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I thought this was a good time to compare the 2014 edition of TECH FB to the prior two seasons. After all, the number of games played is now at 13 which is the same as last year including the bowl game. 2012 had a 14th game, because we did play in the ACCCG as well, so consider that when reflecting on the numbers presented. I guess I am doing this to determine why I have such a more positive feeling about where we are headed. What made this year so special beyond the final record?
After perusing through the numbers I believe there are two MAJOR factors that override all others when quantifying our success. The first of which is our performance relative to the opposition in the 4th QTR and OT. In 2014 we doubled up our opponents in scoring after the end of the third qtr 145 to 73. In 2013 it was dead even at 107 for both GT and our OPP. In 2012 we lost that battle 104 to 111. My friends, this alone is the difference between being competitive and winning. We have "been in" a bunch of games in recent years that we ultimately lost. Had we essentially repeated that old 4th qtr performance this season, where would we have ended up? I think we know the answer. I guess the question is why we were better this year? Certainly the depth (in terms of total numbers) was not better. Here are my reasons: After having had a 20 minute or so chat with coach Sisk on fan day I came away so impressed and confident that he was the man. I feel certain he has had a major impact on the conditioning level of the kids. The second reason is good leadership on the field, plain and simple. When it was time to dig deep, these kids got it done. You really don't have to look too much farther than our team captains.
The second major factor was turnovers. The 2014 edition came out ahead 5-17 on interceptions and only two behind on fumbles at 12-10. That is a net +10 on the season. 2013 INTs was 13-14, FUM 11-6 for a net -4 and in 2012 INTs 8-16 FUM 13-9 for a net +4. When you think back to last year, our greatest fear about JT was his proclivity to force everything and commit needless TOs. Well, in one short year of growth, he has bested his predecessors in this regard. He respects possession and has guided us well. Kudos go to him and his coaches for teaching him right.
Even though it is probably a lesser factor to our success, I thought it would be interesting to look down at the breakdown of yards and how they were allocated by position group.
Rushing breakdown of yards is as follows:
2014 - 5.9 team ave YPC: QB 1169, BB 1654, AB 1411, WR 103.
2013 - 5.5 team ave YPC: QB 866, BB 1471, AB 1533, WR 31.
2012 - 5.4 team ave YPC: QB 1228, BB 1360, AB 1764, WR 10.
When analyzing this, obviously the half yard increase in the average jumps out. By running the option better, we got a good balance of inside vs outside, but perhaps more importantly eliminated many negative plays resulting in a nation leading 3rd down conversion rate. We had fewer huge plays this year, but we moved the sticks more consistently.
Receiving yards:
2014 - WR 1100, AB 560, BB 82.
2013 - WR 923, AB 644, BB 120
2012 - WR 799, AB 880, BB 130
In 2014 getting the WRs more involved was HUGE for the success of the offense. Daring us to throw didn't really work as a defensive strategy. We used ABs in max protect a little more at times too, bringing their catches down some.
In Passing:
2014 EFF 158, PCT 51.8, YDS 1757, 18TD and 5INT.
2013 EFF 122, PCT 45.3, YDS 1695, 12TD and 13INT.
2012 EFF 143, PCT 52.6, YDS 1818, 12TD and 8 picks.
Having more ways to score is great. 18 TDS with fewer picks speaks volumes.
After perusing through the numbers I believe there are two MAJOR factors that override all others when quantifying our success. The first of which is our performance relative to the opposition in the 4th QTR and OT. In 2014 we doubled up our opponents in scoring after the end of the third qtr 145 to 73. In 2013 it was dead even at 107 for both GT and our OPP. In 2012 we lost that battle 104 to 111. My friends, this alone is the difference between being competitive and winning. We have "been in" a bunch of games in recent years that we ultimately lost. Had we essentially repeated that old 4th qtr performance this season, where would we have ended up? I think we know the answer. I guess the question is why we were better this year? Certainly the depth (in terms of total numbers) was not better. Here are my reasons: After having had a 20 minute or so chat with coach Sisk on fan day I came away so impressed and confident that he was the man. I feel certain he has had a major impact on the conditioning level of the kids. The second reason is good leadership on the field, plain and simple. When it was time to dig deep, these kids got it done. You really don't have to look too much farther than our team captains.
The second major factor was turnovers. The 2014 edition came out ahead 5-17 on interceptions and only two behind on fumbles at 12-10. That is a net +10 on the season. 2013 INTs was 13-14, FUM 11-6 for a net -4 and in 2012 INTs 8-16 FUM 13-9 for a net +4. When you think back to last year, our greatest fear about JT was his proclivity to force everything and commit needless TOs. Well, in one short year of growth, he has bested his predecessors in this regard. He respects possession and has guided us well. Kudos go to him and his coaches for teaching him right.
Even though it is probably a lesser factor to our success, I thought it would be interesting to look down at the breakdown of yards and how they were allocated by position group.
Rushing breakdown of yards is as follows:
2014 - 5.9 team ave YPC: QB 1169, BB 1654, AB 1411, WR 103.
2013 - 5.5 team ave YPC: QB 866, BB 1471, AB 1533, WR 31.
2012 - 5.4 team ave YPC: QB 1228, BB 1360, AB 1764, WR 10.
When analyzing this, obviously the half yard increase in the average jumps out. By running the option better, we got a good balance of inside vs outside, but perhaps more importantly eliminated many negative plays resulting in a nation leading 3rd down conversion rate. We had fewer huge plays this year, but we moved the sticks more consistently.
Receiving yards:
2014 - WR 1100, AB 560, BB 82.
2013 - WR 923, AB 644, BB 120
2012 - WR 799, AB 880, BB 130
In 2014 getting the WRs more involved was HUGE for the success of the offense. Daring us to throw didn't really work as a defensive strategy. We used ABs in max protect a little more at times too, bringing their catches down some.
In Passing:
2014 EFF 158, PCT 51.8, YDS 1757, 18TD and 5INT.
2013 EFF 122, PCT 45.3, YDS 1695, 12TD and 13INT.
2012 EFF 143, PCT 52.6, YDS 1818, 12TD and 8 picks.
Having more ways to score is great. 18 TDS with fewer picks speaks volumes.
