PPA vs EPA
Both are points-based efficiency ideas. PPA is the CFBD-provided predicted-points value CFBTrack consumes, while EPA is commonly described as the change in expected points before and after a play.
Advanced Metrics
What is Predicted Points Added (PPA) in college football?
PPA
In college football, Predicted Points Added means: CFBD's points-based efficiency value per play, commonly abbreviated PPA. It is commonly calculated as Average play-level PPA for per-play team metrics.
Quick Answer
In college football, Predicted Points Added means: CFBD's points-based efficiency value per play, commonly abbreviated PPA. It is commonly calculated as Average play-level PPA for per-play team metrics.
Definition
Predicted Points Added is CFBD's source-provided points-based efficiency value. CFBTrack uses the published CFBD advanced-stat aggregates such as average PPA per play and total PPA; it does not recreate the underlying play-level model.
Formula
Average play-level PPA for per-play team metrics
Example
A positive offensive average PPA means the offense is adding points-based value per play on average.
How to Interpret It
Read PPA directionally as an efficiency metric. Higher offensive PPA is better, while lower defensive PPA allowed is usually better.
Common Comparisons
How CFB Track Uses It
CFBTrack displays CFBD-provided PPA fields in advanced team stats and uses glossary context to clarify that the underlying play-level model is source-provided.
Caveats
- The play-level PPA model is source-provided by CFBD; CFBTrack verifies mapping, aggregation scale, and display.
Related Glossary Terms
Expected Points AddedEPA estimates how much a play changed a team's expected points.EPA Per PlayTotal EPA divided by total plays.Adjusted EfficiencyAn efficiency metric modified for context such as opponent strength, game location, tempo, garbage time, or game state.Adjusted Yards Per AttemptA passing efficiency stat that adjusts yards per attempt for touchdowns and interceptions.Air YardsThe yards a pass travels from the line of scrimmage to the catch point or target point.Average Depth of TargetAverage air yards per target.
Related CFB Track Pages
Last reviewed 2026-04-24