A few statistical comparisons (not counting Campbell) (numbers are rounded)

Scoring: App 16 pts USA 16.5
Scoring Defense: App 27 pts USA 21.5

Total Off: App 355 yds/game USA 354
Toal Def: App 461 yds/game USA 370

Rush Off: App 139 yds/game USA 155
Rush Def: App 273 yds/game USA 179

Pass Off: App 216 yds/game USA 198
Pass Def: App 188 yds/game USA 190

On paper I like our chances in this game. At the same time, seems we have a difficult time getting out of our own way. If we can figure out how to keep from tripping all over ourselves, I think we can take this one and get the ship pointed in the right direction.

I think our rushing D numbers are skewed by a few big plays. My impression is that we have been pretty good at stopping the run especially later in the game. I took a look at their board last night, a couple posters knew we are better than our numbers suggest. Should be a good match-up for us. If we can pick up a win here we can turn this around.

Playing at home and hungry for the win. Maybe Coach Moore can give half time pep talk.

I agree with Watauga. USA is very similar (more so offensively) to Southern Mississippi In that they struggle to up points on the board. They are better defensively and probably the best one we will have faced thus far. We have shown that we can move the ball so if we can figure out how to seal the deal and put the ball in the endzone we will be fine.

Another interesting stat. 2000 miles Mobile to Moscow, ID. 550 miles from Mobile to Boone.

That coupled with the 2 additional days rest for our team may be the difference in the game. Of course none of that matters if we continue having drive killing presnap penalties and redzone turnovers.

sixtoes9134 wrote:Playing at home and hungry for the win. Maybe Coach Moore can give half time pep talk.

Pre-game is where we need it. We've started poorly every game except Campbell. We come out of halftime much better. If we can avoid spotting them 14 points and can finish some red zone visits with points, that would be a huge step in the right direction

AppinATL wrote:

sixtoes9134 wrote:Playing at home and hungry for the win. Maybe Coach Moore can give half time pep talk.

Pre-game is where we need it. We've started poorly every game except Campbell. We come out of halftime much better. If we can avoid spotting them 14 points and can finish some red zone visits with points, that would be a huge step in the right direction

This! App has started slowly every game and had to fight from behind. A lead to start would maybe loosen these guys up and let them play with fewer mistakes. Offense needs to play with speed as they have in there two minute drill scoring drives in a couple of games.

Not questioning coaches here but we need to negate USA's speed on defense by playing fast(er). Can we play Jet all game? If so we need to. They had 7 sacks last week. We need to protect the QB because we are thin there.

One other comparison:

Red Zone Scores: App 14-21 (67%) USA 5-8 (63%) App 10th/USA 11th in SBC
Red Zone Defense: App 13-15 (87%) USA 9-12 (75%)

Their DL is undersized, so hopefully we have some success running the ball on them. After facing GaSo, it might seem like a cake walk

Any comparison of the kicking game? It is quite possible the game's outcome could be determined by it- nooooooo!

MAD Doctor wrote:Any comparison of the kicking game? It is quite possible the game's outcome could be determined by it- nooooooo!

I Know we have the Big C prediction coming, but I gotta say that I think this is a weekend for our kicking game to further condemn itself OR breakout and gain some respect and redemption. I hope for the latter and think it will be the difference in the game.

The stat comparison presented leads me to give USA the slight edge... possibly home field advantage might be enough for a Mountaineer win if we get special teams / kicking help.

Give 'em Hell Apps!

MAD Doctor wrote:Any comparison of the kicking game? It is quite possible the game's outcome could be determined by it- nooooooo!

I saw in the W-SJ that Matics is probable for the USA game. That seems to confirm that he was indeed injured on the tackle he made on a GS KO return.

Also Thomas Bronson is lost for the year.

FGs: App 1-4 USA 3-4
PATs: App 15-16 USA 7-8
KOs: App 54.1 USA 56.5
Net: App 34.6 USA 38.6

KO Return: App 19.3 USA 24.9
Punt Return: App 7.8 USA 3.2

Net Punt Average: App 34.8 USA 36.7

Big C will obviously provide the analysis and tells us if the stats matter, and who in particular is likely to be the difference maker in the game.