The above graph shows the B1G teams in 2016, 2017, 2018 (The orange years are Illinois' data points). Besides showing how terrible the Illini are, it definitely shows a correlation between Offensive TOP and Defensive Yards Allowed. I am NOT saying the statistics prove one causes the other. However, I think you'd have to really stretch some logic to say it isn't strongly implied.
Just food for thought.
I think this illustrates what happened in the game against Nebraska, and makes sense in practical terms. On average the defense is fresh for about 28 minutes, then a big drop off in defense, or increase in opposing offensive production due to fatigue kicking in.
No excuse to not run the ball more in this game when your top 2 backs are combined 193 yards on 26 carries for 7.4 yards per carry !!!!!!! Run it on 3rd and long, who cares, better than Peters attempting a pass.
It’s like this “team” is two separate teams doing their own thing. I can’t think of a single excuse for Rod Smith to call the game he called.
- Playing with a lead
- Top 2 RBs averaging 7.4 yards per carry in this game and over 200 yards as a team
- QB with net 64 yards on 24 drop backs (including sacks)
- Defense clearly gassed, and not deep enough to keep pace
3rd Quarter - 10 rushes, 7 pass plays (1 completion, net 13 yards including sack loss)
4th Quarter - 4 rushes, 8 pass plays (2 completions, 3 yards)
Those 3 completions on 15 drop backs in the 2nd have did no favors for our time of possession.