Checking in on the VT Stat Sheet

I made a visit to Hokiesports.com to take a gander at our offensive and defensive statistics through the first 6 games. Found some interesting bits.

For all of the images for team stats, the number on the left is for VT, right is opponents.

First, the team offensive stats:

Because the offense is converting 3rd downs at such a high rate (top 20 in the nation), we're killing it in time of possession, especially seen on display today vs UNC, where we held the ball for over 40 MINUTES. WHAT.

This stat is skewed by how well we played against inferior competition (WMU, W&M). 4.1 ypc is decent, but if you take away those two games, it's more like 3.4 per carry. It will be even more interesting now that Shai and Trey are both out. Which brings me to

Joel Caleb with the 5.6 yards per carry thus far tells me that he can succeed in garbage time, and he's ready for the show. More than likely he'll be the #2 back for the Pitt game, and I hope he gets 10-12 carries since Marshawn may not be 100%.

This is good. Although only 14 of those 22 red zone scores are touchdowns, it eases the fears we all had post-W&M.

Now on to the passing game:

Although Isaiah Ford and Camp Philips have stolen the show in the vertical passing game, I was surprised Willie Byrn leads the team in receptions. It seems each player has settled into their role, whether it be short routes and screens, stretching the field, or just getting buckets (TDs) (Bucky).

We all know Brewer throws too many picks. This is truth. But he is also completing 62 percent of his passes to his own team. Hard to remember the last time we had a QB doing that through six games.
The other key point to this stat is on the defensive side. The Hokie defense is holding opposing QBs to under a 45 percent completion rate. That is outstanding. On that note

The O-line has taken some heat (probably deserved) for run blocking, but Brewer has been sacked less than 2 times per game (stat on the right side of the image). On the other side of the ball, the defense aka Ken Ekanem is sacking opponent QBs 4.3 times per game. FOUR SACKS PER GAME.

Miscellaneous stats:

If it's not illegal substitutions, it's false starts. 7 false starts today vs UNC (at least that's what it was through three quarters, there could have been more). Penalties have to be diminished in the future.

Pretty hideous. JC has the lowest return average at 17 yards per return, but Demitri and Deon Newsome aren't much better, as neither are above 20 ypr. Either stick Greg Stroman back there or fix whatever is broken.

Interesting points per quarter layout. These can be slightly skewed since ECU scored half of those first quarter points against us (womp), but the defensive 4th-quarter points allowed is a little disconcerting. However, it appears our offense is at its best in the 4th quarter as well, which works out nicely. The defense has been on lock for mostly quarters 1-3, but the offense tends to come out of the half sluggish, as they did today in the 3rd quarter.

Lastly, individual defensive stats.

1. Kendall Fuller is a monster. Even though he had his first FAINT today, his 13 passes defended LEAD THE NATION (CC: TheFifthFuller).

2. Dadi and Ekanem have combined for 9.5 sacks, so basically 1.5 per game JUST between the two of them. Also Dadi has NINETEEN QB hurries. Wut.

3. Chase Williams and Deon Clarke are killing it. Both have over 6 TFLs and 3 sacks, and Williams is by far the team leader with 49 tackles. That's over 8 tackles per game. Beast.

4. I was surprised to see Donovan Riley as the second-leading tackler on the defense, despite not even starting the first few games this season, and is actually tied with Chase Williams for the team lead in solo tackles.

Just a couple (or fourteen) observations of mine. Post your own below.