re: Why doesn’t transitive property work?

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Why doesn’t transitive property work?

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The context of each game, variables from weather to player energy/prep/mistakes/successes, and matchups all matter. It is literally called a game of inches for a reason. A few plays made or missed here or there could have major impacts to the outcome and momentum.

Even two talented, evenly-matched teams can have drastically different outcomes from one game to the next against each other. Just look at the history of CFB matches in the same season or to the NFL.

The outcomes against common opponents have even less bearing as a predictor of a future match between the teams that played that common opponent.

There is a complexity and level of dynamism inherent in all human activity that makes it uncertain. While the %s may show a favorite, the teams still get a vote, so it's why they play the games.