How Analytics Are Changing the Game in College Football
Episode Description
ABOUT THE EPISODE Steven Godfrey, columnist at The Washington Post and cohost of multiple college football podcasts, joins Cade Massey, Eric Bradlow, and Adi Wyner to discuss the growing role of analytics in shaping how fans, coaches, and media interpret the sport, offering insights into decision-making, fan culture, and the changing landscape of college football. Cade, Eric, and Adi also explore under-the-radar college football matchups, the evolving storylines of the US Open including Naomi Osaka’s return, rare achievements in Major League Baseball, and the start of the NFL season.
ABOUT THE PODCAST Sports is a game of numbers. Wharton experts Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, Cade Massey, and Adi Wyner team up to tackle the world of sports, from current events to longstanding issues such as: What sports streaks are the most impressive? How do you rank the best players? Can athletes be compared across sports? Moneyball Highlights explains how decision-makers in the game can avoid the common mistakes and embrace the data. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School.
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Brief Summary
Stephen Godfrey discusses college football analytics, coaching strategies, and player performance metrics on Wharton Moneyball.
Key points
- Guest Stephen Godfrey Joins. Stephen Godfrey, a favorite guest, discusses college football and analytics.
- The Importance of Translation. Discussing the challenge of translating complex analytics into layman's terms.
- The Intensity of College Football. The atmosphere at college games can shift dramatically, from hospitable to intense.
- The Future of NCAA Regulations. Discussion on the evolving landscape of college sports and NIL regulations.
- An Unpredictable Season Ahead. Experts predict a season filled with surprises and competitive balance.
- Djokovic's Challenging Path. At age 38, Djokovic faces a tough road to victory, needing to beat top players.
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Episode highlights
- Guest Stephen Godfrey JoinsStephen Godfrey, a favorite guest, discusses college football and analytics.“Thanks for having me, guys. I’m very excited to add nothing to mathematical conversation whatsoever.”1:31Sep 16, 2025
- The Importance of TranslationDiscussing the challenge of translating complex analytics into layman's terms.“It’s the hardest thing... translating the work that I do which can be technical.”2:36Sep 16, 2025
- The Intensity of College FootballThe atmosphere at college games can shift dramatically, from hospitable to intense.“It was intense. It was almost a professionalized college crowd.”17:41Sep 16, 2025
- The Future of NCAA RegulationsDiscussion on the evolving landscape of college sports and NIL regulations.“Water rises to meet its level and I don’t think we’re there yet.”28:27Sep 16, 2025
- An Unpredictable Season AheadExperts predict a season filled with surprises and competitive balance.“This season does seem to be shaping up to be one of the more open, interesting, unpredictable seasons.”29:49Sep 16, 2025
- Djokovic's Challenging PathAt age 38, Djokovic faces a tough road to victory, needing to beat top players.“If Djokovic wins this major at age 38...”35:18Sep 16, 2025
- Naomi Osaka's Quarterfinal Undefeated RecordNaomi Osaka has never lost a major after reaching the quarterfinals, boasting an undefeated record.“I am undefeated in majors when I make it to the quarterfinals.”37:32Sep 16, 2025
- Venus Williams' Doubles ComebackAt age 45, Venus Williams reaches the quarterfinals in doubles, showcasing her enduring talent.“Venus is in the final eight at doubles at age 45.”38:45Sep 16, 2025





