Is Point Differential a Valid Stat?

[tampajag]

my issue with point differential is that it doesn't take into account coaching style. When you look at a score at face value you don't get the full measure of how a team plays. If team a wins a game 24-7 (and pretty much shuts down the other team) and team b wins their game 42-14, most people would think team b is better. We used to have that problem alot at Southern, the coaches sat on leads as long as the score was comfortable for the defense. In comparison you had teams like Grambling and Jackson State that would blow out those same teams. And to most people those teams seemed better. But when we played those two teams we always won, usually by a nice margin.

[FWJack]

CM, I don't think point differential can be a factor given the situation you listed. I believe it can be a valid stat when used to compare teams with common opponents ie. if TXST had played Lamar you might draw comparisons/conclusions about the differences between SFA & TXST.

I tend to agree. I imagine SFA will have larger margins in conference, so comparing point differentials there would be ok with me.
I wonder when, if ever, the SLC had to go to this, because we all play each other and, therefore, someone wins the head-to-head, they have never had to.

Good point CM. I don't think the SLC has gone to this. It may be some tie braker way on down the line, but I think your right. We all play each other and you will have a head to head winner. So, looking back at my first comment, I would adjust it to say, the point differential stat probably means more when comparing two teams not in the same conference that have common opponents.

[FWJack]

my issue with point differential is that it doesn't take into account coaching style. When you look at a score at face value you don't get the full measure of how a team plays. If team a wins a game 24-7 (and pretty much shuts down the other team) and team b wins their game 42-14, most people would think team b is better. We used to have that problem alot at Southern, the coaches sat on leads as long as the score was comfortable for the defense. In comparison you had teams like Grambling and Jackson State that would blow out those same teams. And to most people those teams seemed better. But when we played those two teams we always won, usually by a nice margin.

Yeah, your right tampajag. This is why I think point diff is a valid stat but not the only or most important. Common sense applies.

[SDHornet]

What a terrible thread to stumble upon while drunk and early in the morning. I thought this was about point spreads and their relation to gambling.