30 Dec '08 14:21>1 edit
Some Big 12 fans here have been claiming that the top teams in the Big 12 have utterly fantastic offenses and their defenses aren't half bad. I've been saying that their offensive stats are inflated by playing against the weak defenses of the Big 12. Who's right?
Well, I am (of course).
Case in point, last night's Alamo Bowl. Missouri came in with the 7th rated offense in yards gained and scoring over 42 points a game. Their opponent, Northwestern of the Bowl-challenged Big Ten, had a defense rated only 51st in the country and had been blown out by Michigan State 37-20, Ohio State 45-10 and had even lost to lowly Indiana. What's more Missouri had 2007 Heisman Finalist Chase Daniel at QB. No wonder, the Tigers were 12 to 14 point favorites. Offensive fireworks were sure to happen, right?
Well, no. Missouri did wind up winning the game in OT, 30-23. But they got only 1 offensive touchdown in regulation and were held to 311 yards, almost 175 less than their average (and about 30 less than what Northwestern usually gives up). Daniel was picked off 3 times. http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/boxscore?gameId=200812290032
This game makes me think that Ohio State might have a change of upsetting Texas after all; the Buckeyes' defense is 8th in the country. And don't get me started on what Oklahoma can expect.
Next test is Oklahoma State's 6th ranked offense against Oregon in the Holiday Bowl. The Ducks defense is rated 81st so the Cowboys should score 50, right? Don't bet on it.
Well, I am (of course).
Case in point, last night's Alamo Bowl. Missouri came in with the 7th rated offense in yards gained and scoring over 42 points a game. Their opponent, Northwestern of the Bowl-challenged Big Ten, had a defense rated only 51st in the country and had been blown out by Michigan State 37-20, Ohio State 45-10 and had even lost to lowly Indiana. What's more Missouri had 2007 Heisman Finalist Chase Daniel at QB. No wonder, the Tigers were 12 to 14 point favorites. Offensive fireworks were sure to happen, right?
Well, no. Missouri did wind up winning the game in OT, 30-23. But they got only 1 offensive touchdown in regulation and were held to 311 yards, almost 175 less than their average (and about 30 less than what Northwestern usually gives up). Daniel was picked off 3 times. http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/boxscore?gameId=200812290032
This game makes me think that Ohio State might have a change of upsetting Texas after all; the Buckeyes' defense is 8th in the country. And don't get me started on what Oklahoma can expect.
Next test is Oklahoma State's 6th ranked offense against Oregon in the Holiday Bowl. The Ducks defense is rated 81st so the Cowboys should score 50, right? Don't bet on it.