To Whiskey's credit, they haven't needed to go vertical to score points. When you can run for 5.4 ypc and rush for 24 TD's after 7 games, you don't have to bomb away. But at the same time, note the following stats (B10+1+1) for comparison:
RUSHING OFFENSE G Att Yds Avg TD Yds/G
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2. Wisconsin........... 7 302 1629 5.4 24 232.7
7. Iowa................ 6 231 996 4.3 11 166.0
They run for over 1.1 ypc than we do, and have more than doubled our TD total. They are much more efficient running the ball than we are.
RUSHING DEFENSE G Rushes Yards Avg. TD Yds/G
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1. Iowa................ 6 175 503 2.9 2 83.8
5. Wisconsin........... 7 225 804 3.6 3 114.9
Both teams have been effective against the run.
PASS OFFENSE G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds Avg TD Yds/G
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3. Iowa................ 6 154 104 2 67.5 1519 9.9 14 253.2
9. Wisconsin........... 7 155 111 3 71.6 1408 9.1 7 201.1What is interesting to note here, is the remarkable similarities here, as well as one glaring difference. Because Whiskey is rushing the ball so effectively this year, they haven't thrown as often (note the extra game they have played), and average 50 ypg less than we do. The TD discrepancy is glaring as well. However, to say that we are more of a vertical passing team than they are, is a bit of a fallacy. When they throw, they throw for 9.1ypc, and we go for 9.9ypc (best in the B10+1+1), and they are completing over 70% of their passes. This tells me that play action is very effective and Tolzien is making good decisions.
PASS DEFENSE G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds Avg TD Yds/G
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4. Wisconsin........... 7 190 107 5 56.3 1357 7.1 10 193.9
5. Iowa................ 6 208 121 9 58.2 1230 5.9 6 205.0I would expect efficient passing from both teams to continue, as both have been mediocre vs the pass. Our 58% completion percentage against is the 2nd worst since 2003 (as far back as I can find data for).
