Published August 14, 2012 - 9:53am
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We scoured the 2011 season and found ten interesting stats that might surprise you. They might also help predict what might happen in 2012.
1. Despite lackluster production at QB at times, LSU led the league in scoring in 2011 with an average of 38.5 points per game. LSU scored at least 35 points in 11 of 13 regular season games (including SECCG). They were then shutout in the BCSCG against Alabama.
2. LSU had 3 running backs rush for over 500 yards on the season. They had 4 running backs score at least 7 rushing touchdowns.
3. Alabama gave up 3 rushing touchdowns and only 6 passing touchdowns all year. A league best in each defensive category.
4. In 2011, if you double the passing yards of Auburn, Ole Miss or Kentucky, Arkansas still out-gained each in the air.
5. In 2011, it took two Tennessee carries (2.8 yards per rush) to equal the yardage of every one Alabama carry (5.6 yards per rush).
6. The longest touchdown pass of the season was John Brantley to Chris Rainey against Tennessee (83 yards).
7.The best average yards per carry for any SEC running back with at least 100 carries was Arkansas’ Dennis Johnson (6.3 yards per carry). The worst was Tennessee’s Tauren Poole (3.7 yards per carry).
8. Four running backs ran for over 1000 yards in 2011: Trent Richardson (1679), Michael Dyer (1242), Zac Stacy (1193) and Vick Ballard (1189).
9. Two receivers had over 1000 reception yards in 2011: Jarius Wright (1117) and Da’Rick Rogers (1040). Texas A&M’s Ryan Swope had 1207.
10. Aaron Murray led the league with 35 passing touchdowns. Second place was Tyler Wilson with 24. Murray also took the most sacks (32) and threw the most INTs (14) despite 35 fewer attempts than Wilson.
All statistics from Yahoo! Rivals.
Are these statistics in SEC games alone? Or the entire schedule? Could be misleading as Arkansas’ non-conference opponents are very different from LSUs.
Wonder if the lack of protection from the OL and a certain alabama state diva tailback had anything to do with Murrays 35 Sacks and 14 picks? Murray gets a bad rap for losing big games and throwing pics but it really falls on the protection…Im thinkin this year’s OL unit and backs will be improved from lining up against Granthams Gang all offseason. And that Alabama D was crazy good..3 rushing TDs all year? 9 total? Think I speak for everyone when I say Im glad they’re all in the league now!
Hey guys great site, excited to be a part of the SEC! Just wanted to add this to #7: Mizzou’s Henry Josey 8.1 yards per carry (6.6 ypc in conference play.) I know there are a lot that think that Big XII defenses are inferior, but it’s an impressive stat.