Two of the nation’s best rushing attacks will face-off in this year’s Orange Bowl showdown between Mississippi State and Georgia Tech. The game will be part of the first year of the College Football Playoff’s New Year’s Six format, serving as one of the premier showcase games of the postseason.
SDS took a look inside the numbers behind this year’s Orange Bowl to see where Mississippi State might have an edge and where it might be vulnerable against the Yellow Jackets.
THE GOOD
227.6: The number of passing yards Georgia Tech allowed per game during the regular season, ranking the Yellow Jackets in the bottom half of the FBS in that category. Mississippi State’s passing offense ranked 37th in the nation and fifth in the SEC in averaging more than 266 yards per game through the air this season. The Bulldogs could create some excitement with their passing game in this one.
13: The number of explosive completions (receptions of 30 yards or more) executed by the run-heavy Georgia Tech offense in 13 games this season. Mississippi State’s greatest weakness in 2014 has been its inability to defend the deep pass, as MSU allowed more explosive completions than any other team in the SEC (23). However, the Bulldog secondary may be off the hook for this game.
18: The number of sacks registered by the Georgia Tech defense in 2014. Mississippi State allowed just 21 sacks this season, which ranks in the top-fourth of the FBS. Quarterback Dak Prescott should have plenty of time to operate from the pocket in this game, which stands to benefit the MSU offense.
THE BAD
443:25: The amount of time Georgia Tech possessed the football in 13 games this season. Only two teams in the nation maintained possession for longer than the Yellow Jackets (Michigan State and UTEP), and no other team outside the top three held the ball for longer than 407:47 this season. It’ll be tough for MSU to hit its impressive scoring average if it can’t keep the football.
61.1: Georgia Tech’s field goal conversion rate this season, which ranked 104th out of 128 FBS teams. The Yellow Jackets missed seven of 18 field goal attempts in 2014, and if it misses a kick to cap a long, sustained drive it could be the momentum swing MSU needs to close them out.
57.0: Georgia Tech’s third down conversion rate this season, which was the best in the FBS. To make matters worse, The Bulldogs ranked 13th in the FBS in third down defense, but if they allow the Yellow Jackets into third and short situations the MSU defense may struggle to get off the field.
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
