Note on Auburn pass-offense (3rd down)

[StatTiger 3,188]

Last season the Auburn offense had a pass rating of 151.9, which was No. 13 nationally. This top-15 rating was extremely misleading, when it came to actual third-down conversions. The 2013 Auburn offense converted 33.7% of their third-down "passing" situations, which was No. 77 nationally.

On an average, Auburn threw the football on third-down, 6 times per game during the 2013 season. Increasing their third-down production throwing the football is a priority for 2014.

The play...

On this play the Auburn offense faces a 3rd & 6. Nick Marshall sets up in the pocket but his primary receiver is covered. Montravius Adams begins to collapse the pocket, forcing Marshall to step up in the pocket. Marshall steps up in the pocket, while maintaining his vision down the field to locate a secondary target.

Nick Marshall finds an open D'haquille Williams and completes the pass to his secondary target. (Note how Marshall squares his shoulders) Williams manages to gain additional yardage after the reception for a 23-yard gain. Nick Marshall completed 4 of his 5 third-down passes during A-Day, converting 4 of 5 for first downs. He also compiled a passer rating of 195.9 during the scrimmage.

If Auburn can convert 40% of their third-down passes in 2014, it should push them up to the top-30 level. If they can convert 45%, it will push them up to top-15 material in the nation.

[AUbritt 611]

Nice! I honestly think not only that we can do it (top 15), but also that we will. Love how Nick kept his eyes downfield, which it seems like he did pretty consistently during the A-day game. Seems he's acquiring some great new habits.

[WarNole 141]

Great info, Stat. Thanks and War Eagle.

[gilstein21 1]

hopefully Duke, Davis, and Uzomah can be a sure first down during these 3rd down situations this season.

[Rednilla 5,406]

I believe the addition of Williams is going to be a game changer for the passing offense this season. He's a top receiving threat, which means that even as last year's receivers get better, they are still pushed down a notch in the minds of opposing DCs, thereby giving them more opportunity to shine.

This year's offense has all the ingredients to be sickeningly good on an entirely different level than what we have been used to.

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,852]

I just want a top 5 QBR

Not team wise but for Marshall

[WarEagle84 0]

I just want a top 5 QBR

Not team wise but for Marshall

Would you settle for a Heisman?