Field Position Matters

Yesterday, over in the links to the right, I saw an interesting factoid tweeted:





Using Rounded Numbers





BYU out gained Nevada by 200 yards. Unfortunately, Nevada had a 250 yard advantage in starting field position, more than negating what BYU had outgained.



What gave them that starting field position advantage?



I wonder if a genius could break those yards out



Defense not getting off the field, penalties

Offense fumbling 3 times, penalties, 3 and out.

Shanked punt, short punt, big returns, penalties

Missed field goal

Kicked out of bounds, short, penalties, big returns

Poor kickoff returns, penalties

Poor punt returns, penalties

Other

Nevada booming huge punts



Thoughts.



[ Post made via Mobile Device ] http://cougarcorner.com/images/mobile.png" alt="" loading="lazy" style="max-width:100%">

That seems to sum it up. Its a sad statement about the shape of this football team. I love and support Bronco, but this has gone on long enough. He is even now acknowledging that Nick was asked to do more with less--ya think? One of the strongest units preseason has turned out to be one of the weakest, pre-injuries and certainly post. Howell has simply not had the time, bandwidth, and energy to assure the D backfield was everything it should have been. They have been allowed to get cocky, undisciplined, full of hubris, and now injured and humbled. It was bigger than Bronco thought. And now, well, he has plausible deniability and ultimately forgivability bc of the rampant injuries. But, I suppose it looked like a great year to make the jump to having a new DC: explosive O w a Heisman type qb who could score more and absorb a higher D allowed ppg, easier schedule, and D backfield as loaded and deep since 96. Can't fault him for trying, but I hope Bronco's additional help is back in his wheel-house and he has effectively taken back over the D.

BYU's average starting field position vs Nevada was their own 20. Their best starting position was their own 40.



Nevada's average starting was their own 41. Their best was the BYU 20. Their worst field position of the 2nd half was their own 34, and started inside BYU territory on four of their six drives.

Cougs_Rule wrote:
That seems to sum it up. Its a sad statement about the shape of this football team. I love and support Bronco, but this has gone on long enough. He is even now acknowledging that Nick was asked to do more with less--ya think? One of the strongest units preseason has turned out to be one of the weakest, pre-injuries and certainly post. Howell has simply not had the time, bandwidth, and energy to assure the D backfield was everything it should have been. They have been allowed to get cocky, undisciplined, full of hubris, and now injured and humbled. It was bigger than Bronco thought. And now, well, he has plausible deniability and ultimately forgivability bc of the rampant injuries. But, I suppose it looked like a great year to make the jump to having a new DC: explosive O w a Heisman type qb who could score more and absorb a higher D allowed ppg, easier schedule, and D backfield as loaded and deep since 96. Can't fault him for trying, but I hope Bronco's additional help is back in his wheel-house and he has effectively taken back over the D.

Cougs Rule, I wish you would stop candy-coating things and tell us what you really feel for once! TIC

Cougs_Rule wrote:
That seems to sum it up. Its a sad statement about the shape of this football team. I love and support Bronco, but this has gone on long enough. He is even now acknowledging that Nick was asked to do more with less--ya think? One of the strongest units preseason has turned out to be one of the weakest, pre-injuries and certainly post. Howell has simply not had the time, bandwidth, and energy to assure the D backfield was everything it should have been. They have been allowed to get cocky, undisciplined, full of hubris, and now injured and humbled. It was bigger than Bronco thought. And now, well, he has plausible deniability and ultimately forgivability bc of the rampant injuries. But, I suppose it looked like a great year to make the jump to having a new DC: explosive O w a Heisman type qb who could score more and absorb a higher D allowed ppg, easier schedule, and D backfield as loaded and deep since 96. Can't fault him for trying, but I hope Bronco's additional help is back in his wheel-house and he has effectively taken back over the D.

Don't forget the weak schedule.



Yes, as far as breaking in a new DC, this was year. He'll get a pass because of the injury. Keep in mind though, the defense is playing progressively worse against progressively worse opponents.