The above is a paraphrase of something I think Bill Parcells used to say.
But it holds a large element of truth
So to that end 7 games in I looked at where OSU ranks among the Big 5+ND in various statistical rankings (ie eliminating comparisons to the lower level schools how may build odd results on inferior competition)
So to that end we have the following.
I looked at the offense first and ranked OSY against the 65 teams in the Big5 I then looked at are they in the Top 10% top 25%, top 33% or Top Half or outside that.
OSU ranks in the top 10% on the following Offensive categories
Total Offense, Scoring Offense, Pass Yards/game, Completion Pct, 1st downs/game, Passing Efficiency
They rank on the top 25% in the following:
3rd Down Efficiency, 4th Down Efficiency, Sacks Allowed, TFL Allowed, TO's allowed
They rank in the top 33% in: Rush Yards/Game, Yards per completion, and in the top Half in TOP.
The only major offensive stat they rank outside the top half in is RZ efficiency at only 37th our of 65 teams
So offensively for all their running woes of late we are still very dynamic and potent
Now to the defense
Rank in the top 10% in Sacks and Defensive TDs
Top 25% in 3rd down Efficiency, 4th Down Efficiency, TFL and Total Turnovers created
In the top 33% in Scoring D
In the top half in Pass Yards allowed per game and Pass Eff D
In the top half in just barely in Total D
in the bottom half in: Rush D, 1st downs allowed, and RZ defense
so we create sacks, TFL and TO's but give up a ton of yards and that combo allows us to be decent in points allowed
Some other stats
We are 60th of 65 in penalties per game and 55th in penalty yards, but we are 4th in KO Ret D and 3rd in net punting,
Our own return teams suck though ranking 30th out of 65 on KO's and a terrible 54th in PR
So undisciplined, (which also manifests itself on defense with guys out of position) and maybe 50% good on special teams
This team without a significant change, will go as far as Haskins arm can take them.
We may go undefeated and make the playoffs but to win there we will likely win in shootouts.
