A couple good stats to hang our hats on

[18IsTheMan]

On the other end of the spectrum from the offensive stats...

We are currently #33 defensively for yards allowed per game (301) and 53rd in scoring defense (20 ppg). The caveat, of course, is that we are one of the only P4 teams in the country to have played 2 conference games. Maybe just us and UK, actually. Some other teams have yet to play a serious opponent. So the stats are a bit skewed right now. A scoring defense of 20 ppg last year would have placed you in the top 20 nationally.

We are also second nationally in total sacks and 12th in sack percentage (11.22...would have ranked #2 nationally last year).

I know these numbers likely won't hold up over the course of the season, as we still have some high powered offenses to face, but it's as good of a start as we could reasonably hope for. LSU's OL is supposed to have been the best we'll face all season and read a blurb that Nussmeier grades out at possibly the best QB we'll face. Not sure.

Problem is, we still face some pretty stout defenses.

 

[Gamecock Jacque]

Statistics are for losers.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Statistics are for losers.

Depends on how they are used. If you're leaning on stats to show that you're having a good season when the record doesn't show it, then yeah.

But these stats just support what we've seen: that we have a pretty good defense so far. Flaws? Sure. Areas to improve? Sure. So far improved over last year? Sure.

 

[92Pony]

Statistics are for losers.

Well, we are Gamecocks on here, talking about stats....... (Don't take it seriously guys - just a little fun this morning at my/our own expense.)

 

[Piscis]

The UK game is skewing those numbers in our favor. UK has scored a whopping 18 points in their two SEC games so it isn't like we shut down a potent offense. I agree the defense looks better than I expected, at least as far as the "eye test" goes. I imagine Akron will help the stats too. After that, we'll find out what we really have.

 

[18IsTheMan]

The UK game is skewing those numbers in our favor. UK has scored a whopping 18 points in their two SEC games so it isn't like we shut down a potent offense. I agree the defense looks better than I expected, at least as far as the "eye test" goes. I imagine Akron will help the stats too. After that, we'll find out what we really have.

True, but all the other teams stats are skewed b/c many of them have already played 2 cream puffs at this point, and some have played 3.
We've at least played 2 P5 teams in our own conference.

But, yeah, like I said, the stats will come down some. Maybe a lot, who knows? But for now the stats largely back up what we've seen.

 

[gamecock stock]

Stats can show where you need to improve. For example, we rank 131 out of 133 teams in sacks allowed. We rank 132 out of 133 in tackles allowed for loss. That's why I say we have a bunch of "Watch out" blockers on the offensive line.

By the way, our offense ranks 115 in the nation.

 

[Lurker123]

Stats can show where you need to improve. For example, we rank 131 out of 133 teams in sacks allowed. We rank 132 out of 133 in tackles allowed for loss. That's why I say we have a bunch of "Watch out" blockers on the offensive line.

By the way, our offense ranks 115 in the nation.

Our OL is a strength if this team. I was told that was a "fact".