(05-21-2022 09:52 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(05-20-2022 11:01 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(05-20-2022 11:44 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Im not saying this would be common, but it definitely can matter. And I can tell you exactly when and how it did. 2012 MACC. NIU was #19 and Kent was #18. With the win NIU moved up to #16 and got the automatic bid to the Orange Bowl. BG was 6-2 in conference and was leading Kent in the 4th qt. Had Kent not come back to win that game both teams would have been 7-1 with BG having the tie breaker. At 7-4 BG would not have been ranked and I don't think NIU moves up to 16 with a MACC over them.

Its rare, yes, but if two MACC teams are ranked it could bump the winner into a better bowl. If those teams happen to be in the same division, it can't happen.

Again, I know its a rare and speculative occurrence

One major difference now. Computers don’t run the rankings.

NIU was #16 in the AP and Coaches poll. The computer didn't matter.

That was then, this is now. And no doubt methodology will change again, given enough P5 complaints, as it did between then and now, as randyfensclub1 pointed out.

Good example of differences when two ranked teams can compete in a CCG without divisions was posted r.e. PAC12 on another board. Not necessary to repeat or link here, since the point is being able to face off two ranked teams in a CCG to benefit bowl assignments and push rankings up will happen much more often in a P5 conference than the MAC. So is it worth scrapping divisions for the rare incidence that Rabid Squirrel cited above?

IMO, no. Division titles may be meaningless to rankings and bowl assignments, but taking away anything to play for, in a conference such as the MAC, is foolish. The MAC needs every element it can get to keep interest going, especially later in the season.