As others have pointed out PSU has lost their five games by a total of 22 points (4,2,9,4,3). All but one of those is obviously one score.
I’m just as frustrated with this season as everyone else, but I don’t think (despite all the specific criticisms that can be made) that PSU is THAT far away.
In all of those one score games you can point to a singular play that, if made, PSU wins.
So I would argue that PSU is four PLAYS away from being in the Big Ten Championship game this coming weekend. FOUR PLAYS.
I fully agreed that championship teams make those singular plays that win those games, but would also postulate that there is a certain amount of randomness (luck?) involved in college football and sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way.
But I would also argue that it is much, much better to be one play away from a win than being blown out.
Here is some historical perspective.
Number of games lost by more than one score
2021 1
2020 3
2019 1
2018 1
2017 0
2016 1
2015 4
2014 2
Number of games lost by 14+
2021 0
2020 2
2019 0
2018 1
2017 0
2016 1
2015 3
2014 2
In terms of one score games lost, Franklin has been pretty consistent (post-sanctions, non-covid) of having his teams in striking distance of winning every game.
Just some actual data/food for thought.
I’m just as frustrated with this season as everyone else, but I don’t think (despite all the specific criticisms that can be made) that PSU is THAT far away.
In all of those one score games you can point to a singular play that, if made, PSU wins.
So I would argue that PSU is four PLAYS away from being in the Big Ten Championship game this coming weekend. FOUR PLAYS.
I fully agreed that championship teams make those singular plays that win those games, but would also postulate that there is a certain amount of randomness (luck?) involved in college football and sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way.
But I would also argue that it is much, much better to be one play away from a win than being blown out.
Here is some historical perspective.
Number of games lost by more than one score
2021 1
2020 3
2019 1
2018 1
2017 0
2016 1
2015 4
2014 2
Number of games lost by 14+
2021 0
2020 2
2019 0
2018 1
2017 0
2016 1
2015 3
2014 2
In terms of one score games lost, Franklin has been pretty consistent (post-sanctions, non-covid) of having his teams in striking distance of winning every game.
Just some actual data/food for thought.