Stats to ponder

[Cubanbull]

vs 1A teams only:

USF OFFENSE

2004

4.6 rushing yds per play,Passing 46.8% comp 6.11 yds per play, 25.0 points per game

2003

2.9 rushing yds per play,Passing 48.9% comp 5.21 yds per play,21.6 points per game

USF DEFENSE

2004

4.2 rushing yds per play,Passing 61.3% comp 8.67 yds per play,34.0 points per game

2003

3.0 rushing yds per play,Passing 49.0% 5.74 yds per play 22.2 points per game.

As much as we complain about our offense, it was our defense that really sucked having the worst stats in our short history. Yep those stats are worse than any other Bull season.

[bulls96go]

we knew the defense would be down with a new backfield.

we expected pressure on the QB to help the young backfield

we expected our offense to be better with an experiencd oline and a 'improved' QB

we expected fewer mistakes by the offense and sustained drives so our defense was not placed in a deep hole repeatedly

those imo were reasonable expectations.

with that army and so miss should have been wins and we should have been in more games in the 4th quarter.

[WoolyBully]

...because if you have great defense, you can squeak by on mediocre offense. But when both are mediocre...

[Markeymark]

We will be fine.

[bulls96go]

We will be fine.

...and the band played on!

[Cubanbull]

Actually Wooly if we compare the offensive stats from 02 when we went 7-2 vs 1A and this years there is not much difference:

2004, 682 plays 3577 yds,5.24 yds per play,25.0 ppg

2003,639 plays 2552 yds,3.99 ydp,21.6 ppg

2002, 657 plays-3360 yds,5.11 yds pp,25.8ppg

But the DEFENSE really dropped the ball

2004 701 plays-4272 yds,6.09 ypp,34.0 ppg

2003 703 plays-3023 yds,4.30 ypp,22.2 ppg

2002 699 plays-3180 yds,4.55 ypp,20.9ppg

[BullDoug]

Biggest stat of all is turnovers.  2004 was miserable.  The lack of fumbles & INT plus the Os give aways are just to much to overcome.  Also for the defense look at third down conversions.  It will tell the story.  While the DBs were below par, the DL's QB 4 man rush was pitiful.

[bulls96go]

how many times was the defense in a hole

when you have an ave defense that will get you crushed

the offense did not adjust to be more conservative ie less mistakes, less 3 and outs,  more ball control

[Bull Matrix]

The secondary in our defense is very bad. I just dont have faith in them to stop 3rd down and long anymore. I gave up on them during that Cincy game.