seeding of teams who have not played comparable competition. Do I trust the seeding of the current rankings? No, because the chairman, spokesperson, for the Committee has stated that the out comes of the Conference’s Championships will not have any affect on the seedlings of the at large teams. This is the first year of this playoff scheme. The previous BCS system was based on the computer analysis of the date of the two major polls. This still seems to be reliable methodology to determine the participants and seedings of the playoff teams.

 

[sami]

Get a grip on the reality of the situation. The CFP, with the bowl and conference payouts, will come to something like $2 Billion Dollars.

It's an enormous business venture. Thinking that it will be free of bias or business decisions with that much money flowing is absurd.

Fixed? No. Nudged in as profitable of a direction as possible at the start? Absolutely. That profit largely comes year after year in TV money, certainly not in butts in seats.

Decisions are made to make sure viewership is optimized. If they aren't, the business isn't doing due diligence. It's not a charity. It's not a public service. It's a business.

Decisions are made to help the business.

This pretty much sums it up.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

This pretty much sums it up.

ok, but neither you nor he have ever said the important part...how does it actually happen? If you can't answer that, it's sort of a silly argument. You're saying here is a conspiracy but I have no idea how it works. That is not very insightful.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

ok, but neither you nor he have ever said the important part...how does it actually happen? If you can't answer that, it's sort of a silly argument. You're saying here is a conspiracy but I have no idea how it works. That is not very insightful.

Have you never been in a business? Committee meetings are part of EVERY business.

It's not "conspiracy" nor something these guys can't discuss openly.

Who is deserving vs who is best for TV. They don't have to "hide" anything to discuss how the business should proceed. That's actually why the committee exists: to do what is best for college football.

They don't have to be completely fair. It's business.

 

[RDU VOL#14]

Just abide... Dude.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

Have you never been in a business? Committee meetings are part of EVERY business.

It's not "conspiracy" nor something these guys can't discuss openly.

Who is deserving vs who is best for TV. They don't have to "hide" anything to discuss how the business should proceed. That's actually why the committee exists: to do what is best for college football.

They don't have to be completely fair. It's business.

Of course...what sense does that make? You're saying that while their charge is to pick the best 8 at-large teams, and rank them in order of relative strength, they aren't really doing that....that there are other factors that they care more about, like TV ratings. And I've said there is no evidence to support that. Which is correct.

And furthermore, no one even can come up with how this scheme works or would work in theory. And why committee members would be open to participating in it.

 

[OneManGang]

I keep seeing this over and over and if you're someone who believes this you are misinformed. The committee deliberates each week and comes to a consensus about where all the teams should be ranked and puts the teams in order. No more no less. I mean, think about it, why the heck would Gary Pinkel care about what the TV ratings are? It makes no sense and really, it a dumb argument.

Would the broadcast partners care about TV ratings? Obviously, ESPN cares about this aspect but they have no seat at the table.

Please quit making this argument...it makes no sense. And if you disagree, just tell me why a committee member might care about ratings?

Surely you jest.

Do you honestly think the big shots at ABC Sports/ESPN don't have every member of the committee on speed-dial?

Or did you just come to after a 50-year coma?

 

[sami]

ok, but neither you nor he have ever said the important part...how does it actually happen? If you can't answer that, it's sort of a silly argument. You're saying here is a conspiracy but I have no idea how it works. That is not very insightful.

No one used the words 'conspiracy' or 'fixed' besides you. How does it actually happen? Tangible evidence would include Alabama making the field while Ole Miss and USCe didn't - as if there was a doubt it would happen. Penn State and Notre Dame being placed in positions with very advantageous draws. The sudden emphasis on "strength of record" over strength of schedule when that was the only rationalization for getting four Big 10 teams into this beauty pageant.

You could go through the process since November and find more goal post moving and rationalizations, but the idea is that the "committee" was going to deliver a playoff field with maximum commercial appeal, come hell or high water. And they succeeded.

But you continue with your fantasy that this is a group of completely objective individuals with no preconceived notions, biases or axes to grind. That would make them the most unique group of people on the planet.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

No one used the words 'conspiracy' or 'fixed' besides you. How does it actually happen? Tangible evidence would include Alabama making the field while Ole Miss and USCe didn't - as if there was a doubt it would happen. Penn State and Notre Dame being placed in positions with very advantageous draws. The sudden emphasis on "strength of record" over strength of schedule when that was the only rationalization for getting four Big 10 teams into this beauty pageant.

You could go through the process since November and find more goal post moving and rationalizations, but the idea is that the "committee" was going to deliver a playoff field with maximum commercial appeal, come hell or high water. And they succeeded.

But you continue with your fantasy that this is a group of completely objective individuals with no preconceived notions, biases or axes to grind. That would make them the most unique group of people on the planet.

any thoughts on why TCU made the field over Alabama in 2022? that would seem to invalidate your theory...look up "confirmation bias"

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Of course...what sense does that make? You're saying that while their charge is to pick the best 8 at-large teams, and rank them in order of relative strength, they aren't really doing that....that there are other factors that they care more about, like TV ratings. And I've said there is no evidence to support that. Which is correct.

And furthermore, no one even can come up with how this scheme works or would work in theory. And why committee members would be open to participating in it.

It would work like any other business decision. You're either too young to have ever been involved in a committee meeting or simply too low level in a business.

LOTS OF THINGS GO INTO CORPORATE DECISIONS.

You're assuming that their ONLY job is to pick the best teams and that ignores the obvious pressure every business feels to keep the business as profitable as possible. Profit is not the ONLY factor but "picking the best" isn't the only factor either.

Have you never had a decision where you needed to weigh lots of competing variables? This committee is doing exactly that.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

Surely you jest.

Do you honestly think the big shots at ABC Sports/ESPN don't have every member of the committee on speed-dial?

Or did you just come to after a 50-year coma?

let's say they do, hypothetically, and that's a dubious idea...why would a committee member care what they thought?

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

It would work like any other business decision. You're either too young to have ever been involved in a committee meeting or simply too low level in a business.

LOTS OF THINGS GO INTO CORPORATE DECISIONS.

You're assuming that their ONLY job is to pick the best teams and that ignores the obvious pressure every business feels to keep the business as profitable as possible. Profit is not the ONLY factor but "picking the best" isn't the only factor either.

Have you never had a decision where you needed to weigh lots of competing variables? This committee is doing exactly that.

what evidence do you have that they would weigh any other factor than strength of the teams? The committee members, just like the NCAA basketball committee, have no business to keep profitable.

 

[sami]

any thoughts on why TCU made the field over Alabama in 2022? that would seem to invalidate your theory...look up "confirmation bias"

And you saw how quickly they corrected that mistake by ousting Florida State last year. Were they any less "deserving" than TCU? No, but the thought of another blowout and horrible ratings straightened them out.

 

[RDU VOL#14]

any thoughts on why TCU made the field over Alabama in 2022? that would seem to invalidate your theory...look up "confirmation bias"

And 65-7 is probably weighing into the decisions being made this week also.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

And you saw how quickly they corrected that mistake by ousting Florida State last year. Were they any less "deserving" than TCU? No, but the thought of another blowout and horrible ratings straightened them out.

So they weren't biased in 2022, but got biased in 2023...Rrrrright...

you're twisting yourself into a logical pretzel lol

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

what evidence do you have that they would weigh any other factor than strength of the teams? The committee members, just like the NCAA basketball committee, have no business to keep profitable.

I can see why people get frustrated with you. You've obviously no idea how business works.

ALL of these people are in the industry and have some interest in college football being profitable and successful. You apparently think they are some kind of impartial jury and this is strictly a "find the best teams and rank them" procedure.

The Playoffs are a business venture, not an impartial event. While they're not going to grab Columbia University out of nowhere because the NYC TV market is huge, they are going to weigh the "brand draw" of each participant IN WITH LOTS OF OTHER FACTORS.

You'll notice that they have specific TV programs to announce the standings, building drama for the playoffs. There's ZERO real need for any of the "pre release" standings. They need only release the choice they make at the end.

They don't because it's about drumming up drama, making discussions like this occur, getting TV and print discussions about "who is in, who is out, and why."

If you can't see the showmanship going on in this WELL BEYOND JUST PICKING THE TEAMS, no one will be able to help you understand.

 

[Power_Sweep_Vol]

I can see why people get frustrated with you. You've obviously no idea how business works.

ALL of these people are in the industry and have some interest in college football being profitable and successful. You apparently think they are some kind of impartial jury and this is strictly a "find the best teams and rank them" procedure.

The Playoffs are a business venture, not an impartial event. While they're not going to grab Columbia University out of nowhere because the NYC TV market is huge, they are going to weigh the "brand draw" of each participant IN WITH LOTS OF OTHER FACTORS.

You'll notice that they have specific TV programs to announce the standings, building drama for the playoffs. There's ZERO real need for any of the "pre release" standings. They need only release the choice they make at the end.

They don't because it's about drumming up drama, making discussions like this occur, getting TV and print discussions about "who is in, who is out, and why."

If you can't see the showmanship going on in this WELL BEYOND JUST PICKING THE TEAMS, no one will be able to help you understand.

I know why ESPN would care, but if I'm a committee member charged with picking the 8 best teams, why would I care? What is Gary Pinkel's interest in choosing a 14.2 ratings matchup instead of an 11.7?

 

[RDU VOL#14]

So they weren't biased in 2022, but got biased in 2023...Rrrrright...

you're twisting yourself into a logical pretzel lol

Excellence equity is a thing . They couldn’t put Bama in 2022 bc they had 2 losses going into championship weekend and didn’t play for a conference title. TCU didn’t have a loss going into the Big 12 title game and I think lost in OT. Nobody thought they would beat Michigan and they did. Then UGA went belt to ass on them.