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          Man vs. metric: Two views on each top 25 team's toughest game

          AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser
          • Sharon Katz
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            Sharon Katz
            ESPN Analytics
            • Analytics writer at ESPN
            • Former dual-sport collegiate athlete
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          • Mark Schlabach
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            Mark Schlabach
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Senior college football writer
            • Author of seven books on college football
            • Graduate of the University of Georgia
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          Aug 24, 2016, 09:00 AM ET

          This story was adapted from ESPN The Magazine's Aug. 22 College Football Preview Issue. Subscribe today!

          It's the eternal sports debate: What matters more, the eye test or the analytics?

          Here's an answer: both.

          ESPN senior writer Mark Schlabach and Stats & Information analytics writer Sharon Katz took a look at the single toughest game for each ESPN preseason top 25 team through the eyes and FPI -- or, as we're calling it, Man vs. Metric. (For a full description of FPI, please scroll to the bottom.)