Special Matchup
Posted by Brett Kincaid on November 22, 2011
I dare you to kick it to me.
I do not typically link to stories behind a paywall, but this is worth it. If you have an ESPN Insider account, you’ll be able to read this awesome breakdown of the Arkansas v. LSU special teams. Both have exceptional special teams units, a large reason both are ranked in the top 3 nationally going into this weekend. Brian Fremeau with Football Outsiders (a must-read side for stat geeks like me) provides the analysis.
Here is a sample:
In this weekend’s marquee matchup, the No. 1 LSU Tigers versus the No. 3 Arkansas Razorbacks, the spotlight will shine even brighter on special teams. The Tigers and Razorbacks each boast one of the top special teams units in the country according to our Football Outsiders metrics. Special teams efficiency (STE) is our combined measure of the field goal, kickoff, punt, kickoff return and punt return units of each team, based on field position and expected success rates.
Teams that have won the STE battle have won 64.7 percent of FBS games played to date. In 55 games this season (9.1 percent of FBS games), the value generated on special teams exceeded the difference between victory and defeat. That includes two of Arkansas’ victories (versus Texas A&M and Vanderbilt) and one of LSU’s victories (versus Alabama). On the season, LSU ranks fifth nationally in STE, earning 3.2 more points per game on special teams plays than an average team. Arkansas ranks 10th nationally, 2.4 points per game better than average.
I don’t typically advocate handing money over to The Mothership, but in this case it’s worth the expense. I think the ESPN Insider service costs $49.99 for a year, and it includes a subscription to ESPN The Magazine. Most of the ESPN.com stuff is formulaic, but the Insider material is usually pretty good. That’s probably because they contract out with people like Outsiders, Scout.com and AccuScore.
Also, if you’re a big baseball fan, the Buster Olney blog is a must. He will take Peter Gammons’s place as best writer in baseball once Gammons retires. Which will be 20-never…
7 Responses to “Special Matchup”
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Jim Gooch said
I’ve always wondered what exists beyond the free sample of an ESPN Insider article. But never enough to pay. Besides, all my money is tied up in football bets with easily offended middle aged men.
Brett Kincaid said
A lot of the Insider material is gambling related. Perhaps that will help you eventually win one of those bets.
Adam Butler said
I doubt it.
Jim Gooch said
You can have your pound of flesh next time you see me, Shylock.
Jim Gooch said
Do you take checks?
Adam Butler said
Straight cash, homey.
Adam Butler said
Please–no slurs on this board unless they are directed at Tebow or The Mississippi Coach.