Outlook...

Quick post here regarding the upcoming National Title match up between Florida and Oklahoma. I've been doing a little research of my own this morning and have come up with some interesting numbers. Several supposed football experts have actually compared Florida's and Oklahoma's seasons, saying they have some very similar characteristics. These experts argue that both Florida and Oklahoma were dealt losses during their seasons from which they then rebounded significantly. The Sooner nation is very proud of the fact that they are the only team in history to have scored sixty or more points in five consecutive games, and that these five games came after their one loss of the season. Let me shed some light on the reality of the situation. Please note that these stats do not take into effect variables like home/away games or strength of schedule.

Before Oklahoma's loss to rival Texas, the Sooners were scoring an average of 2.5 points for every point scored against them by opponents. Since their loss to Texas, this ratio has declined significantly to 2.04 points for every one allowed. This is an almost 20% decrease in scoring efficiency after their so-called "rejuvenating" loss. These numbers combine for a season 2.2 points scored for each point allowed.

The Gators, on the other hand, started their season scoring 2.8 points for every point scored by opponents. After the loss to Ole Miss, the Gators significantly improved their scoring efficiency to 3.8 points per point allowed. This is a near 30% increase. These figures combine to for a season 3.3 points scored for every point allowed.

Oklahoma allowed 18.3 points per game before their loss to Texas, and a whopping 29 points per game since the loss to Texas, almost a 40% increase in points scored against. The Gators on the other hand went from allowing 12.5 points per game before the loss to Ole Miss to allowing 13.0 points per game after the loss, less than a 5% increase.

The results as far as I am concerned? Sure, Oklahoma can put up big numbers consistently against teams like Texas A&M and Oklahoma State, but they also get scored on a lot, which translates into having a soft defense. What happens when they encounter a somewhat strong offense and a mediocre defense like the Longhorns? They lose. What happens when they encounter the Gators? Feeding time.

I am no mathematician, but I believe someone much more intelligent than I can combine these numbers with other variables, like strength of schedule, to find a sort of equation. I am positive this equation would show mathematic proof of exactly how badly we're going to tear apart the Oklahoma Sooners on January 8th.

Of course, in two days we wont need such an equation. The proof will be on the scoreboard for all to see. The proof will be the crystal football, held high in the hands of Tim Tebow, for all to see.

Two words:

Go Gators.


On the beat box: Bob Marley - Reaction