If there is one thing that the writers at bleacher report struggle with, it's the art of being unbiased. It really is a tough thing to do. We all love sports and if you are writing on this website, then you really love them. There's even a section for your "favorite" teams.
As we all know, college football is fast approaching and all the predictions are coming out! We love predictions. There's not a better feeling than seeing your team at the top before the season has started.
I have found though that writers on this website struggle with not putting their team at the top. So, when making my own predictions I decided to conduct a science experiment. Would my predictions out of a hat defeat the predictions of many on this site? There's only one way to find out!
So I put all of the SEC West teams in a hat. I didn't stop there though—I also put every final record possible in the hat (I stopped at 3-9...surely we can all win at least three games this season).
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So here are the rules: To make everything purely chance, I will draw a team name and then immediately draw a record. That will be that team's final record. Everyone on the same page? Good.
Without further adieu: My "unbiased" prediction
The SEC West Standings
1. Auburn 11-2
2. Ole Miss 10-3
3. Arkansas 9-4
4. LSU 7-6
5. Miss St. 6-6
6. Alabama 5-7
Ok, now I have some explaining to do. Wouldn't you know it...my "unbiased" experiment turned out to look like the most biased thing I could have done as Auburn is in first and Alabama is in last. Unreal. I am going to do this again to make sure that this is the correct prediction.
Second Attempt at the SEC West Standings
1. Auburn 13-0
2. Miss St 10-3
3. Alabama 9-4
4. Ole Miss 7-6
5. LSU 6-6
6. Arkansas 3-9
SIGH...I swear that I am honestly drawing them out of a hat! You can't even look unbiased by pulling teams and records out of a hat! Ok, last time and then I will take the average.
Third and Final Attempt at the SEC West Standings
1. Miss St. 13-0
2. Arkansas 12-1
3. Alabama 9-4
4. Ole Miss 8-5
5. Auburn 6-6
6. LSU 4-8
That's more like it. Ok, now to take an average and this will be my final SEC West Prediction!
The SEC WEST FINAL STANDINGS
1. Auburn - 10-3
1. Miss St - 10-3
3. Arkansas - 8-5
3. Alabama - 8-5
3. Ole Miss - 8-5
6. LSU - 6-7
My hat apparently didn't like LSU. My hat apparently didn't watch last season. My point of this article was to show that you can find bias in anything. I am sure some of you are doubting how Auburn ended up No. 1 and I am an Auburn fan.
Oh well, there's your predictions. I wouldn't take them to the bank.
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about 1 month ago
Excellent stuff Mr. Chanandler Bong!
about 1 month ago
For 2008, this is probably the best way to predict a winner.
about 1 month ago
"My hat apparently didn't like LSU."
That's b/c there's only one "Hat" in the SEC. ;)
fun read.
about 1 month ago
This was quite good. And that's a good hat, liking Auburn as much as it does.
about 1 month ago
In order to get a truly unbiased opinion, you should probably try the same experiment with other articles of clothing. How about using a jockstrap, a bathing suit and a pair of parachute pants? (Coincidentally, that was the outfit I wore to my wedding.)
about 1 month ago
One of Auburn's losses will come in Morgantown.
about 1 month ago
That's some great analysis! I really enjoyed reading this article. I think all these columnists pick out of hats too. Or they just pick the best team from last year. I feel pre-season predictions and rankings are way overrated. I think your approach is about as good as any. What about the East Mr. Howard??
about 1 month ago
That was far beyond stupid and an utter waste of time. That being said, it is kind of funny to see LSU picked to finish 6th in the West.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the feedback Chad! It's great to have smart, articulate Alabama fans on this site! That being said, nice use of the word "utter". 7 is coming soon.
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