Advanced analytics transform the way college baseball teams strategize and put together their rosters. Mississippi State, for example, was the first collegiate program to adopt sports analytics software, and they won the World Series shortly after. This was MSU's first ever NCAA national championship in any sport — and the insights gleaned from analytics surely played a role in it. At least 55 more schools have since followed in MSU’s data-driven footsteps, including the Teneessee Volunteers who won in 2024. As analytics provide deep insights into all aspects of player performance, teams now have the data needed to give them the edge over the competition on game day.
Analytics give coaches the advantage
Through analytics platforms, coaches can access valuable data that helps them prepare for the upcoming season. For example, if a coach wants to find out how batters from the opposite team fare against the shift, or, alternatively, what pitch types are most often thrown by the rival pitcher, analytics tells them in an instant. A player's performance against left- and right-handed batters can also be contrasted, as well as when they throw their best strikes. These insights allow coaches to tweak their strategy to strengthen the team’s overall performance.
Explosive play margin: a pivotal statistic
Analytics can also deliver insights into explosive play margin — defined as rushes of 12+ yards and passes of 16+, and, specifically, who has more of them. According to the New York Times, this stat usually always determines which team wins the game. To highlight this, data from analytics provider, TruMedia, shows that teams with an explosive play margin of ten+ typically have a winning record of 10-1. Conversely, those with a margin of -ten or more have a record of 0-1.
The Georgia Bulldogs recent win over the Kentucky Wildcats is a great example of this dynamic. Although Kentucky had the most yards (284 vs. 262), the Bulldogs racked up five explosive plays in the game’s second half. Kentucky, on the other hand, was blocked much of the time and only able to achieve just the one explosive play. They ultimately lost the game. Indeed, Georgia has developed numerous successful players that have gone onto have professional baseball careers over the years, so their stats are certainly ones to be emulated. And, according to the data, explosive plays should be prioritized if team’s want to win.
Players research the opposition
Coaches also usually give players access to analytics platforms to help them research the competition. TruMedia, for example, shows video footage — so, if a hitter wants to see what count the opposite pitcher usually throws at, relevant videos are instantly available. Alternatively, Trackman— an advanced system that tracks ball trajectory via Doppler radar — provides complete scouting reports on players. Around ninety variables are tracked, including pitching and hitting data, so players can know exactly what they’re up against.
Analytics is set to transform college baseball strategies and make it easier for teams to beat the competition. Data-driven insights into virtually all aspects of the game are generated in an instant, so players and coaches can analyze player performance and perfect their own strategies.
