[Griffins78]

how does Sagarin's computer assign any numbers to any team with no data?

That is a VERY good question. Doesn't make any sense. If there is historical data (from previous years) built into the model to give it an initial ranking then it undermines the credibility of the rankings when there is better data based on games played this year. If it incorporates data on returning players then it also undermines the credibility of the rankings when there is better data based on games played.

[Griffins78]

how does Sagarin's computer assign any numbers to any team with no data?

That is a VERY good question. Doesn't make any sense. If there is historical data (from previous years) built into the model to give it an initial ranking then it undermines the credibility of the rankings when there is better data based on games played this year. If it incorporates data on returning players then it also undermines the credibility of the rankings when there is better data based on games played.