[NU Sports] Fantastic statistical analysis

[Eric West]

On 11/10/2010 12:42 PM, Alan Abrahamson wrote:
> [quoting the site]
>
> "So why do we think we're terrible this year?  We're DEMONSTRABLY better in
> almost EVERY category that matters (save FGs/XPs, where it's not as bad as
> it looks), while playing a schedule that is equal to or TOUGHER than last
> year's.

I don't think anyone has said we're "terrible" this year, even by 
post-1995 standards -- so the article is attacking a straw man at the 
outset. I would say that there is more frustration this year because, 
despite playing better (according to those stats), the team has little 
more to show for it. They have an extra win because Minnesota is 
demonstrably worse this year than last; there's certainly nothing to 
indicate that this year's schedule is tougher.

Yes, they *could* suddenly start playing much better (or at least take 
advantage of an injured opponent) like last year's team did, but to 
assume that they automatically will is a bit illogical. In any event, my 
feeling this year is similar to how I felt this time last year: the 
Wildcats will have to play even better than they've played all season if 
they want to win even one more game this year. I believe that they can; 
let's see if they will.

Eric West
e-west at northwestern.edu