SBNation.com - 2015 Big Ten football guides, from Indiana to Ohio State
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png
2015-08-22T14:59:00-04:00
http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/8400608
2015-08-22T14:59:00-04:00
2015-08-22T14:59:00-04:00
Iowa's massive overhaul (just kidding)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yXOtjmZPkSPlxvL7Xy790hq4mpo=/0x53:3125x2136/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46390742/usa-today-8514744.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes prefer high floors to high ceilings. Will this season inch more toward the latter?</p> <p><i>Confused? <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. It's not <i>that</i> bad ...</h3>
<p>It could be much, much worse.</p>
<p>Since peaking at 11-2 and seventh in the polls in 2009, Iowa under Kirk Ferentz has settled into a groove that is more satisfactory than satisfying.</p>
<p>The Hawkeyes have been to four bowls in five years (with a 4-8 dud in the middle), winning either seven or eight games alongside each. They haven't been ranked since late in 2010, no, and despite the Big Ten having approximately 17 January 1 bowls, they have only once played on January 1 in this span. They beat three 10- or 11-win teams in 2010-11 but have only done so once since (and that was NIU).</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46390740/usa-today-8095205.0.jpg"> <span> <i>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</i><br><br> <b><a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections">Projected S&P+ ranking</a></b>: 57 <br><br> <b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 50 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: The passing game appears to have upside<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: Iowa couldn't run with two stud tackles, and those tackles are gone<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: Minnesota (Nov. 14) whomped the Hawkeyes last year and is getting a pretty big head at the moment<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> Kirk Ferentz has crafted a high-floor, low-ceiling program, incapable of collapsing or returning to an elite level, and there's little reason to assume anything other than another seven or eight wins against a weak schedule.</span>
</div>
<p>Things aren't wonderful in Iowa City. But they aren't as bad as we tend to make them seem. They're better than what Ferentz inherited in 1999, for one. They're better than what predecessor Hayden Fry inherited, too.</p>
<p>Before Fry set the bar, and before Ferentz did a decent job of raising it, Iowa was a wasteland for two decades. In a conference that features downside -- each of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/21/8636567/big-ten-football-2015-preview">the first five Big Ten teams previewed so far</a> has spent at least one season ranked below 70th in the F/+ rankings, and four have spent time below 80th -- Iowa's floor seems higher. The Hawkeyes have been in the 60s twice and in the top 50 three times since 2010. Plus, every time we think this is it for Ferentz, that there's no coming back, he responds by putting a much-improved team on the field.</p>
<p>A free fall, this is not. But still ...</p>
<p>It's not hard to see why Iowa fans are frustrated. When the Hawkeyes fail, they fail in the same fashion, over and over. They have produced a top-40 offense (in terms of Off. S&P+) once since 2006 and haven't ranked in the top 60 since 2010. Their leading rusher has averaged better than five yards per carry once since Shonn Greene left, and that was only barely (5.1 in 2012). And when Ferentz felt the need to liven up the unit, he chose the most uninspiring candidate imaginable in former Texas O.C. Greg Davis. The offense bottomed out the next year before rebounding slightly.</p>
<p>Iowa's "run the ball and play good defense" ways have been hampered by an inability to run the ball, but the defense hasn't helped. The Hawkeyes managed one top-30 defense (in Def. S&P+) in four years. The 2013 unit broke through to 10th with an experienced cast, then collapsed to 67th.</p>
<p>2014 was a missed opportunity; coming off of a bounce-back season, the Hawkeyes faced not a single team that ranked better than 24th in F/+, and the only two regular-season opponents that ranked better than 37th came to Iowa City. But they still barely finished above .500, ceding major ground to Minnesota. A top-30 team would have won 11 games or more. Iowa was 63rd, the third-worst showing of the last decade.</p>
<p>Ferentz set a high bar in winning nine or more games five times and registering four top-10 finishes between 2002 and '09. There has been little reason to hope another top-10 surge is possible, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/22/8612191/college-football-coaches-hot-seat-2015">but Iowa still averaged 67,512 in home attendance last year</a>. There's little reason for the athletic director to seek change. <a href="http://thegazette.com/subject/sports/iowa-expects-down-tick-in-football-season-tickets-20150507" target="_blank">Yet</a>.</p>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725152/IowaFPlus2015.0.png"></p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="8"><b>Record: 7-6 | Adj. Record: 7-6 | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 63 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30-Aug</td>
<td>Northern Iowa</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">NR</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-23</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-13.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Sep</td>
<td>Ball State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">91</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17-13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">85%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13-Sep</td>
<td>Iowa State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">92</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17-20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">26%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-15.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20-Sep</td>
<td>at Pittsburgh</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">43</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">65%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">8.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>at Purdue</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">84</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">80%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">19.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11-Oct</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">88</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45-29</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">55%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>at Maryland</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">62</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-38</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">54%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Nov</td>
<td>Northwestern</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">71</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">48-7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">95%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8-Nov</td>
<td>at Minnesota</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">14-51</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-46.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>at Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">78</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">86%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-26</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-2.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">34-37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-11.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2-Jan</td>
<td>vs. Tennessee</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-46.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725154/IowaPercentile2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">27.9</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">28.6</td>
<td align="right">67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">28.2</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">25.6</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>2. Withering away</h3>
<p>Iowa had a decent passing game, run defense, and 2014 start. A home dud against Iowa State didn't have anybody spizzed up about a great year, but the Hawkeyes still started 6-2, handling Northwestern and Purdue with ease and pulling off a fun comeback at Pitt.</p>
<p>They weren't taking full advantage of a weak schedule, but they were looking at another nine-win season and top-50 final ranking. And then the last five games happened.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (first 8 games)</b>: 61% (record: 6-2)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (last 5 games)</b>: 33% (record: 1-4)</li>
</ul>
<p>Over the final five, Iowa got shoved around, allowing at least 5.9 yards per play in four games and giving up at least 37 points in three. A thin defense -- five linemen, five linebackers, and four defensive backs took most of the snaps -- couldn't maintain its edge.</p>
<p>The offense had exciting moments against Illinois and Wisconsin (combined: 7.3 yards per play) but came up empty against Minnesota, Nebraska, and (when it mattered) Tennessee.</p>
<p>After playing at a top-50 level for eight games, Iowa barely played top-90 ball thereafter.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725156/IowaOffPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.84</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">93.8</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">40.1%</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">96.1</td>
<td align="right">82</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">30.5</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">103.0</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">59</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">95.3</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">22.1</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-0.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
<td align="right">109</td>
<td align="right">106</td>
<td align="right">106</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td align="right">60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">98</td>
<td align="right">96</td>
<td align="right">99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">55</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. Figure out what you're good at</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Iowa fan HQ <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Iowa Hawkeyes blog Black Heart Gold Pants</a></div>
</div>
<p>Greg Davis took some hints. With an awful run game and a decent passing game, Iowa threw more normal. After rushing 68 percent of the time on standard downs and 35 percent on passing downs in 2013, those numbers fell to 61 and 31. Strangely, the Hawkeyes threw quite a bit when up big and ran quite a bit when down big, but this was still more pass-happy than an Iowa offense tends to be.</p>
<p>So what does that mean moving forward? Iowa has suffered from attrition issues at the skill positions, and while there appears to be talent, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2015/5/11/8584011/exodus-the-second">exactly what is Ferentz intending to do (or let Davis do)</a>?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>There is a belief, real or perceived, that Ferentz is not interested in playing the most talented players, opting for hard-working strength program guys and intangibles. It was a hypothesis reinforced by the Rudock/Beathard debate last year, the continued use of Mark Weisman at running back, and tine increasingly heavy use of walk-ons at important positions.</p>
<p>Iowa could potentially start six walk-ons, an unsustainable amount of non-scholarship talent on a Big Ten roster, especially when those walk-ons are at left tackle and weakside linebacker. For a rebuilding program, useful walk-ons are a key way of protecting young scholarship talent. For a program with a 16-year head coach, each walk-on represents a recruiting and/or development failure. In Iowa's case, many of those are the result of players transferring out and leaving a hole.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Continuous use of Weisman really did confuse me. At 230-plus pounds, Weisman should have been a nice efficiency back, but his efficiency numbers were awful, and he didn't make up for it with explosiveness. He had two good games in 2014 (he had 212 yards at 6.4 yards per carry against Maryland and Illinois) and otherwise averaged 3.3 yards per carry.</p>
<p>Of course, there weren't superior candidates. Jordan Canzeri averaged 4.2 yards per carry until erupting for 120 yards in the bowl game. Akrum Wadley showed potential against Northwestern and Minnesota (24 carries, 174 yards) but fumbled twice in 33 total carries and had just nine rushes for 12 yards in the final four games. Jonathan Parker had outstanding averages but somehow managed to fumble three times in 16 carries.</p>
<p>Iowa would be smart to lean on the pass again, but with turnover atop the depth chart, it will be interesting to see if Ferentz leans more on players with high ceilings or those with high floors. Assume the latter.</p>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Jake Rudock</td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"><br></td>
<td align="right">213</td>
<td align="right">345</td>
<td align="right">2436</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">61.7%</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">5.0%</td>
<td align="right">6.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>C.J. Beathard</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 209</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8359</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>92</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>645</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>56.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Tyler Wiegers</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'4, 222</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8727</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Ryan Boyle</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 215</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8477</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Drew Cook</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'5, 220</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8313</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526" target="_blank"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Weisman</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">213</td>
<td align="right">812</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">2.9</td>
<td align="right">32.9%</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Canzeri</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 192</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7667</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>102</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>494</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>32.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Rudock</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">286</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">5.8</td>
<td align="right">3.2</td>
<td align="right">59.2%</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Akrum Wadley</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7683</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>186</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damon Bullock</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2.7</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">22.2%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>C.J. Beathard</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 209</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8359</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>182</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jonathan Parker</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'8, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7852</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>141</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>LeShun Daniels, Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8093</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>49</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Derrick Mitchell, Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 212</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8398</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C.J. Hilliard</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>5'10, 195</td>
<td>RSFr.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.6)</td>
<td>0.8488</td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevonte Martin-Manley</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">521</td>
<td align="right">58.4%</td>
<td align="right">20.9%</td>
<td align="right">64.0%</td>
<td align="right">5.9</td>
<td align="right">-120</td>
<td align="right">5.9</td>
<td align="right">60.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tevaun Smith</b></td>
<td><b>SE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8289</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>70</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>607</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>61.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>83</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>70.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jake Duzey</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 248</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8479</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>392</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-40</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.5</b></td>
<td align="right">45.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damon Bullock</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">265</td>
<td align="right">76.2%</td>
<td align="right">9.9%</td>
<td align="right">38.1%</td>
<td align="right">6.3</td>
<td align="right">-110</td>
<td align="right">6.4</td>
<td align="right">30.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ray Hamilton</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">175</td>
<td align="right">51.4%</td>
<td align="right">8.2%</td>
<td align="right">60.0%</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
<td align="right">-53</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
<td align="right">20.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damond Powell</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">317</td>
<td align="right">59.4%</td>
<td align="right">7.5%</td>
<td align="right">43.8%</td>
<td align="right">9.9</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td align="right">10.7</td>
<td align="right">36.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matt VandeBerg</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7848</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>256</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>56.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>82</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jacob Hillyer</b></td>
<td><b>SE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 212</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8323</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>105</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Canzeri</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 192</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7667</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>123</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>81.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Derrick Willies</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">57.1%</td>
<td align="right">1.6%</td>
<td align="right">85.7%</td>
<td align="right">10.1</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">9.1</td>
<td align="right">8.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Macon Plewa</b></td>
<td><b>FB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 244</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-41</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Kenny</td>
<td>FB</td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">57.1%</td>
<td align="right">1.6%</td>
<td align="right">57.1%</td>
<td align="right">3.9</td>
<td align="right">-22</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">3.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andrew Stone</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>48</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Henry Krieger Coble</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8529</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>George Kittle</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8107</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jay Scheel</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 195</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8833</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jon Wisnieski</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 247</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8722</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jerminic Smith</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8274</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. A passing game with potential</h3>
<p>Jake Rudock wasn't that bad. He played in 12 games and produced a passer rating of at least 128 in seven. He was terrible against Minnesota and Tennessee, but everybody was terrible in those games. He completed 62 percent of his passes, he had a solid 1.4 percent interception rate, and he averaged the same yards per pass attempt (6.4) as backup C.J. Beathard.</p>
<p>But it has long been assumed by Iowa fans that Beathard's ceiling is higher. And with an offense that needed a boost, it became a source of frustration that Iowa trotted out the high-floor guy.</p>
<p>That's no longer a concern. Rudock transferred to Michigan. And Beathard better not get hurt because it's all freshmen and redshirt freshmen after him. Granted, RSFr. Tyler Wiegers was a four-star and could have plenty of upside, but this is Beathard's offense now.</p>
<p>In theory, he's got some nice weapons. The top two returning wideouts, Tevaun Smith and Matt VandeBerg, were the two best on a per-target basis, Canzeri is solid out of the backfield, and in theory, Jake Duzey and Jacob Hillyer could provide some big efficiency targets. The passing game seems to be in infinitely better shape than the run, even if it turns out that Beathard is more all-or-nothing than Ferentz would prefer (and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/football/2015/5/22/8644855/sunshine-no-more-c-j-beathard-cuts-his-hair">even if the loss of his flowing locks saps his power</a>).</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 93.8 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2.7</td>
<td align="right">3.69</td>
<td align="right">37.1%</td>
<td align="right">69.2%</td>
<td align="right">17.7%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 111.6 </b></td>
<td align="right">6.3%</td>
<td align="right">2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 97 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">98</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td align="right"><b> 51 </b></td>
<td align="right">95</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Scherff</td>
<td>LT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">36</td>
<td>Outland Trophy; Unanimous All-American, 2014 1st All-Big Ten</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Austin Blythe</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8987</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>35</b></td>
<td><b>2014 2nd All-Big Ten</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Walsh</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9325</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Donnal</td>
<td>RT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sean Welsh</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 288</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8575</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Gaul</td>
<td>C</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eric Simmons</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8307</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mitch Keppy</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8372</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cole Croston</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ike Boettger</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 300</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8097</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Boone Myers</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 300</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Keegan Render</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 305</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8282</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Lucas LeGrand</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 280</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8489</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ross Reynolds</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 300</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7906</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>James Daniels</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8909</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Landan Paulsen</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8755</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Levi Paulsen</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8745</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jacob Newborg</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8569</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brett Weechter</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 275</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8291</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. Bad line stats <i>with</i> a top-five draft pick</h3>
<p>Iowa had the Outland Trophy winner at left tackle, a fourth-round draft pick at right tackle, and a second-team all-conference performer at center. Iowa ranked 97th in Adj. Line Yards.</p>
<p>Rarely will you see something that incongruous. This tells you quite a bit about the quality of the running backs -- in terms of unadjusted stats, Iowa was top-50 in stuff rate (avoiding run stops behind the line) and power success rate but was just 87th in opportunity rate (carries of at least five yards), and if you wanted to pin the line's failings on the backs, that's a good place to start.</p>
<p>If Canzeri, Leshun Daniels Jr., and the fumble-prone sophomores are able to get upfield faster, that will help the line out. Of course, it might need the help: two tackles, including all-world first-rounder Brandon Scherff, are gone.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725158/IowaDefPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.84</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">97.8</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">40.2%</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">109.7</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">29.0</td>
<td align="right">93</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">100.0</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">108.3</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">15.8</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">16.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+0.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">60</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">67</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">55</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">85</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. An Iowa defense</h3>
<p>With a coordinator named Parker, Iowa defended the run and attacked the quarterback on passing downs. This is what we've come to expect.</p>
<p>First, it was otherworldly coordinator Norm Parker, then Phil Parker (unrelated) took it from there. The philosophy has remained, but the talent and experience levels produce wildly differing results.</p>
<p>After producing its best defense in four years in 2013, Iowa was forced to replace all three linebackers and half of its secondary, and the reconfigured defense couldn't keep up down the stretch.</p>
<p>Ferentz did what he always does: employ a tiny rotation, keeping the starters on the field. That tends to mean good things when the experience levels are up to par, and it ensures the high floor, but it also tends to ensure a drop-off when the defense is too green. And in 2014, it also meant diminishing returns in November.</p>
<p>With freshmen and sophomores having turned into sophomores and juniors in the back seven, one can expect an improved pass defense, but there might be concerns up front, where three-fifths of the rotation and both starting tackles need to be replaced.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 105.7 </b></td>
<td align="right">2.82</td>
<td align="right">3.52</td>
<td align="right">38.7%</td>
<td align="right">64.4%</td>
<td align="right">19.4%</td>
<td align="right">108.8</td>
<td align="right">4.3%</td>
<td align="right">10.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 41 </b></td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">82</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td align="right"><b> 46 </b></td>
<td align="right">73</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Louis Trinca-Pasat</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">49.0</td>
<td align="right">7.5%</td>
<td align="right">11.5</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Drew Ott</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 272</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8266</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nate Meier</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 252</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7585</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carl Davis</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">25.0</td>
<td align="right">3.8%</td>
<td align="right">9.0</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Hardy</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">12.0</td>
<td align="right">1.8%</td>
<td align="right">3.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jaleel Johnson</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9184</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Melvin Spears</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 268</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8495</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nathan Bazata</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 284</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8119</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Darian Cooper</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 282</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8983</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Faith Ekakitie</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9197</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kyle Terlouw</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 288</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brant Gressel</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 280</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8523</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matt Nelson</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'8, 270</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8619</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Parker Hesse</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 240</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8256</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Terrence Harris</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 252</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7893</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brady Reiff</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 235</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8436</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Michael Slater</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8345</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Anthony Nelson</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8337</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. Wanted: tackles</h3>
<p>Louis Trinca-Pasat and Carl Davis combined for 20.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, strong disruption stats for a defense that needed them. The return of end Drew Ott should ensure a pass-rushing presence, but tackles appeared to be the key to Iowa's decent run defense.</p>
<p>Trinca-Pasat and Davis provided cover for the two freshman linebackers behind them, and now the training wheels are off for Josey Jewell and Bo Bower, not to mention another sophomore, Ben Niemann, who played sparingly.</p>
<p>There is upside among the replacements in the middle. Juniors Jaleel Johnson and Faith Ekakitie are former four-star recruits, and Johnson showed hints of potential in reserve play. Sophomore Nathan Bazata finished the spring on the first string, and whatever the tackles produce in 2015, they'll probably produce even more in 2016.</p>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quinton Alston</td>
<td>MLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">69.5</td>
<td align="right">10.6%</td>
<td align="right">6.0</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Josey Jewell</b></td>
<td><b>MLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 230</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7844</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Bo Bower</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 228</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reggie Spearman</td>
<td>WLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">25.5</td>
<td align="right">3.9%</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Travis Perry</b></td>
<td><b>MLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 234</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7400</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ben Niemann</b></td>
<td><b>OLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 225</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7985</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cole Fisher</b></td>
<td><b>OLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 236</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8467</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Aaron Mends</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 212</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8216</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jameer Outsey</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 235</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8221</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Angelo Garbutt</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8404</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jack Hockaday</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 215</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8332</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Lowdermilk</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">80.5</td>
<td align="right">12.3%</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Lomax</b></td>
<td><b>FS</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8504</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>68.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Desmond King</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8330</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Greg Mabin</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8224</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>44.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Maurice Fleming</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8768</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Anthony Gair</b></td>
<td><b>FS</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>0.8465</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sean Draper</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8469</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Miles Taylor</b></td>
<td><b>SS</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 195</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8377</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Malik Rucker</td>
<td>DB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">4.0</td>
<td align="right">0.6%</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Solomon Warfield</td>
<td>DB</td>
<td>6'0, 180</td>
<td>So.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.6)</td>
<td>0.8519</td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marcel Joly</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8315</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Embry</td>
<td>DB</td>
<td>6'0, 184</td>
<td>RSFr.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.6)</td>
<td>0.8400</td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Omar Truitt</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8489</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brandon Snyder</b></td>
<td><b>SS</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 210</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. Plenty to like about the secondary</h3>
<p>Trinca-Pasat was also a unique pass rushing threat from the tackle position. He and Drew Ott were solid enough at pressuring the quarterback that Parker didn't have to blitz much to create passing downs advantages. And each of the four starters in the defensive backfield -- i.e., all four guys who actually played -- had between one and three tackles for loss and between six and eight passes defensed.</p>
<p>Of course, playing a big load of bad passing offenses made the numbers look better. The pass rush was decent, and efficiency wasn't an issue, but while Iowa only allowed 34 passes of 20-plus yards (27th in the country), their opponent-adjusted big-play prevention ratings (IsoPPP+) were poor.</p>
<p>This wasn't a spectacular pass defense, but it had potential. And with Ott and three-quarters of the secondary returning, one can assume a slightly improved level. Someone like sophomore Miles Taylor or junior Anthony Gair will have to replace the production of leading tackler John Lowdermilk, but that's doable. Trinca-Pasat might be the trickiest player to replace.</p>
<p>The success of this defense could come down to the backbone.</p>
<p>In general, linebackers are the easiest players to replace on the defense. Or at least, losing your linebackers has less of a statistical impact than losing starters on the line or in the secondary. But Iowa's linebackers were as disruptive as almost any in the country in 2013; the three starters, all seniors, combined for 35.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, six interceptions, six break-ups, and six forced fumbles.</p>
<p>In 2014, five Iowa linebackers combined for 16 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, two picks, 10 PBUs, and two FFs. Those missing plays made the biggest difference in Iowa's decline. In theory, Iowa could return both starting DTs, all three starting LBs, and one of two safeties in 2016, creating a strong backbone for another good D. But it's hard to get a read on what this still-young spine might produce this fall.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dillon Kidd</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 215</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67.4%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Connor Kornbrath</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 242</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>72.2%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marshall Koehn</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>68</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>59.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63.2%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marshall Koehn</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>38-38</b></td>
<td><b>8-11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>72.7%</b></td>
<td><b>4-5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>80.0%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mick Ellis</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 180</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>7-7</b></td>
<td><b>0-1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0%</b></td>
<td><b>0-0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>N/A</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jonathan Parker</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'8, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Canzeri</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 192</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matt VandeBerg</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Riley McCarron</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 186</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 104 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">117</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Not enough on special teams</h3>
<p>Iowa's special teams unit had some strengths: Marshall Koehn has a big leg, and Matt VandeBerg was able to consistently pick up yards on punt returns.</p>
<p>But punt coverage was a nightmare (yards per return allowed: 15.1, 123rd in the country and worst even in the returns-happy Big Ten), and Iowa was just about the only team in the conference not to have a dynamite kick returner. Koehn was a bit scatter-shot inside of 40 yards, but he's fine. The field position game needed a bit more work.</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections"><b>2014 S&P+ Rk</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5-Sep</td>
<td>Illinois State</td>
<td align="right">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>at Iowa State</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>Pittsburgh</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>North Texas</td>
<td align="right">125</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Oct</td>
<td>at Wisconsin</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17-Oct</td>
<td>at Northwestern</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31-Oct</td>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>at Indiana</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21-Nov</td>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Nov</td>
<td>at Nebraska</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">11.4% (42)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">56 / 50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">-6 / -6.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">+0.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">12 (5, 7)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">7.4 (-0.4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. A top-40 team could win nine games</h3>
<p>Once again, Iowa's schedule is manageable, with only one projected top-25 team and seven projected 60th or worse. If Iowa doesn't improve one iota, the Hawkeyes will go to another bowl, their 13th in 15 years.</p>
<p>But if you're an Iowa fan, 2009 is getting further away in the rearview mirror, and you'd like to know that Ferentz is building toward something better eventually. There's little proof.</p>
<p>In 2013, we thought the end was nigh, and Ferentz responded by fielding a top-30 team. It's not inconceivable that the same thing could happen -- the passing game clicks, the run game isn't terrible, the run defense is stable, the pass defense improves.</p>
<p>But a) while top-30 could be possible, top-20 or better seems impossible, and b) the smart money isn't on such a rebound. By focusing on the floor more than the ceiling, Ferentz has created one of the more stable programs in the conference, one less capable of collapsing than at least half of the rest of the Big Ten.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/27/8654499/iowa-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster
Bill Connelly
2015-08-19T18:56:00-04:00
2015-08-19T18:56:00-04:00
If Edsall survives 2015, Maryland can thrive
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q7VGqGc7pbXFFyJIlmIshxX1isA=/0x292:2259x1798/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46399236/GettyImages-456212490.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Will Terps fans accept another mediocre season if it means a potential payoff later?</p> <p><i>Confused? <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. Survive and advance</h3>
<p>Randy Edsall inherited a program that had gone 9-4 the year before he arrived, and he proceeded to go 6-18 in his first two years. His roster suffered serious attrition, and he took some justifiable PR hits in the process.</p>
<p>For two years now, we've been attempting to anticipate the death knell. Every win is viewed as fending off the grim reaper; every loss is met with affirmation.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46399224/GettyImages-459056986.0.jpg"> <span> <i>Mitchell Layton-Getty Images</i><br><br> <b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections" target="new">Projected S&P+ ranking</a></b>: 56 <br><br><b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 43 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: One of the best secondaries on the East Coast<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: The front seven is changing alignment and replacing just about everybody (and might not have any defensive tackles)<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: Penn State (Oct. 24) is big for any number of reasons -- rivalry, recruiting, the need for six wins<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> Edsall continues to not get fired and might have the pieces to make a hell of a run in 2016-18 if he can simply tread water for now.</span>
</div>
<p>But in anticipating death, we have ignored signs of life.</p>
<p>Edsall's first 12 months were a disaster in just about every way. His first Terps squad looked good against Miami and West Virginia and got whipped by Temple and Wake Forest in a mortifying 2-10 campaign. Then the offseason came, and <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2012/6/29/3126038/maryland-terrapins-football-recruiting-jacquille-veii-ricardo-young" target="_blank">"20-odd transfers"</a> left the program.</p>
<p>His second team suffered so many injuries that a true freshman linebacker ended up playing quarterback, handing to a freshman running back, and throwing to a freshman receiver; despite improving to 4-8, the product on the field was, in a relatively forgivable way, even worse.</p>
<p>But from ashes came a reasonably sturdy foundation. From 4-8 and 100th in the F/+ rankings, Maryland improved to 7-6 and 77th. The Terps moved to the Big Ten and held steady despite a woeful home-field advantage, winning another seven games and improving to 62nd.</p>
<p>For the first time since 2002-03, Maryland has won at least seven games in back-to-back years. Edsall and his staff have recruited at a top-40 level over the previous two seasons and just scored a <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2015/5/15/7340579/dwayne-haskins-recruiting-maryland-commits" target="_blank">"potential program-changing commitment"</a> for 2016 that probably <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/22/8612191/college-football-coaches-hot-seat-2015" target="_blank">gives Edsall more slack when it comes to on-the-field results this fall</a>.</p>
<p>Edsall is not safe; he's still going to show up on hot seat lists, and he's still 20-30 in four seasons. His team played four top-30 teams (in terms of F/+) and lost by an average score of 47-17. With a new quarterback, new(ish) receivers, new defensive coordinator, and new defensive alignment, he cannot afford to take much of a step backward.</p>
<p>But he's surviving. And with every year you don't get fired, you have another opportunity to get your house in order. Recruiting is hinting at a future, and all Edsall has to do is stay out of the way.</p>
<p>The 2015 season is about survival. There is either experience, upside, or both within every unit, and all six home games are against teams projected 35th or worse. Get to six or seven wins, <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2015/5/18/8620069/maryland-recruiting-news-updates-dwayne-haskins" target="_blank">continue to check names off of the dream recruiting list</a>, and don't do anything that impacts a future that appears to be growing brighter.</p>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725160/MarylandFPlus2015.0.png"></p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="8"><b>Record: 7-6 | Adj. Record: 9-4 | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 62 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30-Aug</td>
<td>James Madison</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">NR</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">52-7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">89%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Sep</td>
<td>at South Florida</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">123</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-17</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">69%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13-Sep</td>
<td>West Virginia</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">40</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">37-40</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">61%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">56%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20-Sep</td>
<td>at Syracuse</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">80</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">34-20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">73%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">14.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">93%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>at Indiana</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">88</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">37-15</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">93%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">33.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4-Oct</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-52</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">21%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-19.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>Iowa</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38-31</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">50%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25-Oct</td>
<td>at Wisconsin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7-52</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">8%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-33.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Nov</td>
<td>at Penn State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">20-19</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">76%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">16.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">83%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">15-37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">41%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-5.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>at Michigan</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">54</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">23-16</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">78%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29-Nov</td>
<td>Rutgers</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">81</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38-41</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">72%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30-Dec</td>
<td>vs. Stanford</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">18</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">21-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">16%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-23.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725162/MarylandPercentile2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">28.1</td>
<td align="right">68</td>
<td align="right">24.7</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">28.5</td>
<td align="right">68</td>
<td align="right">30.2</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>2. You see what you want to see</h3>
<p>I have enjoyed the addition of the percentile chart to this year's preview series, as it can affirm or refute what you were thinking about how a team plays from month to month or against certain levels of competition. We all took standardized tests, so we're all familiar with the percentiles concept.</p>
<p>Sometimes, however, it can offer too many viewpoints to be helpful. With 12 to 15 games, trend-spotting is going to be a dicey proposition regardless -- this data is more effectively used to ask questions than provide answers -- and Maryland offered up all sorts of trends.</p>
<p>For instance, if you wanted to craft a "started strong, then faded" narrative, you've got ammo.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (first 5 games)</b>: 77% (record: 4-1)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (last 8 games)</b>: 44% (record: 3-5)</li>
</ul>
<p>The 61st percentile is approximately a top-50 level of play; after clearing that bar (sometimes by quite a bit) in each of the first five games, Maryland did so in only three of its final eight. Considering the injuries -- star receiver Stefon Diggs missed the final three games of the regular season, defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson and linebacker Cavon Walker were lost for the season after three games, cornerback Alvin Hill was lost after four -- it would make sense that Maryland played its best ball in September.</p>
<p>But there's also this:</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (at home)</b>: 54% (record: 2-4)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (on the road)</b>: 66% (record: 5-1)</li>
</ul>
<p>And this:</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (vs. F/+ top 40)</b>: 29% (record: 0-5)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (vs. No. 41-80)</b>: 69% (record: 4-0)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (vs. No. 81-plus)</b>: 79% (record: 3-1)</li>
</ul>
<p>Whatever trend you're looking for, you've got it. Knowing about Maryland's injuries, its playing style, and its home field, all of these things make a certain amount of sense. But they could all be true, or they could all be a product of noise. Your choice.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725164/MarylandOffPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.86</td>
<td align="right">59</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">105.4</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">38.5%</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">104.6</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">31.4</td>
<td align="right">95</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">99.0</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.8</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">109.4</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">20.8</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+1.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">112</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">111</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">73</td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">38</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">99</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">64</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">C.J. Brown</td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"><br></td>
<td align="right">189</td>
<td align="right">354</td>
<td align="right">2288</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">53.4%</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
<td align="right">9.2%</td>
<td align="right">5.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Caleb Rowe</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'3, 215</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8475</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>489</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Perry Hills</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 215</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8540</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>86</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Shane Cockerille</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 222</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8659</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Daxx Garman<br>(Oklahoma State)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 205</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8109</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>152</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>277</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2041</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Gage Shaffer</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'7, 205</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8414</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. A pass-first offense that didn't pass very well</h3>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Maryland fan HQ <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.testudotimes.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Maryland Terrapins blog Testudo Times</a></div>
</div>
<p>Mike Locksley is one hell of a recruiter. That much we know. He brought more star recruits to New Mexico than anybody could have been expected to do, and he's the most well-regarded recruiter on Edsall's staff.</p>
<p>We still don't know much about him as a coach. He was Illinois' offensive coordinator from 2005-08 and got blue-chip talent like Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn onto the field, and he did manage to get the Illini into the Off. S&P+ top 30 twice. And in his third year as Maryland's O.C. in 2014, with the closest thing yet to a healthy offense, he got the Terps from 100th to 68th in the same category.</p>
<p>You can debate whether the ratings are good enough, but there's potential competence. (We won't talk about his actual performance as New Mexico's head coach, other than mentioning that, in terms of F/+ ratings, his 2011 UNM squad was the worst FBS team of the last 10 years.)</p>
<p>If the talent level is high enough, you don't need to be the world's greatest tactician. And it appears there is talent despite the loss of receivers Stefon Diggs and Deon Long. He's got a former four-star at running back, three wideouts who averaged at least 8 yards per target in their latest seasons, four former four-stars in the receiving corps, three former four- or five-stars and three two-year starters on the line ... he's got intriguing personnel.</p>
<p>Now does he have a quarterback? C.J. Brown was a bit of a square peg in a round hole the last couple of years, a run-first quarterback in a pass-first offense, but he was still dangerous. He almost single-handedly made Maryland's run game efficient, and he was handling the offense pretty well until a back injury.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>First 5 games</b>: 57% completion rate, 13.6 yards per completion, 2.3% INT rate</li>
<li> <b>Next 5 games</b>: 49% completion rate, 9.8 yards per completion, 4.0% INT rate</li>
</ul>
<p>His injuries did give us a few looks at young quarterbacks like Caleb Rowe and Perry Hills through the years, and both showed reasonable levels of promise. Rowe has twice torn his ACL and missed spring ball because of a tear last October (he's a medical redshirt candidate, so while he's listed as a senior, he could have two years left); he's also got some gunslinger tendencies, aiming downfield with positive (14.5 yards per completion in parts of three years) and negative (4.4 percent INT rate) effects. He seems to have more of the pro-style feel, but that doesn't automatically make him an upgrade.</p>
<p>And if/when he gets hurt again, we know that the backup will have either some semblance of experience (Hills or recent Oklahoma State transfer Daxx Garman) or upside (athletic Shane Cockerille).</p>
<p>If Rowe is able to stay on the field and shows reasonable command of an offense suited to his skills, Maryland might be able to avoid drop-off. That's definitely an if, but it's not unrealistic.</p>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526" target="_blank"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C.J. Brown</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">125</td>
<td align="right">755</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">6.0</td>
<td align="right">6.1</td>
<td align="right">44.8%</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Wes Brown</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9374</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>103</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>356</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brandon Ross</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>85</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>419</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jacquille Veii</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">105</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">5.5</td>
<td align="right">4.4</td>
<td align="right">42.1%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Albert Reid</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">1.9</td>
<td align="right">37.5%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kenneth Goins Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>FB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8471</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Caleb Rowe</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 215</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8475</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stefon Diggs</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5.6</td>
<td align="right">2.9</td>
<td align="right">60.0%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joe Riddle</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8019</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ty Johnson</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 173</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8569</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stefon Diggs</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">94</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
<td align="right">792</td>
<td align="right">66.0%</td>
<td align="right">24.2%</td>
<td align="right">68.1%</td>
<td align="right">8.4</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">7.8</td>
<td align="right">109.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deon Long</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">575</td>
<td align="right">57.3%</td>
<td align="right">22.9%</td>
<td align="right">58.4%</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td align="right">-56</td>
<td align="right">6.4</td>
<td align="right">79.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Levern Jacobs (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8089</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>640</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>64.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>85</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>88.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marcus Leak</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8425</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>297</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>56.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41.1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jacquille Veii</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">230</td>
<td align="right">45.7%</td>
<td align="right">9.0%</td>
<td align="right">45.7%</td>
<td align="right">6.6</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">6.2</td>
<td align="right">31.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Amba Etta-Tawo</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8256</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>222</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>87</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brandon Ross</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>212</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>56.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Wes Brown</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9374</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>198</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>91.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-42</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>27.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juwann Winfree</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>6'2, 195</td>
<td>So.</td>
<td>4 stars (5.8)</td>
<td>0.9010</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">158</td>
<td align="right">78.6%</td>
<td align="right">3.6%</td>
<td align="right">42.9%</td>
<td align="right">11.3</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">9.8</td>
<td align="right">21.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kenneth Goins Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>FB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8471</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>91.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-32</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Derrick Hayward</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 235</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8458</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Adams</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">25.0%</td>
<td align="right">2.1%</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">5.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Albert Reid</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">85.7%</td>
<td align="right">1.8%</td>
<td align="right">28.6%</td>
<td align="right">7.3</td>
<td align="right">-18</td>
<td align="right">6.4</td>
<td align="right">7.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andrew Isaacs</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8621</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-22</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>P.J. Gallo</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8614</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Malcolm Culmer</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8207</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>DeAndre Lane</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'8, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7820</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Taivon Jacobs</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 165</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8444</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Will Ulmer</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 194</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8747</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>D.J. Moore</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8872</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. Still plenty of options</h3>
<p>If the quarterback situation is at least stable -- Maryland reminds us each year that you might need more than one -- there does appear to be plenty of upside at the skill positions. Losing Diggs and Long is in no way a good thing, but the two combined to suffer three significant injuries in the last two years; as with quarterback and just about every other position, injuries have created depth at receiver.</p>
<p>If Levern Jacobs returns to his 2013 form after missing 2014 because of suspension, and if someone like Amba Etta-Tawo is able to generate consistency, the receiving corps should still be at least middle-of-the-pack in the Big Ten. And if young former star recruits like Juwann Winfree, tight end Andrew Isaacs, and perhaps redshirt freshman Taivon Jacobs or incoming freshman D.J. Moore can provide at decent second-string options, the depth could make even a mediocre quarterback look pretty good. [<b>Update</b>: Winfree was suspended, then transferred.]</p>
<p>Running back has less certainty. Yes, Wes Brown is a former four-star, but he has yet to live up to that rating, and while Brandon Ross was explosive, he fumbled five times.</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 108.2 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2.86</td>
<td align="right">2.96</td>
<td align="right">37.3%</td>
<td align="right">55.3%</td>
<td align="right">20.7%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 85.9 </b></td>
<td align="right">7.6%</td>
<td align="right">9.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 40 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">80</td>
<td align="right">95</td>
<td align="right">85</td>
<td align="right">118</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td align="right"><b> 88 </b></td>
<td align="right">112</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sal Conaboy</td>
<td>C</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Michael Dunn</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 306</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ryan Doyle</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 307</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8257</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andrew Zeller</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 315</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8257</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Silvano Altamirano</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Wheeler</td>
<td>LT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Evan Mulrooney</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 299</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8252</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Stephen Grommer</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 306</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8172</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mike Minter</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 310</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>JaJuan Dulaney</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 295</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8432</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Damian Prince</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 325</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>5 stars (6.1)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9858</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Derwin Gray</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 315</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9250</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brendan Moore</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 292</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8210</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Quarvez Boulware</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9039</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>EJ Donahue</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 320</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8867</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ellis McKennie</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8358</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. Take your pick: experience or upside</h3>
<p>When blue-chip quarterback Dwayne Haskins committed earlier in May, <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2015/5/20/8628217/dwayne-haskins-maryland-football" target="_blank">Testudo Times wrote about the foundation Maryland is putting in place</a>. Blue-chip linemen are a big part.</p>
<p>Damian Prince, Derwin Gray, and Quarvez Boulware were all big-time recruits; Prince, in fact, was among the top 20 or 30 players of 2014. But all three are either true or redshirt freshmen, and the Maryland depth chart could also feature up to four seniors and a junior with far greater experience and not nearly the upside. Obviously you play for the present tense, but the mix between the guys with higher floors and the ones with higher ceilings is interesting, especially when the experienced players didn't blow anybody away last year.</p>
<p>Maryland's line stats were damaged by facing one of the tougher slates of defensive lines in the country -- Ohio State, Stanford, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Michigan -- but the Terps still got no push in short-yardage and couldn't protect a hard-to-protect quarterback (mobile QBs usually end up with higher sack rates). One hopes Prince will start at the very least.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725166/MarylandDefPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.82</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">105.5</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">40.1%</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">104.8</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">31.5</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">102.0</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.2</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">103.9</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">25.1</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">22.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-3.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">55</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">99</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
<td align="right">55</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. A change might (or might not) do you good</h3>
<p>In 2014, Maryland had the best Def. S&P+ rating of the Edsall era. The Terps had improved each year, from 75th to 50th to 47th to 42nd; they had plenty of issues in run defense but played efficient pass defense, harassed the quarterback on passing downs, and played pretty well in scoring opportunities. This wasn't a breakthrough season as much as the culmination.</p>
<p>In 2015, the Terps start over. Defensive coordinator Brian Stewart left to become part of Mike Riley's staff at Nebraska, and Maryland must replace almost all of its defensive ends and linebackers.</p>
<p>Linebackers coach Keith Dudzinski has moved to the coordinator chair, and he and Edsall elected to move to more of a 4-3 alignment. Hey, if you're going to make a change, you might as well do it when you're already facing turnover.</p>
<p>The front seven probably isn't going to be any worse against the run, but a good pass rush was part of Maryland's strong pass defense, and losing 10-sack Andre Monroe isn't great. Still, with players like Yannick Ngakou and Roman Braglio (combined: 8.5 sacks), the pass rush has a chance, and if the secondary gets any help from the front seven, it could be fantastic.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 93.8 </b></td>
<td align="right">3.18</td>
<td align="right">2.76</td>
<td align="right">39.7%</td>
<td align="right">73.5%</td>
<td align="right">18.3%</td>
<td align="right">116.8</td>
<td align="right">4.7%</td>
<td align="right">9.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 90 </b></td>
<td align="right">98</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
<td align="right"><b> 33 </b></td>
<td align="right">63</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andre Monroe</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">49.5</td>
<td align="right">6.0%</td>
<td align="right">14.0</td>
<td align="right">10.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darius Kilgo</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">37.0</td>
<td align="right">4.5%</td>
<td align="right">8.0</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Bowers</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">32.5</td>
<td align="right">4.0%</td>
<td align="right">6.0</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Yannick Ngakoue</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8933</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spencer Myers</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">13.5</td>
<td align="right">1.6%</td>
<td align="right">2.5</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Roman Braglio</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 267</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8485</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jesse Aniebonam</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 248</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9404</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Quinton Jefferson</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 287</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8479</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>David Shaw</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 308</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7984</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Azubuike Ukandu</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 306</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kingsley Opara</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 308</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8417</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b><i>Malik Jones</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>DT</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>6'4, 269</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>So.</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>2 stars (5.4)</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>0.8126</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><i><b></b></i></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chandler Burkett</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 237</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8058</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b><i>Adam McLean</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>DT</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>6'3, 280</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>Fr.</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>4 stars (5.9)</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>0.9419</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Keiron Howard</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8472</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Oseh Saine</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8229</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Farrand</td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">94.0</td>
<td align="right">11.5%</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L.A. Goree</td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">81.5</td>
<td align="right">9.9%</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Twine</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">30.5</td>
<td align="right">3.7%</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Robinson</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">27.5</td>
<td align="right">3.4%</td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jermaine Carter, Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>ILB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 240</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8185</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">17.5</td>
<td align="right">2.1%</td>
<td align="right">2.5</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalen Brooks</b></td>
<td><b>OLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 234</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8156</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cavon Walker</b></td>
<td><b>OLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 254</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8209</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Avery Thompson</b></td>
<td><b>OLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7998</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b><i>Abner Logan</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>OLB</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>6'1, 240</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>Jr.</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>4 stars (5.8)</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>0.8923</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>7</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>4.0</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>0.5%</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>0.0</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>0.0</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>0</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>0</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>0</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>0</i></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jefferson Ashiru</b></td>
<td><b>OLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8160</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brock Dean</b></td>
<td><b>ILB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8188</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tyler Burke</b></td>
<td><b>ILB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 247</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8363</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Gus Little</b></td>
<td><b>ILB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8489</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brett Zanotto</b></td>
<td><b>ILB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8407</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. Wholesale turnover</h3>
<p>When you're talking about a team in the offseason, you're talking about who it lost or who it returns. Most of the time, those two create the same story line. But sometimes they don't.</p>
<p>Maryland loses its quarterback, two star receivers, a three-year starting center, and almost its entire front seven. Bad!</p>
<p>Maryland returns two quarterbacks with starting experience, its top two rushers, its No. 1 and No. 3 receivers from 2013, three two-year starting offensive linemen, a prolific junior end, three linebackers who were (when healthy) part of last year's rotation, and most of an awesome secondary. Good!</p>
<p>It takes spin to create optimism for the front seven, but end does appear well-stocked with Yannick Ngakoue and other high-upside underclassmen, and between junior Cavon Walker and sophomores Jermaine Carter Jr. and Jalen Brooks, the linebacking corps does have three guys who were contributors. It could be worse.</p>
<p>It could also be better. Those listed as defensive tackles made a combined 10.5 tackles last year, and star recruit Adam McLean is recovering from a knee injury. Granted, the knee injury is to Maryland what the two-year mission is to BYU -- you know it's going to happen, and just hope the player doesn't get too far out of shape -- and getting it out of the way early was prescient on McLean's part. But he could have been useful this year.</p>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sean Davis</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8492</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>97.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>William Likely</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'7, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8856</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>74.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Anthony Nixon</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8342</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>49.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremiah Johnson</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">38.5</td>
<td align="right">4.7%</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>A.J. Hendy (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 207</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9225</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Dancel</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">12.5</td>
<td align="right">1.5%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Alvin Hill</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8125</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jarrett Ross</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8382</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Josh Woods</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 196</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8495</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Elvis Dennah</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7923</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Milan Collins</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8354</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Daniel Ezeagwu</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8320</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Denzel Conyers</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 216</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8430</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Darnell Savage, Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 160</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8435</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. No worries about the secondary</h3>
<p>If that means a solid pass rush, the secondary will cruise.</p>
<p>Corner William Likely has been one of the country's best aggressive corners over the last two years, recording 8.5 tackles for loss, seven picks, and 15 break-ups for his career. Safety Sean Davis moves to corner, and Alvin Hill was putting together a solid 2014 campaign before he got hurt. Seniors Anthony Nixon and A.J. Hendy (who missed 2014 because of suspension) provide experience at safety, too.</p>
<p>This unit could be an issue in 2016, but it will be a serious strength in 2015. If the front seven is competent, the secondary could head up another top-50 defense.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nathan Renfro</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td align="right">41.5</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td align="right">51.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brad Craddock</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 189</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38.7%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brad Craddock</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 189</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>44-44</b></td>
<td><b>7-7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td><b>11-12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>91.7%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stefon Diggs</td>
<td>KR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">23.9</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>William Likely</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'7, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>William Likely</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'7, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 7 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">82</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Special teams should be a strength again</h3>
<p>Brad Craddock (place-kicking) and Likely (returns) were so good last year that Maryland finished seventh in special teams efficiency despite a shaky coverage unit. Craddock was asked to take a ton of long field goals and made almost every one of them, and Likely was even better in returns than Stefon Diggs. That these two return means the Terps will be good in special teams again.</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections" target="_blank"><b>Proj. S&P+ Rk</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5-Sep</td>
<td>Richmond</td>
<td align="right">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
<td align="right">94</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>South Florida</td>
<td align="right">90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>at West Virginia</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Oct</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>at Ohio State</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24-Oct</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31-Oct</td>
<td>at Iowa</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>at Michigan State</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21-Nov</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>at Rutgers</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">-6.8% (74)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">36 / 43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">0 / 4.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">-1.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">11 (6, 5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">7.2 (-0.2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. Another minor bowl and excitement on the horizon</h3>
<p>Your view of Maryland really does depend on whether you focus on departures or returns. The Terps are full of both.</p>
<p>If the quarterback position never settles (or stays healthy), and if the run defense actually gets worse, Maryland could struggle, and with only two of five road games coming against teams projected worse than 40th and only five total games against teams projected worse than 60th, a Maryland team that regresses could struggle to hit more than about 5-7 or 6-6.</p>
<p>But this season is only so much about this season.</p>
<p>Maryland's recruiting is improving, and the Terps could return between 14 and 17 starters in 2016 while welcoming their best signing class yet. Randy Edsall has been through some self-inflicted hell in his four years in College Park, but if he can simply tread water in 2015, the future is beginning to look awfully bright.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/28/8662053/maryland-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster
Bill Connelly
2015-08-19T13:36:00-04:00
2015-08-19T13:36:00-04:00
Nebraska has an opportunity
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ApS2UCVzMFiqW-Belom94JNUmUs=/0x0:3940x2627/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46437846/usa-today-8301159.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A program with high standards has a decent chance to meet some of them in the first year of a new era.</p> <p><i>Confused? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. Careful what you wish for ...</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>When a coach raises the bar for a program but then <i>stops</i> raising it, fans get impatient. And impatience can bring iffy decision-making.</p>
<p align="right">-- <a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/6/2/8688759/minnesota-gophers-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster">2015 Minnesota preview</a></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>But even though Nebraska has experienced the phenomenon of dumping a good coach because he's not great -- Frank Solich went 58-19 and got dumped after going 9-3; he was replaced by Bill Callahan, who went 27-22 -- one gets the impression Pelini isn't going to last much longer without a breakthrough season.</p>
<p align="right">-- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/5/29/5752746/nebraska-football-2014-preview-schedule-roster" target="new">2014 Nebraska preview</a></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>If they want to fire me, go ahead. I believe in what I have done and I don't apologize for anything I have done.</p>
<p align="right">-- <a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/11/29/5158088/bo-pelini-nebraska-iowa">Bo Pelini</a></p>
</blockquote>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46437840/usa-today-8250664.0.jpg"> <span> <i>Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports</i><br><br> <b><a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections">Projected S&P+ ranking</a></b>: 30 <br><br> <b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 23 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: As strange as it is to say about Nebraska, the aerial pass could favor the Huskers. Both the secondary and receiving corps could be top-notch.<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: Nebraska has stunk at stopping the run, and now the pass rush must be rebuilt, too.<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: Wisconsin (Oct. 10) and at Minnesota (Oct. 17) could decide the B1G West.<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> Mike Riley has brought infinite good vibes to a program that needed them, but the goodwill will expire if he misses out on an opportunity to make noise in a wide open West.</span>
</div>
<p>It was obvious how this marriage was going to end. It was only a question of when.</p>
<p>Warts and all, Bo Pelini won at a consistent level. Since ranking eighth in F/+ in 2009, Pelini engineered a finish between 20th and 30th in four of five seasons. Following a blip in 2013 -- the Huskers still went 9-4, as was customary, but ranked just 55th -- Pelini's charges rebounded to 30th, playing better than that for three-quarters of the year but suffering significant blips in big games.</p>
<p>The improvement didn't fend off what was certain. Nebraska fired Pelini, forgoing nine wins a year for the dream of more. It was a frustrating end for an obviously good coach, but it was a fresh start we knew would come.</p>
<p>But if Pelini's firing wasn't a surprise, Nebraska's replacement certainly was.</p>
<p>In Mike Riley, Nebraska elected to bring in a guy who a) is the opposite of Pelini in demeanor and b) only won more than nine games once in 14 years at Oregon State. The minuses (he won only 29 games in the last five years) and pluses (he won 70 games in 10 years at Oregon State ... just think of what he could do at a bigger program) of his hire were evident, and honestly, that makes it difficult to know what to expect. His friendly grandpa carriage means he will earn a level of goodwill that Pelini never did, and perhaps that means that on-the-field bar won't be as high.</p>
<p>Then again, Solich was a super-nice guy. He got dumped after averaging 9.7 wins. So forget that part.</p>
<p>We can debate whether Nebraska sets the bar too high, but we know that the 61-year-old Riley will get at least a few years to prove himself. He has crafted one of the most unique résumés in college football -- he won two Grey Cups with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, went 14-34 in the NFL, and won 93 games for a power-conference underdog -- and this will likely be his final entry. He inherits a roster that is fun but flawed.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736088/NebraskaFPlus2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="8" align="center"><b>Record: 9-4 | Adj. Record: 10-3 | <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014" target="_blank"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 30 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30-Aug</td>
<td>Florida Atlantic</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">55-7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">94%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">36.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Sep</td>
<td>McNeese State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">8.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">98%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13-Sep</td>
<td>at Fresno State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">102</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">55-19</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">94%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">36.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20-Sep</td>
<td>Miami</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">41-31</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">70%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">12.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">78</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">86%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4-Oct</td>
<td>at Michigan State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">22-27</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">27%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-14.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>at Northwestern</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">71</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38-17</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">90%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25-Oct</td>
<td>Rutgers</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">81</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">91%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Nov</td>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">84</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">35-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">86%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>at Wisconsin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-59</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">9%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-31.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-28</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">35%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-9.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>at Iowa</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">37-34</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">79%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">19.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">93%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Dec</td>
<td>vs. USC</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">16</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">60%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">5.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">44%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736090/NebraskaPercentile2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">35.4</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">25.1</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">37.8</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">26.4</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>2. Three duds</h3>
<p>Inevitable or not, Pelini's firing took place when it did because of three bad performances. Nebraska played at a top-20 level during the rest of the regular season, but when the Huskers slid, they slid a lot.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (3 regular-season losses)</b>: 24% (~top 100)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (9 regular-season wins)</b>: 84% (~top 20)</li>
</ul>
<p>It was not always this stark, but this was a defining characteristic of the Pelini era. In 2014, the Huskers didn't just lose to Wisconsin, they watched as Melvin Gordon set a single-game rushing record. In 2013, they didn't just lose to UCLA and Iowa at home, they lost by a combined 41. In 2012, they lost to Ohio State and Wisconsin by a combined 64. In 2011, they lost to Wisconsin and Michigan by a combined 59.</p>
<p>In Pelini's last four seasons, he lost 15 games, but 11 were by double digits, and seven were by at least 20 points. He went 1-3 vs. Wisconsin, lost his last two against Minnesota, and his last two against Michigan State. And while his 2014 team bounced back after a tenuous 2013, it rarely played well against good competition.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (vs. F/+ top 40)</b>: 40% (record: 1-4)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (vs. No. 41-plus)</b>: 85% (record: 8-0)</li>
</ul>
<p>One gets the impression that the magnitude of the losses were as important as the losses themselves. I understand that, even if I stick to my "Be careful what you wish for" attitude.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736092/NebraskaOffPrint2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" align="center"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.94</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">116.4</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">44.6%</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">117.2</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">27.6</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">106.0</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.4</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">119.1</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567" target="_blank">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">23.4</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+1.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html" target="_blank">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">82</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. A Danny Langsdorf offense</h3>
<p>Combining carries and pass targets, Ameer Abdullah had nearly 23 intended touches per game and accounted for nearly 2,000 total yards. Abdullah and Kenny Bell combined to account for 35 percent of NU's targets and 1,059 receiving yards. Losing these two would have changed the identity of the offense even if Pelini hadn't been fired; perhaps this wasn't the worst time for change in the coaching booth.</p>
<p>I enjoyed writing about new coordinator Danny Langsdorf's Oregon State offenses through the years. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/7/21/5915135/oregon-state-beavers-football-2014-preview-schedule-roster">From last year's OSU preview</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Langsdorf had helped craft what can be called (as a compliment) a "little-league offense," as in everybody touches the ball. Langsdorf and Riley (the play-caller) spread the ball around and gave playmakers opportunities.</p>
<p>In 2013, that meant giving 44 carries to receivers Brandin Cooks and Victor Bolden and targeting running backs Storm Woods and Terron Woods with 104 passes. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.si.com/college-football/2014/07/17/nick-saban-alabama-crimson-tide-sec-media-days">Andy Staples wrote a lovely piece about Nick Saban and the "not Xs and Os, but Jimmies and Joes" principle</a>; well, Oregon State's offense was the personification. Figure out what your guys can do, then get them the ball in ways that allow them to do it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Langsdorf served as Riley's coordinator at Oregon State from 2005-13 before taking a job with the New York Giants last fall. He went to creative lengths to get the ball into his playmakers' hands, and while there were blips, the results were solid. In the eight seasons between 2006 and 2013, Oregon State's offense ranked between 16th and 31st in Off. S&P+ six times; there were a couple of stumbles (77th in 2007, 65th in 2011), but there was always a rebound.</p>
<p>Though the names atop Nebraska's skill hierarchy change, one assumes Riley and Langsdorf will find plenty of athletes deserving of the football.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Running back Terrell Newby is a former blue-chipper who had a nice spring; he and big Amani Cross have hinted at between-the-tackles efficiency, and Newby did catch eight of 11 targets last season.</span></li>
<li><span>As a No. 2 or No. 3 wideout, Jordan Westerkamp has averaged at least 11 yards per target in back-to-back seasons.</span></li>
<li><span>De'Mornay Pierson-El's otherworldly punt return skills scream for a few bubble screens and jet sweeps.</span></li>
<li><span>Jamal Turner is a spring legend who gets one last chance to produce after missing almost all of 2014 with an Achilles injury.</span></li>
<li><span>Four other former four-stars (running backs Mikale Wilbon and Adam Taylor, receivers Alonzo Moore and Stanley Morgan) have opportunities to carve out a niche.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>There are weapons. We'll see if incumbent quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (or someone who can overtake him) is able to direct as Riley and Langsdorf require.</p>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b> Tommy Armstrong Jr. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 6'1, 220 </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> Jr. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 3 stars (5.7) </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 0.9003 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 184 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 345 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 2695 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 22 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 12 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 53.3% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 20 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 5.5% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 7.1 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b> Ryker Fyfe </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 6'2, 210 </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> Jr. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 2 stars (5.3) </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 4 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 10 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 40 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 1 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 0 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 40.0% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 1 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 9.1% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 3.2 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Johnny Stanton</td>
<td align="left">6'2, 230</td>
<td align="left">So.</td>
<td align="left">3 stars (5.7)</td>
<td align="left">0.8946</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">100.0%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0.0%</td>
<td align="right">6.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b> AJ Bush </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 6'3, 220 </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> RSFr. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 2 stars (5.4) </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 0.8044 </b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b> Zach Darlington </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 6'2, 205 </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> RSFr. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 3 stars (5.5) </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 0.8737 </b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ameer Abdullah</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">263</td>
<td align="right">1618</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">6.2</td>
<td align="right">6.7</td>
<td align="right">41.1%</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tommy Armstrong Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9003</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>125</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>803</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Imani Cross</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9066</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>384</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Terrell Newby</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9404</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>297</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Nelson</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'7, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>74</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ryker Fyfe</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>De'Mornay Pierson-El</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8460</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Graham Nabity</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Adam Taylor</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9058</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mikale Wilbon</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'8, 190</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8822</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Devine Ozigbo</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8560</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. A different role for the run game</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Nebraska fan central <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.cornnation.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Nebraska Cornhuskers blog Corn Nation</a></div>
</div>
<p>Armstrong proved himself a typical dual-threat quarterback last year, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.</p>
<p>He completed 53 percent of his passes with a sack rate over 5 percent and an interception rate over 3 percent, but he also rushed for more than 800 yards (not including sacks) and proved adept at getting the ball over the heads of defenders who were distracted by the run. He averaged nearly 15 yards per completion, and while Bell (54 percent catch rate, 16.8 yards per catch) was a big reason, Jordan Westerkamp was, too.</p>
<p>Riley's Oregon State offense required quite a bit of short passing -- in four years as a starter, Beaver quarterback Sean Mannion averaged 11.5 yards per completion, but with a completion rate nearly 65 percent -- and we'll see if Armstrong can pull that off. And we'll see how much the run can help him.</p>
<p>Assuming quicker receivers like Pierson-El [<b>Update:</b> He'll likely miss a few games due to a foot injury] and Turner play a role in the horizontal game, either via handoffs or extended handoffs (quick passes), that could stretch defenses enough to punish them with zone reads and between-the-tackles running by Newby and Cross. They haven't suggested they could become home run hitters like Abdullah, but that isn't necessarily their role. They will be asked to soften defenses up in the middle until they get burned on the outside. It isn't guaranteed to work, but it could.</p>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Bell</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">790</td>
<td align="right">54.0%</td>
<td align="right">25.6%</td>
<td align="right">51.7%</td>
<td align="right">9.1</td>
<td align="right">201</td>
<td align="right">9.4</td>
<td align="right">111.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Westerkamp</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9060</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>44</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>747</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>65.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>217</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>105.2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>De'Mornay Pierson-El</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8460</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>321</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ameer Abdullah</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">269</td>
<td align="right">68.8%</td>
<td align="right">9.4%</td>
<td align="right">37.5%</td>
<td align="right">8.4</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">6.6</td>
<td align="right">37.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Alonzo Moore</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8856</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>136</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19.1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jamal Turner (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9658</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>102</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>68.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-51</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Taariq Allen</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8291</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>17</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>73</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-30</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brandon Reilly</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>83</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Terrell Newby</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9404</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>72.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-50</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cethan Carter</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8572</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>98</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>70.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sam Cotton</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8181</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Lane Hovey</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>69</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Trey Foster</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 245</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Luke McNitt</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b><i>Lavan Alston (injured)</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>WR</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>6'0, 175</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>Fr.</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>3 stars (5.6)</i></b></td>
<td><b><i>0.8832</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Stanley Morgan</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8765</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matt Snyder</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 245</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8523</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 119.8 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3.29</td>
<td align="right">3.79</td>
<td align="right">42.0%</td>
<td align="right">68.5%</td>
<td align="right">16.5%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 103.0 </b></td>
<td align="right">6.1%</td>
<td align="right">5.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 11 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">24</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right"><b> 63 </b></td>
<td align="right">91</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Cotton</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Moudy</td>
<td>RG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Alex Lewis</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8243</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Pelini</td>
<td>C</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Zach Sterup</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'8, 320</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8771</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Givens Price</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>0.8382</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dylan Utter</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 285</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ryne Reeves</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8988</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chongo Kondolo</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8167</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matt Finnin</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8000</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Paul Thurston</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9357</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>David Knevel</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'9, 310</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8767</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Zach Hannon</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 305</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8625</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tanner Farmer</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 310</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9021</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Gates</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 290</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8929</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jerald Foster</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 310</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8708</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalin Barnett</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9207</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Christian Gaylord</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 275</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8882</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Michael Decker</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 285</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8544</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. A surprisingly good line rebuilds again</h3>
<p>I was pretty concerned about NU's line heading into last season; it had performed at a top-50 level but had to replace five players with 125 career starts and entered 2014 with just 15, mostly from guard Jake Cotton.</p>
<p>But while the sack rates ended up iffy, the run stats were great. Granted, you can pin some of the sack issues on Armstrong and some of the run-blocking success on Abdullah, but the line played at the same level despite losing so many starters.</p>
<p>This year, the Huskers try to avoid a double-dipping issue. A year after losing five experienced starters, Nebraska loses three more. Senior tackle Alex Lewis is a keeper, and there are still plenty of juniors and seniors, but when you have to dip into the well twice in two years, depth issues rear their heads. I bet NU avoids serious deficiencies, but it's a red flag.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736094/NebraskaDefPrint2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" align="center"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.90</td>
<td align="right">94</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">104.3</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">38.9%</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">105.9</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">36.1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">109.0</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">82</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">91.0</td>
<td align="right">99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567" target="_blank">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">23.7</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">23.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-0.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html" target="_blank">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
<td align="right">88</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
<td align="right">93</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">59</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">85</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. A Mark Banker defense</h3>
<p>Riley is a loyal guy. In Langsdorf and Mark Banker, he found two coordinators he liked and stuck with them through occasional shaky years. Banker's philosophy is like Langsdorf's on offense -- figure out what your athletes can do, and craft an identity around that -- and like Langsdorf, there have been hits and misses. Oregon State ranked in the Def. S&P+ top 25 in 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012 and 65th or worse in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2014.</p>
<p>Banker's 2014 Oregon State defense was perilously thin, wore down over the course of a half (58th and seventh in the first and third quarters, and 103rd and 110th in the second and fourth) and struggled to stop the run.</p>
<p>The Beavers created decent havoc numbers, but despite a solid pass defense, run deficiencies led to big plays.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, last year's Nebraska defense created decent havoc numbers, but despite a solid pass defense, run deficiencies led to big plays.</p>
<p>This is familiar territory for Banker, if nothing else.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 93.2 </b></td>
<td align="right">3.18</td>
<td align="right">3.26</td>
<td align="right">37.0%</td>
<td align="right">56.1%</td>
<td align="right">17.2%</td>
<td align="right">84.1</td>
<td align="right">5.0%</td>
<td align="right">4.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 93 </b></td>
<td align="right">98</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">98</td>
<td align="right"><b> 93 </b></td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">113</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Randy Gregory</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">38.5</td>
<td align="right">5.5%</td>
<td align="right">8.5</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Greg McMullen</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9068</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Vincent Valentine</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 320</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8744</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>32.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Maliek Collins</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8661</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jack Gangwish</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kevin Williams</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 275</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8631</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kevin Maurice</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8286</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Logan Rath</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joe Keels</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8790</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ross Dzuris</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>A.J. Natter</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 250</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8903</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Peyton Newell</b></td>
<td><b>DL</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 270</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8882</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Freedom Akinmoladun</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 255</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8575</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mick Stoltenberg</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 265</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8296</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sedrick King</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 240</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8224</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Carlos Davis</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8891</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Khalil Davis</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8730</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Daishon Neal</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8588</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. This line was bad with Gregory</h3>
<p>Randy Gregory entered 2014 as a projected top-10 draft pick, but he struggled with injury and double-teams, and his stats suffered, especially against the run. He was still a strong pass rusher (9.5 sacks in 2013, seven in 2014), but he made far fewer run stuffs (6.5 non-sack tackles for loss in 2013, 1.5 in 2014), and he just didn't get enough help. Nebraska's run defense, a weakness in 2013, remained so last fall. And now the pass rush must also be rebuilt with Gregory off to the NFL.</p>
<p>There are plenty of options. NU boasts nine junior and senior linemen and 10 former high-three- or four-star recruits, and in Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins, the Huskers have a couple of tackles who combine immense size with quickness. But the whole was still less than the sum of the parts last year. That's not guaranteed to change.</p>
<p>There's plenty of new blood at linebacker. Last year's two primary linebackers (Zaire Anderson and Trevor Roach) are gone, and Michael Rose-Ivey returns after missing 2014. Anderson and Roach provided a little bit of desperately needed playmaking against the run, and Anderson broke up five passes. The line better improve because the linebackers might not.</p>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zaire Anderson</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">75.5</td>
<td align="right">10.9%</td>
<td align="right">10.5</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Michael Rose-Ivey (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9010</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>51.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Roach</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">47.5</td>
<td align="right">6.8%</td>
<td align="right">6.0</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Santos</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>6'0, 225</td>
<td>Sr.</td>
<td>4 stars (5.8)</td>
<td>0.8736</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">35.5</td>
<td align="right">5.1%</td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Josh Banderas</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 235</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9053</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Austin Williams</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">10.0</td>
<td align="right">1.4%</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Courtney Love</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
<td align="right">0.7%</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Weber</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 220</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marcus Newby</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8941</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brad Simpson</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Luke Gifford</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 215</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8460</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dedrick Young</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8609</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nate Gerry</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8534</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>68.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Cooper</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">59.5</td>
<td align="right">8.6%</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Mitchell</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">36.0</td>
<td align="right">5.2%</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Daniel Davie</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8532</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>LeRoy Alexander (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8071</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joshua Kalu</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 175</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8429</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Byerson Cockrell</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8370</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jonathan Rose</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9367</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joey Felici</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">8.5</td>
<td align="right">1.2%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kieron Williams</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Jones</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 170</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8233</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Charles Jackson (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9605</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Boaz Joseph</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 190</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8422</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Trai Mosley</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 170</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8282</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eric Lee Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9414</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Avery Anderson</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8935</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Aaron Williams</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8610</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. The secondary could succeed with help</h3>
<p>Despite continued issues against the run, Nebraska's defense improved from mediocre (66th in Def. S&P+) to solid (46th) because the pass defense went from solid to very good. There were glitches -- Miami and USC combined to complete 51 of 81 for 680 yards, six touchdowns, and three picks -- but for the season, opponents completed 48.5 percent (second-lowest in FBS) with a 104.8 passer rating (fourth-lowest). And NU did this despite a pass rush that was lacking.</p>
<p>The loss of safety Corey Cooper and incredibly underrated corner Josh Mitchell could stem progress, but corner Daniel Davie does return, and Joshua Kalu had his moments as a freshman. Plus, safety LeRoy Alexander returns from suspension. [<b>Update</b>: Alexander is transferring.]</p>
<p>As with the rest of the defense, experience is not an issue. The two-deep could feature as many as three seniors and three juniors, but there might be roles for younger players like Boaz Joseph, or incoming four-stars Eric Lee Jr. and Avery Anderson, if they thrive in fall camp. And if the run defense improves, the pass defense should hold its own.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sam Foltz</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>73.0%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Drew Brown</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29.8%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mauro Bondi</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>44.1%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Drew Brown</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>59-59</b></td>
<td><b>12-14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>85.7%</b></td>
<td><b>2-7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.6%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mauro Bondi</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>1-1</b></td>
<td><b>0-0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td><b>1-1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ameer Abdullah</td>
<td>KR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td align="right">28.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>De'Mornay Pierson-El</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 175</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>De'Mornay Pierson-El</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 175</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>17.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kieron Williams</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist" target="_blank"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 6 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Maybe the best special teams weapon in the country</h3>
<p>Special teams was long a Pelini strength; Nebraska ranked between sixth and 18th in special teams efficiency six times in seven years, and just about all of the reasons for their 2014 surge are back.</p>
<p>Drew Brown was a steady place-kicker as a freshman (though he was a bit lacking in kickoff distance and on longer field goals), and Sam Foltz's punts are high and long. Ameer Abdullah was an awesome returner, but it's hard to mourn his departure if it means more opportunities for De'Mornay Pierson-El.</p>
<p>We all enjoy good players no matter the position, but we also have our types, the positions or players who get us particularly jazzed up. For some of us, it's a burly running back. For others, it's a killer defensive tackle or a ball-hawking safety. One of my favorite archetypes is the show-stopping return man. From Notre Dame's Rocket Ismail on punts to Colorado's Ben Kelly at the turn of the century, I enjoy great return men a little bit more. (Second place: the long-legged gazelle receivers.)</p>
<p>That means Pierson-El is one of my favorite players at the moment. He's still learning at the receiver position, and as with Kelly and others, there's never any guarantee that a great return guy will thrive on offense or defense. But despite woeful run defense and iffy punt and kick coverage, Nebraska was one of the best field position teams in the country, and Pierson-El was a major reason.</p>
<p>He had a 25-yard return against McNeese State, an 86-yarder against Fresno State, a 62-yarder against Michigan State, a 42-yarder against Purdue, and a game-turning 80-yarder in the fourth quarter against Iowa. He is electric. His Twitter handle is <a href="https://twitter.com/DontPunt_15" target="_blank">@DontPunt_15</a>, but ... please punt to him! Do it for me.</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections" target="_blank"><b>Proj. S&P+ Rk</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5-Sep</td>
<td>BYU</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>South Alabama</td>
<td align="right">98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>at Miami</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>Southern Miss</td>
<td align="right">108</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Oct</td>
<td>at Illinois</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17-Oct</td>
<td>at Minnesota</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24-Oct</td>
<td>Northwestern</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31-Oct</td>
<td>at Purdue</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>at Rutgers</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Nov</td>
<td>Iowa</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">22.1% (26)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">30 / 23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">-2 / 0.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">-0.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">12 (6, 6)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">9.1 (-0.1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. An opportunity</h3>
<p>The Big Ten is a strangely clustered conference. Ohio State is the clear No. 1, and I think Michigan State will still be a clear No. 2, but any of five teams (Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State, Michigan, Minnesota) could jump to No. 3, and there's barely any separation among the other seven.</p>
<p>Opportunity awaits each team in that No. 3-8 tier, and Nebraska gets Wisconsin and Michigan State at home. Plus, only one of four conference road opponents is projected higher than 63rd. If Langsdorf and Riley are able to press the right buttons on offense, and if the run defense can be mediocre for the first time in three years, Nebraska's got a shot at a really nice season. [<b>Update:</b> Riley said that five to-be-named players will be suspended for the Huskers' opener against BYU.]</p>
<p>Like everybody else in the Huskers' tier, the range of outcomes is wide, but the light road slate makes theirs less questionable than others', and if they beat Wisconsin, they could be in excellent shape of winning the Big Ten West.</p>
<p>Riley is a lovely representative of a university, and he's done all the right things since taking the job. He's undeniably brought happiness, but he still has to win.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/6/3/8694665/nebraska-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster-mike-riley
Bill Connelly
2015-08-18T08:14:00-04:00
2015-08-18T08:14:00-04:00
Repeating is hard. Ohio State has a great chance.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v-3LTY1O5E-1xFEtU2ekAgwbmdc=/0x0:3014x2009/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46476582/usa-today-8344279.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The reigning champion often enters as the favorite, but the Buckeyes are even more stocked than the average reigning champion. Now let's see what happens.</p> <p><i>Confused? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. Perceptions change quickly</h3>
<p>The numbers get plenty of things wrong. Small sample sizes assure that. Individual games, great or terrible, carry quite a bit of weight, injuries and hot/cold streaks haven't been put into proper context yet, etc.</p>
<p>Still, the numbers often see things before we do.</p>
<p>Heading into Week 12 of 2014, Mississippi State was No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings, with Oregon No. 2, Florida State No. 3, and a boatload of teams fighting for the No. 4 spot: TCU, Alabama, Arizona State, Baylor. Ohio State, still losing the perceptions battle thanks to a strange home loss to Virginia Tech, languished in eighth place, ahead of only two other one-loss teams (Nebraska and Duke).</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46476570/usa-today-8328309.0.jpg"> <span> <i>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</i><br><br> <b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections" target="new">Projected S&P+ ranking</a></b>: 2 <br><br> <b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 4 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: Where do you even start? How about an offensive backfield that boasts three of the four best quarterbacks in the conference and the best running back in the country?<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: The run defense could stand to improve.<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: You think the trip to Ann Arbor to visit Jim Harbaugh and Michigan (Nov. 28) might be hyped just a little bit?<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> Ohio State must battle complacency and one of the most impressive quarterback battles ever, not to mention a hell of a finish (Michigan State, at Michigan), but there are 127 FBS teams that would love to have what the defending champs bring.</span>
</div>
<p>The numbers, however, noticed that since the loss to the Hokies, the Buckeyes had been nearly perfect. They were up to No. 3 in the F/+ rankings, behind only Alabama and an Ole Miss team that had begun to fade. And then they kept right on playing great ball.</p>
<p>They cruised past Michigan State in East Lansing. They jumped out to an early lead and kept their distance against Minnesota. They hit the gas when they needed to against Indiana and Michigan. And in the Big Ten title game, still trying to distinguish themselves from TCU and Baylor (and with their third-string quarterback, no less), they played the season's perfect game, emasculating a good Wisconsin team, 59-0.</p>
<p>Ohio State was the No. 2 team in F/+, behind only Alabama, when the Playoff pairings were announced. That didn't exactly assuage doubters screaming that TCU or Baylor should have been given the Buckeyes' semifinal slot.</p>
<p>(Fast forward about six months. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections">Some of the same numbers that liked Ohio State so early <i>only</i> projected the Buckeyes second in 2015</a>. The reaction was a scoff. That's impossible -- the Buckeyes are an <i>obvious </i>No. 1. Perceptions change quickly.)</p>
<p>Given an opportunity to prove themselves, the Buckeyes took full advantage. Aided by the same turnover fairy that scorned them against the Hokies, they took down Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Then, despite some unlucky mid-game bounces, they eased past Oregon, 42-20, to win the national title.</p>
<p>Nobody wanted to acknowledge how good Ohio State looked until there was no choice. And now the Buckeyes return 15 starters, boast perhaps three of the conference's four best quarterbacks, and face a new set of obstacles.</p>
<p>Urban Meyer seemed a bit edgy this spring, challenging his team to remain focused in the honeymoon period. He has to break in a new offensive coordinator, figure out what to do about his quarterback situation, find a new big-play receiver and tight end, and attempt to shore up a run defense that wasn't elite.</p>
<p>And, perhaps most importantly, he has to figure out how to keep a team of 20-year-olds from getting too full of itself after it played some of the best football in recent memory. [<b>Update</b>: The challenges will start in week one, with four players — DE Joey Bosa, H-back Jalin Marshall, WR Corey Smith and H-back Dontre Wilson — suspended against Virginia Tech.]</p>
<p>These are first-world problems. They are problems you would ask to have. But they could be problems nonetheless. The team that few thought should have been in the Playoff is now the team everybody expects to defend its title. Can it?</p>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3762018/OhioStFPlus2015.0.png"></p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="8" align="center"><b>Record: 13-1 | Adj. Record: 13-1 | <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014" target="_blank"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 1 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30-Aug</td>
<td>vs. Navy</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">44</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">34-17</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">95%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">39.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Sep</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">33</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">21-35</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">49%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-0.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13-Sep</td>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">107</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">66-0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">67.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>Cincinnati</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">47</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">50-28</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">86%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4-Oct</td>
<td>at Maryland</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">62</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">52-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">98%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">48.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>Rutgers</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">81</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">56-17</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">50.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25-Oct</td>
<td>at Penn State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">92%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">32.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Nov</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">78</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">55-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">53.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8-Nov</td>
<td>at Michigan State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">49-37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">97%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>at Minnesota</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">92%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">33.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">88</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-27</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">81%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">20.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">89%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29-Nov</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">54</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-28</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">90%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Dec</td>
<td>vs. Wisconsin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">59-0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">86.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Jan</td>
<td>vs. Alabama</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-35</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">74%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">14.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Jan</td>
<td>vs. Oregon</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">98%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">47.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">97%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3762020/OhioStPercentile2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">47.6</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">17.4</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">44.8</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">22.0</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>2. 86.5</h3>
<p>For <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-team-previews-2015">this year's preview series</a>, I began using percentiles as a way to communicate how well a team played in each of its games last year. It is a useful concept -- most of us understand percentiles thanks to standardized testing -- and it gives us some clues to how a team's final ratings came to pass.</p>
<p>Only five teams put together 90th-percentile performances in at least 60 percent of their games last year.</p>
<p><b><u>Percentage of 2014 games in the 90th percentile or better</u></b><br><b>1. Ohio State (73%)<br>2. Alabama (71%)<br>3. Ole Miss (69%)<br>4. Oregon (67%)<br>5. Georgia (61%)</b></p>
<p>(Yes, Ole Miss. The Rebels were at 94 percent or higher in each of their first seven games before crumbling. Last three games: 23rd percentile, 96th percentile, 11th percentile.)</p>
<p>The Wisconsin performance was truly incredible. Ohio State's performance in the Big Ten title game was one of the season's 10 100th-percentile performances, but that doesn't do it justice. Adjusted Scoring Margin is intended to tell us how a team would have fared in a given week against a perfectly average opponent with average breaks.</p>
<p><b><u>Top 10 performances of 2014 by Adj. Scoring Margin</u><br>1. Ohio State vs. Wisconsin (plus-86.5)<br>2. Alabama vs. Texas A&M (plus-72.8)<br>3. Arkansas vs. Nicholls State (plus-68.9)<br>4. Ohio State vs. Kent State (plus-67.8)<br>5. Clemson vs. NC State (plus-67.3)<br>6. TCU vs. Ole Miss (plus-64.4)<br>7. Ole Miss vs. Memphis (plus-63.7)<br>8. Oklahoma vs. Louisiana Tech (plus-61.9)<br>9. Michigan vs. Appalachian State (plus-61.1)<br>10. USC vs. Notre Dame (plus-60.3)</b></p>
<p>Even among the season's most perfect performances, that game stood out. It belongs in a museum. Here, let's commemorate it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dZcYxWJmozA" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3762022/OhioStOffPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" align="center"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.94</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">153.3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">51.2%</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">142.9</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">25.5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">112.1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">134.1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567" target="_blank">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">23.4</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+2.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html" target="_blank">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. What changes?</h3>
<p>Ed Warriner is anything but a new name. He was Kansas' offensive coordinator during the final three years of the Mark Mangino era (2007-09), when the Jayhawks ranked 23rd, 13th, and 34th in Off. S&P+. He moved to Notre Dame for two years and has been a part of Meyer's staff for all three years in Columbus.</p>
<p>So despite the loss of coordinator Tom Herman (now Houston's head coach), the Ohio State offense is in capable hands. Meyer offenses usually are.</p>
<p>Still, it will be interesting to see if anything changes. Despite injuries at quarterback -- Braxton Miller before the season, J.T. Barrett in the 12th game -- the Buckeye offense was a killing machine, ranking first in both efficiency (Success Rate+) and explosiveness (IsoPPP+). It hit the ground running (first in Q1 S&P+) and caught up when it fell behind schedule (first in Passing Downs S&P+). Ohio State averaged under 6.4 yards per play just twice all season, and both of the lesser performances (Virginia Tech, Penn State) came against defenses that ranked in the Def. S&P+ top 10.</p>
<p>Honestly, Warriner's biggest decisions will likely center around who sees the field and who touches the ball. Ohio State returns three excellent quarterbacks, an 1,800-yard rusher (plus, in J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller, two quarterbacks who rushed for at least 1,000 non-sack yards in their respective last seasons), and four of last year's top six receivers. Plus, it goes without saying that they welcome another set of blue-chip recruits into the mix.</p>
<p>It will be almost impossible to keep everybody happy.</p>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>J.T. Barrett</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.9348</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>203</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>314</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2834</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>64.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.9</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Braxton Miller (2013, now a wide receiver)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 215</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.9833</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>162</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>255</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2094</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Cardale Jones</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'5, 250</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8704</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>56</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>92</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>860</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Stephen Collier</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'4, 225</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8588</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Torrence Gibson</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'4, 195</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.9610</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Joe Burrow</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'3, 215</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8970</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. Ladies and gentlemen, the world's first 3-QB formation</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Ohio State fan HQ <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Ohio St. Buckeyes blog Land-Grant Holy Land</a></div>
</div>
<p>From the moment Barrett started playing incredible football (so, basically, the moment the Virginia Tech game ended), we began to realize that Ohio State was going to have an awkward decision in 2015.</p>
<p>Miller helped to lead the Buckeyes to a 24-2 record in 2012-13 but missed 2014 with injury, and now Meyer and company would have to decide whether to stick with the old guy or continue riding 2014's hot hand. Miller was a slightly more explosive rusher, but Barrett's passing numbers were slightly better, so there really wouldn't really be a <i>wrong</i> choice. [<b>Update</b>: Miller announced that is is going to focus on wide receiver.]</p>
<p>This was a tough decision even before Barrett got hurt and Cardale Jones erupted. Despite taking a majority of his snaps against Wisconsin, Oregon, and Alabama (three top-30 defenses), Jones averaged more yards per pass attempt, with lower sack and interception rates, than Barrett. Fumbles were an issue (he had more than Barrett in far fewer opportunities, and he had a particularly silly one in the national title game), but his upside was higher than either of the others'.</p>
<p>With Barrett still recovering from injury, we didn't get much of a feel for who might win. Both have tremendous cases.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Barrett was almost impossibly steady after the Virginia Tech game, completing 67 percent with 31 touchdowns to six interceptions in his final 10 games while ripping off huge runs when he needed to.</span></li>
<li><span>And Jones was the coolest cat in the postseason, shrugging off mistakes and making enormous passes. His line in three postseason games: 46-for-75, 742 yards, five touchdowns, two picks. He's almost too casual, but he was just awesome when it mattered.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Barrett is arguably the most important, as he is the likely starter in 2016 and beyond. But how in the world do you differentiate in 2015?</p>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ezekiel Elliott</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9693</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>273</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1878</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>J.T. Barrett</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9348</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>148</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1094</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cardale Jones</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8704</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>352</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>49.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Curtis Samuel</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9695</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>383</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalin Marshall</b></td>
<td><b>HB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9830</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>145</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rod Smith</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">4.2</td>
<td align="right">3.0</td>
<td align="right">29.2%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dontre Wilson</b></td>
<td><b>HB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9685</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Warren Ball</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9143</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>85</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Bri'onte Dunn</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 215</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9537</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Johnnie Dixon</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 194</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9639</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mike Weber</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 215</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9603</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Michael Thomas</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8700</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>799</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>72.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>160</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>139.5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalin Marshall</b></td>
<td><b>HB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9830</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>499</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>73.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>87.2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin Smith</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td align="right">931</td>
<td align="right">68.8%</td>
<td align="right">12.6%</td>
<td align="right">66.7%</td>
<td align="right">19.4</td>
<td align="right">537</td>
<td align="right">20.0</td>
<td align="right">162.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Evan Spencer</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">37</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">149</td>
<td align="right">40.5%</td>
<td align="right">9.7%</td>
<td align="right">59.5%</td>
<td align="right">4.0</td>
<td align="right">-52</td>
<td align="right">4.0</td>
<td align="right">26.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dontre Wilson</b></td>
<td><b>HB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9685</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>300</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>61.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>76.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>44</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Corey Smith</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9031</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>255</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>57.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>44.5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ezekiel Elliott</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9693</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>32</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>220</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>87.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-101</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeff Heuerman</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
<td align="right">207</td>
<td align="right">68.0%</td>
<td align="right">6.5%</td>
<td align="right">60.0%</td>
<td align="right">8.3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">8.3</td>
<td align="right">36.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Vannett</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 260</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9116</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>220</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>82.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>78.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Curtis Samuel</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9695</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>95</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>78.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>78.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-33</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jeff Greene</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8389</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>N/A</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marcus Baugh</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 255</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9597</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Noah Brown</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 222</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9187</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>James Clark</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9105</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Johnnie Dixon</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 194</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9639</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Terry McLaurin</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 200</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9051</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Parris Campbell</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 205</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9359</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>K.J. Hill</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9304</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Alex Stump</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 193</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8973</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. Distributing the touches</h3>
<p>First, let's acknowledge that Ohio State must replace three veteran receivers, one of whom happened to be the most explosive receiver in America.</p>
<p>Evan Spencer and tight end Jeff Heuerman were steady contributors for three seasons, and Devin Smith's averages (28.2 yards per catch, 69 percent catch rate) would have been unrealistic in a video game. Smith was targeted barely three times per game and almost finished with 1,000 yards. When you've got the nation's best run game and the nation's best deep threat, you should almost never be stopped.</p>
<p>And while we're at it, Ohio State's line must replace its right tackle (Darryl Baldwin) and two veteran contributors (Antonio Underwood, Joel Hale).</p>
<p>Of course, it would be a lot easier to worry if you didn't also notice who returns.</p>
<p>Ezekiel Elliott started 2014 slowly after dealing with wrist surgery in August; he averaged 5.5 yards per carry through the first seven games. But he averaged 6.8 over the final five, then put together maybe the best postseason you'll ever see from a running back: 76 carries, 696 yards, eight touchdowns. His long touchdown run completed the upset of Alabama, and his efficient running (and four scores) put away Oregon.</p>
<p>He will begin the season a Heisman favorite, and he's got at least four former four-star recruits backing him up.</p>
<p>While Smith stole the show with his impossible averages, Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall averaged at least 9.6 yards per target while sharing more than eight targets per game. They're back, as are Dontre Wilson, Corey Smith, new starting tight end Nick Vannett, and, yes, a beaucoup of blue-chip freshmen and sophomores waiting for an opportunity.</p>
<p>And then there's the line. Ohio State welcomed back only one starter last fall (tackle Taylor Decker), and it didn't matter. Sack rates were a bit of an issue, due in part to Barrett's mobility (dual-threats tend to take more sacks), but the run-blocking numbers were stellar. And even if blocking for Elliott is pretty easy, a line that returns four starters probably isn't going to be worse at it.</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 133.7 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3.38</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">49.5%</td>
<td align="right">69.1%</td>
<td align="right">14.7%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 96.9 </b></td>
<td align="right">7.2%</td>
<td align="right">6.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 2 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">11</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right"><b> 74 </b></td>
<td align="right">108</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Pat Elflein</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8420</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td><b>2014 1st All-Big Ten</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Taylor Decker</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'8, 315</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9290</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29</b></td>
<td><b>2014 2nd All-Big Ten</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Billy Price</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 315</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9157</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jacoby Boren</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 285</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8702</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Darryl Baldwin</td>
<td>RT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Antonio Underwood</td>
<td>RG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joel Hale</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chase Farris</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9248</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jamarco Jones</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 310</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9696</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Evan Lisle</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 305</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9646</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcelys Jones</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td>6'4, 315</td>
<td>So.</td>
<td>4 stars (5.8)</td>
<td>0.8806</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>R.J. Morris</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 305</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Demetrius Knox</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 305</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9518</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kyle Trout</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 310</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9010</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Grant Schmidt</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8727</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Isaiah Prince</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9496</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matthew Burrell</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9493</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Keven Feder</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'9, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8700</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="m-nba-newsletter m-ncaa-news">
<h2>SIGN UP FOR OUR COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWSLETTER</h2>
<p>Get all kinds of NCAA Football stories, rumors, game coverage, and pictures of Puddles in your inbox every day.</p>
<form method="post" action="http://s.sbnation.com/s/College+Football+National"> <label for="email">Email:</label> <input type="text" name="email"> <input type="submit" value="Subscribe"><input value="http://s.sbnation.com/page/zh/sbnation-awesome" name="redirect" type="hidden"> </form>
</div>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3762024/OhioStDefPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" align="center"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.78</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">127.1</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">38.9%</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">113.9</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">34.1</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">110.1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.6</td>
<td align="right">88</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">101.7</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567" target="_blank">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">26.6</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">33.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+6.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html" target="_blank">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. Masking your weakness</h3>
<p>If opponents weren't always losing, they might have been better able to take advantage of the Buckeyes' run defense.</p>
<p>It was by no means bad -- 42nd in Rushing S&P+ isn't exactly 100th -- but it was less than elite, at least against certain opponents. Navy carved the Buckeyes up with its option attack, Indiana's Tevin Coleman rushed for 228 yards on 27 carries, and Alabama's Derrick Henry and T.J. Yeldon carried 23 times for 142 yards.</p>
<p>Everybody else struggled, mind you, but this was a chink in Ohio State's armor.</p>
<p>Offense and defense complement each other, and with Ohio State's offense wrecking shop for most of the year, opposing offenses had to take risks, and the Buckeye defense was more than ready to take advantage. Joey Bosa, Darron Lee, and Michael Bennett combined for 28 sacks, all four starting defensive backs defensed at least eight passes, and despite a passive run defense, the Buckeyes fielded one of the most disruptive units in the country. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/28/8609491/best-defenses-college-football-clemson-tcu" target="_blank">Their 20 percent Havoc Rate ranked 11th in the country and second in the Big Ten</a>.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 103.2 </b></td>
<td align="right">3.02</td>
<td align="right">3.46</td>
<td align="right">39.4%</td>
<td align="right">71.1%</td>
<td align="right">18.6%</td>
<td align="right">139.8</td>
<td align="right">6.3%</td>
<td align="right">12.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 47 </b></td>
<td align="right">78</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
<td align="right">73</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
<td align="right"><b> 11 </b></td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joey Bosa</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 275</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9809</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Adolphus Washington</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>5 stars (6.1)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9884</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Bennett</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">32.0</td>
<td align="right">3.9%</td>
<td align="right">14.0</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Miller</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">27.0</td>
<td align="right">3.3%</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rashad Frazier</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">10.0</td>
<td align="right">1.2%</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tommy Schutt</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9601</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalyn Holmes</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 265</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9622</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tyquan Lewis</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 260</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8978</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Donovan Munger</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 300</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8982</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joel Hale</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8756</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Michael Hill</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 295</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9240</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tracy Sprinkle</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 290</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8594</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sam Hubbard</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 265</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9230</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Darius Slade</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 255</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8457</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jashon Cornell</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9557</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dre'Mont Jones</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9383</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. The line has questions to answer</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<p>Granted, the Ohio State offense might not be any worse, so opponents still might not be able to take advantage of the Buckeyes' run defense. Plus, neither Navy nor Tevin Coleman is on the schedule. Still, there are questions, especially now that the Buckeyes must replace both Bennett and the defense's second- and third-best ends.</p>
<p>Ohio State ranked just 89th in power success rate and 77th in stuff rate, meaning you could keep the chains moving on the ground if you were patient (and not losing by three touchdowns).</p>
<p>The Buckeyes boast the best recruiting in the Big Ten, and if young former blue-chippers like Jalyn Holmes and Michael Hill begin to thrive, then maybe the run D will improve despite the losses. But when you're talking about a team like Ohio State, with so few weaknesses, you're going to emphasize any red flags you find. This is one.</p>
<p>Of course, all the run defense has to do is match last year's ratings. The strength of the defense, the pass, will probably be even stronger. Bosa is back and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/21/8629425/joey-bosa-ohio-state-nfl-draft-2016">might be the best defensive player in the country</a>. Among returnees, only Arizona's Scooby Wright III had more sacks, and the 275-pound Bosa is strong enough to make plays against the run as well.</p>
<p>In addition, this should be Ohio State's best linebacking corps in years; Lee combined 7.5 sacks with five passes defensed <i>as a freshman</i>, Joshua Perry had a breakout campaign, and Raekwon McMillan should be more than ready to fill Curtis Grant's shoes in the middle. If the defensive tackles hold up, the linebackers should be able to prevent most big-play opportunities.</p>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joshua Perry</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 254</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9409</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>98.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Darron Lee</b></td>
<td><b>SLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 235</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8595</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Curtis Grant</td>
<td>MLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">53.5</td>
<td align="right">6.6%</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Raekwon McMillan</b></td>
<td><b>MLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 240</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>5 stars (6.1)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9894</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Worley</b></td>
<td><b>SLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 225</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8675</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Camren Williams</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9291</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dante Booker</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 233</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9721</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Craig Fada</b></td>
<td><b>SLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devan Bogard</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">3.0</td>
<td align="right">0.4%</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kyle Berger</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 230</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9285</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Justin Hilliard</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9848</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jerome Baker</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 206</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9686</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Conner</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9116</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Vonn Bell</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>5 stars (6.1)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9867</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>74.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tyvis Powell</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8755</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Doran Grant</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">56.0</td>
<td align="right">6.9%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eli Apple</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9747</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Gareon Conley</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 195</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9322</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cam Burrows</b></td>
<td><b>NB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 208</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9719</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Erick Smith</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 202</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9665</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Armani Reeves</td>
<td>NB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">11.5</td>
<td align="right">1.4%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ron Tanner</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
<td align="right">0.9%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Niehoff</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
<td align="right">0.6%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Damon Webb</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 193</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9820</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marshon Lattimore</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 195</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9729</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Malik Hooker</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 205</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8858</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jamel Dean</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8906</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eric Glover-Williams</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 170</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9523</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Denzel Ward</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9032</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. You just don't want to have to throw</h3>
<p>And then there's the secondary. Granted, it's easier to do your job when the pass rush is wreaking havoc for you, but despite extreme youth, Ohio State had one of the nation's better backfields.</p>
<p>The Buckeyes got some senior steadiness from Doran Grant, but the other six names among their top seven were all freshmen and sophomores. Now they're sophomores and juniors.</p>
<p>Safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell are big, scary, and awesome. I should expand on this, but I don't know what else to say. Powell's very good, and Bell's fantastic.</p>
<p>And corner Eli Apple was one of the nation's better freshman play-makers, with 5.5 tackles for loss and 13 passes defensed; opponents tried to pick on him and mostly failed. And while Gareon Conley had ups and downs as a freshman, his performance in the spring suggests he should be ready to fill Apple's shoes as Apple fills Grant's. And if he's not, there are other candidates.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cameron Johnston</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>48</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>17</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>89.6%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Clinton</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">115</td>
<td align="right">60.9</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">33.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sean Nuernberger</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>89-89</b></td>
<td><b>8-10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>80.0%</b></td>
<td><b>5-10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dontre Wilson</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Curtis Samuel</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalin Marshall</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dontre Wilson</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist" target="_blank"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 22 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Consistency needed in special teams</h3>
<p>Special teams have long been a Meyer strength. In his last seven seasons as a head coach (2007-10 at Florida, 2012-14 at Ohio State), he has only once had a team that ranked outside of the nation's top 25 in special teams efficiency, and that was in his first year in Columbus. The Buckeyes ranked fifth in 2013 and 22nd last fall.</p>
<p>That said, there's still room for improvement. Cameron Johnston is a devastating punter, Jalin Marshall is terrifying (if a bit inefficient) in punt returns, and place-kicker Sean Nuernberger was solid inside 40 yards. But the Buckeyes didn't get much from punt returns, and Nuernberger did still miss seven field goals overall. With Johnston and great coverage units, I see no way this unit gets worse in 2015, but it could stand to improve a bit.</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections"><b>Proj. S&P+ Rk</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Sep</td>
<td>at Virginia Tech</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>Hawaii</td>
<td align="right">118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Oct</td>
<td>at Indiana</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17-Oct</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24-Oct</td>
<td>at Rutgers</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>at Illinois</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21-Nov</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>at Michigan</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">43.3% (5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">9 / 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">7 / 3.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">+1.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">15 (8, 7)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">12.8 (0.2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. Can the Buckeyes do what few have?</h3>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
</p>
<p>When a defending national champion returns 15 starters, including its quarterback(s), a Heisman-favorite running back, and maybe the best defensive player in the country, it's safe to say it will be favored to win again.</p>
<p>But repeats are rare. Florida State returned almost as much last year and couldn't do the deed. Florida brought Tim Tebow back in 2009 and couldn't. Miami brought back an amazing squad in 2002 and couldn't (as Ohio State fans well know). Repeats happen -- Alabama in 2012, USC (sort of) in 2004, Nebraska in 1995 -- but they don't happen as often as we predict them to.</p>
<p>This speaks to margin for error, first of all. Ohio State barely made last year's Playoff, and if the Buckeyes had lost the turnover battle to Alabama, they wouldn't have made the finals. They have all the experience in the world and a navigable schedule -- there's only one projected top-25 team, Michigan State, which visits Columbus -- but stuff happens in college football, and if you're betting Ohio State vs. the field, the field is still the far safer pick. You just never know how much of a role complacency, injury, etc., will play.</p>
<p>Still ... wow, are the Buckeyes loaded. You cannot ask for much more.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/6/8/8731479/ohio-state-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster
Bill Connelly
2015-08-17T12:19:00-04:00
2015-08-17T12:19:00-04:00
Is Minnesota ready for a real division title run?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sQEK78iToioqVK9YN7ZzjY-hDnY=/0x0:4031x2687/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46429214/usa-today-8069460.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jerry Kill's Golden Gophers have gotten better three years in a row. Is one more jump enough to win the division?</p> <p><i>Confused? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. How high's the ceiling?</h3>
<p>When a coach like Glen Mason raises the bar for a program but then <i>stops</i> raising it, or regularly clearing the bar he set, fans get impatient. And impatience can bring iffy decision-making.</p>
<p>Mason is Minnesota's most successful coach of the last five decades. In 1999 and 2003, he led the Gophers to their first two ranked finishes since 1962. In 2003, they won 10 games for the first time in 98 years. They went to seven bowls in eight seasons between 1999 and 2006 after going to just five <i>ever</i>.</p>
<p>Mason finished with a winning record more times in 10 seasons (five) than the last four Minnesota coaches had combined.</p>
<p>For all his accomplishments, his growth stalled out. Minnesota went 7-5, 7-5, and 6-7 after his 2003 breakthrough, and while the 2005 squad ranked a healthy 17th in F/+ (easily the Gophers' best mark of the last 10 years), they lost five games, and after going 6-6 in 2006, they blew a huge bowl lead against Texas Tech, and that was that.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46429206/usa-today-8249554.0.jpg"> <span> <i>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</i><br><br> <b><a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections">Projected S&P+ ranking</a></b>: 42 <br><br> <b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 65 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: This secondary could be nasty with any hint of a pass rush.<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: Can the offense avoid regression without its best rusher and receiving target?<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: For Wisconsin (Nov. 28) to be as huge a game as it could be, you have to beat Nebraska (Oct. 17) first.<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> Jerry Kill hasn't completely built his program, and the offense could take a step back, but a stout defense and a home-friendly schedule give the Gophers a chance at the B1G West crown. </span>
</div>
<p>You can understand frustration when growth slows, but Minnesota was bowling and still recruiting to a clear identity. When Mason left, that changed.</p>
<p>2014 brought a bittersweet milestone for the Golden Gophers. For the first time since 2006, Minnesota played at a level that exceeded the Big Ten average. In replacing the aging Mason with his opposite -- energetic up-and-comer Tim Brewster -- Minnesota had hit the reset button on its program; after winning 38 games from 2002-06, the Gophers won 20 from 2007-11.</p>
<p>Hiring a coach is terrifying. Probably 75 percent of hires make sense on paper, but in a zero-sum universe, only 50 percent are going to succeed, tops. And if you make a confusing hire, as Minnesota did with Brewster (no head coach or coordinator experience and hadn't coached in college in six years), your odds are even lower. Unless you know your current coach can't meet the goals you have set, firing a pretty good coach in no way guarantees you'll find a better one.</p>
<p>Luckily, Minnesota seems to have done fine with its next hire. Following four years of Brewster, the Gophers hired Jerry Kill, and while growth has been slow, it has been steady.</p>
<p>The plaudits for Kill have been overstated -- Minnesota did finish 8-5 and 37th in F/+ last year, not 11-2 and 15th -- but he's still building. The next time he doesn't improve his team from one year to another will be the first time since 2011.</p>
<p>So how long can Kill keep the growth going? He recruits at a top-60 level and put a top-40 team on the field, but what's the ceiling? Can a decent-not-great offense survive the loss of its best running back and top receiving threat? Can an experienced defense pick up the slack?</p>
<p>Minnesota is being treated as a contender in the Big Ten West, and while that's because of the lack of an elite team (Wisconsin is the most highly projected but barely squeezes into the top 25), it's also because we're beginning to expect more of Minnesota. Will we be disappointed?</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736072/MinnesotaFPlus2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="8" align="center"><b>Record: 8-5 | Adj. Record: 9-4 | <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014" target="_blank"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 37 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Aug</td>
<td>Eastern Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">NR</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">74%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">14.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Sep</td>
<td>Middle Tennessee</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">87</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">35-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">92%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">32.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13-Sep</td>
<td>at TCU</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7-30</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">21%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-18.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20-Sep</td>
<td>San Jose State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">116</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">90%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>at Michigan</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">54</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">80%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">19.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11-Oct</td>
<td>Northwestern</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">71</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-17</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">59%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">5.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">84</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">39-38</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">46%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-2.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">52%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25-Oct</td>
<td>at Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">78</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-28</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">46%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-2.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">47%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8-Nov</td>
<td>Iowa</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">51-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">53.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-31</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">51%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>at Nebraska</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">86%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29-Nov</td>
<td>at Wisconsin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-34</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">51%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Jan</td>
<td>vs. Missouri</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17-33</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">40%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-6.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">12%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736076/MinnesotaPercentile2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">32.1</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td align="right">23.0</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">28.4</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">24.2</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>2. Gotta maintain</h3>
<p>The 80th percentile translates to a top-25 level of play, and Minnesota cleared that bar on five occasions in 2014. But after doing so in three of the first five games, the Gophers did so twice in the final eight. They played only one poor game (at TCU), but despite a nearly perfect performance against Iowa, the level faded from September to January.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (first 5 games)</b>: 71% (record: 4-1)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (last 8 games)</b>: 60% (record: 4-4)</li>
</ul>
<p>The Gophers' offense was what it was -- decent, efficient, and in need of more big plays -- through most of the season. It improved a hair as the season elapsed. But the defense regressed considerably.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Yards Per Play (first 5 games)</b>: Gophers 5.3, Opponents 4.6 (plus-0.7)</li>
<li> <b>Yards Per Play (last 8 games)</b>: Opponents 6.0, Gophers 5.5 (minus-0.5)</li>
</ul>
<p>If your opponents are gaining .5 more yards per play than you over eight games, you're pretty lucky going 4-4, as Minnesota did. Turnovers helped, and the Gophers were masters of field position, which helped turn the tide in close wins over Northwestern, Purdue, and Nebraska and a competitive loss to Ohio State.</p>
<p>Still, that's a no-margin-for-error approach, and the defensive fade is alarming, considering the offense could regress in 2015.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736082/MinnesotaOffPrint2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" align="center"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.83</td>
<td align="right">76</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">106.6</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">42.4%</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">108.1</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">27.6</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">107.1</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.4</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">115.9</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567" target="_blank">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">21.5</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-1.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html" target="_blank">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014" target="_blank">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">106</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">121</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. Running as much as any non-option offense</h3>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Minnesota fan HQ <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Minnesota Golden Gophers blog The Daily Gopher</a></div>
</div>
<p>Identity is of immense importance in college football. Some teams are able to get by on pure talent; most aren't.</p>
<p>While the Gophers had a low ceiling, averaging more than 6 yards per play just once, they knew exactly how they could win. Their offense was as intended to complement their defense as it was to score points. Minnesota leaned heavily on the run, played at a plodding pace that kept its defense fresh, and relied on the excellent leg of punter Peter Mortell to create field position.</p>
<p>Minnesota ran 77 percent of the time on standard downs; only Army, Navy, New Mexico, Air Force, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, and (by decimal points) Boston College ran more. On that list, everybody but BC runs an option offense, and BC did in a way, too.</p>
<p>While quarterback Mitch Leidner attempted about nine carries per game, Minnesota's standard downs offense was basically David Cobb right and David Cobb left. Cobb rushed 24 times per game; only Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Boise State's Jay Ajayi took more handoffs. Cobb's now a Tennessee Titan, and returning backs only combined for 53 carries last year.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see if Leidner is asked to handle a bit more, either as a run threat or a passer. Minnesota will still run and run, but the percentages could drop.</p>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Mitch Leidner</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'4, 236</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8286</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>122</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>237</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1798</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>51.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Chris Streveler</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 227</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8119</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Jacques Perra</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'3, 221</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Demry Croft</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'5, 198</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8532</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Cobb</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">315</td>
<td align="right">1629</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">5.2</td>
<td align="right">4.6</td>
<td align="right">39.4%</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mitch Leidner</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 236</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8286</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>107</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>600</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Streveler</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 227</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8119</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>235</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Berkley Edwards</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 192</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8600</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>140</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donnell Kirkwood</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">29</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3.1</td>
<td align="right">4.1</td>
<td align="right">17.2%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rodrick Williams Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 229</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8413</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>114</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>KJ Maye</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 199</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8031</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>150</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>59.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovahn Jones</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5.5</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jeff Jones</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 207</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9689</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rodney Smith</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 202</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8352</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Shannon Brooks</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8364</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jonathan Femi-Cole</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 218</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8272</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>James Johannesson</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 221</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8159</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. Plenty of carries, plenty of bodies</h3>
<p>Berkley Edwards provided a nice change of pace, showing explosiveness, if minimal efficiency, in his two to three carries per game. Rodrick Williams Jr. was efficient but not very explosive.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/nugget-to-nutrition-lighter-minnesota-gophers-rb-rodrick-williams-ready-to-carry-load-032615">Williams has stopped eating Chicken McNuggets and has trimmed</a>, and he'll apparently get the first crack at replacing Cobb. But between Edwards, redshirt freshmen Jeff Jones and Rodney Smith, and three incoming freshmen, there are bodies available. Will Kill and coordinator Matt Limegrover attempt to lean on Williams or share the love more?</p>
<p>There are more questions in the receiving corps. All-world tight end (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478497/maxx-williams-hurdles-defender-touchdown-sportscenter-top-10">and hurdler</a>) Maxx Williams went pro early, Donovahn Jones was dismissed, and No. 3 receiver Isaac Fruechte graduated. That means KJ Maye and Drew Wolitarsky are the only returnees who caught more than six passes.</p>
<p>Wolitarsky could be the key. He experienced a breakout in 2013 -- nine catches, 172 yards in his last four games -- but battled injuries last fall and caught only 10 passes. If he lives up to the potential Gopher fans thought he had, the pass should be fine. Williams was a unique threat, but with effective running and play-action, there should be open receivers.</p>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maxx Williams</td>
<td>TE-H</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
<td align="right">569</td>
<td align="right">56.3%</td>
<td align="right">26.6%</td>
<td align="right">53.1%</td>
<td align="right">8.9</td>
<td align="right">122</td>
<td align="right">9.0</td>
<td align="right">87.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>KJ Maye</b></td>
<td><b>WR-Z</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 199</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8031</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>298</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>39.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>85</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.5</b></td>
<td align="right">45.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Isaac Fruechte</td>
<td>WR-X</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">38</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">292</td>
<td align="right">47.4%</td>
<td align="right">15.8%</td>
<td align="right">55.3%</td>
<td align="right">7.7</td>
<td align="right">60</td>
<td align="right">7.7</td>
<td align="right">44.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donovahn Jones</td>
<td>WR-X</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">253</td>
<td align="right">42.3%</td>
<td align="right">10.8%</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">9.7</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">10.2</td>
<td align="right">38.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Cobb</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">162</td>
<td align="right">76.2%</td>
<td align="right">8.7%</td>
<td align="right">47.6%</td>
<td align="right">7.7</td>
<td align="right">-26</td>
<td align="right">7.7</td>
<td align="right">24.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Drew Wolitarsky</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 217</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8373</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>106</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-20</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Lincoln Plsek</b></td>
<td><b>TE-Y</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 266</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8097</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Miles Thomas</b></td>
<td><b>FB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>0.7000</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>87.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-30</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Berkley Edwards</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 192</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8600</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Drew Goodger</td>
<td>TE-Y</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">16.7%</td>
<td align="right">2.5%</td>
<td align="right">66.7%</td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
<td align="right">-10</td>
<td align="right">1.3</td>
<td align="right">1.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brandon Lingen</b></td>
<td><b>TE-H</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 245</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7984</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eric Carter</b></td>
<td><b>WR-X</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 189</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8146</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nate Wozniak</b></td>
<td><b>TE-Y</b></td>
<td><b>6'10, 267</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8432</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Duke Anyanwu</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 239</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7875</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Melvin Holland Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 196</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8601</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Isaiah Gentry</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 205</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8274</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jerry Gibson</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 227</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8151</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Hunter Register</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8386</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 115 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3.28</td>
<td align="right">3.44</td>
<td align="right">39.9%</td>
<td align="right">66.7%</td>
<td align="right">17.4%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 78.7 </b></td>
<td align="right">4.1%</td>
<td align="right">12.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 19 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">26</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
<td align="right"><b> 104 </b></td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">121</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zac Epping</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td>2014 2nd All-Big Ten</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Josh Campion</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7907</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>39</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Olson</td>
<td>C</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jon Christenson</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 296</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ben Lauer</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 314</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7544</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Foster Bush</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 319</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8104</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joe Bjorklund</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 296</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8378</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jonah Pirsig</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'9, 324</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8724</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brian Bobek</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 297</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9106</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Isaac Hayes</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8714</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Connor Mayes</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 320</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8726</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Alex Mayes</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 310</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8391</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chad Fahning</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 293</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tyler Moore</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 311</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8539</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Quinn Oseland</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 301</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8553</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Bronson Dovich</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8392</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ted Stieber</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8367</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Connelly</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 277</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8310</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. A strong line does some shuffling</h3>
<p>Matt Limegrover is a steady coordinator. You know what Minnesota wants to do, but it's still hard to stop if you don't have the manpower. Kill and company recruit strong running backs, and the offensive line is stronger than recruiting rankings would suggest.</p>
<p>Thank Limegrover for that. He has become known as one of the country's best OL coaches, and despite the loss of all-conference guard Zac Epping and another two-year starter (center Tommy Olson), which has forced a few position changes as the Gophers look for the right starting mix, it's hard to worry too much about the line.</p>
<p>The Gophers will keep defenders out of the backfield on run plays, and while sack rates will probably continue to be an issue, that has as much to do with the fight-or-flight instincts of Mitch Leidner as anything else. The line was a strength and will continue to be one.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3736084/MinnesotaDefPrint2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" align="center"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.81</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">109.3</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">40.1%</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">106.3</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">33.0</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">105.0</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.3</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">98.8</td>
<td align="right">67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567" target="_blank">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">28.5</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">30.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+1.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html" target="_blank">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014" target="_blank">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">76</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">61</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">64</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">67</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. Coaches vs. stats</h3>
<p>It's fun to pair up opponents' run-pass rates and a defense's S&P+ rankings. If you see that an opponent ran or passed more than the national average, you can usually scroll down to see that the defense was far worse in defending one or the other. It usually matches up.</p>
<p>It didn't for Minnesota. Opponents ran slightly more than the national average on standard down and far more on passing downs, but Minnesota graded out better against the run (37th in Rushing S&P+) than the pass (53rd in Passing S&P+).</p>
<p>In a way, Minnesota's reputation might have proceeded it. The Gophers have had a strong pass defense for a few years now, but even with Ra'Shede Hageman at nose in 2013, they ranked 79th in Rushing S&P+. But without both starting tackles (Hageman and Roland Johnson) and injured backup Scott Ekpe, and even with squatty true freshman Steven Richardson (and a few other freshmen) playing major minutes, Minnesota's run defense improved immensely.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, without any key injuries, the pass D sprang a few leaks.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Pass Defense (first 5 games)</b>: 56% completion rate, 9.8 yards per completion, 3.6% INT rate</li>
<li> <b>Pass Defense (last 8 games)</b>: 60% completion rate, 12.2 yards per completion, 3.8% INT rate</li>
</ul>
<p>Regression in pass defense led to overall regression.</p>
<p>In 2015, the defense returns enough pieces to get you excited: six of last year's top eight linemen (plus Ekpe), three of the top four linebackers, and five of the top seven defensive backs. Key pieces like safety Cedric Thompson, linebacker Damien Wilson, and tackle Cameron Botticelli are gone, but they were far from irreplaceable. There's reason to think the defense can improve, but it will be interesting to see how opponents plan to attack.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 112 </b></td>
<td align="right">2.75</td>
<td align="right">2.75</td>
<td align="right">38.0%</td>
<td align="right">65.0%</td>
<td align="right">22.5%</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">4.8%</td>
<td align="right">6.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 27 </b></td>
<td align="right">37</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right"><b> 87 </b></td>
<td align="right">60</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Botticelli</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">23.0</td>
<td align="right">3.4%</td>
<td align="right">9.0</td>
<td align="right">3.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Theiren Cockran</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 257</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7593</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Amaefula</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">18.0</td>
<td align="right">2.6%</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Steven Richardson</b></td>
<td><b>NT</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 291</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8142</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Scott Ekpe (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>NT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 293</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8104</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Robert Ndondo-Lay</b></td>
<td><b>NT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 266</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Hank Ekpe</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 244</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8167</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Alex Keith</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 253</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7944</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Gaelin Elmore</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 262</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8568</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andrew Stelter</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 269</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8473</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Gary Moore</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 287</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7994</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Julien Kafo</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 255</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7882</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Yoshoub Timms</b></td>
<td><b>DL</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 293</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7000</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mose Hall</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 255</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8004</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damien Wilson</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">91.0</td>
<td align="right">13.3%</td>
<td align="right">10.5</td>
<td align="right">4.0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>De'Vondre Campbell</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 241</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8553</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jack Lynn</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8264</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jonathan Celestin</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 222</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7982</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>De'Niro Laster</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>6'4, 226</td>
<td>So.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.7)</td>
<td>0.8487</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">5.5</td>
<td align="right">0.8%</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Everett Williams</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 235</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8079</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Rallis</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 233</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8342</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ray Dixon</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 228</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8287</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Wipson</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 219</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8073</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cody Poock</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 235</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8069</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Julian Huff</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 223</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8035</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jaylen Waters</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 228</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8364</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. Run defense should still be a strength</h3>
<p>Botticelli was a solid play-maker at defensive tackle, but with the return of Richardson, lanky senior Robert Ndondo-Lay, and a host of sophomores, it appears the middle of the line should still hold up. (And because of youth, it might hold up for a few more years.)</p>
<p>Linebackers De'Vondre Campbell, Jack Lynn, and Jonathan Celestin combined for 16.5 tackles for loss last year, mostly against the run, and Theiren Cockran is a strong end. Graduation skimmed off a few decent names, but more return.</p>
<p>However, the front seven was likely to blame for the regression in pass defense. Minnesota again ranked poorly in Adj. Sack Rate, and Cockran's numbers regressed, perhaps because of the loss of Hageman. A little more juice up front would take pressure off of the secondary, but unless that comes from spring star Hank Ekpe, I'm not sure it will happen.</p>
<p>Ekpe might be the most important player on this year's defense. Coordinator Tracy Claeys doesn't want to overcommit his linebackers to rushing the passer -- LBs had more passes defensed (nine) than sacks (eight) last year -- so a surge from the line is key.</p>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cedric Thompson</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">67.0</td>
<td align="right">9.8%</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eric Murray</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 196</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7793</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Damarius Travis</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 215</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7000</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>49.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Briean Boddy-Calhoun</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 188</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7867</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Derrick Wells</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">33.0</td>
<td align="right">4.8%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Antonio Johnson</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 211</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8274</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>27.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalen Myrick</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 208</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8151</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Grayson Levine</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td align="right">1.0%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Craig James</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 189</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8407</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Daletavious McGhee</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 210</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7983</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Jones</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">0.5%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ace Rogers</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 207</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8535</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jacob Huff</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8156</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dior Johnson</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8574</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ray Buford</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8463</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Antonio Shenault</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8285</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. Another active secondary</h3>
<p>Despite iffy sack rates, Minnesota's Havoc Rate of 18.3 percent ranked a healthy 23rd in the country. An active run defense helped, but so did a handsy secondary that featured eight players with at least three passes defensed and five with at least two tackles for loss.</p>
<p>The Gophers were deep, aggressive, and <i>mostly</i> effective (less so late in the year), and the depth should pay off. Two members of the havoc club are gone (safety Cedric Thompson, corner Derrick Wells), but six other return, including one of the most active trios of corners in the nation in Eric Murray, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, and Jalen Myrick (combined: five tackles for loss, seven interceptions, 23 break-ups).</p>
<p>There is no clear reason for last season's fade (other than the fact that the pass offenses on the schedule improved), but depth and experience are Minnesota's friends, and even if the pass rush doesn't come around, this should still be a top-40 defense.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Peter Mortell</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 191</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>61.2%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ryan Santoso</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 245</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>70</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54.3%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ryan Santoso</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 245</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>45-46</b></td>
<td><b>9-10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>90.0%</b></td>
<td><b>3-8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.5%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andrew Harte</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 191</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>0-1</b></td>
<td><b>0-0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>N/A</b></td>
<td><b>0-0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>N/A</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jalen Myrick</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 208</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Jones</td>
<td>KR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">24.4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Craig James</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 189</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Jones</td>
<td>PR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">7.3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist" target="_blank"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 12 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">105</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Special teams weapons</h3>
<p>Few teams tilted the field as well as Minnesota. The Gophers ranked 15th in field position margin (plus-5.4 yards per possession). Granted, thanks to good run defenses and great return men, this was a field position conference -- 15th overall meant fourth in the Big Ten behind No. 4 Ohio State, No. 5 Nebraska, and No. 9 Michigan State -- but it was still a strength.</p>
<p>And while the run played a role, Minnesota ranked 12th overall in special teams efficiency. Kicker Ryan Santoso was automatic inside of 40 yards (as a freshman) and knocked more than half of his kickoffs for touchbacks, Peter Mortell averaged more than 45 yards per punt, Craig James was a good punt return man (also as a freshman), and Jalen Myrick was an outstanding kick returner.</p>
<p>All of those guys return. Special teams is a small-sample unit prone to variance, but Minnesota has every reason to believe it will once again have an excellent unit.</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections" target="_blank"><b>Proj. S&P+ Rk</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Sep</td>
<td>TCU</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>at Colorado State</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td align="right">96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Oct</td>
<td>at Northwestern</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>at Purdue</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17-Oct</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31-Oct</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>at Ohio State</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>at Iowa</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21-Nov</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">-4.9% (68)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">59 / 65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">10 / 7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">+1.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">12 (5, 7)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">7.7 (0.3)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. Another volatile schedule</h3>
<p>We saw this with Michigan, and we see it with Minnesota: a volatile schedule with better teams visiting you (in this case, TCU, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Michigan, all projected higher than the Gophers) and slightly lesser teams hosting you (trips to Iowa, Northwestern, Colorado State, and Purdue await).</p>
<p>That suggests Minnesota will be in close games and introduces a wide array of outcomes from "scraping by at 6-6" to "Big Ten West champs."</p>
<p>If the passing game doesn't completely fall apart without four of its top five targets, and if the defense can avoid fading, getting Nebraska and Wisconsin at home could make the difference in the division. But if special teams gets a little flaky, and last year's run defense was a bit of a mirage, then Minnesota could stumble outside of the top 50.</p>
<p>Years ago, one of the preseason mags would feature a one-page look at teams' likely records broken into likely wins, likely losses, and tossups. I know Minnesota fans are aiming high -- that's what happens when you've improved for three straight years and your biggest division rivals come to your place -- but a glance at the Gophers' schedule gives me something like four to five likely wins, two likely losses, and five to six tossups.</p>
<p>The Gophers might be ready for big things, and hey, keep betting on Kill until he gives you a reason not to. But the margin of error is small.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/6/2/8688759/minnesota-gophers-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster
Bill Connelly
2015-08-17T12:06:00-04:00
2015-08-17T12:06:00-04:00
What's Rutgers' Big Ten standard?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gvMFWhn6T5lcPi1KqIsO3bVEeuw=/0x49:3332x2270/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46369528/usa-today-8206660.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-team-previews-2015">The 128-team countdown</a> looks at a program that's way better than it used to be ... but still not where it could be?</p> <p><i>Confused? <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. So ... where's this going?</h3>
<p>About nine years ago, Rutgers appeared in its first bowl in 27 years and only its second ever.</p>
<p>Greg Schiano's reputation has had its ups and downs since, but in 2005, the former Miami defensive coordinator became Rutgers' savior. After the program won 11 games in the five-year Terry Shea era (five of which came in one season), Schiano took over at age 35 and went 3-20 in his first two years.</p>
<p>But the Scarlet Knights won nine games over the next two, and in year 5 came the breakthrough. The next year, Rutgers won 11 games and finished 12th in the AP poll.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46368876/usa-today-8292439.0.jpg"> <span> <i>John Munson-USA Today Sports/NJ Advance Media</i><br><br> <b><a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections">Projected F/+ ranking</a></b>: 79 <br><br> <b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 48 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: From receiver to the defensive line, this team has all sorts of speed<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: The defense got pushed around by good ground games, and there's no reason to think that will change<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: Maryland (Nov. 28)<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> The last decade of Rutgers has raised the bar, but 2015 could end up a lot like 2013 and 2014: failing to meet a higher standard.</span>
</div>
<p>For most programs, we have a level of reasonable goals in our heads. They can change over time -- our estimation of what Kansas State might be capable of, for instance, has changed drastically over the last three decades -- but we have an idea.</p>
<p>Some teams should be happy with bowl bids. Others should aim for the occasional division title. Others feel like failures for winning fewer than 10 games.</p>
<p>For Rutgers, expectations have changed, but it's hard to figure out where the bar is at this point. The Scarlet Knights have been to nine bowls in 10 seasons and have won nine or more games four times, and their success (and strategic location) earned them a spot in a bigger conference.</p>
<p>And in their first season in the Big Ten, they treaded water, finishing a decent 8-5 (3-5 in conference) with a win over Michigan and a bowl romp over North Carolina. But they got obliterated in every battle versus a good team and finished 81st in the F/+ rankings.</p>
<p>After ranking 41st or better in four of six seasons, they haven't ranked better than 58th in the three years since Schiano left for an NFL job. They're still winning, and they certainly boast a rather athletic team. But recruiting, thought to be a Kyle Flood specialty, hasn't surged, and the general feeling around the fanbase is one of restlessness. (That hasn't been aided <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/4/7/5590024/julie-hermann-rutgers-athletic-director-controversy">by woeful public relations</a>.)</p>
<p>A local fanbase might not be the most reliable barometer for reasonable expectations, but ... what exactly <i>should</i> we be expecting from Rutgers?</p>
<p>I'm not sure what a fair ceiling is, but I do know stability would be nice. In just the three-year Flood era, Rutgers' offense has ranked as high as 56th in Off. S&P+ (2014) and as low as 119th (2012), and the defense has ranked as high as 13th (2012) and as low as 86th (2014). Combine the two best units, and you've got a top-20 team. Combine the two worst, and you've got a bottom-20 team.</p>
<p>Consistency and an identity would be welcome, but that might be difficult. After last year's offensive success, the quarterback and three linemen left and the coordinator stepped down. The defense could get a little nastier, but it might happen just in time for the offense to regress.</p>
<p>We're not so far removed from Rutgers' destitution to know that going to a bowl every year and holding your own against college football's second tier is nothing to sneeze at. But dissatisfaction is understandable, and if the offense slides, the negative buzz could pick up more volume.</p>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3714688/RutgersFPlus2015.0.png"></p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="8"><b>Record: 8-5 | Adj. Record: 7-6 | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 81 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Aug</td>
<td>at Washington State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">77</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">41-38</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">55%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">2.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Sep</td>
<td>Howard</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">NR</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38-25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13-Sep</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">10-13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">50%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20-Sep</td>
<td>at Navy</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">44</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">80%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">19.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>Tulane</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">93</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">88%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">27.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4-Oct</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">54</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">26-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">49%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-0.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>at Ohio State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17-56</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">14%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-25.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25-Oct</td>
<td>at Nebraska</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-42</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">16%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-23.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Nov</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0-37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-35.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">88</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45-23</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">92%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">33.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>at Michigan State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-36.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29-Nov</td>
<td>at Maryland</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">62</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">41-38</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">41%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-5.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Dec</td>
<td>vs. North Carolina</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">70</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">40-21</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">85%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3714714/RutgersPercentile2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1" style="border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px; background-color: #ffffcc;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">30.2</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
<td align="right">30.8</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">26.7</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
<td align="right">30.2</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>2. Stumbling in the spotlight</h3>
<p>Percentile numbers like those above usually send me looking for trends. With only 12-14 data points, you can identify any trend you want if you try hard enough, but you can often find a narrative worth pursuing.</p>
<p>With the data above, you can point to a season that started well, cratered in the middle, and finished reasonably well.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (first 5 games)</b>: 67% (record: 4-1)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (next 4 games)</b>: 21% (record: 1-3)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (first 5 games)</b>: 56% (record: 3-1)</li>
</ul>
<p>Rutgers began 5-1, with only a tossup loss to Penn State marring a perfect start. But the Knights proceeded to lose four of their next five before rebounding with a crazy comeback against Maryland and the UNC romp. That makes for a fine story line.</p>
<p>But it's hard to notice a trend among the four eggs Rutgers laid in October and November.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (vs. F/+ top 30)</b>: 11% (record: 0-4 | avg. score: Opp 45, RU 11)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (vs. everyone else)</b>: 67% (record: 8-1 | avg. score: RU 34, Opp 22)</li>
</ul>
<p>For perspective, the 67th percentile represents a performance on the border of the top 40. Not bad! The 11th percentile would constitute a ranking between about 110th and 115th. Against the four top-30 teams on the schedule, Rutgers played like Idaho; against everybody else, the Scarlet Knights were more like West Virginia.</p>
<p>The 2013 season told a similar tale; Rutgers played four BCS-level teams that won at least nine games and lost by an average of 22 points. Against everybody else: 6-3 with a plus-4.9 scoring margin.</p>
<p>If you're looking for another reason why Rutgers fans seem frustrated, that's a good one. When the biggest spotlight has shined, Rutgers has played its worst football. This hasn't always been the case -- in Flood's first season in 2012, Rutgers beat 10-win Cincinnati and barely lost to 11-win Louisville -- but it isn't a positive development.</p>
<p>The 2015 schedule features four teams that finished in last year's top 30 (including both Big Ten title game participants and Michigan State), which is either a reason for dread or an opportunity for redemption.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3714716/RutgersOffPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.92</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">118.3</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">44.0%</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">111.7</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">32.3</td>
<td align="right">114</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">98.0</td>
<td align="right">92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">114.2</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">15.8</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+4.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">76</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">43</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. Big play-calling shoes to fill</h3>
<p>Ralph Friedgen's coaching career began when he took a graduate assistant position at Maryland in 1969, a year after his career as a Maryland guard ended. He was Maryland's offensive coordinator from 1982-86, then came back as Maryland's head coach from 2001-10. He was fired after 2010, and it looked like his career had come to an end as he approached age 64.</p>
<p>He had one final act. Flood lured him out of his forced retirement. It was perhaps Flood's most important recruiting win. Friedgen brought efficiency; Rutgers improved from 101st in Success Rate+ to 32nd and sacrificed little explosiveness in the process.</p>
<p>Quarterback Gary Nova's numbers improved across the board despite an upgrade in competition: his per-attempt yardage went from 6.1 to 7.9, his completion rate from 54.5 percent to 57.2 percent, his sack rate from 7.6 percent to 5.2, and his interception rate from 4.6 percent to 3.7. He developed a fun rapport with star receiver Leonte Carroo, and despite a revolving door at running back, Rutgers' offense looked magnificent at times.</p>
<p>At 67, Friedgen decided that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2015/02/ralph_friedgen_steps_down_as_rutgers_offensive_coo.html">"getting up at 4:30 every morning and working 18 hours a day for 15 weeks of the year"</a> was a bit too much. Flood convinced him to stay as a "special assistant," but receivers coach Ben McDaniels will now be running the show.</p>
<p>McDaniels would be well-advised not to change much, unless his quarterback situation forces him to.</p>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Gary Nova</td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"><br></td>
<td align="right">187</td>
<td align="right">327</td>
<td align="right">2851</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">57.2%</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">5.2%</td>
<td align="right">7.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Chris Laviano</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'3, 210</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8597</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>107</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>39.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Hayden Rettig</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'3, 205</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>4 stars (6.0)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.9312</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Giovanni Rescigno</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'3, 240</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.7985</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Michael Dare</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'5, 185</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8584</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. Got a quarterback?</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Rutgers fan HQ <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.onthebanks.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Rutgers Scarlet Knights blog On the Banks</a></div>
</div>
<p>In 2009, I wrote this about Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel in the Football Outsiders Almanac: "As alcohol is to Homer Simpson, Teel was the cause of and solution to most of Rutgers' problems."</p>
<p>He was also the last Rutgers quarterback to play well until Nova's 2014. Between 2010-13, RU quarterbacks -- Tom Savage, then Chas Dodd, then Nova -- failed to produce even a 130 passer rating. Savage managed a 128.8 in 2009, then crumbled and transferred. Dodd hit 126.8 as a freshman, then got replaced by Nova, who hit 125.8 in 2012.</p>
<p>Nova's 2014 rating: 145.3. Under Friedgen, and with Carroo living up to potential, Rutgers improved from 84th in Passing S&P+ to 15th.</p>
<p>So now the reins go to any of three youngsters: last year's backup Chris Laviano, LSU transfer Hayden Rettig, or redshirt freshman Giovanni Rescigno. (Incoming freshman Michael Dare was well-touted, and lord knows Rutgers has played freshman QBs, but we'll assume he's a longshot, if only because he needs to put on about 20 pounds before facing Joey Bosa.) Rettig was a blue-chipper in high school, Laviano looked pretty good in the spring, and Rescigno passes the eyeball test.</p>
<p>Whoever wins the job (and my guess is Laviano) will have to clear a high bar if Rutgers is to avoid offensive regression. And he'll be protected by a line that must replace three players who had combined for 112 career starts. Two two-year starters (tackle Keith Lumpkin, guard Chris Muller) return, and there is a nice mix of experience and high recruiting in the pipeline, but treading water is the best-case scenario.</p>
<p>Then again, the skill position players might have something to say about that.</p>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526" target="_blank"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Desmon Peoples</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'8, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8591</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>115</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>447</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Robert Martin</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8681</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>87</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>434</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Justin Goodwin</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8303</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>83</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>328</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Josh Hicks</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8625</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>438</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Paul James</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>64</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>363</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gary Nova</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">125</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4.6</td>
<td align="right">5.1</td>
<td align="right">37.0%</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Laviano</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 210</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8597</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>81</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>83.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Janarion Grant</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8609</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>48</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Charles Snorweah</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8336</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Leonte Carroo</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9182</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>94</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1086</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>27.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>59.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>409</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>183.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Janarion Grant</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8609</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>312</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andre Patton</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8494</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>223</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>59.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-35</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyler Kroft</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">269</td>
<td align="right">61.5%</td>
<td align="right">11.5%</td>
<td align="right">48.7%</td>
<td align="right">6.9</td>
<td align="right">-24</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
<td align="right">45.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>John Tsimis</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8377</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>188</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>57.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>51.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-47</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31.9</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Burton</td>
<td>FB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">150</td>
<td align="right">68.2%</td>
<td align="right">6.5%</td>
<td align="right">59.1%</td>
<td align="right">6.8</td>
<td align="right">-29</td>
<td align="right">6.7</td>
<td align="right">25.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Turzilli</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">347</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">5.9%</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">17.4</td>
<td align="right">220</td>
<td align="right">19.5</td>
<td align="right">58.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Desmon Peoples</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'8, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8591</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>132</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>72.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Justin Goodwin</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8303</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>57</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-44</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Paul James</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>120</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>57.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>17.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Carlton Agudosi</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8317</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>32</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>83.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-26</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Arcidiacono</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 235</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8330</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.9</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Robert Martin</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8681</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ruhann Peele</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8734</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Logan Lister</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 245</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8220</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nakia Griffin</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8385</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Anthony Folkerts</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 215</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8342</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rashad Blunt</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8185</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. Toys in the toy box</h3>
<p>Carroo hinted at a high ceiling in 2013, averaging 17.1 yards per catch and scoring nine touchdowns for an offense in desperate need of positivity. And in 2014, he eased seamlessly into the No. 1 role, doubling his catches and averaging an eye-popping 11.6 yards per target. His sub-60 percent catch rate isn't ideal, but when you average 19.7 yards per catch, you're allowed misses.</p>
<p>When Paul James is healthy, he's one of the nation's more exciting backs. A 205-pounder with open-field explosiveness (6.1 highlight yards per opportunity in 2013), James has averaged 5.7 yards per carry over the past two years, but he suffered a broken fibula in 2013 and tore his ACL four games into 2014.</p>
<p>In James' absence, two freshmen got quite a bit of work; Robert Martin and Josh Hicks combined to average 5.5 yards per carry, and Hicks erupted late: 20 carries for 114 yards against Indiana, 19 for 202 against UNC. (Martin chipped in 19 for 100 against the hapless Tar Heel defense.)</p>
<p>If James is at 100 percent, Rutgers has as high a ceiling at the skill positions as almost anybody in the conference. The big plays should be frequent, but Rutgers' improved efficiency is at risk.</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 100.6 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2.9</td>
<td align="right">2.46</td>
<td align="right">39.9%</td>
<td align="right">66.0%</td>
<td align="right">20.8%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 143.5 </b></td>
<td align="right">4.4%</td>
<td align="right">4.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 70 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">72</td>
<td align="right">117</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
<td align="right">75</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td align="right"><b> 22 </b></td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kaleb Johnson</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Betim Bujari</td>
<td>C</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">36</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Taj Alexander</td>
<td>RT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Keith Lumpkin</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'8, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8947</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Muller</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9164</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryan Leoni</td>
<td>LT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ryan Brodie</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8879</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Derrick Nelson</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8222</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dorian Miller</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 285</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8823</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>J.J. Denman</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9002</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marcus Applefield</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 290</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8377</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jacquis Webb</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 310</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8425</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tariq Cole</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 350</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8436</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Zack Heeman</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 270</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8302</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jack Shutack</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 270</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8439</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Zach Venesky</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 285</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8438</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3714718/RutgersDefPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.97</td>
<td align="right">119</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">88.0</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">42.1%</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">103.9</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">30.2</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">101.0</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">76</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">106.3</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">20.5</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">18.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-2.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">108</td>
<td align="right">90</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">79</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">93</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">105</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
<td align="right">106</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">116</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">119</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. Remember when Rutgers' defense was awesome?</h3>
<p>In 2012, Rutgers allowed 4.6 yards per play and gave up more than 15 points four times in 13 games. The Scarlet Knights continued the standard set by Schiano's best defenses.</p>
<p>In 2013, Rutgers fell from 13th in Def. S&P+ to 80th. A young secondary suffered breakdowns. In 2014, the Knights fell to 86th, with a defense that allowed 100 rushes of 10-plus yards (124th in the country).</p>
<p>Rutgers has wanted to remain aggressive. But if you're going to give up tons of big plays, you better have an efficiency ranking in the 20s, not the 50s. That balance has disintegrated.</p>
<p>Joe Rossi's first year as Rutgers coordinator was a learning experience; as constructed, RU has sacrificed size to get speed on the field, and while that helped to create a nice pass rush, it created disadvantages against the run.</p>
<p>It also potentially contributed to a disturbing trend: Rutgers tended to collapse as a half unfolded. RU ranked 46th and 66th in first- and third-quarter S&P+ but crumbled to 116th and 87th in the second and fourth quarters.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 96.7 </b></td>
<td align="right">3.25</td>
<td align="right">3.14</td>
<td align="right">45.4%</td>
<td align="right">68.3%</td>
<td align="right">18.2%</td>
<td align="right">117.4</td>
<td align="right">7.4%</td>
<td align="right">9.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 81 </b></td>
<td align="right">110</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">122</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
<td align="right">85</td>
<td align="right"><b> 32 </b></td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Milewski</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">47.0</td>
<td align="right">6.5%</td>
<td align="right">9.0</td>
<td align="right">4.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kemoko Turay</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 235</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8085</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Darius Hamilton</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 255</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>5 stars (6.1)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9881</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenneth Kirksey</td>
<td>NT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">20.0</td>
<td align="right">2.8%</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Djwany Mera</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 260</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8778</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Julian Pinnix-Odrick</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 260</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8748</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daryl Stephenson</td>
<td>NT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">12.0</td>
<td align="right">1.7%</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Quanzell Lambert</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9039</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sebastian Joseph</b></td>
<td><b>NT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 285</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8131</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Myles Nash</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 225</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8622</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kevin Wilkins</b></td>
<td><b>NT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 290</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8344</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eric Wiafe</b></td>
<td><b>DL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 270</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8208</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Donald Bedell</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>6'4, 235</td>
<td>RSFr.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.6)</td>
<td>0.8073</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jimmy Hogan</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 225</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8224</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jon Bateky</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 245</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8296</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marques Ford</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9008</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kamaal Seymour</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8392</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. Size matters?</h3>
<p>Rutgers has its share of talent. Darius Hamilton hasn't played like the five-star he was in high school, but he's been a four-star, at least. Kemoko Turay came out of nowhere to serve as one of the better pass-rush specialists in the Eastern time zone. Linebacker Quentin Gause was able to slice into the backfield and make some plays against the run.</p>
<p>The problem was twofold: 1) You could add "... despite being undersized" to the end of each of those sentences, and 2) there wasn't much size elsewhere. Of the seven returning contributors, the ends average 6'4, 243, and the tackles average 6'4, 267. If you have elite speed at all positions, maybe you can make this work. Rutgers only had good speed. If the Scarlet Knights weren't making a play against the run, they were allowing one.</p>
<p>In terms of pure talent, there's a lot to like. Not only are Turay and Hamilton back, high-upside younger players like Quanzell Lambert, Myles Nash, Kevin Wilkins, and incoming four-star Marques Ford could play a role, and senior Djwany Mera has hinted at upside.</p>
<p>But if size was an issue, then unless every player on the team slaps on 20 pounds while sacrificing no speed, I'm not sure how things will improve much. Rossi might have a better idea of how to compensate for it.</p>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Steve Longa</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8655</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>86.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Quentin Gause</b></td>
<td><b>SLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8665</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>61.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Snyder</td>
<td>MLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">53.0</td>
<td align="right">7.3%</td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L.J. Liston</td>
<td>MLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">13.0</td>
<td align="right">1.8%</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>T.J. Taylor</b></td>
<td><b>SLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7993</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Milito</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
<td align="right">0.2%</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Devan Carter</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 215</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8013</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brandon Russell</b></td>
<td><b>MLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 210</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7919</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Isaiah Johnson</b></td>
<td><b>MLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7923</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Deonte Roberts</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8119</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sidney Gopre</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8660</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lorenzo Waters</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">61.0</td>
<td align="right">8.4%</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gareef Glashen</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">50.0</td>
<td align="right">6.9%</td>
<td align="right">1.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johnathan Aiken</td>
<td>FS</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">49.0</td>
<td align="right">6.8%</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Delon Stephenson</b></td>
<td><b>FS</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8222</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>32.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Davon Jacobs</b></td>
<td><b>SS</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8696</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Anthony Cioffi</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8059</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nadir Barnwell</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9140</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dre Boggs</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8449</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andre Hunt</b></td>
<td><b>FS</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brian Verbitski</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Saquan Hampton</b></td>
<td><b>FS</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 180</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8344</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kiy Hester</b></td>
<td><b>SS</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9054</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Isaiah Wharton</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 200</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7683</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Darian Dailey</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7619</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Blessuan Austin</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8306</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Najee Clayton</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8610</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jarius Adams</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8295</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. Athletic and green(ish)</h3>
<p>The front seven has upside but lacks size. The secondary has upside but lacks experience.</p>
<p>At least, sort of. Rutgers will be forced to replace three starters, including aggressive safeties (Lorenzo Waters and Johnathan Aiken, who combined for eight tackles for loss) and a decent cornerback (Gareef Glashen). That's never a good thing, but at least the backups saw the field. The top four returnees are all juniors who had at least 26 tackles in 2014.</p>
<p>Of course, some younger players could still help. Sophomore Dre Boggs managed to break up four passes while on the field long enough to record only 14.5 tackles (that either means a high ceiling or he's awful at tackling), and four-star redshirt freshman Kiy Hester, originally a Miami signee, had a pretty good spring.</p>
<p>There is reason to fear what might become of the pass defense, but there is talent, and the pass rush will again be strong. If the defense ranks in the 80s, it will be because of the run, not the pass.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tim Gleeson</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>32</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53.1%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joseph Roth</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>35.5%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kyle Federico</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>17</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23.9%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kyle Federico</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>41-43</b></td>
<td><b>11-12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>91.7%</b></td>
<td><b>5-9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.6%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Janarion Grant</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Josh Hicks</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Janarion Grant</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 175</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 66 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Kick it away from Grant</h3>
<p>Good: While Janarion Grant is still figuring out how to make a consistent impact on offense, he is one hell of a return man. The bouncy junior helped Rutgers to return efficiency ratings in the top 20 (punts) and top 50 (kicks), and even when he isn't doing very well, he's a bit of an optical illusion; you're terrified of him until his knee touches the ground.</p>
<p>Bad: Rutgers' coverage units made it seem like opponents also had a Janarion Grant. Rutgers ranked 58th in punt return average allowed and 95th in kick return average allowed. Tim Gleeson (an Aussie and the older brother of Ole Miss' Will) had better averages, but kicked a more returnable ball and was replaced by Joseph Roth. Either could start in 2015, though Gleeson seems to have better upside.</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><b>2014 F/+ Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5-Sep</td>
<td>Norfolk State</td>
<td align="right">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>Washington State</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>at Penn State</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>Kansas</td>
<td align="right">99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17-Oct</td>
<td>at Indiana</td>
<td align="right">88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24-Oct</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31-Oct</td>
<td>at Wisconsin</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>at Michigan</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21-Nov</td>
<td>at Army</td>
<td align="right">121</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">-5.6% (70)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">64 / 48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">-2 / 4.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">-2.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">11 (6, 5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">6.5 (1.5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. The top-30 jinx might not be much of an issue</h3>
<p>It felt like Rutgers was ranked artificially low last season. For two-thirds of the year, the Scarlet Knights were a borderline top-40 team, but their poor performances, all against very good teams, tore their ranking apart.</p>
<p>On the schedule, there are four more teams that ranked in the F/+ top 30; three visit Piscataway, which offers an opportunity for either a buzz-building upset or another demoralizing blowout. But if Rutgers plays at the same level against teams below the 75th percentile, the Scarlet Knights will likely win enough to bowl once more.</p>
<p>It is justifiable to worry about where this program stands; the strengths, weaknesses, and offensive identity all seem to change each year, and the F/+ ranking has been on the wrong side of 50. It's deal with that without ending up on the wrong side of six wins, too.</p>
<p>Still, Flood has sustained what has easily been Rutgers' most successful decade of football. There's something to be said for that.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/21/8631391/rutgers-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster
Bill Connelly
2015-08-17T11:54:00-04:00
2015-08-17T11:54:00-04:00
Indiana's make-or-break year
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FVv7oU33p7Fj0CihzUc3YZX0ZGw=/0x70:2364x1646/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46352672/usa-today-8123885.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-team-previews-2015">The 128-team countdown</a> enters the Big Ten!</p> <p><i>Confused? <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. Bailing sand</h3>
<p>Hard jobs remain hard. When Kevin Wilson came to Bloomington in 2011, he had to know exactly what he was getting into. Indiana had been to one bowl in 17 seasons and had finished ranked in the AP twice, never higher than 19th, since 1967.</p>
<p>Wilson was brought in to press the reset button, install a high-powered offense, and figure out how to raise the ceiling. His Hoosiers bottomed out in Year 1, finishing 1-11 and ranking a symmetrical 111th in F/+, but quickly started to get somewhere: 4-8 and 78th in 2012, 5-7 and 48th in 2013. The defense was still an albatross, but the offense had gone from bad to great in two years.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46352664/usa-today-8237171.0.jpg"> <span> <i>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</i><br><br> <b>2014 F/+ ranking and record</b>: 88 (4-8) <br><br> <b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 55 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: Run defense should be disruptive<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: As strange as this sounds for a Kevin Wilson team, the offense fell apart ... and now has to replace Tevin Coleman<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: Besides Purdue (Nov. 28)? Gotta beat Rutgers (Oct. 17) to have a shot at a bowl<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> After significant improvement, Indiana veered off course, and Kevin Wilson faces a do-or-die campaign.</span>
</div>
<p>With experience and a new defensive coordinator, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/5/14/5713646/indiana-football-2014-preview-schedule-roster">Indiana looked (to me, anyway) like a team ready to go bowling in 2014</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The series of tough road games precludes a great record, but Indiana appears set to improve, both in overall quality and in record, for the third straight year. Even if the offense regresses, the defense should improve more, simply from a "can't get worse" perspective.</p>
<p>Wilson's building something pretty impressive. Last year wasn't quite the breakthrough, but the Hoosiers are moving forward and should again in 2014.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Despite one of the most statistically unlikely losses of the season, a 45-42 stumble to Bowling Green, the Hoosiers started 2-1 thanks to a road upset of a Missouri team getting ready to win the SEC East for the second time. But then the Hoosiers laid a massive egg at home against Maryland. And then their quarterback got hurt. And then they bottomed out.</p>
<p>Building a winner from scratch takes about 148 steps, good timing, and good fortune. Wilson got the offense to where he wanted it in 2013, and just as his defense began to improve, his offense got beat up. A team with IU's 2013 offense and 2014 defense would have ranked 30th in S&P+ last year; instead, the Hoosiers ranked 86th and finished 4-8.</p>
<p>The 2015 season was supposed to be when Indiana figures out how to deal with success following a bowl breakthrough. Instead, Wilson and his Hoosiers are trying to figure out whether a breakthrough is still possible. Turnovers killed them in 2013, and an ill-timed quarterback injury did them in in 2014, but at some point you become your record. And no matter what potential Indiana has flashed, this team has won either four or five games for five of the last six years.</p>
<p>Building a winning program is like bailing sand with your arms. For every five pounds you get loaded, you lose four in transit. We'll find out if Kevin Wilson can find a shovel.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3706218/IndianaFPlus2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="8"><b>Record: 4-8 | Adj. Record: 7-5 | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 88 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30-Aug</td>
<td>Indiana State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">NR</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28-10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">67%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">10.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13-Sep</td>
<td>at Bowling Green</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">98</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">77%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17.2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20-Sep</td>
<td>at Missouri</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31-27</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">62</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">15-37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-34.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4-Oct</td>
<td>North Texas</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">125</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">49-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">92%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">32.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11-Oct</td>
<td>at Iowa</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-7.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17-56</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">70%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">12.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Nov</td>
<td>at Michigan</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">54</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">10-34</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-36.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8-Nov</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7-13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">10%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-29.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>at Rutgers</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">81</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">23-45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-37.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>at Ohio State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">27-42</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">53%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29-Nov</td>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">84</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">23-16</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">51%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">74%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3706220/IndianaPercentile2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">27.7</td>
<td align="right">75</td>
<td align="right">31.6</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">25.1</td>
<td align="right">90</td>
<td align="right">32.8</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>2. ...and then it all collapsed</h3>
<p>With about 13 minutes left in the first half of the sixth game, Indiana's 2014 campaign was already disappointing. The sweet taste of the Missouri upset was made bitter by both an unlikely loss at Bowling Green (IU averaged 7.5 yards per play to BGSU's 5.1 and won the turnover battle but blew five scoring opportunities with three turnovers on downs, a lost fumble, and a missed field goal) and a dreadful post-Mizzou performance against Maryland. The Hoosiers were 3-2, but it should have been 4-1, and the Maryland game proved the floor was still awfully low.</p>
<p>Thanks to a pick six, Indiana allowed three touchdowns in three minutes in falling behind Iowa, 21-0, in Iowa City. But the Hoosiers were down just 28-14 and driving when quarterback Nate Sudfeld injured his shoulder. Freshman Chris Covington came in and went 3-for-12 with two picks, and despite an absurd performance from Tevin Coleman (15 carries, 219 yards, three scores), they came up short, 45-29.</p>
<p>The next week, an inspired team fought well against Michigan State with a different freshman quarterback (Zander Diamont, who went 5-for-15 with 11 yards and four sacks). Coleman rushed for 132 yards, and the defense held MSU in check before tipping over in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Without Sudfeld, there was no ready-made successor, and everybody knew it. After a solid first half against Michigan State, the team began to look hopeless.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (first 7 games)</b>: 59% (record: 3-4)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (next 3 games)</b>: 7% (record: 0-3)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (last 2 games)</b>: 52% (record: 1-1)</li>
</ul>
<p>If there was a silver lining, it's that the Hoosiers rebounded. After playing three of the worst games imaginable -- yards per play against Michigan, Penn State, and Rutgers (all teams outside of the F/+ top 40): Opponent 5.9, Indiana 4.3 -- the Hoosiers got their legs back. Coleman rushed for 228 against Ohio State, and Indiana led the eventual national champion by six late in the third before Buckeye Jalin Marshall (four touchdowns in 15 minutes) went crazy. In the season finale, IU scored 23 second-half points to take down rival Purdue.</p>
<p>If 2015 ends up a happier tale, we'll look back to the final two games of last year as the start of the rebound. But Coleman is now an Atlanta Falcon, which means IU gets Sudfeld back just in time to lose its security blanket.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3706222/IndianaOffPrint2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.84</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">97.9</td>
<td align="right">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">39.4%</td>
<td align="right">92</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">100.8</td>
<td align="right">67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">30.9</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">100.0</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">4.4</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">88.0</td>
<td align="right">105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">20.3</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-1.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
<td align="right">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">122</td>
<td align="right">116</td>
<td align="right">104</td>
<td align="right">121</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">62</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">109</td>
<td align="right">111</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">106</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. Life in a post-Tevin universe</h3>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Indiana fan HQ <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Indiana Hoosiers blog The Crimson Quarry</a></div>
</div>
<p>When Sudfeld went down, Indiana's offense bottomed out, and it did so despite the presence of one of the most incredible college running backs of the early 21st century. Coleman turned a crease into an interstate with regularity in his three seasons; most of Indiana's exciting moments involved Coleman, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/11/8581925/2015-running-backs-nick-chubb-samaje-perine" target="_blank">who was more impressive in the open field than even Melvin Gordon</a>.</p>
<p>Coleman was a security blanket, able to craft yards out of what was otherwise decent execution, and his absence will force everybody else to pick up the slack.</p>
<p>On paper, the IU offense still has quite a bit going for it. The Hoosiers get Sudfeld back. Sudfeld was strong in four of his six appearances last year -- against BGSU, Missouri, North Texas, and Iowa, he completed 68 percent, gaining 12 yards per completion, with six touchdowns and one pick. He was less impressive against Indiana State and Maryland, but he's showed his ceiling is pretty high.</p>
<p>Sudfeld has athletes around him. UAB transfer Jordan Howard rushed for nearly 1,600 yards last year; his explosiveness is mortal compared to Coleman's, but it's strong for his size (6'1, 225). But he has to beat out Devine Redding; Redding was semi-efficient, and to the eyes, he appears to have more explosiveness than he got a chance to prove.</p>
<p>And between sophomores Dominique Booth and Marqui Hawkins and a few incoming freshman, IU boasts quite a few former four- or high-three-star recruits in the receiving corps. The youth is scary, but in theory, there is enough athleticism for Wilson to figure out how to move the ball if Sudfeld remains healthy.</p>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Nate Sudfeld</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'5, 240</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8759</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>101</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>167</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1151</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Zander Diamont</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'1, 173</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.7917</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>64</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>132</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>515</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>48.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Chris Covington</td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"><br></td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">25.0%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">7.7%</td>
<td align="right">1.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Nate Boudreau</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'4, 223</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Danny Cameron</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'1, 204</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8400</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b>Austin King</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>6'2, 190</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td align="left"><b>0.8535</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526" target="_blank"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tevin Coleman</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">270</td>
<td align="right">2036</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
<td align="right">7.5</td>
<td align="right">9.8</td>
<td align="right">41.5%</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Howard <br>(UAB)</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7956</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>306</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1587</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D'Angelo Roberts</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">493</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">4.6</td>
<td align="right">4.7</td>
<td align="right">33.6%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Zander Diamont</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 173</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7917</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>39</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>248</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Devine Redding</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 195</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8478</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>118</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nate Sudfeld</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8759</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>147</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Covington</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">98</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">6.1</td>
<td align="right">4.4</td>
<td align="right">56.3%</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Myles Graham</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">5.8</td>
<td align="right">3.1</td>
<td align="right">57.1%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Wynn</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">138</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">34.5</td>
<td align="right">27.6</td>
<td align="right">100.0%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J-Shun Harris II</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>5'8, 170</td>
<td>So.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.5)</td>
<td>0.7733</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0.8</td>
<td align="right">1.6</td>
<td align="right">25.0%</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tommy Mister</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 208</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8569</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Devonte Williams</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 170</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8488</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Wynn</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>NR</td>
<td align="right">85</td>
<td align="right">56</td>
<td align="right">708</td>
<td align="right">65.9%</td>
<td align="right">28.5%</td>
<td align="right">56.5%</td>
<td align="right">8.3</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
<td align="right">8.4</td>
<td align="right">79.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Stoner</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>NR</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">217</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">14.8%</td>
<td align="right">65.9%</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">-63</td>
<td align="right">4.6</td>
<td align="right">24.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tevin Coleman</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>NR</td>
<td align="right">33</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">141</td>
<td align="right">75.8%</td>
<td align="right">11.1%</td>
<td align="right">45.5%</td>
<td align="right">4.3</td>
<td align="right">-153</td>
<td align="right">4.2</td>
<td align="right">15.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J-Shun Harris II</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>5'8, 170</td>
<td>So.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.5)</td>
<td>0.7733</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">168</td>
<td align="right">60.0%</td>
<td align="right">10.1%</td>
<td align="right">70.0%</td>
<td align="right">5.6</td>
<td align="right">-53</td>
<td align="right">5.1</td>
<td align="right">18.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Simmie Cobbs, Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 215</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8256</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>114</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>17</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dominique Booth</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 208</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9050</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>70</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-36</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D'Angelo Roberts</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>NR</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">59</td>
<td align="right">90.0%</td>
<td align="right">3.4%</td>
<td align="right">40.0%</td>
<td align="right">5.9</td>
<td align="right">-44</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td align="right">6.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Isaiah Roundtree</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>NR</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right">88.9%</td>
<td align="right">3.0%</td>
<td align="right">88.9%</td>
<td align="right">3.6</td>
<td align="right">-60</td>
<td align="right">3.0</td>
<td align="right">3.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Michael Cooper</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 257</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8488</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ricky Jones</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7800</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>17</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Anthony Corsaro</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 250</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>39</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-22</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Fuchs</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 233</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8248</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Danny Friend</b></td>
<td><b>TE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 261</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8425</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Isaac Griffith</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8222</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marqui Hawkins (UAB)</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 217</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8707</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Camion Patrick</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8644</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Leon Thornton III</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8622</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Isaac James</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8563</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mike Majette</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8517</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Westbrook</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8347</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. The youth are taking over, ready or not</h3>
<p>Indiana had to replace four of its top five receivers in 2014; they combined for 169 catches in 2013, and heading into last season, only Shane Wynn and Tevin Coleman had more than 14. Now Wynn, Coleman, and Nick Stoner (combined: 103 catches) are gone, too.</p>
<p>You can usually see the double-dips coming, and you have time to prepare. Three freshmen got their feet wet last year: J-Shun Harris II, Simmie Cobbs Jr., and Dominique Booth were targeted a combined 68 times, and while they didn't do much (33 catches, 352 yards), they got reps. [<b>Update</b>: Harris is out for the season with a knee injury.] Wilson supplemented them with another UAB transfer (Marqui Hawkins, who committed to Florida out of high school), a few three-star sophomores, and four three-star February signees.</p>
<p>Wilson has one of the most proven offensive minds in college football. He's crafted strong offenses out of less than this, and with Sudfeld running the show, I expect the Hoosiers to move the ball. But 2014 showed that even a great coach will struggle if he doesn't have the right personnel.</p>
<p>The Indiana skill position corps should be awesome in 2016-17. But Sudfeld will have to be spectacular if the Hoosiers are going to get back into the Off. S&P+ top 40 this year. Top 60 is a more realistic goal.</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 112.2 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3.18</td>
<td align="right">3.05</td>
<td align="right">41.4%</td>
<td align="right">65.9%</td>
<td align="right">20.7%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 91.5 </b></td>
<td align="right">3.0%</td>
<td align="right">12.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 27 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">32</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td align="right"><b> 82 </b></td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">120</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Rahrig</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jason Spriggs</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8407</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bernard Taylor</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dan Feeney</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8444</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ralston Evans</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8322</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peyton Eckert</td>
<td>RT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jake Reed</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 288</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8469</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Kaminski</td>
<td>LG</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jacob Bailey</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 298</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8342</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dimitric Camiel</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'7, 319</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7900</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Wes Rogers</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8631</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>DeAndre Herron</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8285</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tim Gardner</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 310</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8000</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Delroy Baker</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 305</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8409</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Wes Martin</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 310</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8060</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brandon Knight</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8600</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Hunter Littlejohn</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 285</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8513</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. Thinning out the herd</h3>
<p>Because a couple younger players overtook veteran starters, IU's line finished 2014 with a unique level of experience. Eight players had started at least nine games, and another three had started at least three.</p>
<p>So now for another unique experience: Indiana loses four starters up front and returns four starters.</p>
<p>It's hard to know how good the Indiana line actually was. The Hoosiers ranked well in opportunity rate, but Coleman was able to create opportunities out of very little. Meanwhile, the passing downs sack rates were awful, but we know that had so much to do with wide-eyed freshman Zander Diamont spending half of the season behind center.</p>
<p>Whatever level of quality the line achieved, I would expect it to do a little bit better this year. The rushing stats will regress without Coleman, and the sack stats will improve with Sudfeld.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3706224/IndianaDefPrint2015.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.89</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">96.2</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">40.7%</td>
<td align="right">60</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">99.9</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">28.8</td>
<td align="right">95</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">97.0</td>
<td align="right">99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
<td align="right">118</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">102.9</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">17.3</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">17.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-0.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">95</td>
<td align="right">73</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">46</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
<td align="right">92</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">90</td>
<td align="right">111</td>
<td align="right">73</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">98</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">88</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">94</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">105</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. They couldn't get off the field</h3>
<p>Granted, the bar for defensive improvement was low, but Indiana absolutely improved.</p>
<p>The progress came in fits and starts -- for every step forward, there was a shove backwards (8 yards per play against Michigan State and, perhaps most damningly, 6.3 against Michigan), and the defense lost its edge when it was clear the offense wasn't going to get the job done, but the Hoosiers both made and prevented more plays under new defensive coordinator Brian Knorr.</p>
<p>The biggest improvement came in the prevention of big pass plays. The Hoosiers were among the nation's worst in 2013, ranking 123rd in Passing IsoPPP+ and allowing 15 passes of 40-plus yards (118th). In 2014, they improved to 66th in Passing IsoPPP+ and allowed just seven 40-plus passes (32nd). The cornerback trio of Tim Bennett, Michael Hunter, and Rashard Fant was solid, and safeties Antonio Allen, Mark Murphy, and Chase Dutra did well in over-the-top defense and play-making (combined: eight tackles for loss, seven interceptions, eight break-ups). [<b>Update</b>: Allen was dismissed from the team.]</p>
<p>That said, there were plenty of glitches. Big run plays were an issue. Open-field tackling was still a concern. The defense simply couldn't close out drives.</p>
<p>Indiana still would have beaten Bowling Green despite blowing scoring opportunities if they had been able to get off of the field -- BGSU converted seven third downs and two fourth downs and stayed on the field for 113 exhausting plays. And due in part to the lack of effective blitzing, opposing quarterbacks found they didn't need to go long to move the ball; they could just go short. Indiana allowed a 61.6 percent completion rate, 97th in the country.</p>
<p>Indiana improved at havoc and play prevention, but when the Hoosiers got the dagger in their hands, they dropped said dagger. And now they have to replace their only decent pass rusher and three of the six primary contributors in the secondary.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 101.5 </b></td>
<td align="right">2.66</td>
<td align="right">3.25</td>
<td align="right">37.1%</td>
<td align="right">60.0%</td>
<td align="right">22.1%</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
<td align="right">4.9%</td>
<td align="right">4.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 53 </b></td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
<td align="right"><b> 95 </b></td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td align="right">115</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Richardson</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">29.5</td>
<td align="right">4.3%</td>
<td align="right">9.5</td>
<td align="right">5.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Mangieri</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 270</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8575</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nate Hoff</b></td>
<td><b>NT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 300</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7500</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Darius Latham</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9113</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ralph Green III</b></td>
<td><b>NT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 315</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8003</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Shawn Heffern</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 275</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8407</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Adarius Rayner</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.2)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7333</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Cormier</td>
<td>NT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">2.5</td>
<td align="right">0.4%</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Patrick Dougherty</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 285</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7947</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick Carovillano</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 241</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8464</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mike Barwick, Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 290</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8482</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>T.J. Simmons</b></td>
<td><b>MLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 233</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8104</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>59.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Cooper</td>
<td>WLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">47.0</td>
<td align="right">6.9%</td>
<td align="right">3.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forisse Hardin</td>
<td>SLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">42.5</td>
<td align="right">6.2%</td>
<td align="right">7.5</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tegray Scales</b></td>
<td><b>MLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 220</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8766</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marcus Oliver (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 238</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8009</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Zack Shaw</b></td>
<td><b>BANDIT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 252</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8658</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Clyde Newton</b></td>
<td><b>SLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8182</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Greg Gooch</b></td>
<td><b>WLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 250</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8422</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Kennedy</td>
<td>MLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">8.0</td>
<td align="right">1.2%</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chris Covington</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 225</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7000</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dameon Willis, Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>SLB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8342</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nile Sykes</b></td>
<td><b>BANDIT</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 242</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8722</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Omari Stringer</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8271</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. There's a lot to like about this front seven</h3>
<p>Rushing the passer was an issue in 2014 and very well could be again this fall. Only one defender logged more than 3.5 sacks (end Bobby Richardson), and he's gone. When your leading sacks guy is a nose tackle (sophomore Nate Hoff), that is probably a problem.</p>
<p>That said, there were quite a few freshmen and sophomores in the rotation last year, and IU still managed to play reasonably efficient run defense. Big plays were an issue at times, but Indiana was able to attack the interior of an opposing line rather well, and it resulted in a lot of run stops in the backfield.</p>
<p>Thirteen Hoosiers had at least 2.5 non-sack tackles for loss, which means Knorr had the athletes he needed and knew how to deceive blockers with them.</p>
<p>Despite the occasional big run, opponents knew patient passing was the safest plan, and it shows in the run-pass percentages above: opponents threw on IU 4.5 percent more than the national average on standard downs and 8.5 percent more on passing downs. They did not fear the pass rush like they feared run stuffs.</p>
<p>And considering the returning personnel, that will probably be the case again. Of the 13 two-point-fivers, eight are back, and the Hoosiers are still trying to figure out who've they've got to attack the passer. Maybe Nick Mangieri's change from OLB to defensive end reaps benefits? Maybe a youngster -- Nick Carovillano? Nile Sykes? Dameon Willis? Greg Gooch? -- finds a pass-rushing niche?</p>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tim Bennett</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">59.5</td>
<td align="right">8.7%</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Antonio Allen</td>
<td>FS</td>
<td>5'10, 205</td>
<td>Jr.</td>
<td>4 stars (5.8)</td>
<td>0.8963</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">59.5</td>
<td align="right">8.7%</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Murphy</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">39.5</td>
<td align="right">5.8%</td>
<td align="right">2.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Hunter</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">32.5</td>
<td align="right">4.8%</td>
<td align="right">3.5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Chase Dutra</b></td>
<td><b>SS</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8356</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Rashard Fant</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 175</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8862</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Donovan Clark</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 180</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8382</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tony Fields</b></td>
<td><b>FS</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 205</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8435</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kenny Mullen (2013)</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8186</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kiante Walton</b></td>
<td><b>SS</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 206</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8056</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Grubbe</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">0.7%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Laray Smith</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 188</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8557</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Noel Padmore</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8218</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Will Dawkins</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 198</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8625</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tyler Green</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8668</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. Blank slate at corner</h3>
<p>Antonio Allen was just a sophomore last year, and Chase Dutra was just a freshman. [<b>Update</b>: Allen was dismissed from the team.] That IU was able to prevent big pass plays with young safeties is an encouraging sign, even if then-senior Mark Murphy also played a role. Throw in mid-three-star sophomore Tony Fields, and it appears the Hoosiers have both potential and production in what is still a pretty young set of safeties.</p>
<p>But IU ranked in the 90s in Passing Success Rate+ last year, and that was with two good corners in Tim Bennett and Michael Hunter.</p>
<p>Bennett graduated, and Hunter transferred to Oklahoma State, and they leave behind a hefty set of sophomores. Rashard Fant was one of the most highly-touted recruits of the Wilson era and showed a high ceiling in breaking up five passes as the No. 3 corner, so perhaps he's ready to take on Big Ten No. 1s. But Indiana still needs another corner, and players like Donovan Clark, Laray Smith, and Noel Padmore are mostly unknowns. The return of backup Kenny Mullen after injury will help, and the upside is clear, but with pass rush woes unlikely to be solved, these young cornerbacks are going to be asked to do a lot.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Erich Toth</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 208</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>77</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>18</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67.5%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Griffin Oakes</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 197</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>48.8%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Aaron Del Grosso</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 196</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>57.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.9%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Griffin Oakes</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 197</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>23-23</b></td>
<td><b>9-11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>81.8%</b></td>
<td><b>4-7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>57.1%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Aaron Del Grosso</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 196</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>12-12</b></td>
<td><b>1-3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td><b>0-1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J-Shun Harris II</td>
<td>KR</td>
<td>5'8, 170</td>
<td>So.</td>
<td align="right">19</td>
<td align="right">20.6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Wynn</td>
<td>KR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">22.2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Wynn</td>
<td>PR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">5.3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J-Shun Harris II</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 89 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">94</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Shore up those coverage units</h3>
<p>In theory, with a good run defense and the return of Sudfeld, Indiana could have the efficiency to do well in field position. But special teams has to help out more.</p>
<p>Returns were below average, and while kickoffs and place-kicking improved when Griffin Oakes overtook Aaron Del Grosso, punt coverage was abysmal. Despite Erich Toth averaging nearly 41 yards per punt and eliciting fair catches as often as not, any return opportunity went a long way. Toth had 34 fair catches, but opponents still managed five returns of 20-plus yards (116th in the country) and averaged 10.8 yards per return overall (108th). Shore this up and get a little more out of return man J-Shun Harris II [<b>Update</b>: Again, Harris is out for the year.], and you're in business.</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><b>2014 F/+ Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5-Sep</td>
<td>Southern Illinois</td>
<td align="right">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>Florida International</td>
<td align="right">96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>Western Kentucky</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>at Wake Forest</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Oct</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>at Penn State</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17-Oct</td>
<td>Rutgers</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24-Oct</td>
<td>at Michigan State</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>Iowa</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21-Nov</td>
<td>at Maryland</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>at Purdue</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">-15.1% (89)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">54 / 55</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">-2 / -3.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">+0.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">11 (6, 5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">5.1 (-1.1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. If the Hoosiers aren't bowling this year...</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>"But ultimately it's the scoreboard and the total wins and losses. It's all justification and coffee talk until you're winning seven and eight and nine and 10. We haven't won as much as we like for the players and fans. But we're getting better and more competitive and confident. Now that has to translate to making the play." [...]</p>
<p>"We're a work in progress. But we're definitely working and definitely progressing."</p>
<p align="right">-- <a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2014/8/20/5990929/college-football-coaches-programs-bob-stoops-bill-snyder?_ga=1.218872666.2137928975.1366298386#wilson">Kevin Wilson in Blueprint for a Rebuild</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The plan went off course. Indiana took multiples steps forward in 2012 and 2013, but injuries poked a hole in the most vulnerable area of the depth chart (quarterback), and outside of Tevin Coleman, not enough skill guys stepped up. And while the defense improved, it didn't improve enough to offset drastic regression.</p>
<p>You can see how Indiana rebounds. There are holes at cornerback and in the pass rush, but IU could make progress on defense -- the run defense in particular should be strong -- and with Sudfeld, a decent line, and a couple of interesting running backs, you can talk yourself into the Hoosiers improving on offense. They won't reach 2013 levels, but 2012 levels (44th in Off. S&P+) aren't out of reach if a couple of young receivers emerge.</p>
<p>The question is, will this be enough? Will the young receivers prevent serious growth? And how high can the defensive ceiling be when the pass defense might not improve?</p>
<p>The schedule will help. Indiana only plays two teams that ranked better than 45th in F/+ and five that, like IU, ranked worse than 80th; if the Hoosiers can bounce back into the No. 60-75 range, there are wins on the table. Get to six, and maybe the program gets its juice back.</p>
<p>But if this ends up another 4-8 or 5-7 campaign, and IU heads into 2016 having to replace Sudfeld, it becomes a lot more difficult to see Wilson pulling Indiana out of the wreckage he inherited.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/19/8621407/indiana-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster
Bill Connelly
2015-08-17T11:18:00-04:00
2015-08-17T11:18:00-04:00
Was Northwestern's 10-win season a total outlier?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Axed8XK4qqttOcgOCX69_RsCRWs=/0x172:2100x1572/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46390582/usa-today-8221413.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Was the Wildcats' surprise 2012 success just an outlier?</p> <p><i>Confused? <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank">Check out the advanced-stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<h3>1. Wildcard Wildcats?</h3>
<p>Pat Fitzgerald has come full circle in record time. He has been everything a coach can be: overachiever and disappointment, candidate for bigger jobs and coach whose seat might be getting hotter, young coach with energy and stodgy coach with old values, close-game whiz and close-game loser.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<h2>TL;DR</h2>
<img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46390576/usa-today-8108753.0.jpg"> <span> <i>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</i><br><br> <b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections" target="new">Projected S&P+ ranking</a></b>: 62<br><br> <b>5-year recruiting ranking</b>: 44 <br><br><b>Biggest strength</b>: The secondary could be great with help from the pass rush<br><br> <b>Biggest question mark</b>: The offense fell apart, then lost six starters<br><br> <b>Biggest 2015 game</b>: The battle with Illinois (Nov. 28) could once again decide bowl eligibility<br><br><b>In one sentence:</b> Northwestern has been the same team for five of the last six years, and close-game luck has turned over the last two; can a retooled offense help the Wildcats maintain trajectory for a solid 2016? </span>
</div>
<p>When you've been at a job for nine years, your reputation will change, but Fitzgerald's changes have all occurred within the last three years.</p>
<p>In 2012, the future looked almost as bright as it ever had; the Wildcats won 10 games and finished 32nd in the F/+ rankings, one spot higher than they placed in the late Randy Walker's final season, 2005. Recruiting was picking up, and NU was combining sturdy play with spectacular special teams.</p>
<p>The next two seasons, Northwestern won 10 games combined. The offense disintegrated. Special teams was as bad in 2014 as it was good in 2012. The defense gave the Wildcats a shot at a bowl, but an end-of-season egg against an in-state rival prevented that.</p>
<p>The sudden shifts are making it difficult to figure out what might come next. In 2015, the offense must replace its quarterback, two leading receivers, and three two-year starters on the line. But these starters were part of a terribly disappointing unit. Most of the pieces of an exciting run defense return, and the secondary is loaded with experience.</p>
<p>At the same time, a bad offense that becomes less experienced doesn't leave you overflowing with optimism, and the defense must replace two stalwart linebackers from a unit that was well-organized.</p>
<p>You can spin these things however you choose, and it makes Northwestern an awfully big wildcard. Then again, NU has had almost the same F/+ rating for five of the last six years, so maybe the Wildcats aren't a wildcard at all:</p>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725138/NWernFPlus2015.0.png"></p>
<h3>2. The all-important class of 2014</h3>
<p>According to the 247Sports Composite, Wildcats recruiting had improved incrementally for four consecutive years until sliding this past February.</p>
<p>At 47th, the 2014 class was the best of the bunch. And if depth chart projections are any indication, it may be the class with which the Fitzgerald era sinks or swims.</p>
<p>Quarterback Clayton Thorson might win the starting job this year. Justin Jackson rushed for 1,187 yards as a true freshman last fall. Solomon Vault was a special teams bright spot while pitching in 20 carries and 10 targets. Garrett Dickerson is the superback (a tight end/fullback hybrid unique to NU) of the future. Blake Hance and Tommy Doles could have a role to play on the offensive line. Defensive ends Xavier Washington and Ben Oxley could be major role players in either 2015 or 2016. Linebacker Nate Hall could be part of the 2015 rotation. Cornerback Parrker Westphal, the most highly touted defender, could start soon. Punter Hunter Niswander will have a major say in whether NU's special teams goes from liability to strength.</p>
<p>A single class is only going to have so much of an impact, but the yields of the 2014 crop are already starting to work their way into every unit. That isn't guaranteed to be a good thing, but it does hint at a major impact in 2016 or 2017. And if the Wildcats rebound in 2015, the class of 2014 might be why.</p>
<h4>2014 Schedule & Results</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="8"><b>Record: 5-7 | Adj. Record: 4-8 | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2014"> Final F/+ Rk:</a> 71 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Date</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Score</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Percentile<br>Performance</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Adj. Scoring<br>Margin</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Win<br>Expectancy</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30-Aug</td>
<td>California</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">65</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-31</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-13.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6-Sep</td>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">69</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">15-23</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">46%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-2.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20-Sep</td>
<td>Western Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">NR</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">24-7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">59%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">5.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27-Sep</td>
<td>at Penn State</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">45</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29-6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">94%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">36.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">100%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4-Oct</td>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">25</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">20-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">79%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">18.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">72%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11-Oct</td>
<td>at Minnesota</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">37</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17-24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">48%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-0.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18-Oct</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">17-38</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">15%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-24.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1-Nov</td>
<td>at Iowa</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">63</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7-48</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-43.1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8-Nov</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">54</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">9-10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">26%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-14.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15-Nov</td>
<td>at Notre Dame</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">34</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">43-40</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">41%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-5.0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22-Nov</td>
<td>at Purdue</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">84</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">38-14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">W</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">75%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">15.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29-Nov</td>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">78</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">33-47</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">L</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7%</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-33.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725140/NWernPercentile2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&P+</td>
<td align="right">21.1</td>
<td align="right">111</td>
<td align="right">25.0</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points Per Game</td>
<td align="right">23.0</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
<td align="right">25.2</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>3. From decent to awful</h3>
<p>The percentile chart above is a mountain range. Northwestern started slowly in tight losses to Cal and NIU but rebounded by looking fine against WIU, crushing Penn State, and upsetting Wisconsin. The offense wasn't doing serious damage (yards per play against WIU, PSU, and Wisconsin: 4.8), but the defense looked downright awesome (total points allowed in those three games: 27).</p>
<p>The defense would run out of steam as injuries and lack of offense took their toll. Only one of six regulars on the defensive line and two of six in the secondary played in all 12 games, starting middle linebacker Collin Ellis played only six, and key safety Ibraheim Campbell missed four games in the middle of the year.</p>
<p>The defense allowed at least 5.8 yards per play in five of its last eight games, and aside from an out-of-nowhere performance against Notre Dame, the offense never had much to offer.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (first 6 games)</b>: 59% (record: 3-3)</li>
<li> <b>Average Percentile Performance (last 6 games)</b>: 28% (record: 2-4)</li>
</ul>
<p>Still, after bottoming out in an ugly loss at Iowa, it looked like the Wildcats were rallying. After fading for four consecutive games, they rallied for three straight, upsetting Notre Dame and whipping Purdue to get back to 5-6. But in a "winner goes bowling" home game against Illinois, with junior Zack Oliver starting in place of injured senior Trevor Siemian, everything fell apart.</p>
<p>NU's first eight possessions against the Illini: punt, three and out, three and out, interception, fumble, interception, fumble, three and out. The Wildcats trailed 26-7 at halftime (only a Solomon Vault kick return got them on the board), rallied to 33-25, then faded. The result: after five bowls in five years, they spent the holidays at home for the second straight postseason.</p>
<p>Northwestern played three games at a top-30 level and three like a bottom-20 team. That's ... quite a range. It's a sign of a young team, but aside from the running back position, the offense wasn't that young.</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725142/NWernOffPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b></a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.68</td>
<td align="right">128</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">77.1</td>
<td align="right">118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">38.6%</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">94.2</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b></a></td>
<td>Def. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">32.3</td>
<td align="right">112</td>
<td>Def. FP+</td>
<td align="right">99.0</td>
<td align="right">77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">3.9</td>
<td align="right">96</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">97.2</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">23.7</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">-0.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaaoff2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
<td align="right">108</td>
<td align="right">94</td>
<td align="right">118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">103</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
<td align="right">111</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
<td align="right">124</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">114</td>
<td align="right">103</td>
<td align="right">119</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">100</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
<td align="right">112</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">115</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">98</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">119</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">114</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">117</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Quarterback</h4>
<p><i>Note: players in bold below are 2015 returnees. Players in italics are questionable with injury/suspension.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Att</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>INT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Comp<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sack Rate </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Att.</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left">Trevor Siemian</td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"></td>
<td align="left"><br></td>
<td align="right">228</td>
<td align="right">392</td>
<td align="right">2214</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">58.2%</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td align="right">7.3%</td>
<td align="right">4.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b> Zack Oliver </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 6'4, 240 </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> Sr. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 3 stars (5.6) </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 0.8435 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 30 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 57 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 367 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 2 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 3 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 52.6% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 2 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 3.4% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 6.2 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b> Matt Alviti </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 6'0, 200 </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> So. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 4 stars (5.8) </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 0.9114 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 2 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 4 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 0 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 0 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 0 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 50.0% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 1 </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> 20.0% </b></td>
<td align="right"><b> -1.4 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="left"><b> Clayton Thorson </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 6'4, 210 </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> RSFr. </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 4 stars (5.9) </b></td>
<td align="left"><b> 0.9218 </b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>4. A new start, for better or worse</h3>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> Northwestern fan HQ <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.insidenu.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Northwestern blog Inside NU</a></div>
</div>
<p>Trevor Siemian was one of those "it feels like he's been here for 17 years" guys, even though he wasn't really a full-time starter until 2014. He split time with Kain Colter for three seasons, often playing in stat-unfriendly times; he was a more sure passer than the mobile Colter and was therefore asked to make plays on passing downs.</p>
<p>He hinted at a pretty high upside; in the 18 2012-13 games in which he threw at least 10 passes, he produced a passer rating of at least 135 six times, and in the 2013 season finale against Illinois, he went 31-for-44 for 414 yards and four scores (passer rating: 179.5).</p>
<p>Still, Siemian was never consistent. And with leading receiver Christian Jones missing 2014 with injury and a true freshman getting most of the carries, Siemian struggled. He only once topped a 124 passer rating and fell below 100 four times. And in a cruel twist, what was becoming his best performance of the year (7-for-12 for 93 yards against Purdue) ended when he tore his left ACL.</p>
<p>Siemian was around a while, and the Denver Broncos thought enough to draft him in the seventh round, but the bar he set was not to high that it cannot be cleared.</p>
<p>Last year's backup, Oliver, returns -- he got the ball downfield better, but he did throw three picks in the crippling loss to Illinois. By most accounts, redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson has given plenty of glimpses of his mid-four-star upside. Still, he's a redshirt freshman, and he didn't separate himself from Oliver or four-star sophomore Matt Alviti. All three seem to have a shot heading into fall camp, and while my guess is Thorson, Fitzgerald and longtime coordinator Mick McCall could still choose experience and go with Oliver.</p>
<p>Whoever wins will have a decent set of options. Justin Jackson held his own in 2014, carrying more than 20 times per game as a 185-pound true freshman, fumbling only once, and hinting at solid efficiency and potential explosiveness. In the last three games of 2014, he carried 70 times for 426 yards (6.1 per carry) and five touchdowns. If Auston Anderson, another 2014 signee, is able to live up to his own recruiting hype, Jackson and his supporting cast could provide sturdy options.</p>
<p>At receiver, last year's top two are gone, but Kyle Prater and Tony Jones combined to average only 6.1 yards per target in 2014. Christian Jones, who missed 2014 after playing well in 2013, could provide a more reliable No. 1 option, and two senior efficiency options, superback Dan Vitale and former four-star Rutgers signee Miles Shuler, should be able to provide help as No. 2 and No. 3.</p>
<h4>Running Back</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rushes</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards/<br>Carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/24/5526" target="_blank"><b>Hlt Yds/<br>Opp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fumbles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Fum.<br>Lost</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Justin Jackson</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9284</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>245</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1187</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>35.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Treyvon Green</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">72</td>
<td align="right">319</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">4.4</td>
<td align="right">6.0</td>
<td align="right">27.8%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Siemian</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">37</td>
<td align="right">138</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">3.7</td>
<td align="right">2.2</td>
<td align="right">32.4%</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Warren Long</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8210</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>123</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Solomon Vault</b></td>
<td><b>RB/WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 190</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8394</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>81</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Zack Oliver</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8435</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matt Alviti</b></td>
<td><b>QB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9114</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>N/A</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Miles Shuler</b></td>
<td><b>WR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9258</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>24</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Panico</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">0.0%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Stephen Buckley</b></td>
<td><b>RB/WR</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7910</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Auston Anderson</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'9, 180</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8681</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>John Moten IV</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8539</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Receiving Corps</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yards</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Catch Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Target<br>Rate</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>%SD</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>NEY</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Real Yds/<br>Target</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>RYPR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Christian Jones <br>(2013)</b></td>
<td><b>WR-Y</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>77</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>668</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>70.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>95.0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Prater</td>
<td>WR-X</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">72</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right">535</td>
<td align="right">70.8%</td>
<td align="right">16.6%</td>
<td align="right">56.9%</td>
<td align="right">7.4</td>
<td align="right">-71</td>
<td align="right">7.4</td>
<td align="right">54.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tony Jones</td>
<td>WR-Y</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
<td align="right">323</td>
<td align="right">50.7%</td>
<td align="right">15.9%</td>
<td align="right">58.0%</td>
<td align="right">4.7</td>
<td align="right">-122</td>
<td align="right">4.7</td>
<td align="right">32.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dan Vitale</b></td>
<td><b>SUPER</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 235</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>62</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>402</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>64.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>64.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-81</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cameron Dickerson</b></td>
<td><b>WR-Z</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8301</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>48</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>325</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Miles Shuler</b></td>
<td><b>WR-X</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9258</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>34</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>190</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>67.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-85</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Justin Jackson</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 185</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9284</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>28</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>201</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>78.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-56</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>20.4</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mike McHugh</b></td>
<td><b>WR-Y</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 200</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8013</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>22</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>115</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Austin Carr</b></td>
<td><b>WR-Y</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>37.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Treyvon Green</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
<td align="right">68.8%</td>
<td align="right">3.7%</td>
<td align="right">62.5%</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">-53</td>
<td align="right">4.6</td>
<td align="right">7.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Pierre Youngblood-Ary</b></td>
<td><b>WR-Z</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 185</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8131</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>15</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>105</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jayme Taylor</b></td>
<td><b>SUPER</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 230</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8201</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>75.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>58.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-61</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Solomon Vault</b></td>
<td><b>WR-H</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 190</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8394</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-43</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Stephen Buckley</b></td>
<td><b>WR-H</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7910</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>25.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>87.5%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.3</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Warren Long</b></td>
<td><b>RB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 205</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8210</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-33</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Garrett Dickerson</b></td>
<td><b>SUPER</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 250</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9122</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>44</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>-4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Mark Szott</b></td>
<td><b>SUPER</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 260</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8364</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>29</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>100.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>NR</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.9</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Andrew Scanlan</b></td>
<td><b>WR-X</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.3)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8215</b></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Team</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 98.4 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2.85</td>
<td align="right">3.08</td>
<td align="right">33.0%</td>
<td align="right">65.5%</td>
<td align="right">18.4%</td>
<td align="right"><b> 85.8 </b></td>
<td align="right">7.2%</td>
<td align="right">6.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: left;">Rank</td>
<td style="text-align: right;"><b> 83 </b></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">81</td>
<td align="right">87</td>
<td align="right">117</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
<td align="right">51</td>
<td align="right"><b> 89 </b></td>
<td align="right">108</td>
<td align="right">55</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Player</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt </b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>Career Starts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Honors/Notes</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Vitabile</td>
<td>C</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">50</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jack Konopka</td>
<td>RT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Jorgensen</td>
<td>LT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Geoff Mogus</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 305</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8382</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>23</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matt Frazier</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8313</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Eric Olson</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 285</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8488</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ian Park</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8479</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Adam DePietro</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8634</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hayden Baker</td>
<td>C</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Shane Mertz</b></td>
<td><b>RG</b></td>
<td><b>6'8, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8425</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Connor Mahoney</b></td>
<td><b>LG</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 290</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8208</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sam Coverdale</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 275</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8544</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brad North</b></td>
<td><b>C</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 280</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8510</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tommy Doles</b></td>
<td><b>LT</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 270</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8532</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Blake Hance</b></td>
<td><b>RT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 275</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8538</b></td>
<td align="right"><b><br></b></td>
<td><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jared Thomas</b></td>
<td><b>OL</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 260</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8615</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>5. Plenty of shuffling up front</h3>
<p>If you're going to lose three multi-year starters (combined: 101 career starts), you might as well lose them from a disappointing line. The Northwestern line was decent in two important categories -- stuff rate (avoiding run stops behind the line) and passing downs protection -- but didn't get a push in short-yardage situations. And it created fewer open-field opportunities for its runners than almost any line in the country.</p>
<p>Of course, your runners have to take advantage, and until Justin Jackson stepped up late in the season, NU didn't have a back who seemed to do that.</p>
<p>If Jackson's emergence was replicable, that could give the line stats a boost. And it won't hurt the depth chart will likely include seven juniors and seniors who have combined for 58 career starts. There are no former blue-chippers, but there are enough mid-three-stars that you should expect better than rankings in the 80s (83rd in Adj. Line yards, 89th in Adj. Sack Rate).</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3725146/NWernDefPrint2015.0.png"></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>FIVE FACTORS -- DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Raw Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><b>Opp. Adj. Category</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EXPLOSIVENESS</b> </a></td>
<td>IsoPPP</td>
<td align="right">0.84</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
<td>IsoPPP+</td>
<td align="right">106.7</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>EFFICIENCY</b></a></td>
<td>Succ. Rt.</td>
<td align="right">39.7%</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td>Succ. Rt. +</td>
<td align="right">106.0</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FIELD POSITION</b> </a></td>
<td>Off. Avg. FP</td>
<td align="right">31.5</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td>Off. FP+</td>
<td align="right">103.0</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/19/4126.5" target="_blank"><b>FINISHING DRIVES</b></a></td>
<td>Pts. Per Trip in 40</td>
<td align="right">3.7</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
<td>Redzone S&P+</td>
<td align="right">112.0</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TURNOVERS</b></td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/10/2567">EXPECTED</a></td>
<td align="right">23.2</td>
<td></td>
<td>ACTUAL</td>
<td align="right">27.0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">+3.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html">Yards/<br>Game Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">S&P+ Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">Success<br>Rt. Rk</a></b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a target="_blank" href="www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaadef2014">PPP+ Rk</a></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OVERALL</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RUSHING</td>
<td align="right">72</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PASSING</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
<td align="right">43</td>
<td align="right">75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right">64</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">82</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Q1 Rk</td>
<td align="right">81</td>
<td>1st Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 Rk</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td>2nd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 Rk</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td>3rd Down Rk</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 Rk</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>6. The run defense was more forgiving</h3>
<p>Northwestern has only ranked in the Def. S&P+ top 50 three times in Fitzgerald's nine seasons, but after bottoming out from 2009-11 (they ranked 86th, 86th, and 95th, respectively), the Wildcats have rebounded. Despite an impressive load of injuries, the 2014 defense was the third-best of the Fitzgerald era, and a lot of the reasons return in 2015.</p>
<p>Ten of the 12 players with at least 2.5 tackles for loss return, as do four of the six with at least four passes defensed. Tackle Sean McEvilly was granted a sixth year of eligibility after missing most of the last two seasons with injury.</p>
<p>The 2014 defense was good at two things: preventing big plays on the ground (40th in Rushing IsoPPP+) and preventing completions through the air (43rd in Passing Success Rate+, 32nd in completion rate allowed). Patient offenses were able to move on the ground, but Northwestern was able to make consistent stops in the red zone.</p>
<p>Basically, the defense was good enough to make NU disappointing in close games -- the Wildcats were 2-4 in one-possession games, but the defense was the reason those were close. Considering the shuffling and total lack of support given by the offense, this was an impressive performance by Mike Hankwitz's D. And good health could mean the best ratings yet in 2015.</p>
<h4>Defensive Line</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Category</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/5/1779.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Line Yds</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank">Pass.<br>Downs</a><br>LY/carry</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/27/6010.5" target="_blank"><b>Opp.<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/31/6584.5" target="_blank"><b>Power<br>Success<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/37/7433.5" target="_blank"><b>Stuff<br>Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/9/2477.5" target="_blank"><b>Adj.<br>Sack Rate</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/36/7272" target="_blank">Std.<br>Downs</a><br>Sack Rt.</b></td>
<td align="center">
<a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/28/6196" target="_blank"><b>Pass.<br>Downs</b></a><b><br>Sack Rt.</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Team</td>
<td align="right"><b> 106 </b></td>
<td align="right">2.59</td>
<td align="right">3.77</td>
<td align="right">37.9%</td>
<td align="right">75.0%</td>
<td align="right">18.3%</td>
<td align="right">71.5</td>
<td align="right">2.7%</td>
<td align="right">5.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rank</td>
<td align="right"><b> 39 </b></td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td align="right">109</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">104</td>
<td align="right">79</td>
<td align="right"><b> 108 </b></td>
<td align="right">110</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Dean Lowry</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 280</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7418</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>33.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Greg Kuhar</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 310</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8590</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>21.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Sean McEvilly (2012)</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 300</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8250</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Deonte Gibson</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 270</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8578</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chance Carter</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">12.5</td>
<td align="right">1.8%</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Max Chapman</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 265</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8243</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Xavier Washington</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 235</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8015</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ifeadi Odenigbo</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 240</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.9)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9680</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>C.J. Robbins</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 295</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.7600</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connor Mahoney</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
<td align="right">1.0%</td>
<td align="right">0.5</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tyler Lancaster</b></td>
<td><b>DT</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 295</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8748</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Ben Oxley</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'6, 260</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8528</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Fred Wyatt</b></td>
<td><b>DL</b></td>
<td><b>6'4, 270</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8504</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jordan Thompson</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 255</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8776</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joe Gaziano</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 230</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8643</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Trent Goens</b></td>
<td><b>DE</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 245</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8590</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Linebackers</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chi Chi Ariguzo</td>
<td>WILL</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">84.5</td>
<td align="right">12.4%</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td align="right">2.0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jimmy Hall</td>
<td>SAM</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">49.0</td>
<td align="right">7.2%</td>
<td align="right">5.5</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Anthony Walker</b></td>
<td><b>MIKE</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8519</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>40.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Drew Smith</b></td>
<td><b>SAM</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8404</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>31.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Ellis</td>
<td>MLB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">27.5</td>
<td align="right">4.1%</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Joseph Jones</b></td>
<td><b>WILL</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8270</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jaylen Prater</b></td>
<td><b>SAM</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 235</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8054</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Brett Walsh</b></td>
<td><b>MIKE</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8285</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nate Hall</b></td>
<td><b>WILL</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 210</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8216</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Cameron Queiro</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 225</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8304</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nathan Fox</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 235</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8585</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simba Short</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>6'2, 210</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>3 stars (5.5)</td>
<td>0.8539</td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Tommy Vitale</b></td>
<td><b>LB</b></td>
<td><b>6'2, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8503</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>7. A better line protects worse linebackers?</h3>
<p>The line returns almost everybody, and departed tackle Chance Carter is more or less replaced by Sean McEvilly. The secondary returns almost everybody and got a head start in replacing Ibraheim Campbell when he missed a third of his senior season.</p>
<p>But we shouldn't overlook linebacker. Stalwart Chi Chi Ariguzo is gone, as are Jimmy Hall and Collin Ellis. From a stat perspective, linebackers are the easiest players on the defense to replace, and the fact that Ellis got hurt midway through the year ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise, as it gave Anthony Walker time to develop. He responded with an excellent stat line (nine tackles for loss, five passes defensed).</p>
<p>Still, stellar linebacking play likely made the line look better, and now three of last year's five LBs are gone. That might mean the line needs to improve just to offset regression. It probably <i>will</i>, but if we conclude the line is important for efficiency and the linebackers are important for preventing big plays, we could see more of an all-or-nothing defense.</p>
<h4>Secondary</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Name</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Rivals</b></td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary#pgh/2/1544.75" target="_blank"><b>247 Comp.</b></a></td>
<td align="center"><b>GP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Tackles</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>% of Team</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TFL</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Sacks</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Int</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PBU</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FF</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FR</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Matthew Harris</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8268</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>64.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Traveon Henry</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 220</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8428</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>55.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>8.2%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nick VanHoose</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 190</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td><b>2 stars (5.4)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8211</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>53.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>10</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ibraheim Campbell</td>
<td>S</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">46.5</td>
<td align="right">6.8%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Godwin Igwebuike</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'0, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8788</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>6.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Kyle Queiro</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 200</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8503</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>9.5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Keith Watkins II</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 180</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.7)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8513</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Marcus McShepard</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 195</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8282</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jarrell Williams</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">2.5</td>
<td align="right">0.4%</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Terrance Brown</b></td>
<td><b>S</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.6)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8256</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Parrker Westphal</b></td>
<td><b>CB</b></td>
<td><b>6'1, 190</b></td>
<td><b>RSFr.</b></td>
<td><b>4 stars (5.8)</b></td>
<td><b>0.9379</b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
<td align="right"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Trae Williams</b></td>
<td><b>DB</b></td>
<td><b>5'11, 195</b></td>
<td><b>Fr.</b></td>
<td><b>3 stars (5.5)</b></td>
<td><b>0.8345</b></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
<td align="right"><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>8. Give the secondary just a little bit of a pass rush...</h3>
<p>The front seven had its moments, but Northwestern wasn't good at pressuring the passer. Ends Dean Lowry and Ifeadi Odenigbo combined for seven sacks, and the rest combined for just 10. Yuck.</p>
<p>With that in mind, a No. 43 ranking in Passing Success Rate+ says great things about the NU secondary. Campbell's play was important, but corners Matt Harris and Nick VanHoose and safeties Traveon Henry and Godwin Igwebuike (combined: 10 tackles for loss, eight picks, 20 break-ups) are all back, and that says exciting things.</p>
<p>As younger players like Igwebuike, Parrker Westphal, Kyle Queiro, Keith Watkins, and Marcus McShepard find their sea legs, I would be surprised if the secondary's level of play dropped. And if Hankwitz can figure out how to dial up more pressure, especially from the linebackers, this could be a solid pass defense.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Punter</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Punts</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>I20</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FC/I20<br>Ratio</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Gradone</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">65</td>
<td align="right">37.9</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
<td align="right">44.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Hunter Niswander</b></td>
<td><b>6'5, 230</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>36.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>60.0%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Kickoffs</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>OOB</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TB%</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jack Mitchell</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>54</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>57.9</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>35.2%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Place-Kicker</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>PAT</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(0-39)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>FG<br>(40+)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pct</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Jack Mitchell</b></td>
<td><b>6'3, 210</b></td>
<td><b>Jr.</b></td>
<td><b>26-28</b></td>
<td><b>11-12</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>91.7%</b></td>
<td><b>3-6</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>50.0%</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b>Returner</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Pos.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Ht, Wt</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>2015<br>Year</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Returns</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>Avg.</b></td>
<td align="center"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Treyvon Green</td>
<td>KR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">20.1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Solomon Vault</b></td>
<td><b>KR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 190</b></td>
<td><b>So.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>26.2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tony Jones</td>
<td>PR</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">20.7</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Miles Shuler</b></td>
<td><b>PR</b></td>
<td><b>5'10, 180</b></td>
<td><b>Sr.</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>14.0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Category</b></td>
<td><b>Rk</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/feist"><b>Special Teams F/+</b></a></td>
<td align="right"><b> 110 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kick Return Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Punt Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">124</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kickoff Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">114</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Opponents' Field Goal Efficiency</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>9. Special teams are so flaky</h3>
<p>Special teams ratings are derived from small samples, college kickers, and the backups who make up coverage units. They are inherently flaky as hell, and Northwestern is living proof.</p>
<p>The Wildcats ranked fourth in special teams efficiency in 2012 and 110th in 2014, and I guess that can be spun as a positive -- it could turn back around in 2015.</p>
<p>Solomon Vault and Miles Shuler could make up a heck of a return duo, and Jack Mitchell appears to be a decent place-kicker. But if improvement happens, it will be because Northwestern fixed a pair of dreadful kicking/coverage units. NU ranked in the bottom 15 in both kickoff and punt efficiency. You think that might have made a bit of a difference in close games?</p>
<h4>2015 Schedule & Projection Factors</h4>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>2015 Schedule</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Date</b></td>
<td><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/20/8625261/2015-college-football-rankings-projections" target="_blank"><b>Proj. S&P+ Rk</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5-Sep</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12-Sep</td>
<td>Eastern Illinois</td>
<td align="right">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19-Sep</td>
<td>at Duke</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26-Sep</td>
<td>Ball State</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3-Oct</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td align="right">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10-Oct</td>
<td>at Michigan</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17-Oct</td>
<td>Iowa</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24-Oct</td>
<td>at Nebraska</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7-Nov</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14-Nov</td>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td align="right">74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21-Nov</td>
<td>at Wisconsin</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28-Nov</td>
<td>vs. Illinois</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Five-Year F/+ Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">0.4% (56)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2- and 5-Year Recruiting Rk</b></td>
<td align="right">40 / 44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Margin / Adj. TO Margin*</b></td>
<td align="right">4 / -0.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 TO Luck/Game</b></td>
<td align="right">+1.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Approx. Ret. Starters (Off. / Def.)</b></td>
<td align="right">13 (5, 8)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>2014 Second-order wins (difference)</b></td>
<td align="right">4.8 (0.2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>10. Close games galore</h3>
<p>SB Nation's Kevin Trahan, a manager for Inside NU, sees <a href="http://www.insidenu.com/2015/5/7/8565623/an-inconvenient-rebuilding-year-for-northwestern-football" target="_blank">a potential rebuilding year</a>, and if a new starting quarterback isn't able to play at a high level, that is a distinct possibility. Alternatively, with better special teams, a more stable running game, and a more athletic defense, Northwestern might be able to improve.</p>
<p>But Northwestern has ranked between 66th and 76th in the F/+ rankings in five of the last six seasons (perhaps the sojourn to 32nd in 2013 was the exception that proves the rule), so we have a good idea where the Wildcats are going to land.</p>
<p>Northwestern is one of the more consistent entities, but the close-game record has produced a large range of results. The Wildcats tend to play a lot of teams of similar talent levels (last year's schedule featured seven that ranked between 34th and 69th in F/+, and 2015 features eight projected between 35th and 74th). <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/5/22/5734066/northwestern-football-2014-preview-schedule-roster" target="_blank">As I've written before</a>, Northwestern was 20-8 in one-possession games from 2007-10; regression has been swift. The Wildcats are 8-12 in such games over the last four seasons.</p>
<p>Close-game fortune will likely decide NU's fate again, and that could create an interesting future. There is depth and athleticism, and NU could take a step forward in 2016 and beyond. But if they suffer another losing season, negativity and rumors could impact upside.</p>
<p>Fitzgerald has won enough to keep the pressure off this fall (though if NU goes 3-9 or something, that could change), but the honeymoon stemming from the awesome 2012 has ended. He seems to be building a deep squad, but he might want to get back to 6-6 to stay on-course.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/5/26/8653467/northwestern-football-2015-preview-schedule-roster
Bill Connelly