Rushing Yards by Half

Just a few bits of data about our rushing game and the difference between the first and second half.



In the first half the team had 22 carries for 104 yards (4.7 ypc). Carries were by Pritchard (1 for -1, -1 ypc), Foote (3 for 15, 5 ypc), Alisa (8 for 55, 6.9 ypc), Nelson (7 for 23, 3.3 ypc), Falslev (2 for 7, 3.5 ypc) and Hill (1 for 5, 5 ypc).



In the second half we had 16 carries for 36 yards (2.3 ypc). Carries were by Foote (1 for 11, 11 ypc), Alisa (6 for -4, -0.7 ypc), Nelson (3 for 11, 3.7 ypc), Williams (5 for 17, 3.4 ypc) and Hill (1 for 1, 1 ypc).



That shows a significant decrease in the number of carries and the average yards per rushing play in the second half. Now we can all debate whether this is because Washington State adjusted their game plan to stop our running, our offensive line stopped blocking as effectively as they were in the first half, or if the play calling changed. I think its mainly the third, but that's just my opinion.

I have a theory. But hard to prove.

Nitro offense + big offensive animals (linemen) + first game (= not in as good of shape as coaches thought) + limited playbook + letting down (big lead and dominating game stats) + WSU adjustments = poorer 2nd half altogether.

We couldnt punch it into the end zone, scored 2 out of 4 times, and only 6 points, and had limited yards.

Good thing the defense showed up the 2nd half.

I wonder if we didn't tire out as well.

I wonder if BYU not running the "nitro" offense in the second half had anything to do with it.



Not saying they weren't worn out. In fact it could be that they didn't run the "nitro" because they WERE worn out and the coaches realized they still had a football game to finish. But that offense seemed to work when utilized. I wonder how much endurance training BYU does, specifically the O'line. If they aren't getting enough endurance in, the elevation isn't helping them too much.

What do you need to run the nitro for when you're up by four scores?



They adjusted to the option at half time because it accounted for some of our biggest first half gains on the ground and we went into game management mode.

My theory is; (and I can't prove it) Doman decided to not tip his playbook hand before the utah game with a big lead and WSU stopped plays that worked earlier in the game because they had seen them before. But that doesn't excuse the fact that the offensive line needs to block better on run plays late in games.