PAC-12 vs B1G 2023 Analytics

ProjectPat · 2024-08-13T14:46:12+00:00

One of the main discussion points on the show yesterday was the adjustment in style from the PAC-12 to the Big Ten for the four newcomers in 2024. As to be expected, the offensive numbers for the PAC-12 stood out big time from a year ago, with ALL FOUR newcomers averaging more yards per game on offense than every other Big Ten team. Even the Chip Kelly led UCLA Bruins. The RZ scoring % from the four PAC-12 teams is something to monitor as they get adjusted to the Big Ten style of play. With the field shrinking in the RZ, one could argue the inability to run the football could lead to even more stalled out drives against tougher defenses in the B1G. The defensive side of the ball for the newcomers will be worth watching against slower tempo offenses. Can these PAC-12 style defenses, who are used to being on the field less with the fast paced play calling, adjust to a physical/rush dominant style of offense that, in the case of the top dogs in Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State, thrives on wearing down their opponents in the trenches as the game drags on? These are the two big storylines to follow as the in-conference season begins and these west coast teams travel on the road to the midwest.