I ran across an interesting article on SI.com (link to article - http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/andy_staples/01/23/recruiting.economics/index.html) on a college football recruiting prediction model developed by three economists while they were doctoral students at Florida State (link to model - http://ssbea.mercer.edu/recruiting.htm#Astute). These dismal scientists are, of course, die hard football fans -- two are FSU fans and the other one likes to burn couches. Of particular interest was the prediction that Julio Jones would commit to Alabama. The model has been particularly good at predicting the decisions of the top players, so I hold out hope for continued accuracy. Unfortunately, the model does not have much good news beyond Julio. Jerrell Harris, Alonzo Lawrence, T.J. Bryant, Mark Ingram and William Green are predicted to choose other schools over Alabama.
Also of note, the model was 64% accurate in predicting the commitments for recruits that have already verbally committed to Alabama. The model incorrectly predicted the commitments of Burton Scott (Auburn), Mark Barron (Auburn), Barrett Jones (Florida), and Destin Hood (Auburn).


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