re: Does non conference schedule matter?

Here is the argument JJ is trying to make. Let's compare LSU to Utah which is currently projected to be a #3 seed in the Norman regional and is leading the Pac 12 currently. Both teams have nearly identical win totals on the season, Utah at 29 and LSU at 28. When you look at conference records Utah is 14-7 while LSU is 7-14.

However, 5 of the PAC12 series Utah has played came against teams that have a losing record overall and a 6th, Arizona State is at .500 on the season. Utah SOS is in the 130 range and there is absolutely nothing about their out-of-conference schedule that stands out. Meanwhile, LSU has played 5 out of conference games against teams currently projected to be in the tournament and has won 4 of them.

LSU is going to end up with two conference series playing the #1 team in America one of which is now #2, as well as #3, #16, #17, and #23.

The problem is this is the system we have, and none of us would be complaining right now if LSU wasn't on the outside looking in. LSU should have handled business and won the games it should have won againts Florida and Vandy, Sweeping Mizzou, and Auburn, and we wouldn't be having this discussion. It doesn't mean there isn't an argument to be made but unfortunately it doesn't go much further than that. Maybe we get hot and the top teams in the SEC tourney rest their starters, but that seems like our best hope at this point. It is what it is.