[Husker] 2011 - Odd thoughts & stats

[David Elfering]

I'll lead off by saying I don't know nor care a lot about whether Callahan
or Bo gets the Miss Congeniality award :)

I was curious about what the stats would say about this year's defense
since my opinion was that this is the area that most surprised me in 2011.

Since 2008 NU Bo Pelini's defenses haven't had a habit of giving up 200
yards on the ground and did so in four games in 2011. Perhaps not
unexpected given the difference in offenses between the B12 & B1G. This
year's defense gave up more yards on the ground in single games then at any
other time. In looking at 2011 versus 2010 I also noted that the Husker
gave up more 200+ passing games on defense in 2011 than they did in 2010.

In 2009 the Husker didn't give up any 200 yard rushing games on defense.

There were three games in 2008 in which the Blackshirts gave up 200 or more
yards on the ground.

Number of games in which the defense gave up more than 200 on the ground,
more than 200 in the air
2008: 3 - 5
2009: 0 - 5
2010: 2 - 4
2011: 4 - 5

The games against Wisconsin (231), Ohio State (243) and Michigan (238) are
(if I'm reading correctly) the highest single game totals given up
defensively against the run since Bo Pelini has been head coach. Previous
to that (again if I'm reading correctly) the highest single game rushing
totals against the rush were 216 (Baylor 2008), Texas 215 (2010), Oklahoma
State 212 (2010).

On the bright side the highest passing yardage given up this year (274
against Washington) compares favorably with other years and is better than
2008.

Total defense:
2008: 349 ypg
2009: 272 ypg
2010: 306 ypg
2011: 350 ypg

So what does all this mean with regard to the Blackshirts? I suppose my
thoughts are that the defensive tackle position is going to be more
important than ever and needs shoring up, but that's just a wag.
---
David Elfering
aroundomaha at gmail.com