Marshall has 5th Biggest Homefield Advantage

[riflearm2]

I haven't looked into how this was conducted too much, but based on the initial explanation, it is a more logical approach than simply home record. It lists the Herd as having the fifth biggest homefield advantage in the country.

Who is #1? Conference partner North Texas.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/who-has...field-advantage-1441405838?mod=trending_now_2

 

[banker6796]

Well, based on the article, it appears that UNT sucks on the road, but sucks less than expected at home based on their road suckage.

 

[GK4Herd]

Rice is #7.

 

[riflearm2]

Well, based on the article, it appears that UNT sucks on the road, but sucks less than expected at home based on their road suckage.

Yes, though not perfect, it's a more logical look at homefield performance and advantage than simply win/loss record.

 

[dshoe123]

Well that may be the best argument for the old line; "You can make statistics say just about anything you want them to say...." And perhaps the dumbest study conclusions I have ever seen in sports. While Wisconsin and Marshall do have great home field advantages..................In my career, I've been on most every campus that plays major college sports (and many minor ones too). I'd assume Rice's advantage comes from playing in a practice like environment..... NO fans in a huge facility. North Texas has a really nice stadium, but home field advantage? I think they have a losing record or at least near .500 in their new park.

Really now!?!?!?!!??!

 

[ThunderCat98]

That article is absurd.

 

[Herdstruck]

Well that may be the best argument for the old line; "You can make statistics say just about anything you want them to say...." And perhaps the dumbest study conclusions I have ever seen in sports. While Wisconsin and Marshall do have great home field advantages..................In my career, I've been on most every campus that plays major college sports (and many minor ones too). I'd assume Rice's advantage comes from playing in a practice like environment..... NO fans in a huge facility. North Texas has a really nice stadium, but home field advantage? I think they have a losing record or at least near .500 in their new park.

Really now!?!?!?!!??!

I actually agree...I think the lack of atmosphere throws people off...they take the games less seriosuly, and it often gives Rice (who is used to nobody showing up) the advantage.

 

[banker6796]

While not in the way it is traditionally looked at, the way the article looks at HFA is most likely much more meaningful. The advantage your team has at home is really nothing more than the delta between home and road performance. What causes that advantage is not material.

As far as UNT and their .500 record at home indicates no advantage, look at it in the extreme. Let's say you have a team that goes 0-50 at home losing every game by 1 points. The same team goes 0-50 on the road, but loses every game by 50 points. Although they have identical home and road records, it's obvious that they do benefit greatly, i.e. have an advantage, by playing at home. The reason behind that in not considered in the analysis.

 

[riflearm2]

Exactly, banker.

Assume every single team except for north Texas loses by 30 at Alabama. North Texas loses at Alabama by 50.

Assume every single team including north Texas loses to Alabama at home by 10.

That shows that north Texas elevates its play at home better than any other team.