NIU is 89th in total offense this year. 49 pass, 105 rushing.

NIU is 34th in total defense. 26 vs. pass, 59 run

Last year, offense was 93rd, 48 run, 86 pass.

Defense, 26th, 16th vs. run and 57 pass.

2018 Turnover differential, -2 81st.
2019 -1, 71st (on pace to be BETTER than 2018)

So for all the talk "of better offense this year, better defense last year," statistically speaking there in reality there isn't much difference than last year vs. this year other than some more passing yards vs. rushing yards. And as of now, record.

Some can point to schedule, weather, opponents, QB whatever. But this team isn't much different than last year for all the assumed "chaos" some decide to implement in the changes at the top. A couple bounces here and there maybe better better execution, coaching decision, whatever and perhaps they have another win or 2.

For me, the difference is simple. Lack of play-makers. Call it talent to NFL, injuries, coach I don't care. All one needed to do is watch the 2018 team and watch the big plays that were made by any on defense and even offense in key situations. And unless you are in denial or didn't watch a game, the #1 playmaker who won single highhandedly had a big part in winning at least 2-3 games was a guy named Sutton who was drafted and if not for his lack of "ideal NFL size" would have been a high pick.

(10-31-2019 09:11 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU is 89th in total offense this year. 49 pass, 105 rushing.

NIU is 34th in total defense. 26 vs. pass, 59 run

Last year, offense was 93rd, 48 run, 86 pass.

Defense, 26th, 16th vs. run and 57 pass.

2018 Turnover differential, -2 81st.
2019 -1, 71st (on pace to be BETTER than 2018)

So for all the talk "of better offense this year, better defense last year," statistically speaking there in reality there isn't much difference than last year vs. this year other than some more passing yards vs. rushing yards. And as of now, record.

Some can point to schedule, weather, opponents, QB whatever. But this team isn't much different than last year for all the assumed "chaos" some decide to implement in the changes at the top. A couple bounces here and there maybe better better execution, coaching decision, whatever and perhaps they have another win or 2.

For me, the difference is simple. Lack of play-makers. Call it talent to NFL, injuries, coach I don't care. All one needed to do is watch the 2018 team and watch the big plays that were made by any on defense and even offense in key situations. And unless you are in denial or didn't watch a game, the #1 playmaker who won single highhandedly had a big part in winning at least 2-3 games was a guy named Sutton who was drafted and if not for his lack of "ideal NFL size" would have been a high pick.

Great analysis. I think the big thing is we really struggled to score points in OOC this season. Bowers was getting yards, but we were stuck on our own side of the field and didn't push it into the end zone. (Special Teams) We seemed to have gotten into a groove the last few games and that's great, but we put ourselves behind the 8-ball and now we need to win out to go bowling. WE need to utilize both QB's the rest of the season. TE's, and RB's need to really step up for us to win out. Should be a fun rest of the season. Our injured D is really doing well. We need to create more Turnovers and play better on special teams.

I'd like to see what the numbers are not including the Akron game. We didn't play anyone like that last year.

(10-31-2019 09:11 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU is 89th in total offense this year. 49 pass, 105 rushing.

NIU is 34th in total defense. 26 vs. pass, 59 run

Last year, offense was 93rd, 48 run, 86 pass.

Defense, 26th, 16th vs. run and 57 pass.

2018 Turnover differential, -2 81st.
2019 -1, 71st (on pace to be BETTER than 2018)

So for all the talk "of better offense this year, better defense last year," statistically speaking there in reality there isn't much difference than last year vs. this year other than some more passing yards vs. rushing yards. And as of now, record.

Some can point to schedule, weather, opponents, QB whatever. But this team isn't much different than last year for all the assumed "chaos" some decide to implement in the changes at the top. A couple bounces here and there maybe better better execution, coaching decision, whatever and perhaps they have another win or 2.

For me, the difference is simple. Lack of play-makers. Call it talent to NFL, injuries, coach I don't care. All one needed to do is watch the 2018 team and watch the big plays that were made by any on defense and even offense in key situations. And unless you are in denial or didn't watch a game, the #1 playmaker who won single highhandedly had a big part in winning at least 2-3 games was a guy named Sutton who was drafted and if not for his lack of "ideal NFL size" would have been a high pick.

Having playmakers is often a luxury. Having one compensates for lack of execution by that unit. It would be great to have one but you can win without. Does Ball State have that guy? Not really. But WMU has a top 5 rusher and top 10 qb yet they’re struggling. The best playmakers we had got injured. Had Sutton got injured we definitely don’t win the macc.

(10-31-2019 09:56 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  I'd like to see what the numbers are not including the Akron game. We didn't play anyone like that last year.

We only had 345 yards on offense and we are obligated to play teams in our conference and schedule. We also played Utah when they were ranked. These things tend to level off over time.

(10-31-2019 09:11 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU is 89th in total offense this year. 49 pass, 105 rushing.

NIU is 34th in total defense. 26 vs. pass, 59 run

Last year, offense was 93rd, 48 run, 86 pass.

Defense, 26th, 16th vs. run and 57 pass.

2018 Turnover differential, -2 81st.
2019 -1, 71st (on pace to be BETTER than 2018)

So for all the talk "of better offense this year, better defense last year," statistically speaking there in reality there isn't much difference than last year vs. this year other than some more passing yards vs. rushing yards. And as of now, record.

Some can point to schedule, weather, opponents, QB whatever. But this team isn't much different than last year for all the assumed "chaos" some decide to implement in the changes at the top. A couple bounces here and there maybe better better execution, coaching decision, whatever and perhaps they have another win or 2.

For me, the difference is simple. Lack of play-makers. Call it talent to NFL, injuries, coach I don't care. All one needed to do is watch the 2018 team and watch the big plays that were made by any on defense and even offense in key situations. And unless you are in denial or didn't watch a game, the #1 playmaker who won single highhandedly had a big part in winning at least 2-3 games was a guy named Sutton who was drafted and if not for his lack of "ideal NFL size" would have been a high pick.

(10-31-2019 09:11 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU is 89th in total offense this year. 49 pass, 105 rushing.

NIU is 34th in total defense. 26 vs. pass, 59 run

Last year, offense was 93rd, 48 run, 86 pass.

Defense, 26th, 16th vs. run and 57 pass.

2018 Turnover differential, -2 81st.
2019 -1, 71st (on pace to be BETTER than 2018)

So for all the talk "of better offense this year, better defense last year," statistically speaking there in reality there isn't much difference than last year vs. this year other than some more passing yards vs. rushing yards. And as of now, record.

Some can point to schedule, weather, opponents, QB whatever. But this team isn't much different than last year for all the assumed "chaos" some decide to implement in the changes at the top. A couple bounces here and there maybe better better execution, coaching decision, whatever and perhaps they have another win or 2.

For me, the difference is simple. Lack of play-makers. Call it talent to NFL, injuries, coach I don't care. All one needed to do is watch the 2018 team and watch the big plays that were made by any on defense and even offense in key situations. And unless you are in denial or didn't watch a game, the #1 playmaker who won single highhandedly had a big part in winning at least 2-3 games was a guy named Sutton who was drafted and if not for his lack of "ideal NFL size" would have been a high pick.

Fe

(10-31-2019 09:11 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  NIU is 89th in total offense this year. 49 pass, 105 rushing.

NIU is 34th in total defense. 26 vs. pass, 59 run

Last year, offense was 93rd, 48 run, 86 pass.

Defense, 26th, 16th vs. run and 57 pass.

2018 Turnover differential, -2 81st.
2019 -1, 71st (on pace to be BETTER than 2018)

So for all the talk "of better offense this year, better defense last year," statistically speaking there in reality there isn't much difference than last year vs. this year other than some more passing yards vs. rushing yards. And as of now, record.

Some can point to schedule, weather, opponents, QB whatever. But this team isn't much different than last year for all the assumed "chaos" some decide to implement in the changes at the top. A couple bounces here and there maybe better better execution, coaching decision, whatever and perhaps they have another win or 2.

For me, the difference is simple. Lack of play-makers. Call it talent to NFL, injuries, coach I don't care. All one needed to do is watch the 2018 team and watch the big plays that were made by any on defense and even offense in key situations. And unless you are in denial or didn't watch a game, the #1 playmaker who won single highhandedly had a big part in winning at least 2-3 games was a guy named Sutton who was drafted and if not for his lack of "ideal NFL size" would have been a high pick.

Fens

Lack of playmakers and the defense was soooooo much better last season. That defense won games by itself. Loss of Sutton/Corcoran and just massive end of Novakera-like injuries have been the demise of this team

Early season penalties and some poor offensive play calling at times have been big issues. Injuries of course to the defense. Offensive Line was sub par early on.

Balls Tate, Vandy, and Miami could of easily been victories and this team could be sitting at 6-2 right now. I think the first half of the Utah game shows you the potential (prior to the defensive injuries).

I like the fight in these kids. The Ohio victory will end up being a solid win. The offensive line is improving and the penalties are being cleaned up nicely. I would love for these guys to get rolling and make a bowl game. Start the 2020 season with some momentum.

(10-31-2019 07:00 PM)142niu Wrote:  Early season penalties and some poor offensive play calling at times have been big issues. Injuries of course to the defense. Offensive Line was sub par early on.

Balls Tate, Vandy, and Miami could of easily been victories and this team could be sitting at 6-2 right now. I think the first half of the Utah game shows you the potential (prior to the defensive injuries).

I like the fight in these kids. The Ohio victory will end up being a solid win. The offensive line is improving and the penalties are being cleaned up nicely. I would love for these guys to get rolling and make a bowl game. Start the 2020 season with some momentum.

The discipline and lack of penalties is noticeable. The Ball State game was the worst NIU game in years. Hopefully hitting rock bottom woke up the team and coaches.

Fens, as usual you nailed it, and I for one appreciate your data. I have two thoughts on this. From the football aspect, your numbers illustrate nothing has changed over the last year from our offense.

I will argue that if your offense is as inept, and lame, as last year ( which Fens substantiates), you are better off going the route of running first / passing second..less picks / less sacks, with a Calif. QB playing football in November...that in itself opens up another question AT THIS POINT IN TIME, who gives us the best chance to win.


On a non football note..where are the denizens of ' Huskie Fans", who GUARANTEED an improvement in offense when alerted there was a new qb, coach, offensive scheme. There were incessant posts glorifying an offensive that never happened.

If it had happened the way you drew it up in you erroneous threads, you would have had a litany of emails applauding your clearvoience.

Since at 3 - 5, and looking at Fens Data, and no one appears to say" wow, I was way off"...what is your revised take on why nothing has changed?


Hint, hint..injury excuses apply to our " D"


Love my school, go huskies

(10-31-2019 02:50 PM)Milwaukee Pilot Wrote:  

(10-31-2019 09:56 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  I'd like to see what the numbers are not including the Akron game. We didn't play anyone like that last year.

We only had 345 yards on offense and we are obligated to play teams in our conference and schedule. We also played Utah when they were ranked. These things tend to level off over time.

They level off over time but not necessarily over 2 years. We played Utah last year too and they were approximately as good.

The defense is obviously not as good this year and we wouldn't shut out anybody but Akron. The loss of Smith and Corcoran and now all the LBs explains that. On offense, it's still a bit puzzling. The O-line wasn't that great last year and we lost Scharping. I thought it would be better though. I agree though that we don't have the playmakers. At RB we don't seem to have a guy that with some running room can take it the distance, for the most part. WRs I am not sure about. TEs I thought would be good and they have been, but it hasn't been enough.

(11-01-2019 09:06 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(10-31-2019 02:50 PM)Milwaukee Pilot Wrote:  

(10-31-2019 09:56 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  I'd like to see what the numbers are not including the Akron game. We didn't play anyone like that last year.

We only had 345 yards on offense and we are obligated to play teams in our conference and schedule. We also played Utah when they were ranked. These things tend to level off over time.

They level off over time but not necessarily over 2 years. We played Utah last year too and they were approximately as good.

The defense is obviously not as good this year and we wouldn't shut out anybody but Akron. The loss of Smith and Corcoran and now all the LBs explains that. On offense, it's still a bit puzzling. The O-line wasn't that great last year and we lost Scharping. I thought it would be better though. I agree though that we don't have the playmakers. At RB we don't seem to have a guy that with some running room can take it the distance, for the most part. WRs I am not sure about. TEs I thought would be good and they have been, but it hasn't been enough.

Everyone focused on Smith and he did have a great college career. However I did notice he was more effective when Corcoran was on the field. Corcoran was very good in his own right and helped his teammates shine.

(10-31-2019 07:00 PM)142niu Wrote:  Early season penalties and some poor offensive play calling at times have been big issues. Injuries of course to the defense. Offensive Line was sub par early on.

Balls Tate, Vandy, and Miami could of easily been victories and this team could be sitting at 6-2 right now. I think the first half of the Utah game shows you the potential (prior to the defensive injuries).

I like the fight in these kids. The Ohio victory will end up being a solid win. The offensive line is improving and the penalties are being cleaned up nicely. I would love for these guys to get rolling and make a bowl game. Start the 2020 season with some momentum.

+1- I could not agree more with everything you say here.