From 2001-2008 we had just 29 wins. Mullen had 33 wins in his 4 1/2 years. However, From 2001-2008 we were 4-26 against ranked teams. Mullen is 2-19 against ranked teams. I guess this just goes to prove the notion that Mullen beats the teams he is supposed to beat and loses to everyone else. Also, we've had much easier non-conference schedules since Mullen has been here, other than 2009.
Interesting stat Logan Lowery just tweeted
- Thread starter FlotownDawg
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I think a lot of coaches in America can do what Mullen has done, and who knows, maybe they wouldn't get blown off the field against the big boys.
So we played 30 ranked teams in those 8 years. And we have played 21 in Mullen's 4.5 years.
So the same stat also shows that Mullen has played tougher schedules. Just sayin.
So the same stat also shows that Mullen has played tougher schedules. Just sayin.
They're trying not to hurt his arm. Those 11 were probably on busted plays. But it goes to show that they can score without him rushing, at least against a team like Vanderbilt.
Here's a stat:
2002 through 2008 against the big 3 Alabama, Auburn, and LSU MState was outscored 669-205 or 32-10 each of those games
from 2009 through 2013 LSU game against same 3 MState has been outscored 438-229 or 27-16
2002 through 2008 against the big 3 Alabama, Auburn, and LSU MState was outscored 669-205 or 32-10 each of those games
from 2009 through 2013 LSU game against same 3 MState has been outscored 438-229 or 27-16
According to the source I used the breakdown is 2001-2008 the average rank of the ranked teams played is 12.37 and a SOS of 33.5.
2009-today it is a rank of 10.33 and SOS of 30.
The final breakdown that was already alluded to and may make difference is during 2001-2008 we averaged playing 3.75 ranked teams per year. Under Mullen it has been 4.67. Going by his record against unranked opponents (31-6 if I figured correctly) he would have gained .771 extra wins per year. Or in other words his record should be about 36 - 22 for a .620 win percentage.
I disagree the numbers show we are better over the last 4.5 years. If nothing else the record against non-ranked opponents is much much better. It's the play against stronger teams that needs to improve.
Since Mullen's first year in 2009 all of the National Champions have come out of the SEC West. If Bama does what I think they'll do this year, every NC since Mullen has been our coach would have been from our division of the toughest league in America...
As far as winning 4 games over ranked teams from 2001-2008. Nobody took us serious. It was easy to overlook a Croom team. I do believe the other coaches and players in the conference respect is more now.
Also those 4 wins were to Florida causing Zook being fired, a Kentucky team who ended up losing 4 of their last 5 to finish the year 8-5, Saban's first year at Bama then they lost to ULM the next week(I think that's right) and Vanderbilt in Crooms last year who ended the year 7-6 after we handed them their first loss.
Usually the win column***. The more team wins usually the less those type complaints are heard. I know what you mean though. The play on the field doesn't always show up in stats. It just interesting that the record against ranked teams is not necessarily just a Mullen issue. He has corrected the problems against weak teams and usually that has to do with effort and focus.
You are right that teams appear to be playing harder when things are going well. Whether one sees great effort and heart is often subjective and influenced both by the observer's preconceived notions.