Penn State vs Utah by the numbers

[ProudUte]

Points per game: PSU-36.8  Utah-40

Points allowed: PSU-18  Utah-20.4

Margin of difference: PSU-18.8  Utah 19.6

Yards per game: PSU-432  Utah-472

Yards given up: PSU-317  Utah 325

Difference: PSU-115  Utah-147

Strength of schedule: PSU-33  Utah 42

On paper, this looks like a very close matchup.  Penn State’s two losses are both to top-4 teams.  However, they do not have a top-25 win.  Utah has one bad loss to Florida but has two top-ten wins and another top-25 win.  I think defense may be the key to this game.  Both teams have very good defenses.

I am looking forward to a great game on January 2nd.

Go Utes!!!

[D T]

Sagarin ranks our SOS #40 & theirs #45….Their best win was at unranked Purdue, 35-31.

[dystopiamembrane]

Massey’s algorithm ranks Penn State’s strength of schedule (played games) at 19th, Utah’s at 32nd.

Penn State’s schedule includes the following wins.
#21 Minnesota 45-17 Home
#29 Purdue 35-31 Away
#36 Maryland 30-0 Home
#43 Auburn 41-12 Away
#48 Michigan State 35-16 Home

 

[D T]

You’re the only person I’ve ever come across who references Massey….Most people reference Sagarin for SOS & that’s the one I’ll stick with.

[dystopiamembrane]

I respect your decision. 

[CityCreekUte]

3. Alabama –poor Nick
8. Texas — wow I don’t understand this one.
9. KSU / 10. TCU Weird to see a team you beat 2x above you.