The old "stats vs. eye test" argument usually comes down to one common conclusion: you've got to use both.
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One of the former BCS computer polls shows the perils of only using one of those.
The Massey Ratings are a former BCS computer poll compiled by respected statistician Kenneth Massey. His ratings are usually a solid measure, but with only half of the season completed so far, you can end up with weird things like Miami ranked No. 3 ahead of Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, and TCU.
By Massey's ratings, Miami is bolstered by their wins over Florida State and Georgia Tech, who are both ranked in the Top 20 of the composite despite two losses on their records. Of course, Miami didn't exactly "look pretty" in either of those games, but the win column is a little more valuable than the "look pretty" column.
Miami also has convincing wins over Toledo and Duke, both of whom are better teams this season than their name value has led you to believe in the past.
Not every computer poll is so high on the Hurricanes, though. The Sagarin Ratings, another former BCS Poll, have Miami ranked as 15th. The ESPN Football Power Index, not a former BCS poll but still a oft-used set of ratings, also has Miami ranked as 15th. Funnily enough, both polls have Florida State ranked one spot ahead of Miami.
Of course, this will all play out on the field eventually. Miami still has games against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech on the schedule, and if they win out, there is still the ACC Championship Game to worry about.
[H/T CFB Reddit]
