None of the players on the teams in our half of the bracket have played us except for maybe a handful from ND. So those players and teams have been successful and are in the top 12-15 teams in the country and think the difference between them and us is minimal. Just like TCU and Michigan a couple of years ago. It's not their fault and they believe in their talent and team. It's just not possible to fully understand what makes us different until you see the size, speed and strength on the field. On the other side of the bracket, half the teams have played us THIS year so they know what they are up against. And OR will understand due to playing them a couple of years ago and Lanning being on our staff. And, of course, OSU's staff knows all too well.
That doesn't mean we can't lose to Boise or SMU. But our track record with playing non-SEC teams in key games (not homecoming games against smaller schools) is pretty good and it's common to see the bewilderment on their faces when they find themselves down three scores at halftime.
In short, it's an advantage for us to not have to face any team that is familiar with us until the Natty.
That doesn't mean we can't lose to Boise or SMU. But our track record with playing non-SEC teams in key games (not homecoming games against smaller schools) is pretty good and it's common to see the bewilderment on their faces when they find themselves down three scores at halftime.
In short, it's an advantage for us to not have to face any team that is familiar with us until the Natty.
