Episode Details

In the world of advanced analytics, Bill Connelly's SP+ model is one of the most respected, and its resume rankings often provide a different perspective than traditional polls. While there's no record of a specific tweet by Bill Connelly claiming the Big 12 has three playoff teams based on resume alone, the SP+ rankings themselves do show that the Big 12 has a legitimate case for multiple teams to make the expanded College Football Playoff.

Connelly's SP+ is a predictive system that measures a team's efficiency on a play-by-play basis, adjusting for tempo and opponent. The "resume" aspect of the ranking takes into account a team's on-field results, giving more credit for dominant wins over strong opponents. Given the Big 12's strong start to the season, it's very plausible that the model would favor its top teams.

The Big 12's Top Contenders in SP+

Based on the recent SP+ rankings, the Big 12 has several teams in a strong position:

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders have been a surprise, with their high-powered offense and improved defense. Their early-season dominance has likely given them a significant boost in the SP+ ratings. The model would be impressed with their high-scoring affairs, as it often rewards offensive efficiency.

Utah: The Utes have also impressed the model with their strong start. Their convincing road victory over UCLA, a Big Ten team, would be a major resume builder. The SP+ system would likely view this as a high-quality win, even if the AP Poll wasn't as impressed.

Iowa State: The Cyclones' dramatic win over their rival Iowa, combined with their 3-0 start, has likely caught the attention of the SP+ model. Winning a close, low-scoring game against a quality opponent can be a sign of a team's grit and overall efficiency, which the model would value.

BYU: The Cougars have also been dominant in their early games, and the SP+ model tends to be high on them due to their talent and coaching stability. While their resume might not be as strong as Utah's yet, their on-field dominance would be a factor.

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