Part 2: Assessing the First W (in context)

Continued from Part 1

Passing Performance

Was Tech’s North Dakota performance predictable given certain circumstances (i.e. first time starting quarterback)?

Conclusions:   Potts’ performance, with exception to the turnovers, was about average. 

• Overall, Potts' Total Passing Yards registered better than 4 previous performances. 
• Comparing his production with 5 previous first year starting qbs, Potts performed better than 3 of them (Harrell, Symons, Kingsbury).  
•  In terms of passing yards/attempt, Potts was also average.  With the exception of Hodges and Symons, Potts’ performance was better than two other first year starters.
• The turnovers are a legitimate concerns.  Let’s hope Potts improves here and fast. Otherwise, we might be looking at Tech’s version of Ebby “Nuke” Laloosh of Bull Durham fame (kidding aside, I seriously doubt this is the case, or we might have to resort to calling Potts ‘Meat’)

Rushing Performance

If the Tech rushing game looked as bad as you've ever seen, that's because it was.

Conclusions:  If there is a major area of concern on the offense, in addition to Potts’ interceptions, it was the dismal performance of the Tech running game. 

• Tech’s rushing effort represented  its second worst performance ever and worst performance by far against previous similar cannon fodder.  
•  This game exposed big questions on the offensive line.  Our goal line performance was unacceptable and given our talented rushing backfield, including the take-no-prisoners running style of Baron Batch, this effort was a real disappointment. 
•  Our 10 year average in opening games is 4.2 yards per carry, and we averaged less than half of that figure in this game.  Given that our 10 year yards per carry over the entire seasons is also about 4.2 yards per carry, you can easily figure out how much more work needs to be done here.
• O-Line, I was gushing about you guys this week!!  We need you to step it up and live up to your potential.

  Continue to Part 3