We're tough to evaluate....

We love Football Outsiders. It's a breathe of fresh air & an oasis of interesting thoughts on football both college & professional. No other place that we know of does as much work with statistical analysis, a fact that should warm any true Tech fan's heart. This is a football site for the geek in us all. All hail the Outsiders! So it was very interesting to read this post on what teams are difficult for the pro's to scout. Guess who's number 1? You got it, we are. Our spread option makes it very difficult for the NFL to determine if players succeed on their own merit or are products of the system. It's an interesting question & one that may not ever be properly answered; the football version of which came first, the chicken or the egg. Even success or failure at the next level doesn't take into account the circumstances surrounding that players success or failure (teammates, scheme, roster composition, schedule, etc...). What did pique my interest is the four other teams we're grouped with as hard to evaluate: USC, Iowa, Texas, & Florida. Those teams are perennial powers & boast 5 of the last 10 National Championships. Very interesting indeed. It's certainly hard to argue that we have much less natural talent than 3 of those squads on a consistent basis (Florida, USC, & Texas). So is our scheme that much of an equalizer? Or do we have more talent than we give ourselves credit for? Whatever the reason, I hope we can ascend to the heights of those schools on the playing field. The company we're keeping is a sign of things to come......

(h/t Doc Saturday)