Honest question about our offensive and defensive stats...

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If you run an avrage of 60 plays a game, and use an extra five seconds each play to use this "look at the sideline" stuff we use, that's five minutes right there.

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I think we've used the "look at the sideline" stuff about 5 times the past four games. It really seems like we're seeing it MUCH less often than earlier in the year.

The new clock rules have given everybody less possessions, so it shouldn't skew our stats very much relative to the competition.

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The stats are "skewed" because we can't sustain drives...

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This. We can debate the reasons (untimely and stupid penalties, bad play calling, QB holding the ball too long, the OL not protecting/opening holes, etc.), but the inability to sustain drives is killing this offense. I haven't looked at the total numbers but I'd guess we have more 3 and outs than not.

the reason why we had the ball 17 times last year was because florida scored every other damn minute.

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.

The main problem is we have had too many third & short & can't get a yard to continue a drive. Too many three & outs. That is an O-LINE problem.No excuse except we have the wrong players starting up front. In the Tulane & La Tech game where we ran the ball somewhat, there were players other than the usual starters on the O-LINE.