I'm trying to get a feel for what really happened on the field this year; a summary of the team. Below is a table of comparative stats between years I pulled from http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/team/157/index.html.
A few things really stand out, particularly the points scored per game (ours up, opponents down). The swing in turnovers was also really dramatic on both sides of the ball. Penalties were also way down. It's pretty hard to dispute this team is much better than last year; I see it in the figures and what I see on the field.
I am not disappointed in this team or this year...they are much improved and were right in between the win range I had for them at season's start - 3-5 wins.
The offense was the main issue, particularly the O line. Our red zone success improved very little and cost us at least one win. If we can't run and protect, we go three and out and put tremendous pressure on the defense. Even an average PAC12 O line would get us to 6 wins next year. We have the talent at skill positions - maybe 2 years away from being really potent, but I don't see a lot of need, except at TE.
The defense played much better, dropping opponents in many categories: points/game down 17%, QB rating down 22%, red zone success down 11%. And let's not forget turnovers with 7 more interceptions this year. Next year I see only the slower guys leaving, opening up the spot for some more speed. If Crawley continues to get better and the D line can pressure the QB, I see a better D next year.
Special teams, much maligned, actually got much better from a very shaky start. We don't have much athleticism on the returns, but overall I think they are better than last year.
Bummed the season is over, but I anticipate bowling next season, barring any major injuries or attrition in the offseason.
Go Buffs!!!
A few things really stand out, particularly the points scored per game (ours up, opponents down). The swing in turnovers was also really dramatic on both sides of the ball. Penalties were also way down. It's pretty hard to dispute this team is much better than last year; I see it in the figures and what I see on the field.
I am not disappointed in this team or this year...they are much improved and were right in between the win range I had for them at season's start - 3-5 wins.
The offense was the main issue, particularly the O line. Our red zone success improved very little and cost us at least one win. If we can't run and protect, we go three and out and put tremendous pressure on the defense. Even an average PAC12 O line would get us to 6 wins next year. We have the talent at skill positions - maybe 2 years away from being really potent, but I don't see a lot of need, except at TE.
The defense played much better, dropping opponents in many categories: points/game down 17%, QB rating down 22%, red zone success down 11%. And let's not forget turnovers with 7 more interceptions this year. Next year I see only the slower guys leaving, opening up the spot for some more speed. If Crawley continues to get better and the D line can pressure the QB, I see a better D next year.
Special teams, much maligned, actually got much better from a very shaky start. We don't have much athleticism on the returns, but overall I think they are better than last year.
Bummed the season is over, but I anticipate bowling next season, barring any major injuries or attrition in the offseason.
Go Buffs!!!
