O-Line Woes - Everyone Expected It...

[McPeachy]

22 QB Sacks after 5 games (only 2 teams worse in FBS football) and 39 TFL.

Looking at that - it is quiet amazing we are 3 & 2 TBH. Add in the 9 TO's, and look again. 3 & 2. Wow.

[gopokes1399]

I don't think anyone expected it to be quite that bad. May be a little skewed because of the MSU and UO games, just like our defensive stats. I think they will look better against Hawaii, they should.

[stymeman]

and do we even have a sack against the opponents ourselves??? sure hope this rights itself

[fromolwyoming]

and do we even have a sack against the opponents ourselves??? sure hope this rights itself

3. We have gotten pressure against most QBs, even Oregon's and MSU's, we flushed both out of the pocket several times, but they either found an open target or scrambled and got some yards.

[kansasCowboy]

Yeah, our avg numbers defensively, not counting Oregon and MSU were:
Points given up: 44 (14.6)
Total yards: 926 (308)
Total pass: 57-107-555 (.532 comp %); (9.7 ypc); (185 yards per game)
Total rush: 110-381 (3.4 ypr); (127 yards per game)
Turnovers: 5 (1.6 per game)
Total plays: 217 (72.3 per game)

Our O in these three games struggled to move more, but had less TO's.
Points per game: 54 (18.0)
Total yards: 968 (322.6)
Total pass: 46-81-535 (.555% comp); (11.6 ypr); (178 yards per game)
Total rush: 113-433 (3.8 ypc); (144 yards per game)- sacks included
Turnovers: 3 (1 per game)
Total plays: 194 (64.6)

Our two top ten games:
Defense:
Points given up: 104 (52 ppg)
Total yards: 1,089 (545 ypg)
Total pass: 41-51-488 (.807 comp %); (11.9 ypr); (244 yards per game)
Total rush: 89-601 (6.6 ypc); (300.5 yards per game)
Turnovers: 0
Total plays:140 (70)

Offense:we moved the ball a hell of a lot more better, but TO's killed us.
Points: 28 (14.0)
Total yards: 725 (362.5 ypg)
Total pass:35-57-472 (.614 comp%); (13.4 ypr); (236 ypg)
Total rush: 68-253 (3.7 ypc)- including sacks; (127 ypg)
Turnovers: 6 (3 per game)
Total plays: 125 (62.5)

So adding the two top ten teams into our numbers does skew our look quite a bit. It shows we are in no way top ten material. But a force against teams at about our caliber, hence, our conference.

[Wyo2dal]

22 QB Sacks after 5 games (only 2 teams worse in FBS football) and 39 TFL.

Looking at that - it is quiet amazing we are 3 & 2 TBH. Add in the 9 TO's, and look again. 3 & 2. Wow.

Can't just blame that on the OL, The OL is better than we realize. Receivers are failing at getting separation and we already know the QB issue no reason to beat a dead horse.

Sacks will keep piling up until any resemblance of a passing game comes to fruition.

[JimmyDimes]

22 QB Sacks after 5 games (only 2 teams worse in FBS football) and 39 TFL.

Looking at that - it is quiet amazing we are 3 & 2 TBH. Add in the 9 TO's, and look again. 3 & 2. Wow.

Can't just blame that on the OL, The OL is better than we realize. Receivers are failing at getting separation and we already know the QB issue no reason to beat a dead horse.

Sacks will keep piling up until any resemblance of a passing game comes to fruition.

Or when Colby learns to get rid of the ball when he feels the pressure.

[NowherePoke]

22 QB Sacks after 5 games (only 2 teams worse in FBS football) and 39 TFL.

Looking at that - it is quiet amazing we are 3 & 2 TBH. Add in the 9 TO's, and look again. 3 & 2. Wow.

Can't just blame that on the OL, The OL is better than we realize. Receivers are failing at getting separation and we already know the QB issue no reason to beat a dead horse.

Sacks will keep piling up until any resemblance of a passing game comes to fruition.

Or when Colby learns to get rid of the ball when he feels the pressure.

This is really his biggest issue. The lack of pocket presence has led to quite a few unnecessary negative plays (sacks and fumbles).

It's interesting, because if you look at Colby's passing statistics only, they aren't bad really.

Just for the heck of it (bye weeks suck), I went back and looked at our QB production over the last 11 years (why 11? because that's how far back the ESPN.com stats go and I am too lazy to look any further) and here are the relevant stats for the top QB each year:

2014: Kirkegaard (through 4 games): QB Rating = 126.1, TD/INT ratio = 5/4, YPA = 7.3, -113 yds rushing

2013: Smith: QB rating = 139.2, TD/INT ratio = 29/11, YPA = 7.23, 573 yds rushing

2012: Smith: QB rating = 157.6, TD/INT ratio = 27/6, YPA = 8.58, 248 yds rushing

2011: Smith: QB rating = 124.6, TD/INT ratio = 20/11, YPA = 6.32, 710 yds rushing

2010: ACS: QB rating = 123.3, TD/INT ratio = 9/8, YPA = 6.75, 392 yds rushing

2009: ACS: QB rating = 116, TD/INT ratio = 10/5, YPA = 6, 366 yds rushing

2008: Committee (Sween/Crum/Stutzriem): QB rating = 91.7, TD/INT ratio = 8/17, YPA = 5.1, 57 yds rushing

2007: Sween: QB rating = 108.9, TD/INT ratio = 12/17, YPA = 5.65, -121 yds rushing

2006: Sween: QB rating = 118.5, TD/INT ratio = 9/8, YPA = 6.15, -88 yds rushing

2005: Bramlet: QB rating = 125.4, TD/INT ratio = 16/18, YPA = 7.27, 109 yds rushing

2004: Bramlet: QB rating = 123, TD/INT ratio = 12/13, YPA = 7.21, 209 yds rushing



Takeaways:

1. Brett Smith was awesome

2. DC knew a thing or two about QBs (unfortuantley he knew nothing about game management or defense)

3. The 2008 QB play got Joe Glenn fired

4. Kirkegaard's stats are remarkably similar to the 2004-2006 statistics put together by Bramlet and Sween. The primary difference is that Kirkegaard take more sacks (has far more negative rushing yardage). If he could improve his pocket presence and reduce sacks and forced fumbles by turning those plays into incomplete passes, he would be on the same level as the QB play in those years.

Now, I realize that comparing a QB to Corey Bramlet and Karsten Sween is not exactly the highest of praise, but I would argue that 2004 and 2006 were the two best teams we have had over the last 15 years and they got it done with decent defense (especially in 2006) and a balanced offense. This is what Bohl is trying to get from this team. Personally, I don't think our defense is anywhere as good as those teams (especially 2006), but the MWC is a much weaker league than it was in those days.

Obviously Colby has had his struggles, but I think we are judging him somewhat harshly since our most recent frame of reference was Brett Smith. From a broader perspective, Colby's play has been closer to average/mediocre rather than subpar.

[joshvanklomp]

Everyone expected injuries to our starting RT and RG?

[McPeachy]

Everyone expected injuries to our starting RT and RG?

Well sure. Name a Wyoming team in the last 50 years that hasn't lost a starting O lineman during the season.

Point of the statement is that everyone expected the O Line to struggle - regardless of who was / is lining up.

[HOT POKER]

Thats why I am somewhat happy Captain Kirk's play so far. While I don't think he is doing anything remotely stellar, I think it is fair to say at least part of that is the o-lines fault. Now, that being said, there isn't one of those kids playing that want to give up a sack, but they aren't the most talented group we've ever had.

[cowboyz]

22 QB Sacks after 5 games (only 2 teams worse in FBS football) and 39 TFL.

Looking at that - it is quiet amazing we are 3 & 2 TBH. Add in the 9 TO's, and look again. 3 & 2. Wow.

Can't just blame that on the OL, The OL is better than we realize. Receivers are failing at getting separation and we already know the QB issue no reason to beat a dead horse.

Sacks will keep piling up until any resemblance of a passing game comes to fruition.

Or when Colby learns to get rid of the ball when he feels the pressure.

This is really his biggest issue. The lack of pocket presence has led to quite a few unnecessary negative plays (sacks and fumbles).

It's interesting, because if you look at Colby's passing statistics only, they aren't bad really.

Just for the heck of it (bye weeks suck), I went back and looked at our QB production over the last 11 years (why 11? because that's how far back the ESPN.com stats go and I am too lazy to look any further) and here are the relevant stats for the top QB each year:

2014: Kirkegaard (through 4 games): QB Rating = 126.1, TD/INT ratio = 5/4, YPA = 7.3, -113 yds rushing

2013: Smith: QB rating = 139.2, TD/INT ratio = 29/11, YPA = 7.23, 573 yds rushing

2012: Smith: QB rating = 157.6, TD/INT ratio = 27/6, YPA = 8.58, 248 yds rushing

2011: Smith: QB rating = 124.6, TD/INT ratio = 20/11, YPA = 6.32, 710 yds rushing

2010: ACS: QB rating = 123.3, TD/INT ratio = 9/8, YPA = 6.75, 392 yds rushing

2009: ACS: QB rating = 116, TD/INT ratio = 10/5, YPA = 6, 366 yds rushing

2008: Committee (Sween/Crum/Stutzriem): QB rating = 91.7, TD/INT ratio = 8/17, YPA = 5.1, 57 yds rushing

2007: Sween: QB rating = 108.9, TD/INT ratio = 12/17, YPA = 5.65, -121 yds rushing

2006: Sween: QB rating = 118.5, TD/INT ratio = 9/8, YPA = 6.15, -88 yds rushing

2005: Bramlet: QB rating = 125.4, TD/INT ratio = 16/18, YPA = 7.27, 109 yds rushing

2004: Bramlet: QB rating = 123, TD/INT ratio = 12/13, YPA = 7.21, 209 yds rushing



Takeaways:

1. Brett Smith was awesome

2. DC knew a thing or two about QBs (unfortuantley he knew nothing about game management or defense)

3. The 2008 QB play got Joe Glenn fired

4. Kirkegaard's stats are remarkably similar to the 2004-2006 statistics put together by Bramlet and Sween. The primary difference is that Kirkegaard take more sacks (has far more negative rushing yardage). If he could improve his pocket presence and reduce sacks and forced fumbles by turning those plays into incomplete passes, he would be on the same level as the QB play in those years.

Now, I realize that comparing a QB to Corey Bramlet and Karsten Sween is not exactly the highest of praise, but I would argue that 2004 and 2006 were the two best teams we have had over the last 15 years and they got it done with decent defense (especially in 2006) and a balanced offense. This is what Bohl is trying to get from this team. Personally, I don't think our defense is anywhere as good as those teams (especially 2006), but the MWC is a much weaker league than it was in those days.

Obviously Colby has had his struggles, but I think we are judging him somewhat harshly since our most recent frame of reference was Brett Smith. From a broader perspective, Colby's play has been closer to average/mediocre rather than subpar.

Great post for QB stats.

To me it shows that Colby so far is similar to ACS' last season and Brett's first season, without the rushing yards. Regarding the sacks, sometimes it's better to take them. Colby isn't a dual threat QB, so we can't all expect him to take off. If he does so on a broken play, a fumble could be in his future, which is worse than a sack. If he throws it away cleanly, that's fine, but if he throws it and gets hit with intentional grounding or worse yet, throws a interception, we are worse off. We just have to get used to him dusting himself off and getting on with the next down.

None of the QB's on the list have faced what Colby has had to this year-to-date (ie-40% of their games against top 10 teams).

Ask me again in a few weeks when he's not facing as tough a schedule, but right now I am surprised and pleased with his overall play. A lot of people, "pros" and fans, hadn't thought the Pokes would be where we are, and the beginnings of success we've had so far this season is as much Colby as any other player.

[Wyo2dal]

What I take from that list of 11 years of QB's is - Colby -113 yds rushing this is his only issue. It's my only real complaint the rest are nit picking dumb poop.

He just doesn't have that QB clock, Like you watch other QB's and they are about to get sacked that 6th sense of " pocket awareness based on time " kicks in and they just avoid sacks and scramble or throw it away.

Colby does not have that at all. He only throws it away when he can see a sack coming if he doesn't see the sack it's going to be a sack or sack and fumble. He just doesn't feel pressure at all, Maybe a few more games and he will start feeling it but I dunno you play QB all your life you should already feel it.

[TSpoke]

What I take from that list of 11 years of QB's is - Colby -113 yds rushing this is his only issue. It's my only real complaint the rest are nit picking dumb poop.

He just doesn't have that QB clock, Like you watch other QB's and they are about to get sacked that 6th sense of " pocket awareness based on time " kicks in and they just avoid sacks and scramble or throw it away.

Colby does not have that at all. He only throws it away when he can see a sack coming if he doesn't see the sack it's going to be a sack or sack and fumble. He just doesn't feel pressure at all, Maybe a few more games and he will start feeling it but I dunno you play QB all your life you should already feel it.

I will agree with you about his clock but I think that is something that can be imporved upon by experience. I have seen him have a good pocket presence from time to time.

My main thoughts about the qb situation is that Colby has shown potential at times and I feel like the areas he has made mistakes can be corrected with experience so I think he will keep imporving. THe next two games will tell a lot.

[LanderPoke]

22 QB Sacks after 5 games (only 2 teams worse in FBS football) and 39 TFL.

Looking at that - it is quiet amazing we are 3 & 2 TBH. Add in the 9 TO's, and look again. 3 & 2. Wow.

Can't just blame that on the OL, The OL is better than we realize. Receivers are failing at getting separation and we already know the QB issue no reason to beat a dead horse.

Sacks will keep piling up until any resemblance of a passing game comes to fruition.

Or when Colby learns to get rid of the ball when he feels the pressure.

This is really his biggest issue. The lack of pocket presence has led to quite a few unnecessary negative plays (sacks and fumbles).

It's interesting, because if you look at Colby's passing statistics only, they aren't bad really.

Just for the heck of it (bye weeks suck), I went back and looked at our QB production over the last 11 years (why 11? because that's how far back the ESPN.com stats go and I am too lazy to look any further) and here are the relevant stats for the top QB each year:

2014: Kirkegaard (through 4 games): QB Rating = 126.1, TD/INT ratio = 5/4, YPA = 7.3, -113 yds rushing

2013: Smith: QB rating = 139.2, TD/INT ratio = 29/11, YPA = 7.23, 573 yds rushing

2012: Smith: QB rating = 157.6, TD/INT ratio = 27/6, YPA = 8.58, 248 yds rushing

2011: Smith: QB rating = 124.6, TD/INT ratio = 20/11, YPA = 6.32, 710 yds rushing

2010: ACS: QB rating = 123.3, TD/INT ratio = 9/8, YPA = 6.75, 392 yds rushing

2009: ACS: QB rating = 116, TD/INT ratio = 10/5, YPA = 6, 366 yds rushing

2008: Committee (Sween/Crum/Stutzriem): QB rating = 91.7, TD/INT ratio = 8/17, YPA = 5.1, 57 yds rushing

2007: Sween: QB rating = 108.9, TD/INT ratio = 12/17, YPA = 5.65, -121 yds rushing

2006: Sween: QB rating = 118.5, TD/INT ratio = 9/8, YPA = 6.15, -88 yds rushing

2005: Bramlet: QB rating = 125.4, TD/INT ratio = 16/18, YPA = 7.27, 109 yds rushing

2004: Bramlet: QB rating = 123, TD/INT ratio = 12/13, YPA = 7.21, 209 yds rushing



Takeaways:

1. Brett Smith was awesome

2. DC knew a thing or two about QBs (unfortuantley he knew nothing about game management or defense)

3. The 2008 QB play got Joe Glenn fired

4. Kirkegaard's stats are remarkably similar to the 2004-2006 statistics put together by Bramlet and Sween. The primary difference is that Kirkegaard take more sacks (has far more negative rushing yardage). If he could improve his pocket presence and reduce sacks and forced fumbles by turning those plays into incomplete passes, he would be on the same level as the QB play in those years.

Now, I realize that comparing a QB to Corey Bramlet and Karsten Sween is not exactly the highest of praise, but I would argue that 2004 and 2006 were the two best teams we have had over the last 15 years and they got it done with decent defense (especially in 2006) and a balanced offense. This is what Bohl is trying to get from this team. Personally, I don't think our defense is anywhere as good as those teams (especially 2006), but the MWC is a much weaker league than it was in those days.

Obviously Colby has had his struggles, but I think we are judging him somewhat harshly since our most recent frame of reference was Brett Smith. From a broader perspective, Colby's play has been closer to average/mediocre rather than subpar.

Wow, Sween really did suck. I don't remember him being that bad outside of his last year.

As for the offensive line, I think they would look better if the QB would get rid of the ball and command respect overall so the defense doesn't blitz on every play. However, it seems like in years past as soon as the ball was snapped the live of scrimmage would move two yards against us every play no matter what. This year we seem to be holding our own and getting a fairly good push when we run. I think the O-line as a unit is doing just fine.

[Asmodeanreborn]

That list is definitely an interesting one, and it does show that Colby's not a terrible passer.

It would be interesting to see number of fumbles included as well, though. I have a feeling Colby and Bramlet would be pretty high up the list in that statistic.

[laxwyo]

Colby has the third lowest QBR behind Keeton and Hawaii superstar.

[ragtimejoe1]

I know our line is not great, but honestly, I thought it might have been a little worse. I said it before, but all the way around, I think the POKES are a little better than expected.

[Asmodeanreborn]

I know our line is not great, but honestly, I thought it might have been a little worse. I said it before, but all the way around, I think the POKES are a little better than expected.

I agree. The O-Line has actually been okay overall. It'd look even better if Kirk had an internal clock at all. I'd say at least half of his sacks were avoidable, which would bring it all down to a pretty respectable number.

On the other hand, Kirk's improved too. He's made some really nice-looking long throws, and even if he's off target as often as he's not, and he might stare a receiver down a little bit too often, he's still a tough SoB (I'm sure many of those sacks hurt like hell) who's helped us get to 3W out of 5 possible at this point.