Statistical comparison of both 4-0 OOC starts

[Saluki_Kill_Fan]

Improved

1. Penalties - 2012 saw 31 penalties for 238 yards 4 games into the season, averaging about 60 yards per game of gifting to the other team. This year it's 10 penalties for 92 yards, or 23 yards per game. That is about one third of last years penalties/penalty yards.
   
2. Punting - 2012 had 20 punts go 720 yards (36.0 avg) with 5 inside the 20 and 1 Touchback. 2013 has 14 punts go 597 yards (42.6 avg) with 4 inside the 20 and 2 Touchbacks. +6.6 yards per punt average is huge.
   
3. Rushing Offense - 2012 had 183.75 yards per game at a 4.0 YPC. This year it's 282.25 yards per game at a 5.7 YPC.
   
4. Rushing Defense - 2012 allowed 128.5 yards per game at 3.7 YPC. This year it's 102.75 yards per game at 3.4 YPC.
   
5. Points For - 2012 showed 119 points for 29.75 points per game. 2013 is 167 points for 41.75 points per game

Needs Improvement

1. Passing Offense - 2012 passing line was 57/98 for 889 yards, 9 TD's and 2 Int for a Passer Rating of 160.6. 2013 passing line is 33/62 for 421 yards, 1 TD and 2 Int for a Passer Rating of 109.1
2. Passing Defense - 2012 opponents passing line was 80/146 for 716 yards 3 TD's and 7 Int for a Passer Rating of 93.2. 2013 opponents passing line is 97/148 for 1080 yards 7 TD's and 4 Int for a Passer Rating of 137.0

My best guess for the decline in both aspects of the passing game is the fact that the Gophers have actually had substantial leads, making the other team pass more and the Gophers pass less. All the wins last year (except against FCS New Hampshire) were nail-biters. This year I don't think anyone has really been legitimately worried about a Gopher loss. One more brick.

 

[Unregistered User]

Great stuff here. Thanks for the research.