Badgers are efficient - here is the graph to prove it

Yesterday I got an email from Kyle Jen, who writes an outstanding blog focusing on Michigan State athletics - Spartans Weblog. Kyle has a way with statistics, and emailed a group of Big Ten bloggers (yes, there is such a group; we have a union) about graphs available in a post titled "Conference Season Review, Polynomial-Based Trendline Style."

I know what you're thinking: Tappa, I already did my own polynomial-based trendline graph. But read the post anyway. The key takeaway for Badger fans is this graph.


In layman's terms, the graph breaks down offensive and defensive efficiency as determined by points scored and allowed per 100 possessions. Even some college hoops fans have likely seen something like this, but Kyle takes it a step further with a smooth line showing how teams trended over the course of the Big Ten season.

In even less layman's terms: both our offense and defense are getting consistently better. Thus Kyle's comment ('frightening' is a good thing if you're a Badger fan):

"This graph is very, very frightening. The only consolation is that none of their final six games were against one of the other three NCAA Tournament locks."

Well, one of the Badgers' last six was against MSU, which should be a lock, but the point is well-taken. Read the post and see what the other Big Ten teams' graphs look like, it's enlightening.

Here's hoping the blue line keeps going up and the red going down for Wisconsin.