How the numbers show that the Tennessee Vols have the greatest college baseball team of all-time
The Tennessee Volunteers are running on all cylinders on the diamond. Tony Vitello and the Vols are easily the most balanced team in the nation, and it isn't particularly close right now. It is still early, but how do the analytics project this team? According to the Massey Ratings, they are the best college baseball team […]
The Tennessee Volunteers are running on all cylinders on the diamond. Tony Vitello and the Vols are easily the most balanced team in the nation, and it isn't particularly close right now.
It is still early, but how do the analytics project this team? According to the Massey Ratings, they are the best college baseball team ever as of now. The Vols have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 298-62. Massey's database ranks their offense third and their pitching/defense first in the country. The projections give them a winning percentage of at least 67% in every single game remaining on their schedule. Now, of course, they won't win every single one of those games. They'll win a vast majority of them if they continue this level of play, though.
The Context
Massey Ratings uses an array of statistics and polls in order to create an assortment of analytics that balance every aspect of teams. At 28-1, the Vols have been dominant in about every facet. They give Tennessee's record a rating of 9.69 using their statistics. Virginia is in second with a rating of 9.19.
As for all-time ratings, the Vols sit atop those rankings with their rating. The second-ranked team is the 2020 UCLA club with a rating of 9.36. That was the season that was shortened by COVID-19, so we'll never know how the year would have turned out for the Bruins. The 2017 Oregon State team that went 56-6 is in third place with a rating of 9.35. That was arguably the most balanced roster and dominant team during the regular season in college baseball history. Even still, the Beavers' season ended in Omaha against LSU. Their 2018 College World Series champion team is the fourth-best team ever, according to the Massey Ratings.
Anyone can see why the analytics are so high on the Vols. Their pitching has been borderline untouchable, and their lineup is insanely consistent. The talent is undeniable. Some are saying the team is peaking too early, but there aren't any signs that they will slow up anytime soon. Even the greatest SEC teams in college baseball history have had their slip-ups, though, so don't fret too much if the Vols have an off weekend here and there during conference play.
As for now, Vols fans, y'all can say that this Tennessee baseball team is analytically the best ever based on one source. It'll be exciting to watch this season unfold in Knoxville. There's plenty of ball left, but this has been a historic start for them.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
