On my way to work tonight I was listening to the ESPNU channel on XM and needless to say it was a mistake. I knew it was when I got in the truck but I guess I just like to get my blood going haha. They were basically slighting the B1G as a whole saying things like it's a one horse race, unlike the SEC and etc. Then went on to say things like Alabama has played the best, Clemson is still the #1 team, etc so I ran the numbers. I looked up the rankings (total O and D, Rushing O and D as well as Passing O and D) and averaged them.
Here is the data with the averaged ranking in parentheses, number of point scored and allowed and diff.
1. Bama(71.63) 259-74, +185
2. Clemson (69.03) 189-70, +119
3. UGA (81.16) 108-23, +85 (they've only played 4 games and only 3 included since 1 is an FCS team)
4. Ohio St (72.16) 252-43, +219.
Now what stood out to me those most is the total defense Bama has faced averaged to 91.2 and the've only played one defense ranked better than #90, Duke at #29. UGA's averaged total defense ranking? 89. with only ND inside the top 100 at #40. Clemsons is 79.4 while Ohio St's 80.4
Offense rankings show Bama playing the "best" offenses at 52.6, following by Clemson at 58.6, Ohio St at 62.2 and UGA pulling up the rear at 73.
By the metrics and on film, its obvious Alabama and Ohio St are playing the best of the 4 teams and it's not even close. UGA just isnt explosive, they don't have the burst, Alabama's offense is spectacular but their rushing game is weak, Clemson is just meh. Not sure if they just havent hit stride or if they're just not as good as they were thought to be.
As far as the B1G being weak, that is just a farce, IMO. No statistical data to back that up as of now but Wisc has literally literally dominated every team they've played outside of NW and PSU just put up 60, again.
What does everyone think?
Also, I normally do statistical breakdowns of various things in the off season if it's something that interests people.
