Some statistics and observations that are intended to calm you down

The CU vs. TCU game was incredibly entertaining. It reminded me of the Big 12 shootouts about a decade ago. People have now gone crazy over this win and the entire Colorado offense. Is it as good as it seems? Well … really we still have no idea. But I think we do know just how bad TCU defense is.

TCU had an incredible run to the national championship game last year. I want to make sure I don’t take any credit away from what they accomplished. I was rooting for the Horned Frogs along the way! However, this run included a well below average defense and number of circumstances that worked out in just the right way.

TCU defensive rankings last season:
* Scoring defense: 91 (29 ppg)
* Total defense: 95 (408 ypg)
* Yards per play: 79 (5.7 ypp)
* Rushing defense: 79 (159 ypg)
* Passing defense: 97 (249 ypg)
* Explosive pass defense: 115

And pieces were lost after last season as well. I suspect this years defense might be even worse. But look at those stats. Did Colorado player very well? Yes. Do they have speed and athletes? Absolutely. But they were playing a defense that wasn’t good last year and will likely be worse this year.

Not to mention that rushing defense for TCU (not great) and CU still only rushed for 55yds at 1.6 yards per carry. And back to the circumstances; TCU won 7 one-score games last regular season and another 3 games by just 10 points. They were not dominant. But they were clutch.

Now, on to Colorado’s defense. Where do I even begin? This unit was also not good. TCU ranks dead last in the country in returning offensive production.

They lost: Heisman runner-up QB, top two RB’s, top three WR’s, and top two O-Lineman. That includes 6 first team all-conference players as well. Also lost was offensive coordinator Garrett Riley (brother of Lincoln Riley). This offense was decimated. And they still managed to put up 541 yards of offense. 279 passing and 262 on the ground at 7.1 yards per carry.

Both of these defenses were just terrible. Possibly the most missed tackles I have ever seen, missed coverage/assignments, confusion, slow LB play from TCU in particular, lack of effort in some cases, etc…

Am I doing my best to talk myself into a win? Probably. But the reality is we still have no idea how good Colorado is and we still have no idea where Nebraska is at in the grand scheme of things. Vegas likes a close game and ESPN’s FPI still likes the Husker to win (giving them nearly a 60%). All of this being said … stop panicking, cheer for the Huskers, and see how things play out. I can’t wait for this game. I hope you enjoyed this read.

View Reddit by MaxKuz – View Source