Tuesday Tidbits, 10/9/2012

BYU D by the Numbers
So, about that defense.
Washington State in 5 other games: 379 yards.  Against BYU: 224.
Utah in 4 other games: 313.  Against BYU: 245.
Boise State in 4 other games: 407.25.  Against BYU: 261.
Hawaii in 4 other games: 333.5.  Against BYU: 149.
Utah State in 5 other games: 454.6.  Against BYU: 243.

BYU has held its opponents to roughly 40% fewer yards than their season averages (67% fewer rushing yards than season average and 30% fewer passing yards).  Oregon State comes into this game averaging 459.5 yards/game.  Based on these numbers, we would expect them to get around 280 yards against BYU, 240 through the air, 40 on the ground.  [However, their starting QB just went out for the season in Oregon State's last game against Washington State, so who knows what the Beavers will show in Saturday's game.  Though I'm guessing a steady dose of trying to run the football is part of their new formula...]

Perhaps the more impressive part about BYU's D is that it has done this with minimal help from the offense.  BYU scored 6 points against Boise State and Utah State.  Through 3 quarters at Utah, the O had scored 7 points (not counting the 7 they scored for Utah...oh, and the other 7 they scored for Boise State).  They left a lot of points on the board against Washington State.

Punt Me
BYU D is keeping the team afloat through their ability to get off the field.  Here is a count on the number of three and outs the D has forced each game:

Wazzou: 3 in 10 possessions
Weber State: 8 in 15 possessions
Utah: 5 in 13 possessions
Boise State: 5 in 13 possessions
Hawaii: 7 in 14 possessions
Utah State: 4 in 11 possessions

32 out of 76 possessions (42%) have resulted in a three and out, a turnover on downs or a turnover without attaining a 1st down.  When the O can't get going, the D gives them as many possessions as possible.