Well, they are 3-3, but that includes a loss at OSU and a loss to a very good Boise game. They had a shot to win @OSU and made a decent showing against Boise. They probably should have beaten Syracuse, yet that was probably their worst performance of the 3 games. In the MAC, they have smoked a very good Temple team and a very non-good EMU team.
How many seniors and juniors on the two-deep?
24. They start 8 seniors on defense and 5 on offense.
Page is 6th in receptions per game and 11th in punt returns, along with 5th in all-purpose yards.
What is their turnover ratio?
They are 7th in the nation with +1.5 per game. That's an outstanding number for the second year in a row, which is something that often does not happen.
Offense:
How is their QB Play?
It is pretty good. Beckman seems pretty set on the 2-QB thing, which people on the internet are sure, IN CAPITAL LETTERS, can never work, but I'm not of the opinion that there is anything that can never work. If nothing else, they are harder to prepare for. Dantin is 23rd in FBS in efficiency while Owens is 43rd...that's a pretty good combo.
What is their scoring and yards per play?
They are 3rd in the MAC with 35 points per game and tied for third with 5.9 yards per play.
Can they run the ball?
This is not the team's strongest point, as they average 4.2 yards per carry, which is tied for 6th in the MAC. On the other hand, the team they are tied with is WMU, and they ran on us like the 1975 Sooners, so the run game is not a given. Their top TB is injured, but UT always has depth at this position.
They do. They are 3rd in the MAC in passing efficiency. They complete 67% of their passes for 11.7 yards per reception, a very potent combination. Their 15/3 TD/INT ratio is also excellent.
How is their run/pass balance?
It is very solid. They are effective running and passing, and run on 52% of their plays.
Do they convert on 3rd Down?
3rd in the MAC, 46.7%. They are also 6-10 on 4th down.
They are earning 3.8 red zone trips per game, which is just slightly above average. They score 5 points per trip, which is a little above average.
Do they protect the quarterback?
They allow sacks on only 4.2% of their passing attempts, which is very good.
Defense:
Topline: Scoring and yards per play.
5th in scoring defense and 4th in yards per play. Apparently, they are not healthy, but they have been very solid defensively and shut down Temple.
Very effectively...3.6 yards per carry, they are 3rd in the MAC. As with all BG games, this is test #1.
Could they be passed on?
This is the weaker part of their game. They are 8th in the MAC in pass efficiency defense, allowing 64% completions (12th in MAC) and over 12 yards per completion. In fairness, they did play Kellen Moore--and EMU and Temple. Anyway, BG will need to pass on them, but if we can't run, then I would worry we won't be able to pass.
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They are 37% on 3rd down, which is 5th in the MAC.
Do they defend in the red zone?
They have only allowed 19 red zone trips in six games, which is excellent. However, they have allowed 17 scores and that works out to 5 points a trip, which is below average.
Do they pressure the QB?
They get sacks on 4.4% of the passing attempts, which is relatively low.
Special Teams:
Punting?
They are 11th in the MAC in net punting. However, 8 of their 32 punts have been inside the 20, which can bring your average down.
Punt Return?
Page is 2nd in the MAC. The team has a whole averages 17 yards and has a TD. They are best in the MAC and it isn't close. We're going to need some of those rolling Schmeidebusch specials.
Placekicking?
Casano is accurate, he is 7 of 8, but only with a long of 38--and so, he's perfect inside 40.
Kickoff?
They are 9th in the conference with teams starting on their 29. They have 1 TB and no TDs allowed.
Kickoff Return?
They average starting at the 28, which is pretty average.
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A few notes. First, UT is a 8.5 point favorite. On paper, UT should be in an excellent position to win this game. BG will need to play a very good and very complete football game. That will include getting running yards, throwing effectively and defending the run (especially) on defense.
Special teams will be important--the last two seasons have been good special teams games for BG, and they will need it again.
Finally, it is looking like there will be fierce winds at the Doyt Saturday. This will emphasize the points about running the ball.
I hope to see our guys mount a comeback effort. Last year, the Rockets were up 19-0 before the Falcons had a first down and the game was never close. Both teams are probably better this year. You hope your guys get up for the rivalry and bring the kind of performance you know they are capable of. That clearly remains to be seen. 8 point underdogs win ever week in college football, let's hope that this week it is the Falcons.
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