2019 would you rather

[appgrad95&97]

Let's say we go 10-2:

Would you rather loose the games against UNC and USC but run the table in the SunBelt

Or

Beat the Carolinas and loose two conference games (and not play for the title)?

[GregPercussion]

Easy. Lose the Carolina games.

Sure I want to beat them as much as anyone. But those games don't mean as much toward a "ring season" as winning the SunBelt and it's respective bowl game.

[AppSt94]

Better chance of the first happening than the last. But we probably go 9-3, possibly 8-4 anyway. I don't see us beating either of the Carolinas, of course that could change based on x factors. Wins on the road against Troy and ULaf will be tough.

[AppinVA]

Usually I’d say win the conference, but in this case, the latter. It would do so much for us recruiting-wise in the two states, and in many other ways.

Plus, my sister went to CHeat, and Thanksgiving dinner would taste sooooo much better. It also could be interpreted that the league is that tough.

[EastHallApp]

I can see either side, but for me, take the two P5 wins. Would suck to lose the conference, but nobody outside the Sun Belt cares who wins this league. Biggest disappointment for me would be another trip to Bama instead of NOLA.

Another SBC title would be nice but wouldn't really advance the program beyond where it already is. Sweeping the Carolinas would be breaking new ground.

[ComebackShack]

Easily beat the Carolinas. Anyone who doesn't say this vastly overestimates the importance of the sunbelt conference.

[AppSt94]

Easily beat the Carolinas. Anyone who doesn't say this vastly overestimates the importance of the sunbelt conference.

Fair point. Let me add this caveat. Should we win the P5 games and both teams finish with 7-5/6-6 records. Would that take some of the luster off the wins?

[Arsenal App]

I'm greedy. I want to win them all. But I suppose I would take beating the Coots and the Tar Holes and lose the two conference games. We still might have a chance at playing for the conference title even with two losses.

[AppSt94]

I can see either side, but for me, take the two P5 wins. Would suck to lose the conference, but nobody outside the Sun Belt cares who wins this league. Biggest disappointment for me would be another trip to Bama instead of NOLA.

Another SBC title would be nice but wouldn't really advance the program beyond where it already is. Sweeping the Carolinas would be breaking new ground.

How so?

[AppSt94]

Usually I’d say win the conference, but in this case, the latter. It would do so much for us recruiting-wise in the two states, and in many other ways.

Plus, my sister went to CHeat, and Thanksgiving dinner would taste sooooo much better. It also could be interpreted that the league is that tough.

Why do you think this?

[Arsenal App]

I can see either side, but for me, take the two P5 wins. Would suck to lose the conference, but nobody outside the Sun Belt cares who wins this league. Biggest disappointment for me would be another trip to Bama instead of NOLA.

Another SBC title would be nice but wouldn't really advance the program beyond where it already is. Sweeping the Carolinas would be breaking new ground.

How so?

Well, it would mean we are better in football (at last in 2019) than the flagship universities of both North and South Carolina. That's new ground the way I see it.

[ComebackShack]

Easily beat the Carolinas. Anyone who doesn't say this vastly overestimates the importance of the sunbelt conference.

Fair point. Let me add this caveat. Should we win the P5 games and both teams finish with 7-5/6-6 records. Would that take some of the luster off the wins?

I will caveat that with this: Wouldn't that say a lot about our program if we got swept by P5 regional rivals with a combined .500 record. I'd rather be on the winning end of that than the losing end.

[AppinVA]

Usually I’d say win the conference, but in this case, the latter. It would do so much for us recruiting-wise in the two states, and in many other ways.

Plus, my sister went to CHeat, and Thanksgiving dinner would taste sooooo much better. It also could be interpreted that the league is that tough.

Why do you think this?

Really? Before I answered, I had to check your handle to make sure you weren’t on hiatus for the last month. How can you not think this? We have a shot to beat the state flagship in something other than wrestling and I’m having to defend my position? Sorry. I’m not going to argue with irrationality.

[Rick83]

If we were playing almost any other mid-tier P5s instead of the two Carolinas I'd say lose those two and sweep the Sun Belt...but since it's UNC & USC; I'd begrudgingly sacrifice two conference games to beat those two particular P5s. Implications are huge for recruiting, bragging rights, top 25 consideration, national respect, etc.

[Gonzo]

Definitely lose two SBC games and beat the Carolinas.

There are already enough loose girls in Chapel Hill.

[Saint3333]

I'd clearly trade one loss to a western SBC team for those two wins as we'd still get to play for the SBC title.

Two losses is a great question, I'd give a slight lean to going undefeated in OOC and then kick myself in early December for putting a hex on the season.

I'd take 10-2 with one OOC and one western conference loss right now though if offered.

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

I thought this was gonna be...”eat a poop flavored popsicle or chocolate flavored poop?”

[AppSt94]

Usually I’d say win the conference, but in this case, the latter. It would do so much for us recruiting-wise in the two states, and in many other ways.

Plus, my sister went to CHeat, and Thanksgiving dinner would taste sooooo much better. It also could be interpreted that the league is that tough.

Why do you think this?

Really? Before I answered, I had to check your handle to make sure you weren’t on hiatus for the last month. How can you not think this? We have a shot to beat the state flagship in something other than wrestling and I’m having to defend my position? Sorry. I’m not going to argue with irrationality.

I wasn't asking you to defend your position. I was merely trying to gauge what level of impact you expected a win over a P5 state school would actually have on recruiting. I personally don't think that it would have a significant impact, as I doubt kids would choose us over either one if they had committable offers from all parties. I don't think it would have kept Wyatt Tunnell from flipping to Carolina this year and I seriously doubt that any four star on Carolina's wish list is going to say, "thanks, but no thanks, I am going to go to App." Sorry that you found my comment irrational. I was just trying to be respectful to your opinion. My bad. Next time I will come out guns blazing.

[GregPercussion]

I'd clearly trade one loss to a western SBC team for those two wins as we'd still get to play for the SBC title.

Two losses is a great question, I'd give a slight lean to going undefeated in OOC and then kick myself in early December for putting a hex on the season.

I'd take 10-2 with one OOC and one western conference loss right now though if offered.

Some of y'all adding some extra "options" and scenarios to the original question.
It's either 2 Carolina wins and not play for the SunBelt title or lose and play for title.

I see both sides and could be swayed.
I believe beating both Carolina's with be greatly beneficial to our program as far as attention, rankings, money, recruiting, respect, etc. What good is it when we cant compete against "our peers" in our own conference? Earning those rings and trophies is a big deal for these guys. Bragging rights for a season at thanksgiving is nice, but hardware and titles are forever.

[AppSt94]

Easily beat the Carolinas. Anyone who doesn't say this vastly overestimates the importance of the sunbelt conference.

Fair point. Let me add this caveat. Should we win the P5 games and both teams finish with 7-5/6-6 records. Would that take some of the luster off the wins?

I will caveat that with this: Wouldn't that say a lot about our program if we got swept by P5 regional rivals with a combined .500 record. I'd rather be on the winning end of that than the losing end.

That is a fair point. But if we had beaten Penn State, they would been 8-5. Is a win against an 8-5 P5 team better than a championship?