Running Back Success Rates at Tennessee
Just like we did last week with the Ole Miss numbers, it's time to take a look at the Running Back Success Rates of the three main backs at Tennessee. To refresh your memories (or if this is the first time you've seen this), each individual rush is considered on it's own, and measured by it's "success." A run is considered successful if it gets 40% of the yardage needed to move the chains on first down, 60% of the yardage needed on second down, and 100% of the yardage needed on third or fourth down. This is a much more accurate overall picture of how well a running back does in a game than just the total yardage or ypc averages because it ignores big run outliers that can skew those kinds of stats. First up, leading rusher Roy Upchurch, who had 86 yards and a TD on 14 carries (6.1 ypc).
It's a bit misleading to say that Upchurch didn't get a carry in the first half since he was the recipient of a screen pass from the fullback position, but from in pure rushes alone he finished the game with a very solid 64% success rate, all in the second half. If you discount his final five runs, all of which came near the end of the game when Alabama was content to pound the ball and keep the clock rolling, his number shoots way up to 8 successful rushes out of 9 total for a 89% success rate. So not only was Upchurch the leading rusher in the game, he was also the most successful, and considering it was all in the second half, where Alabama has struggled to execute properly so far, it's a welcome sight.
On to Glen Coffee, who's come under some heat over the past few weeks in many quarters (jncluding this blog) for his fumble issues. Coffee finished the day with 78 yards and a TD on 19 carries (4.1 ypc). Here are his "success rate" numbers:
Coffee also had a very solid outing, finishing the game with 58% total and, more importantly for the team's overall success, a 67% rate in the second half. Also key: no fumbles.
Now to the more surprising and disappointing numbers, Mark Ingram:
With numbers like 4 rushes for 1 yard (0.3 ypc), you really don't need a fancy chart to know that young Ingram didn't do so well in Knoxville, but there it is anyway. His 0% rate is a far cry from the 65% he posted against Ole Miss, but I suppose he was going to play like a true freshman at some point, and thankfully it was in a game where Upchurch and Coffee were more than capable of carrying the load.
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Coffee's TD in the 2nd quarter
on 4th down was amazing in that there was a huge hole. I think my 2 year old could have scored on that one. I was yelling for a Field Goal and was shown once again why, as a football coach, I make a pretty good accountant.
It seemed to me that Coffee was a little suprised at how big a hole he had, and made the play a little closer than it had to be. Still, that was when I relaxed with confidence that the game was ours.
Roll Tide!
by NJBammer on Oct 27, 2008 10:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ingram
That is what is so great about this team. We don’t need one guy to do everything. If one guy like Ingram is having a bad day, we have 2-3 others guys who will gets his back. Both Ingram and Coffee were having a tough time in the 1st half doing anything. So we throw Roy in and he’s productive. Probably cause the d-coordinator didn’t game plan against him. Also, cause by the time Roy came into the game, Coffee and Ingram had worn the defense down. This is the key to our success. Its easy to key on one guy like No Show but when you have to prepare for 3-4, its virtually impossible to stop.
When you are an Alabama fan you have to hate Auburn, I hate Tennessee because i want to.
by bammer on Oct 27, 2008 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The last thing . . .
a defense wants to see in the 4th quarter is a good running back with fresh legs on the other side of the line of scrimmage. We have that luxury on offense. And in the big games this year in the fourth quarter they’ve consistently crushed the spirits of our opponents and put the game out of reach. It’s a thing of beauty, really.
by Lawboy on Oct 27, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, crushing spirits
is what good teams do best, and we do a damn fine job of it, only ole miss had life left in them, all others had given up hope by the end.
by tempebamafan on Oct 27, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great thoughts...
I like how the stats brought out the workhorses’ consistency that essentially sealed the second half … Ingram is certainly entitled time to grow up. As bammer eluded to, the stable is there to provide support for any one guy’s off day — perfect way to plug in a true freshman.
by DJackson on Oct 27, 2008 3:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It really is amazing...
that just two years ago, last season under Shula, we just wanted 1 back to be moderately successful in running the ball, but the RBs almost always got caught behind the line. Now we have 2-3 RBs that can carry the load and step-up when necessary.
That’s what good coaching on the O-line will do for you.
by CaliforniaTide on Oct 27, 2008 4:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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