Let's compare last season to this - stats

[The PonyGrad]

Bottom line is that the offense is better and the defense is worse and the biggest thing that is worse is turnover margin.

Last season our rushing was #83 (worse if you count YPC) this season it is #93. Passing however is #69 this season vs. #112. Total offense is #95 in 04 vs. #117. Now scoring is again #117 and that turnover number may be the big reason.

On defense we were #73 vs. #115. The difference is a bit less if you look at yards per play. Last season the average gained less the average allowed was -1.9 yards while this season it is -1.75. So in that analysis our our offense improved more that our defense declined.

Some tidbits

Our net punting is actually worse that last season even though Mentzel is punting well.

Punt returns are better by a couple of yards and kick-off returns are worse by 6. Team depth will probably help here.

The biggest problem this season is turnovers. Last season our turnover margin was -1.08 while this season it is -2.5. Our current margin is last by .67 turnovers per game than the next worst team.

[HorsePower]

Re: turnovers -

Did anyone go to the game, or see a tape? I heard that there were some who thought Eckert might have broken the plane before the ball came out. Is that true? Or just wishful thinking?

It wouldn't have changed the outcome of the game, of course .... just curious.

Go Mustangs!