Bullaholic
11-10-2010, 11:53 AM
I like to talk about the matchup factor every year during the playoffs. The coaches that I talk with seem to talk about their matchups a lot when evaluating opponents. Even though we have records, polls, and common opponents to evaluate playoff games, I think the biggest single factor is how the teams matchup offensively and defensively. For example, if team "A" has an outstanding passing attack and team "B" has an outstanding secondary, then chances are Team 'A" will not be able to score as much and as often as they have done in the past. This could result in a close game on the scoreboard, barring even nos. of mistakes. If however, there is a gross mis-match of any units of either team, then one team will generally have the upper hand over the other in the game.
I know I am stating the obvious, but I think it is very important to note how dramatic the "matchup" factor is in highschool football. The matchup factor is not nearly as dramatic in college, and practically non-existent in the pros because the skills of the units and players are so even. It boils down to largely the "mistake" factor there.
It is so hard to talk about teams in the playoffs who you have never seen because there is no way you can get an accurate "feel" for how well they may matchup with a given opponent.
I know I am stating the obvious, but I think it is very important to note how dramatic the "matchup" factor is in highschool football. The matchup factor is not nearly as dramatic in college, and practically non-existent in the pros because the skills of the units and players are so even. It boils down to largely the "mistake" factor there.
It is so hard to talk about teams in the playoffs who you have never seen because there is no way you can get an accurate "feel" for how well they may matchup with a given opponent.