Vs. SEC defenses UF 24 ppg Vs. Big 10 defenses UM 26.7 ppg And somehow the perception is that Michigan is a much better offensive team? They may be better....but not by much if at all.
Well .... they are cummulative YTD stats posted against the entire 12 or 13 game schedule. UF's was rated the #1 (most difficult) in the nation and OSU's was rated #48 out of 119 schools. I don't think the information posted shows anything beyond .... how each team performed on a per play basis against the schedule it played in 2006. That's it. For me, I was surprised the averages were so close ........ maybe others weren't?
Your team is 12-1 and the SEC champs and you're surprised that you have stats that can keep up with ours. :roll: Geez...don't tell Tressel and our players...they are expecting a cakewalk.
Well ... given the difference in scoring offense rankings between OSU and UF, I was surprised to see that on (per play) average, UF was as productive as OSU in gaining yards. I guess the defensive stats could be expected as their defenses are similarly ranked. Maybe the difference in scoring offense reflects the quality of scoring defenses faced by OSU and UF during the season? The average scoring offense ranking of the OSU schedule was 60.5 (out of 119) while UF's opponents averaged 40.8. Then, take the regular season conference schedule, add UTexas for OSU and Ark (the SECCG) for UF and the averages are 61 and 35, respectivley. Who really knows? If UF stays within 28 points of OSU, I'm satisfied.
I would suggest that the difference in scoring offense is a direct result of turnovers, penalties and field goal kicking. You guys are more prone to turning the ball over and commiting penalties....one of the ultimate drive killers and can't kick FG's. Compounding the difference is our superiior abiltiy to convert 3rd downs....I don't think there are any mysteries there.
Stats can be very misleading...particularly in predicting something to happen... UM was leading the nation in rushing defense (less than 30 yds. per game!) and we ran all over them. We were maybe third in the country in scoring defense...and they racked up all kinds of points against us. I think statistics are of value in looking back to decide why certain things happened, and to help you change what you are doing...but as predictors of what's going to happen they are very fickle.
"Stats can be very misleading...particularly in predicting something to happen..." Very well said Stu.....very well said. 8)