Three Stats That Should Improve Significantly for OSU in 2015

We already talked about the one stat that must change for OSU to be good. I don’t know if it will, but it needs to. Otherwise OSU will be revisiting the Cactus Bowl (or worse 😐 )

Percentage of yards gained is sort of an overall snapshot of a team, though. It’s a symptom rather than a cause. What about three smaller areas the Pokes abnormally faltered in last season that should be better and should help OSU to a more successful season?

Let’s take a look at three stats that should be improved upon this season.

1. Turnover margin

There was no better representation of OSU’s 2014 season than in the turnover game. This is a program that has prided itself on excelling in staying at or above zero in the turnover margin game. While that can be subject to randomness, last year, as you can see was certainly an anomaly. I would be stunned if OSU’s 2015 season ended in a number below 0.

2. Yards per carry

Again, past performance isn’t necessarily an indication of future success, but Mike Gundy appears incredibly optimistic about the offensive line. This number will likely be affected more by what Rennie Childs and Chris Carson are able to do, but only an OU fan would suggest it will be as bad as last season.

3. Completion percentage

Last year was a disaster on account of a bad offensive line and inaccurate (or in-ACK-u-RUT) quarterback. The 55.4 completion percentage OSU posted was the worst of the last seven years. Now, this stat in and of itself doesn’t mean a ton — OSU went 10-3 in 2013 with a 57.9 number, but that was with two running QBs at the helm when it wasn’t as necessary.

When you get a Daxx or now Rudolph back there, you need to be closer to Weeden territory (high 60s). OSU might not touch those figures this season, but it will certainly be closer.