re: Honest question about our offensive and defensive stats...

I posted this after the Tulane game, but it probably hasn't changed much. The clock rules were in effect last year as well. I think the thread is spot on with our lack of sustained drives and a D that doesn't get off the field as quickly (because we don't get the 3-and-outs of the past or give up the quick-strike score as often).

I got these numbers from LSUSports.net, and hopefully my math is correct. By the way, I took sacks and moved them from rushes to passes, so make of that what you may.

2007: 14 games 75.2 plays 41.5 rushes 33.7 passes 1.23 rush/pass ratio
2008: 13 games 68.2 plays 36.4 rushes 31.8 passes 1.14 rush/pass ratio
2009: 8 games 60.1 plays 32.9 rushes 28.0 passes 1.17 rush/pass ratio

We're running 15 less plays per game than we did in 2007 when Hester was the man, and Keiland and Chuck were contributors. Almost 9 fewer rushes per game from then, and 3.5 rushes fewer from last year.

With Jefferson getting almost 7 carries a game, there are only 26 carries to hand out to Scott, Shepard, Keiland, Holliday, and Ridley. Even if Les kept Scott to 15 per game, that's 11 for the other four. Someone's got to miss out.

In 2007, we ran the ball 582 times! Last year, it was 473 in one less game. This season, we're on pace for 427 (in 13 games) or 460 (in 14 games). There's no real way to solve the problem other than going strictly by committee. We just don't run enough plays.