Why stats don't always tell the whole story

HuskyInAZ · November 2015

I don't pay much attention to BSU, but this weekend they lost at home to New Mexico 31-24. I was more than surprised, so I started digging.

- BSU outgained NM by over 200 yards (641-413)
- NM did not have a single 3rd down conversion, Boise had 9.
- NM had 16 penalties vs Boise's 4 penalties
- NM ran 52 plays from scrimmage, BSU ran 115 plays.

The only stat that favored NM was turnovers. NM had a +2 advantage. Oh, and BSU threw the ball 75 fucking times.

I can't recall a more lopsided bunch of stats where nearly everything leans one way, yet the outcome is the other way.

dnc · November 2015

Turnovers is the most important stat next to scorebored.

DeepSeaZ · November 2015

Did you watch the ASU or Utah games? Same theme.

sarktastic · November 2015

Win/loss is the most important stat and always gives the clearest glimpse as to weather* or not a team is good or shitty.

HuskyInAZ · November 2015

I agree with all of you. But this one was over the top. I've never seen such a huge advantage in every other stat in a losing effort, despite a relatively modest turnover advantage. And one more stat....BSU had 40 1st downs, NM had 11.