Tulsa Postgame Numbers & Thoughts

[StatTiger 3,188]

This past season was probably the worst season I personally experienced, breaking down Auburn’s offensive numbers. It was a nice change of pace, breaking down Tulsa’s numbers from the GMAC Bowl.

·Tulsa ran the ball 36 times on first down, passing the ball only 3 times. That would be 18 runs and 2 passes during the first half and 18 runs and 1 pass during the second half.

·Tulsa averaged 7.42 yards per play on first down, rushing the football. That was 267-yards on 36 carries.

·Of their 36 run plays on first down, 19 went for at least 4 yards. Only 6 run plays went for zero or less.

·The Tulsa offense averaged 7.97 yards per play on 39 first down plays. Nearly half of Tulsa’s total offense (632-yards) came on first down (311-yards), which allowed them to play downhill the majority of the game.

·Tulsa had a pass rating of 189.9 on first down, 139.5 on second down and 192.0 on third down.

·Prior to the GMAC Bowl, Ball State had allowed 348-yards and 19-points per game. Central Michigan gained the most yards against the Ball State defense, rolling up 466-yards in total offense. Tulsa gained 632-yards and scored 45 points in poor weather conditions and short 3 starters on offense.

·During the 2001 season, Auburn defeated a Ball State team that finished the season with a 5-6 record. Ball State allowed 363-yards and 27 points per game that season and Auburn gained 385-yards and scored 30 points. Auburn faced off with a Ball State squad that would finish the 2005 season with a 4-7 record. During the 2005 season, Ball State allowed 459-yards and 38 points per game. The Auburn offense gained 459-yards, while scoring 63 points.

·Tulsa finished the season, averaging 16.8 points and 163.9 yards more per game than what their opponent normally allowed. Malzahn’s offense managed to gain more yards than their opponent’s seasonal average in all 14 games.

·Malzahn’s offense gained over 500-yards in 12 of 14 games this season and scored at least 30 points in 12 of 14 games.

·During the MAC Conference Championship game, Buffalo gained 301-yards against Ball State.

Observations…

I thought Malzahn’s offense was very similar to Urban Meyer’s offense with many two-back sets and inside run plays. I saw a lot of motion and misdirection plays, which kept Ball State guessing. Five (5) different players had over 50-yards in total offense as Malzahn spread the ball around his skill players. With 64 run plays to 26 pass plays, Malzahn clearly ran the ball to set up the pass, especially on first down, where the Golden Hurricane ran the ball 92.3% of the time.

Despite running a fast-tempo game, executed through a no-huddle offense, Tulsa still had a decisive advantage in time of possession (35:40 to 24:20). Except for a couple of times, Tulsa ran their offense from the shotgun but it would be difficult to complain, when you consider the Golden Hurricane rushed for 439-yards. Ball State had allowed 108.2 yards rushing in their last 8 games, including only 95-yards to Buffalo.

It’s probably a safe bet we will not see the same results at Auburn in 2009 but I have no doubt Malzahn will be creative as well as productive. He will evaluate Auburn’s talent and will scheme to obtain the most from his skill players. This was the case at Arkansas as well as Tulsa.

[ChrisH 135]

great post as always. War Damn Malzahn!

[DKW 86 8,215]

War Damn Stat and War Damn Malzahn.

[OldNewby 27]

Stat, super breakdown and post.

WAR EAGLE!!!

[quietfan 233]

Nice work as usual, Stat.

...and a comment on your sig-"Storm on the Plains":

Pretty fitting since we took coaches from the Iowa State CYCLONES and the Tulsa GOLDEN HURRICANE. Anyone left with Miami (other than Nix) that we might want?

[cadillacattack 0]

Tulsa would've likely had a great deal more offensive production had the weather, particularly the wind, been more favorable.

It's also safe to say that Tulsa's offensive production for the season would've been much, much less against an SEC schedule. Given the number of sacks/hurries last night, we'd better have 2 or 3 quarterbacks fully prepared for '09.

[RunInRed 19,637]

Sorry Titan, he has you beat

Good work Stat. I think the most interesting comment I've heard about Tulsa is that their QB was a 2-star with virtually no other offers. Kind of obliterates the notion that Auburn does not have the talent or that CGM won't be able to get the same productivity out of our current players. Sure offensive success is not a guarantee but..

[mugz 0]

Tulsa would've likely had a great deal more offensive production had the weather, particularly the wind, been more favorable.

It's also safe to say that Tulsa's offensive production for the season would've been much, much less against an SEC schedule. Given the number of sacks/hurries last night, we'd better have 2 or 3 quarterbacks fully prepared for '09.

There were two or three passes that were slightly over thrown due to the wind that would have been TDs that I counted in first half. This was actually an exciting game to watch for me. I like what they did out of they did out of the wildcat formation. Just think of Super Mario in that formation with Tate to hand off to as an option. Maybe I am wrong but I think Mario played a little QB in High School. He is perfect for the wildcat. He did well in it the few times we ran it this past year. Just think if he has option to pass.

The thing I liked most was how many deep passes they threw. They ran a lot but when they threw they looked to go deep if it was there. Something we have been missing last few years.

[quietfan 233]

It's also safe to say that Tulsa's offensive production for the season would've been much, much less against an SEC schedule.

I sometimes wonder about the argument that non-BCS conference results couldn't be duplicated at a BCS school. (I've heard that said about coaches at Tulsa, Boise State, Buffalo, etc.) Sure, Tulsa's opponents, for the most part, weren't SEC quality, but then Tulsa's talent, for the most part, wasn't SEC quality either. Moving to the SEC means Malzahn faces much stronger opponents, but he should also have much stronger talent to work with at Auburn. Is it a wash?...obviously, we'll have to see

I do concede, however, that the SEC is probably the most defense-minded conference in the nation.

[aucanucktiger 2,010]

"I thought Malzahn’s offense was very similar to Urban Meyer’s offense..."

Would that be the same Urban Meyer that's 0-2 against Auburn?

Kidding, good stuff Stat. The tornado weather in Mobile may have skewed the offensive play calling in favor of the run last night, but it's further proof Mal's offenses can succeed w/ more than just spread formations.

BUT, let's give this guy more than a couple games next year to perfect his offense w/ the available athletes...please!

[Duder 259]

Would that be the same Urban Meyer that's 0-2 against Auburn?

It's also the same Urban Meyer that's coaching for his 2nd ring tomorrow night

[OldNewby 27]

BUT, let's give this guy more than a couple games next year to perfect his offense w/ the available athletes...please!

Affirmative!

Also, OC CGM has positions coaches he had a hand in choosing, imo. That's a much better situation than what CTF came into last year. And, it's the best way to build an offense that has a blueprint for success.

[MDM4AU 339]

Sorry Titan, he has you beat

Good work Stat. I think the most interesting comment I've heard about Tulsa is that their QB was a 2-star with virtually no other offers. Kind of obliterates the notion that Auburn does not have the talent or that CGM won't be able to get the same productivity out of our current players. Sure offensive success is not a guarantee but..

Am I missing something? Where does Titan fit into this?

[AUartlady 39]

This past season was probably the worst season I personally experienced, breaking down Auburn’s offensive numbers. It was a nice change of pace, breaking down Tulsa’s numbers from the GMAC Bowl.

·Tulsa ran the ball 36 times on first down, passing the ball only 3 times. That would be 18 runs and 2 passes during the first half and 18 runs and 1 pass during the second half.

·Tulsa averaged 7.42 yards per play on first down, rushing the football. That was 267-yards on 36 carries.

·Of their 36 run plays on first down, 19 went for at least 4 yards. Only 6 run plays went for zero or less.

·The Tulsa offense averaged 7.97 yards per play on 39 first down plays. Nearly half of Tulsa’s total offense (632-yards) came on first down (311-yards), which allowed them to play downhill the majority of the game.

·Tulsa had a pass rating of 189.9 on first down, 139.5 on second down and 192.0 on third down.

·Prior to the GMAC Bowl, Ball State had allowed 348-yards and 19-points per game. Central Michigan gained the most yards against the Ball State defense, rolling up 466-yards in total offense. Tulsa gained 632-yards and scored 45 points in poor weather conditions and short 3 starters on offense.

·During the 2001 season, Auburn defeated a Ball State team that finished the season with a 5-6 record. Ball State allowed 363-yards and 27 points per game that season and Auburn gained 385-yards and scored 30 points. Auburn faced off with a Ball State squad that would finish the 2005 season with a 4-7 record. During the 2005 season, Ball State allowed 459-yards and 38 points per game. The Auburn offense gained 459-yards, while scoring 63 points.

·Tulsa finished the season, averaging 16.8 points and 163.9 yards more per game than what their opponent normally allowed. Malzahn’s offense managed to gain more yards than their opponent’s seasonal average in all 14 games.

·Malzahn’s offense gained over 500-yards in 12 of 14 games this season and scored at least 30 points in 12 of 14 games.

·During the MAC Conference Championship game, Buffalo gained 301-yards against Ball State.

Observations…

I thought Malzahn’s offense was very similar to Urban Meyer’s offense with many two-back sets and inside run plays. I saw a lot of motion and misdirection plays, which kept Ball State guessing. Five (5) different players had over 50-yards in total offense as Malzahn spread the ball around his skill players. With 64 run plays to 26 pass plays, Malzahn clearly ran the ball to set up the pass, especially on first down, where the Golden Hurricane ran the ball 92.3% of the time.

Despite running a fast-tempo game, executed through a no-huddle offense, Tulsa still had a decisive advantage in time of possession (35:40 to 24:20). Except for a couple of times, Tulsa ran their offense from the shotgun but it would be difficult to complain, when you consider the Golden Hurricane rushed for 439-yards. Ball State had allowed 108.2 yards rushing in their last 8 games, including only 95-yards to Buffalo.

It’s probably a safe bet we will not see the same results at Auburn in 2009 but I have no doubt Malzahn will be creative as well as productive. He will evaluate Auburn’s talent and will scheme to obtain the most from his skill players. This was the case at Arkansas as well as Tulsa.

an not a single penalty the whole game. That was impressive to me!

[The Freak 2,612]

an not a single penalty the whole game. That was impressive to me!

They don't have a number 73 on their team?

[RunInRed 19,637]

Sorry Titan, he has you beat

Good work Stat. I think the most interesting comment I've heard about Tulsa is that their QB was a 2-star with virtually no other offers. Kind of obliterates the notion that Auburn does not have the talent or that CGM won't be able to get the same productivity out of our current players. Sure offensive success is not a guarantee but..

Am I missing something? Where does Titan fit into this?

http://www.aunation.net/forums/index.php?s...st&p=570507

[TitanTiger 22,249]

Sorry Titan, he has you beat

Good work Stat. I think the most interesting comment I've heard about Tulsa is that their QB was a 2-star with virtually no other offers. Kind of obliterates the notion that Auburn does not have the talent or that CGM won't be able to get the same productivity out of our current players. Sure offensive success is not a guarantee but..

Am I missing something? Where does Titan fit into this?

http://www.aunation.net/forums/index.php?s...st&p=570507

I would never propose to out-stat StatTiger. But I do look at stats and provide what I can.

[RunInRed 19,637]

Sorry Titan, he has you beat

Good work Stat. I think the most interesting comment I've heard about Tulsa is that their QB was a 2-star with virtually no other offers. Kind of obliterates the notion that Auburn does not have the talent or that CGM won't be able to get the same productivity out of our current players. Sure offensive success is not a guarantee but..

Am I missing something? Where does Titan fit into this?

http://www.aunation.net/forums/index.php?s...st&p=570507

I would never propose to out-stat StatTiger. But I do look at stats and provide what I can.

It was all in good fun Titan. I actually think that was a pretty good stand in!

[aucanucktiger 2,010]

"It's also the same Urban Meyer that's coaching for his 2nd ring tomorrow night"

After losing to us the first time and Ole Siss @ home this time. don't get me started on how much media bs has gone into Urban Myth's "success".

[Duder 259]

"It's also the same Urban Meyer that's coaching for his 2nd ring tomorrow night"

After losing to us the first time and Ole Siss @ home this time. don't get me started on how much media bs has gone into Urban Myth's "success".

I'd take those lose losses if they still resulted in rings any day of the week. Media involvement or not, UF is a solid football team now much like they were two years ago. To say UF and Meyer are where they are based on the media is absolutely absurd. Percy Harvin is one of the most dynamic players in the country, Tim Tebow is one of the best player/leaders (not QBs) in college.

UF survived a loss to AU and murdered OSU in the BCSCG and they will survive a loss to an up and coming Ole Miss team (an Ole Miss team that gave Bama all it wanted and knocked out Texas Tech) and most likely come out of it with another trophy. If you're going to hate them or their success, at least have a valid reason.

[Strychnine 1,812]

I'd take those lose losses if they still resulted in rings any day of the week. Media involvement or not, UF is a solid football team now much like they were two years ago. To say UF and Meyer are where they are based on the media is absolutely absurd. Percy Harvin is one of the most dynamic players in the country, Tim Tebow is one of the best player/leaders (not QBs) in college.

UF survived a loss to AU and murdered OSU in the BCSCG and they will survive a loss to an up and coming Ole Miss team (an Ole Miss team that gave Bama all it wanted and knocked out Texas Tech) and most likely come out of it with another trophy. If you're going to hate them or their success, at least have a valid reason.

I agree. I am definitely not a Gator or an Urban Meyer fan, but I do respect him. He came into the SEC with everyone here questioning if he would be successful or not. He answered that by producing a BCS NC in his 2nd year. They lost to us, so we can say that we beat the national champions that year, but we also got throttled by Arkansas and UGA (@ JHS both times too). We had the opportunity to be in the mix, and stay in the mix, and blew it. We were #3 before Arkansas, and had climbed back up to #5 by time UGA came around. We took home a win in the Cotton Bowl over Nebraska. They took home a crystal football after demolishing Ohio State. That is not a myth, and the media did not just give it to him. They had to beat Ohio State (an undefeated team) to get it.

Yeah, we got jobbed in '04. Yeah, it sucks that Florida can lay an egg in two different seasons and still get an NC shot when we ran the table and lost out. That is not Florida's fault. Florida is good. Florida deserves it. The only team possibly more deserving than Florida is Utah, and Florida would probably be just as happy to play them as they would Oklahoma.

[MDM4AU 339]

I would never propose to out-stat StatTiger.

Well, Stat is the "Chuck Norris" of number crunching.