Source: OutKick
Summary
Purdue coach Matt Painter and Alabama coach Nate Oats respond to criticism from mid-major coaches, arguing that power conference teams have limited flexibility in scheduling and that not all mid-major opponents are equal in terms of strength of schedule. Painter points out that Purdue plays 5 mid-major teams per year, while Oats says Alabama only turns down mid-major schools that aren’t good enough.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Power conference teams complaining about scheduling woes, while mid-majors cry foul about being “ducked”.
Purdue’s Matt Painter and Alabama’s Nate Oats chimed in, saying they’re not “ducking” anyone, just playing the cards they’re dealt.
Painter’s team plays 5 mid-major teams per year, while Oats says they only turn down mid-majors that aren’t good enough.
The real issue is that some mid-majors are willing to play NAIA teams, which doesn’t exactly help their SOS.
This one felt recognizable early, with power conference teams trying to spin their scheduling decisions as a necessity rather than an excuse.
Original Observation: Sometimes, the current schedule proves that power-four schools are inviting the fight, but only when it suits them.
Author: Evan Null
