Crunching the Numbers :: Texas Tech vs. North Dakota
by Seth C on Sep 1, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
in Texas Tech Football
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North Dakota Fighting Sioux (0-0, 0-0) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (0-0, 0-0)
September 5, 2009, 6:00 p.m. CST :: Weather: Lubbock, TX
TV: None :: Radio: Texas Tech, North Dakota :: Game Cast: Fox Sports
The North Dakota Fighting Sioux come to Lubbock for their very first game as a Football Championship Series football team. That's right, last year two years ago North Dakota competed on a Division II level (I'm almost positive of this) and this will be their first game as a FCS team. The Texas Tech Red Raiders will be heavily favored in this game, but this is a big game for North Dakota.
Join me after the jump for a statistical comparison of North Dakota and Texas Tech.
Team Statistics
| Category | Statistic (NCAA Rank, Conference Rank) | Winner |
| TTU Pass Offense vs. ND Pass Defense |
413.15 (1, 1) 268.30 (137, 5) |
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| TTU Rush Offense vs. ND Rush Defense |
117.84 (94, 11) 112.40 (36, 2) |
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| ND Pass Offense vs. TTU Pass Defense |
245.60 (37, 2) 242.23 (94, 3) |
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| ND Rush Offense vs. TTU Rush Defense |
145.80 (73, 4) 140.38 (61, 8) |
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| TTU Scoring Offense vs. ND Scoring Defense |
43.77 (3, 2) 26.30 (80, 3) |
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| ND Scoring Offense vs. TTU Scoring Defense |
32.10 (35, 4) 27.85 (74, 4) |
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Team Leaders
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| STATISTIC | TEXAS TECH | NORTH DAKOTA |
| Passing | Taylor Potts :: 23-36 : 260 : 2 : 1 | Jake Landry :: 3-4 : 77 : 1 : 0 |
| Rushing | Baron Batch :: 113 : 758 : 7 | Catlin Solum :: 21 : 98 : 0 |
| Receiving | Detron Lewis :: 76 : 913 : 3 | Ismael Bamba :: 21 : 310 : 3 |
| Punt Returns | Jamar Wall :: 1 : 0 : 0 | Matt Cole :: 4 : 20 : 0 |
| Kickoff Returns | Jamar Wall :: 20 : 477 : 0 | Dominique Hawkins :: 12 : 321 : 0 |
| Tackles | Brian Duncan :: 95 | Dominique Hawkins :: 50 |
| Sacks | Daniel Howard :: 3.0 : 23 | Ross Cochran :: 2.0 : 8 |
| Tackles for Loss | Colby Whitlock :: 5.5 : 16 | Ty Boyle :: 4.0 : 14 |
| Interceptions | Jamar Wall :: 2 : 21 : 0 | Dominique Hawkins :: 2 : 15 : 0 |
Five Initial Thoughts
One :: FBS vs. NCAA Division II: Before everyone goes crazy, keep in mind that 2009 will be the first year that North Dakota will be a member of the FCS. That's right, last year, the Fighting Sioux were Division II and the 2008 numbers really aren't a fair comparison. I know, I'm comparing apples to oranges with the statistics of these two teams, but they are what they are. I know it's not fair to have Texas Tech "lose" a statistical battle, but this is the only FCS opponent on the schedule (compared to UMass and Eastern Washington last year) so this is the only time that the numbers will not be accurate.
Two :: This Could Get Ugly: I hate predicting blowouts, but from just a glance, if North Dakota is 137th in the nation in Division II in passing defense. It could be a very long game. There's no question in my mind that Potts will absolutely get quite a few repetitions. He's going to need it because he's got to be ready for Austin in two weeks. Potts can get all of the practice time a guy could want, but actual game snaps for Potts, and the rest of the offense is imperative.
Three :: Not Great Offensively: The Fighting Sioux aren't really great offensively, which could be a problem when trying to keep pace with Texas Tech. UND isn't an offensively inept team, as it appears UND was in the top third in scoring, but that was last year, and this year UND is replacing a ton of talent offensively. I know enough about UND to know that their head coach is in his second year, that the Fighting Sioux are replacing their quarterback, their top receivers and their top running back. Not to mention, I think UND is only returning two offensive starters from last year, and although I cannot attest to knowing the UND depth chart, I'd also imagine that they're replacing almost the entire offensive line.
Four :: At One Time A Quality Rushing Attack: If you look back at last year's statistics for UND, Josh Murray is all over the place. The only problem is that Murray is the Brandon Sesay or McKinner Dixon of North Dakota football (i.e. he's no longer with the program). At the very least, this would have been something for North Dakota to hang their hat, but with a very inexperienced quarterback and a running back with only 21 carries in 2008, you can't help but think that UND is going to be up against it.
Five :: Zero Pocket Pressure: The Fighting Sioux were 115th in sacks and 140th in tackles for a loss in Division II. These guys did not get to the quarterback and despite Texas Tech having a relatively inexperienced offensive line at left tackle right guard this is going to be a huge area of concern for North Dakota. If the Fighting Sioux cannot get to Potts or at the very least put pressure on Potts then this may not be much of a competition.
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Heck, with that kinda score, the Captain could find ME some playing time at QB. 7th string baby!!!!
Wreck 'em, Tech!
by Tortilla Pirate on Sep 1, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Take no one for granted
Would like to see three things in this game:
12 x different receivers get a reception
TTU Defense get a shut out
Over 100 yards on the kick return game or 2 x blocked kicks
"do routine things routinely"
We were actually FCS last year
The cornerbacks group is young along with every other part of our team but the defense should be improved. I think the statistics you are looking at are relative to us being FCS last year we were an amazing D2 team before we made the transition. The offense has a hometown kid at quarterback a young running back( we’ve gone through two amazing backs in consecutive seasons due to academics) Two new wide outs and I think 4 new offensive lineman. I’d make a fanshot but that seems like a lot of work.
"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline... I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - this greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." - Vince Lombardi
o and the north dakota message board
can be found at www.siouxsports.com
"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline... I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - this greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." - Vince Lombardi
fanshots are about as easy at a comment….
and thanks for the link and info
"56,000 screaming crazies in The Jones rockin' as it has never rocked before" - Terry Bowden
If you not having fun....then your not playing the game right.
ya but I didn't know if the little blurb that I wrote
was fitting enough for a fanshot
"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline... I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - this greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." - Vince Lombardi
Welcome
We appreciate anyone (even atm ags) that visit and offer sincere statements without lambasting anyone, especially Texas Tech. I remember how awesome No.Dakota was at D-II. However, Big-12 teams, even ISU, may be a stretch for this team, and Tech’s offense, if smoothly running, can be a load for many better D-I BCS teams (see Kansas & Okie State last year). I am sure your team will translate into contenders at the FCS level ver soon, if not this year, due to your replacing so many players with inexperienced youngsters. The experience, I hope will be good for them and I hope they use it to become a good team this year. Right now, the Fighting Sioux are going to be overwhelmed. In the future, not so much. Good luck to you and the team this year. As for this game, expect Tech to come out strong and putting up as many as 10 TDs. They, too, are ready to break out and show the world that they are not taking a step back, but maintaining the level they reached last year. I just hope nobody on either team is injured and a lot of good will is had and displayed by all.
TTpilk
Thats kind of funny
you bring up Iowa State as I believe the other flagship institution in our state NDSU plays them this weekend. This is one of the biggest games in the programs history only rivaled by our national championship in 2001. The team will come around nicely eventually and I am hoping that this game gets the players and coaches a glance at what big time D I ball is all about. I loved watching you guys beat Texas last year in maybe one of the greatest football games i’ve ever seen so props to you guys for that. Thanks for the hospitality here and I hope you guys have a great year and silence the doubters. We’ll bring it saturday and probably come up short but the boys will give there all I also hope in a game that may end up lopsided that no injuries come out of this game.
"I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline... I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - this greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." - Vince Lombardi
nodakroxfan
Welcome to the JONES, great class you have already shown, the doors are open for you, come on in and have a seat, cheer loud for your team, I know I will be pullin for ours. We may have a few Rowdies around but for the most part, we are good people. If we played hockey, we wouldn’t like having to play you guys, what a program. Anyway, thanks for all the good words, and I hope it is clean,injury free game and we all run the race to win.
I was thinking the same thing dbled.....
….about the (now defunct) Tech hockey team playing the North Dakato hockey team….we would get pimp slapped….at the least.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you." Woody Hayes
AJ
The AJ has some great articles on this new and exciting Texas Tech football team. Go there at lubbockonline.com and enjoy. Great reading.
TTpilk
Scoring vs UND
I agree with centexraider but I would also like about 200 yds rushing. We need that balance to do deep into the schedule to get more wins.
Russ
Experience for Potts
How is this going to be good experience for Potts after the first quarter, when he’ll get to experience being a starter for the first time in college? Shouldn’t Tech’s practice squad be at least on par with UND’s starters, talent-wise?
Gametime
There is nothing like actual gametime experience. Practices are Ok, but there are no “touch” tackles in a real game so they must be ready for anything and be aware of who is where at all times. The ND talent level is not where Tech’s is but they will also be chomping at the bit to hit someone, too. I don’t see it as a close game, but it will open their eyes up a bit, especially Potts. However, if he remains in at least 2-1/2 quarters, he could have 5 or 6 passing touchdown, unless the RBs get a couple. ND players have pride as much as does Tech’s and will make it tough enough for Tech to understand they must concentrate on their assignments at all times. Both teams shoild be ready for this game, but Tech should have the horses to still win big, as I stated earlier.
TTpilk
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