In our book, “Who Will Win the Big Game?,” we studied factors related to sports psychology that might help predict the winner of the Super Bowl. The results are based on every Super Bowl starting in January 1967, or forty-four games. With an eye towards key concepts of sport psychology, as well as statistical analysis that attempts to identify factors that are as independent from one another as possible, five key statistical factors were identified. These statistics are related to principles of sport psychology like experience, leadership, error control and consistency. So important are these concepts to winning championships that they have proven to be common themes across all major sports. Last year these factors accurately predicted a Saints’ victory over the Colts.
Jay Granat and Carlton Chin study and quantify championship characteristics related to sport psychology. They are particularly interested in qualities that are more readily coached, taught, and practiced.
The entire article can be found at NYTimes.com: (entire link below)
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/keeping-score-which-stats-can-predict-a-super-bowl-winner/
With Djokovich winning the championship at the Australian Open, our blog's "quant fact" predictions have compiled a 20-10 record -- often picking underdogs to win major championships.
We'll have more Super Bowl info on our blog over the next few days.
