🏈 Useless stat post: AJ, LSU in the BCSNC game, UT, and throwing on first down.

[TerryP]

We all read and talked about the job AJ did in the BCSNC game last year when the staff gave him free reign to toss it around on first down. It was something that caught LSU off guard and arguably was one of the main keys in winning that game.

It's something we have seen continue this season but I didn't realize what kind of impact he was making on those first downs until today.

So, here's a little stat to chew on...

Last weekend vs Tennessee on first down AJ was 7 for 9, 3 TD's, and had around 125 yards.

I've looked at two of those TD passes; one came with seven in the box, the other with eight. When UT had eight in the box they were running a zone blitz and had a DL stunting. There wasn't anyone close to him even after his release.

 

[BamaDelta]

We all read and talked about the job AJ did in the BCSNC game last year when the staff gave him free reign to toss it around on first down. It was something that caught LSU off guard and arguably was one of the main keys in winning that game.

It's something we have seen continue this season but I didn't realize what kind of impact he was making on those first downs until today.

So, here's a little stat to chew on...

Last weekend vs Tennessee on first down AJ was 7 for 9, 3 TD's, and had around 125 yards.

I've looked at two of those TD passes; one came with seven in the box, the other with eight. When UT had eight in the box they were running a zone blitz and had a DL stunting. There wasn't anyone close to him even after his release.

Great job with those stats. Here's devil's advocate (and worry wart) on the flip side. Mississippi State is billed as one of the best, if not the best, secondary in the SEC. How does that factor in? AJ's last int was vs. MSU. Just something to think about (or in my case worry about :smiley-confused-pur ).

 

[bamafan4ever]

Hi Sandra! UT was billed as the best passing team in the SEC before playing Alabama. I bet it works out as well for MSU as it did for UT. :biggrin_blue:

 

[TerryP]

Great job with those stats. Here's devil's advocate (and worry wart) on the flip side. Mississippi State is billed as one of the best, if not the best, secondary in the SEC. How does that factor in? AJ's last int was vs. MSU. Just something to think about (or in my case worry about :smiley-confused-pur ).

Again I have to ask. Against whom?

UT was the best passing attack they've faced this year in the SEC. UT hasn't thrown more INT's than any other team in the SEC; Auburn has one more.

Kentucky and Auburn both rank at the bottom of the SEC in pass offenses.

Now, that said, MSU is giving up yards from the passing game. They're basically middle of the pack in that category. Their Pass Defense Efficiency is up there (3rd I believe) and that's due to having 12 INT's on the season.

But again, against whom?

Don't get me wrong. I believe Johnathan Banks is arguably the best corner in the SEC.

As to how it has a bearing on how AJ performs? We'll see. But, if they stack the box and give us man coverage? There's no reason to think he won't make the right decision.