Less YPC better?

[TomCat88]

Obviously, more rush yards per carry is better than less ypc, but if you compare last year (7.3) to this year (6.5), you could make a case that it's better. Or that the blocking is better.

For one thing, the QB runs are about 15 less per game on average. That alone takes some of the pressure off the opposing defense and allows them to focus on the running backs and other rush elements (WRs).

Another is that Julius Davis hasn't played a game yet.

Another more obscure observation would be that not having so many breakaway TD runs helps MSU's defense and wears down the opposing defense.

Opposing teams aren't so good so far, but MSU has used a lot of backups which counters that a bit.

Anyway, something to think about while you're hitting your coffee bongs.

[tetoncat]

Obviously, more rush yards per carry is better than less ypc, but if you compare last year (7.3) to this year (6.5), you could make a case that it's better. Or that the blocking is better.

For one thing, the QB runs are about 15 less per game on average. That alone takes some of the pressure off the opposing defense and allows them to focus on the running backs and other rush elements (WRs).

Another is that Julius Davis hasn't played a game yet.

Another more obscure observation would be that not having so many breakaway TD runs helps MSU's defense and wears down the opposing defense.

Opposing teams aren't so good so far, but MSU has used a lot of backups which counters that a bit.

Anyway, something to think about while you're hitting your coffee bongs.

I agree with your thoughts. Would you rather have 40 carries with none of them over 3 yards and 5 that are 40 or longer (let's say 200 total here) that give you at max 320 yards, or 40 carries averaging 4 ypc with long of 10, and 5 avg 25 with long of 30. A little fewer yards, fewer long runs, more demoralizing and time consuming.

[VimSince03]

Some 2023 vs 2024 comparison:

2023

Overall Rushing YPC - 7.5
QB Only Rushing YPC - 7.8
Non QB Rushing YPC - 7.3

2024

Overall Rushing YPC - 6.7
QB Only Rushing YPC - 5.9
Non QB Rushing YPC - 6.9

Overall we are close to a full yard less than last years pace but please keep in mind anything over 5 is incredible. QB run is way down by design with almost a 2 yard decrease per carry. RBs are down about a .5 yard less than 2023 so virtually no difference.

I also want to point out how spoiled we are as fans that this is the stuff being broken down...because these ypc averages are ridiculous.

[MountainCat]

Dang, numbers are fun! The stats themselves are enviable and impressive, but, we’ve maintained them while missing the O-Lines key cog in Justice and also while shuffling the deck of where other O-line players play from week to week. If that isn’t impressive to you, nothing will be… Our rushing numbers speak to great coaching and an almost embarrassing wealth of top tier players essentially capable of plug-n-play.

[CodyCat]

I dont think we can just look at rushing yards. Looking at the pass yards will complete the story, I think.

[Lord Vigo]

Maintaining 6.5 YPC through the OL flux despite losing TONS of QB run production is a great outcome.

In previous years, the QB run was the staple and then Tommy or Sean would hand the ball off and it would catch the defense over-pursuing and burn them. That dynamic needed to reverse and it has. The RB's are the staple and Tommy can pull it and burn the defense now and then.

[tdub]

Obviously, more rush yards per carry is better than less ypc, but if you compare last year (7.3) to this year (6.5), you could make a case that it's better. Or that the blocking is better.

For one thing, the QB runs are about 15 less per game on average. That alone takes some of the pressure off the opposing defense and allows them to focus on the running backs and other rush elements (WRs).

Another is that Julius Davis hasn't played a game yet.

Another more obscure observation would be that not having so many breakaway TD runs helps MSU's defense and wears down the opposing defense.

Opposing teams aren't so good so far, but MSU has used a lot of backups which counters that a bit.

Anyway, something to think about while you're hitting your coffee bongs.

I listened to Eck’s presser this week and he made an interesting comment. Essentially said the Scottre may be the best back in the conference (I still personally think gris’ Gilman likely is). He followed it up by saying Davis is very good, but Scottre might be better.

[MountainCat]

Obviously, more rush yards per carry is better than less ypc, but if you compare last year (7.3) to this year (6.5), you could make a case that it's better. Or that the blocking is better.

For one thing, the QB runs are about 15 less per game on average. That alone takes some of the pressure off the opposing defense and allows them to focus on the running backs and other rush elements (WRs).

Another is that Julius Davis hasn't played a game yet.

Another more obscure observation would be that not having so many breakaway TD runs helps MSU's defense and wears down the opposing defense.

Opposing teams aren't so good so far, but MSU has used a lot of backups which counters that a bit.

Anyway, something to think about while you're hitting your coffee bongs.

I listened to Eck’s presser this week and he made an interesting comment. Essentially said the Scottre may be the best back in the conference (I still personally think gris’ Gilman likely is). He followed it up by saying Davis is very good, but Scottre might be better.

I heard that too Tdub and it caught my attention. Gilman is a phenomenal back for the Griz, it’s hard to argue that Scottie isn’t also. I wondered if Eck was sugar-coating it a bit because he also tried to recruit Scottie and had some bias there?

[tdub]

Obviously, more rush yards per carry is better than less ypc, but if you compare last year (7.3) to this year (6.5), you could make a case that it's better. Or that the blocking is better.

For one thing, the QB runs are about 15 less per game on average. That alone takes some of the pressure off the opposing defense and allows them to focus on the running backs and other rush elements (WRs).

Another is that Julius Davis hasn't played a game yet.

Another more obscure observation would be that not having so many breakaway TD runs helps MSU's defense and wears down the opposing defense.

Opposing teams aren't so good so far, but MSU has used a lot of backups which counters that a bit.

Anyway, something to think about while you're hitting your coffee bongs.

I listened to Eck’s presser this week and he made an interesting comment. Essentially said the Scottre may be the best back in the conference (I still personally think gris’ Gilman likely is). He followed it up by saying Davis is very good, but Scottre might be better.

I heard that too Tdub and it caught my attention. Gilman is a phenomenal back for the Griz, it’s hard to argue that Scottie isn’t also. I wondered if Eck was sugar-coating it a bit because he also tried to recruit Scottie and had some bias there?

Eck is also one of those coaches that will sort of gush on how good his opponent is. So I take it with a lil grain of salt as well. It wasn’t the best back in the conference comment that stood out to me, it was the comparison to Davis.

[MountainCat]

Obviously, more rush yards per carry is better than less ypc, but if you compare last year (7.3) to this year (6.5), you could make a case that it's better. Or that the blocking is better.

For one thing, the QB runs are about 15 less per game on average. That alone takes some of the pressure off the opposing defense and allows them to focus on the running backs and other rush elements (WRs).

Another is that Julius Davis hasn't played a game yet.

Another more obscure observation would be that not having so many breakaway TD runs helps MSU's defense and wears down the opposing defense.

Opposing teams aren't so good so far, but MSU has used a lot of backups which counters that a bit.

Anyway, something to think about while you're hitting your coffee bongs.

I listened to Eck’s presser this week and he made an interesting comment. Essentially said the Scottre may be the best back in the conference (I still personally think gris’ Gilman likely is). He followed it up by saying Davis is very good, but Scottre might be better.

I heard that too Tdub and it caught my attention. Gilman is a phenomenal back for the Griz, it’s hard to argue that Scottie isn’t also. I wondered if Eck was sugar-coating it a bit because he also tried to recruit Scottie and had some bias there?

Eck is also one of those coaches that will sort of gush on how good his opponent is. So I take it with a lil grain of salt as well. It wasn’t the best back in the conference comment that stood out to me, it was the comparison to Davis.
[/quote

His interview also made it very apparent that he was paying attention to the MSU players and what their role was, it was clear (to my feeble mind) that he's paid a lot of attention to the details on this game with the Cats.

[lutecat]

I'm impressed when a coach does that. Learned player names not just #s. Bobby learns #s. Choate learned names too. Respect for the opponent. Less ego and more just do it.

[Common Cat]

We aren’t as beholden to the RPO this year.

[BelligerentBobcat]

We aren’t as beholden to the RPO this year.

Sure we are. They just give more.

[onceacat]

Some 2023 vs 2024 comparison:

2023

Overall Rushing YPC - 7.5
QB Only Rushing YPC - 7.8
Non QB Rushing YPC - 7.3

2024

Overall Rushing YPC - 6.7
QB Only Rushing YPC - 5.9
Non QB Rushing YPC - 6.9

Overall we are close to a full yard less than last years pace but please keep in mind anything over 5 is incredible. QB run is way down by design with almost a 2 yard decrease per carry. RBs are down about a .5 yard less than 2023 so virtually no difference.

I also want to point out how spoiled we are as fans that this is the stuff being broken down...because these ypc averages are ridiculous.

A .5 YPC decrease is HUGE...not 'virtually no difference'. But I'm with you that anything over 5 is incredible...

And to the general gist of the thread, it's a REALLY good thing. Lots of reps for the 2s and 3s, and far less wear and tear on Tommy.

This weekend will be the first real test in a long time...but I'm inclined to think that this rush attack is at least as good as last years despite the large drop off in YPC.

[RickRund]

Question here. Say we run the ball and get 5 yards each run for every drive. Maybe you throw in a pass every third or fourth play. Will that wear down the defense more or less than the offense? What would be the best combo for wearing down the defense?

[CelticCat]

Biggest grain of salt for me in all of this is who have we played... hate to be that guy be this schedule has been soft with a capital S. Which is my biggest concern at the moment, how does any of what we're good at now stack up against actual playoff teams.

[CodyCat]

Biggest grain of salt for me in all of this is who have we played... hate to be that guy be this schedule has been soft with a capital S. Which is my biggest concern at the moment, how does any of what we're good at now stack up against actual playoff teams.

We're going to find out Saturday and I think we will all like the outcome.

[BelligerentBobcat]

In some ways playing bad teams has helped the YPC, in some ways not. Against UNC they were stacking the ball so much while we were up by 30 that we just couldn’t block it. They doesn’t happen in a close game because teams know we’ll throw.

[tetoncat]

Biggest grain of salt for me in all of this is who have we played... hate to be that guy be this schedule has been soft with a capital S. Which is my biggest concern at the moment, how does any of what we're good at now stack up against actual playoff teams.

Mexico better than WY, Maine better than Albany, ISU is no slouch at home. 4 of 5 we have utterly dominated. Idaho has lost 2 of 4 against FBS or top FCS. Albany is not good. Abilene Christian almost lost to UNC.

[seataccat]

Biggest grain of salt for me in all of this is who have we played... hate to be that guy be this schedule has been soft with a capital S. Which is my biggest concern at the moment, how does any of what we're good at now stack up against actual playoff teams.

Mexico better than WY, Maine better than Albany, ISU is no slouch at home. 4 of 5 we have utterly dominated. Idaho has lost 2 of 4 against FBS or top FCS. Albany is not good. Abilene Christian almost lost to UNC.

Exactly right, I'm not sure anyone else in the BSC would beat UNM on the road. Maine is definitely on the ragged edge of the top 25. Idaho State is probably a top half BSC team and we beat them pretty easy in Pocatello which is never an easy win for anyone. Has anyone thought that maybe the cats have just made these teams look bad?
I think the cats are the best team in the conference but that doesn't mean I think they will go undefeated. College football is an emotional game and sometimes you don't always have it on any given Saturday.