The fight for second place - Syracuse vs. Oregon, who ya got? (Men's teams)

As I've stated on the other thread,

Syracuse is very overrated.

They are highly likely to bomb (in a bad way) at nationals because of the 10k xc distance. Their coach trains them like 5k/8k xc runners and expects them to run two 10k xc races well. Not going to happen. But I guess they can always try to prove me wrong...

No but really, why is Oklahoma State ranked so high? They have literally proved nothing. With the talent they have they didn't even blow out the Big 12 (weak ass conference) or the midwest (weak ass region). I think they'll be top 7 at least, but there's no evidence to support them doing well. Portland is getting slept on hard. I think they'll have at least 3, maybe 4 all americans. They had the best 1-2-3 at the west region, and their conference champ wasn't one of them. Their problem is the lack of a 5th man.

the low stick will count a little more for oregon at nattys also. with jenkins and ches in the top that might be hard to beat. oregons 3-5 will have to have a great performance however to beat syracuse because that 1-5 spread is nasty

prognostistic wrote:

1. CU

2. OK State

3. Oregon

I just think Cuse's top guns will be too far back to catch Oregon or Okie state on points. Nationals is the deepest race of the year up front, by far, which means your top guns matter more and depth doesn't help as much.

You're the stupidest person on this thread.

Hank Moody wrote:

prognostistic wrote:

1. CU

2. OK State

3. Oregon

I just think Cuse's top guns will be too far back to catch Oregon or Okie state on points. Nationals is the deepest race of the year up front, by far, which means your top guns matter more and depth doesn't help as much.

You're the stupidest person on this thread.

He has a run for his money in Not a Fanboy, who is making the same really stupid mistake. In the BIG races with many, many fast runners, it is the 3/4/5 guys that make the biggest impact because a difference of a few seconds corresponds to a much bigger swing in points at the #5 level than at the #1 level.

yes, just like they bombed against providence and iona at ne regionals running three out of their top five and still winning the meet.

would love to know your insight on their training methods by the way... i'm sure you could provide lots of specifics to back up your opinion.

money beets wrote:

yes, just like they bombed against providence and iona at ne regionals running three out of their top five and still winning the meet.

would love to know your insight on their training methods by the way... i'm sure you could provide lots of specifics to back up your opinion.

The outcome will speak for itself. I have nothing against the team but enjoy giving my 2 cents on why they will not finish 2nd.

26mi235 wrote:

Hank Moody wrote:

You're the stupidest person on this thread.

He has a run for his money in Not a Fanboy, who is making the same really stupid mistake. In the BIG races with many, many fast runners, it is the 3/4/5 guys that make the biggest impact because a difference of a few seconds corresponds to a much bigger swing in points at the #5 level than at the #1 level.

To be fair I didn't read the whole thread. Just figured someone couldn't have said anything dumbed. Spot on though, it's a toss up between the two.

Why do people think Ok States 4,5 runners are any better than the Ducks 4,5 guys. And we know their 1,2 punch can't match the Ducks. Ok State lucky if they make top 5

Why? Because OKST has a history of running well at the nat'l meet and it's been a while since OR has put in a strong team performance.

Compare the past six years:

OKST: 3,1,2,1,8,3

OR: 5,20,dnq,6,1,1

This year, I expect the Ducks to beat OKST, but I completely understand folks who need to see them put together a strong team race at nat'ls before they predict it.