Here are some stats / info that I provided in a post on HOB:
I rewatched the Citrus Bowl last night to take the look at the line / linebacker play, in terms of QB pressure. I know that we had linemen out of the game and that will have definitely contributed to a disparity in play versus some of our regular season games. However, it did look like we were really challenged regarding pass protection -- which I think we can all admit has been an issue in the recent past.
I am hoping that we will improve in this area, but I also have been saying that for a few years and it only seems to be marginally better.
For Iowa, Petras as 19/30 for 211 yards. He had two longer pass plays (34 and 36 yards), which if removed, puts his numbers at 17/28 for 141 yards. On average, most of his passes fell under the 10-yard per completion mark.
For Levis, he had a 17/28 for 233 yards. Similarly, he had two longer pass plays (34 and 52 yards), which if removed, puts his numbers at 15/26 for 147 yards – also about 10 yards per completion.
Overall, two similar looking outcomes by each team’s QBs. I didn’t observe either quarterback throw away a ball – unless you call the Hail Mary at the end of the first half by Iowa a throwaway.
When I rewatched the game, I was looking for four things:
- QB Hurries – defined by me as needing to throw the ball a little earlier than desired, as evidenced by a closing defender
- QB Forced Runs – defined as dropping back and then running under pressure. A QB could be “hurried” but not run – he just makes a throw under pressure. Thus, these two numbers, for me, were exclusive. These numbers were also not “designed runs”.
- QB Sacks – self explanatory
- Quick Throws – throws designed to get the ball out of the QB hands in less than 2-3 seconds on a two or short-three step dropback.
Here are the numbers:
Petrus:
- 0 sacks;
- 9 Hurries (6 makes, 1 miss with 1 pass defensed, 2 Int.);
- 0 Forced Runs (he didn’t try to run);
- 6 Quick Throws (4 completed with 1 TD, 2 misses);
- 15 “normal” throws (9 makes, 1 PI, 6 misses with 1 pass defensed and 1 Intercepted Hail Mary.)
Levis:
- 6 sacks;
- 7 Hurries (2 makes, 3 misses with 1 pass defensed, 1 Int., 1 PI);
- 5 Forced Runs (I estimate that he got an average of 5 yards or so on these runs);
- 8 Quick Throws (5 makes, 3 misses with 1 pass defensed);
- 13 “normal” throws (10 makes with 1 TD, 3 misses)
Overall, Levis was sacked or under pressure 18 times when he went to pass the ball out of the 39 times that he dropped back – or 46%. Petrus was sacked or under pressure 9 times out of 30 times he dropped back – or 30%.
Long story short: I hope our protection improves and, if it does, Levis could have a phenomenal season. Likewise, we need our guys to get better pressure on opposing QBs but the last pressure on Petras was the game sealer. Would love to hear your thoughts on what you observed.
