At this point in the season, stats become meaningful, and somewhat predictive. Here are some interesting comparisons, based on national rankings thru Sat.
Gonna be hard to run on OSU, as their rush d is #8 in the country (by comparison, uw is 12th). But their pass defense is 97th in yards allowed per completion (nu is 7th) but tied for 8th in passes intercepted (nu is first). So passing is likely to succeed generally but could result in more Armstrong ints if the ol cannot handle the OSU pass rush (resulting in Tommy panicking and throwing off his back foot). (NU is 67 in passing efficiency. For comparison, Oregon is 14th and wyo is 36).
So what about OSU's pass rush? relevant stats are: OSU ranks 40th in tackles for loss; and only 67th in sacks. so if Tommy can throw cleanly, our depth at wr may help the offense win the day. But OSU is #3 in pass efficiency defense and nu 63rd in pass efficiency offense. So passing will be difficult but necessary.
Both teams have similarly excellent 3rd down offensive, and defensive conversion rates.
Maybe the kicking game can help. No, it may cost nu the game. OSU is 4th in net punting: NU is next to last (127th). The loss of 27 will hurt in field position and probably points more than any other injury this year.
Gonna be hard to run on OSU, as their rush d is #8 in the country (by comparison, uw is 12th). But their pass defense is 97th in yards allowed per completion (nu is 7th) but tied for 8th in passes intercepted (nu is first). So passing is likely to succeed generally but could result in more Armstrong ints if the ol cannot handle the OSU pass rush (resulting in Tommy panicking and throwing off his back foot). (NU is 67 in passing efficiency. For comparison, Oregon is 14th and wyo is 36).
So what about OSU's pass rush? relevant stats are: OSU ranks 40th in tackles for loss; and only 67th in sacks. so if Tommy can throw cleanly, our depth at wr may help the offense win the day. But OSU is #3 in pass efficiency defense and nu 63rd in pass efficiency offense. So passing will be difficult but necessary.
Both teams have similarly excellent 3rd down offensive, and defensive conversion rates.
Maybe the kicking game can help. No, it may cost nu the game. OSU is 4th in net punting: NU is next to last (127th). The loss of 27 will hurt in field position and probably points more than any other injury this year.
