Point Differential...

[CookieMonster.sixpack]

Here are our point differentials under Mullen (SEC games only)

2009 (3-5): -8.1 (Went 2-1 in games decided by a possession or less, had three blow out losses)
2010 (4-4): -2.8 (Five of our eight games were decided by eight or fewer and we went 3-2 in those contest)
2011 (2-6): -5.0 (Lost two close games to Auburn & South Carolina, every other game decided by double digits)
2012 (4-4): -2.6 (Won or lost every conference game by double digits, no close games)

Notice that in 2010 & 2012 (the years we won half of our conference game) our point differential was hovering just around -3.0. With given losses to LSU & Bama every year, we probably aren't ever going to be positive in that area, but getting it as close to zero as possible is the goal.

FYI, we've only played two SEC games so far but our point differential is (0-2) -18.5.

As you might or might not be able to see, when adding in the Auburn loss from 2013, we are actually 5-6 in close games under Mullen. Not bad. Not great either. (this list doesn't include the 2012 Tennessee 10 point win as I chose to define close as a possession or less).

The problem that I have with Mullen is not with the close games but the blowouts. We've been blown out 10 times in 5 and a quarter seasons. That's too many (And that does not include two 17 point losses: Alabama in 2011 & Ole Miss in 2012).

Not sure what my point is, but was just looking at it and thought I'd share.

 

[uptowndawg]

The problem with that 5-6 record on close games

Is that 4 of the 5 close games we won were against Bowling Green, Troy, La Tech, & UAB.

Those should not have been close games.

 

[RebelBruiser]

Haven't been on here in a while, but I saw this and thought I'd respond. Just the other day, I looked up Alabama's one possession games in the last 4 years (3 national titles obviously), and they were within a game of .500 I believe.

Point being, I don't think there is really a secret to closing out games. The secret is closing them out before the final possession. When you get in a one possession game, over time, most teams have their records fall around .500 in those games.

That's why it's silly to play the "if we won all our tight games, our record would be" game. You are going to go about .500 in those games. If you want to go 10-2, you better make sure 8 of your games aren't in doubt in the 4th.

 

[RocketDawg]

Here are our point differentials under Mullen (SEC games only)

2009 (3-5): -8.1 (Went 2-1 in games decided by a possession or less, had three blow out losses)
2010 (4-4): -2.8 (Five of our eight games were decided by eight or fewer and we went 3-2 in those contest)
2011 (2-6): -5.0 (Lost two close games to Auburn & South Carolina, every other game decided by double digits)
2012 (4-4): -2.6 (Won or lost every conference game by double digits, no close games)

Notice that in 2010 & 2012 (the years we won half of our conference game) our point differential was hovering just around -3.0. With given losses to LSU & Bama every year, we probably aren't ever going to be positive in that area, but getting it as close to zero as possible is the goal.

FYI, we've only played two SEC games so far but our point differential is (0-2) -18.5.

As you might or might not be able to see, when adding in the Auburn loss from 2013, we are actually 5-6 in close games under Mullen. Not bad. Not great either. (this list doesn't include the 2012 Tennessee 10 point win as I chose to define close as a possession or less).

The problem that I have with Mullen is not with the close games but the blowouts. We've been blown out 10 times in 5 and a quarter seasons. That's too many (And that does not include two 17 point losses: Alabama in 2011 & Ole Miss in 2012).

Not sure what my point is, but was just looking at it and thought I'd share.

One point though ... in a few of those blowout losses, we've been in the game for a long time, and in some cases up til the end. Last year, we had a real chance of winning the LSU game, but then had the interception and it was downhill from there. And that was near the end of the game. I think we were tied with the Bears last year at half, then fell apart. We should have been ahead of LSU at the half two weeks ago, then let them run down the field and score right before half and I don't think we scored again in the game ... but they did ... a lot.

Some of the blowouts have been due either to depth, or just totally losing desire at halftime. And failing to make halftime adjustments (which our opponents seem quite adept at).

 

[CookieMonster.sixpack]

Is that 4 of the 5 close games we won were against Bowling Green, Troy, La Tech, & UAB.

Those should not have been close games.

We are 5-6 in close SEC games. I didn't even consider any of our OOC schedule.

 

[johnson86-1]

One point though ... in a few of those blowout losses, we've been in the game for a long time, and in some cases up til the end. Last year, we had a real chance of winning the LSU game, but then had the interception and it was downhill from there.

We didn't have a chance to beat LSU. When they needed a stop to assure the win, their DL got motivated and destroyed our O-line.

 

[coach66]

He lives*

nm