2023 CFB Week 2 Advanced Stats Recap
Diving into the numbers of the notable games of the week!
September football. Its chaotic. It can destroy your priors that you spent an entire offseason building in a single snap of a finger. Overreactions will naturally happen, but its important to stay grounded and take in as much information as possible. We’re still in that appetizer portion of the meal before we get into the main course in October and November. With that being said, let’s get into this recap!
*Note* During the season if I miss a certain game in my recaps, simply email (CFBNumbers@gmail.com) or DM on Twitter (@CFBNumbers) and I will happily provide you any number related thing you desire.
Kansas - Illinois
Friday night kicked off with Kansas handling Illinois at home. Illinois saw some life in their attempt to comeback into the game, but Jalon Daniels and the Jayhawk offense were too strong in the end. If you haven’t already, i would highly suggest watching this Kansas offense in play. From 2 QB sets to option looks to deep shots down the field, this offense has everything you would ever want. The Jayhawks are must see TV every time they play and could make some noise in the Big 12.
Colorado - Nebraska
Nebraska really did it again folks. The biggest number here is the EPA lost due to turnovers. 4 total turnovers (3 fumbles and a pick) are extremely hard to come back from if you don’t have a high ceiling QB or an offense capable of ripping explosive plays. Cornhusker QB Jeff Sims was an interesting recruit out of HS, and has shown small flashes throughout his career, but its just not going to work. How Matt Rhule responds in the coming weeks will be the topic of many conversations.
For Colorado, they just keep on blowing away expectations. Deion Sanders has an explosively fun core with Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and Dylan Edwards. Their preseason win total was around 3.5 wins, and by all accounts they should get there with ease. Ill be the first to admit I never expected them to hit the ground running this fast this early.
James Madison - Virginia
This game was one of many that was affected by a mid/late game weather delay that seemed like it last for an eternity. When the game went into a delay, Virginia was up by 11 in the middle of the 4th quarter. They had topped out at over 90% odds to win the game in the middle of the 4th per multiple win probability models. JMU went on two 8 play drives for 80 yards and a TD to steal the victory against the Cavaliers. James Madison 2nd year as a FBS team still like the roaring success the first season was last year. For Virginia, an absolutely gut wrenching loss.
Miami - Texas A&M
This week saw two old powerhouses declare that they are “BACK”. First up, we have the U. Against the fighting Jimbo Fishers, the Hurricanes dominated through the air as Tyler Van Dykes looks like the QB he was in 2021.
For Texas A&M, its another disappointment under HC Jimbo Fisher. Per the 247 team talent composite, which measures a teams “talent” via recruiting ratings, the Aggies had the 4th most talented team in the country. The Aggies have the talent, but they have not been able to transform that talent into on field success.
Iowa - Iowa State
Iowa really has perfected the “winning ugly” style of play. For those that didn’t know, Iowa’s OC is the son of HC Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz. Iowa’s abysmal offensive play in the past couple seasons forced Iowa to put a clause in his contract that says if Iowa scores less than 25 points per game, Brian loses his job. As of this game, the Hawkeyes are averaging 22 points per game, which is partially due to a pick six in this game. If you needed something to monitor this season, the 25 watch is well underway.
UCF - Boise State
In the matchup of old and former Group of 5 powerhouses, the Citronauts of UCF walk into the blue turf of Boise State and take home the win via a game winner FG by Colton Boomer. This game was not something to write home about offensively, and both teams were sloppy turning the ball over. The type of game where if you win you say “a win is a win I guess” but if you lose its “yeah, we have some massive issues”. The Broncos have some soul searching to do before they get into the thick of the Mountain West race.
UNC - App State
For the second straight year, North Carolina barely edges Appalachian State in an offensive slugfest. While Drake Maye didn’t exactly light it up through the air, Omarion Hamptons 218 yards and 3 TD’s carried the Tarheels over the Mountaineers.
Texas - Alabama
The game of the week heading into the week was a rematch from last season between Texas and Alabama. We said earlier that Miami was the first team that had a claim to being “back”, but Texas claim is stronger than it has been in years. They go into Tuscaloosa and knock off the Crimson Tide. Before the game the biggest question mark was whether Quinn Ewers can get in sync with his WR’s on deep passes. In this game, Quinn Ewers was 3-7 for 115 yards and 2 TDs, which proved to be enough to take down mighty Alabama.
For the Crimson Tide… its not time to panic but the offense looks like it is in rough shape. Again, it is September so its not the end of the world but if QB Jalen Milroe or any of the other QBs on the roster can’t find some success, we might be approaching some uncharted waters in the Nick Saban era.
Power 5 QB Play
Group of 5 QB Play
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