…and FPI are not great. It’s only three games in, so more games/data will be important. But our defensive efficiency is at a pretty mediocre 73rd ranking (offense 34th). Timely and plus turnovers have really helped us and while that is partly due to scheme, not sure it’ll be sustainable. And we face three good offenses in Baylor, Virginia, and USU coming up. I’m not too worried about USF, but those three games, and USC of course, could be challenging if our defense doesn’t get better.

ESPN also has us way down ranked at 47th in their FPI. A description of FPI is at the bottom of the linked page, but it uses that data and simulations to predict going forward. It predicts we’ll end up at 9-3. I think that’s fair. That’s a little disappointing right now sitting at 3-0, but if you asked me a month ago if you’d take 9-3 and a win over your rival this year I would have been excited about that.

Edit: I’m not complaining, and glad we’re at 3-0! Just have a little doubt about whether we are good or great based on the numbers so far. But it’s early.