By Kevin Lonnquist
Publisher
New Baylor offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes will bring what is hoped to be a more explosive and balanced attack that will stretch the field and use the running game to keep defenses in guess mode.
In his first OC position at BYU (2018-2020), Grimes coached 38 games including bowls. His offenses faced such opponents as Utah, USC, Tennessee, Washington, Arizona, Cal and Boise State.
SicEmSports breaks down how that offense performed By The Numbers:
QB opportunity
BYU’s passing attack gradually became more aggressive as Grimes’ tenure continued. Through the first two seasons, he rotated between Zach Wilson and Baylor Romney in 2019 before Wilson (he was dealing with an injury in 2019) became the go-to QB.
Avg. yards per pass attempt
2020 – 11.0
2019 – 7.9
2018 – 7.4
This should give the likes of Jacob Zeno, Gerry Bohanon, Blake Shapen and incoming Kyron Drones a chance to look at the entire field and not be limited. They will have some mobility. Minus sacks – they count at rushing attempts – Wilson rushed 52 times in 2018, 48 in 2019 and 59 in 2020.
Ground and Pound
But the balance came in the form of how committed the Cougars were in the run game. By sticking with that, they were able to stay ahead of the chains and create more opportunities for the passing game.
Avg. Yards Per Attempt
2020 - 5.4 ypc
2019 - 4.4 ypc
2018 - 4.1 ypc
BYU rushed for 2,000+ yards collectively in 2019 (2,068) and 2020 (2,281). Just missed in 2018 (1,991). Also of note is how the carries were distributed. In 2018, BYU had three backs with 45 or more attempts. In 2019, that was four. In 2020, three backs had at least 70 rushing attempts including 1,130-yard rusher Tyler Allgeier.
Explosiveness
Big plays in the passing game are expected. The following shows the floor of what BYU receivers did.
2020 – BYU had four receivers average at least 12.7 yards per reception. Two average 17.0 and 19.7.
2019 – BYU had four receivers average at least 13.0 yards per reception.
2018 – BYU had three receivers average at least 12.8 yards per reception.
Total Picture
So here are some other notables about what those numbers mean and what happened during games:
>A BYU QB threw for at least 200 yards 20 times, threw for 300 yards seven (7) times and 400 yards two (2) times.
>A BYU QB threw for at least 200 yards, a RB rushed for 100 and a WR had 100 yards in the same game six times.
>A BYU RB rushed for 100 yards 12 times (but six times in 2020).
>A BYU WR had 100 yards 16 times (but 10 times in 2020).
Notable
In 2020, BYU converted 3rd downs at 49 percent, averaged 7.8 yards per play and scored touchdowns in the Red Zone in 47 of 61 attempts (77 percent).
Hot Take
It may take a little time for Baylor to become just as explosive, especially if it’s going with a young QB. It also may look a little ragged to start. But given that the Baylor should have spring ball and a normal fall camp that will make a difference. Projections are not realistic because Grimes is just getting started. But given how poor the 2020 offense was, it’s not hard to go up.
Publisher
New Baylor offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes will bring what is hoped to be a more explosive and balanced attack that will stretch the field and use the running game to keep defenses in guess mode.
In his first OC position at BYU (2018-2020), Grimes coached 38 games including bowls. His offenses faced such opponents as Utah, USC, Tennessee, Washington, Arizona, Cal and Boise State.
SicEmSports breaks down how that offense performed By The Numbers:
QB opportunity
BYU’s passing attack gradually became more aggressive as Grimes’ tenure continued. Through the first two seasons, he rotated between Zach Wilson and Baylor Romney in 2019 before Wilson (he was dealing with an injury in 2019) became the go-to QB.
Avg. yards per pass attempt
2020 – 11.0
2019 – 7.9
2018 – 7.4
This should give the likes of Jacob Zeno, Gerry Bohanon, Blake Shapen and incoming Kyron Drones a chance to look at the entire field and not be limited. They will have some mobility. Minus sacks – they count at rushing attempts – Wilson rushed 52 times in 2018, 48 in 2019 and 59 in 2020.
Ground and Pound
But the balance came in the form of how committed the Cougars were in the run game. By sticking with that, they were able to stay ahead of the chains and create more opportunities for the passing game.
Avg. Yards Per Attempt
2020 - 5.4 ypc
2019 - 4.4 ypc
2018 - 4.1 ypc
BYU rushed for 2,000+ yards collectively in 2019 (2,068) and 2020 (2,281). Just missed in 2018 (1,991). Also of note is how the carries were distributed. In 2018, BYU had three backs with 45 or more attempts. In 2019, that was four. In 2020, three backs had at least 70 rushing attempts including 1,130-yard rusher Tyler Allgeier.
Explosiveness
Big plays in the passing game are expected. The following shows the floor of what BYU receivers did.
2020 – BYU had four receivers average at least 12.7 yards per reception. Two average 17.0 and 19.7.
2019 – BYU had four receivers average at least 13.0 yards per reception.
2018 – BYU had three receivers average at least 12.8 yards per reception.
Total Picture
So here are some other notables about what those numbers mean and what happened during games:
>A BYU QB threw for at least 200 yards 20 times, threw for 300 yards seven (7) times and 400 yards two (2) times.
>A BYU QB threw for at least 200 yards, a RB rushed for 100 and a WR had 100 yards in the same game six times.
>A BYU RB rushed for 100 yards 12 times (but six times in 2020).
>A BYU WR had 100 yards 16 times (but 10 times in 2020).
Notable
In 2020, BYU converted 3rd downs at 49 percent, averaged 7.8 yards per play and scored touchdowns in the Red Zone in 47 of 61 attempts (77 percent).
Hot Take
It may take a little time for Baylor to become just as explosive, especially if it’s going with a young QB. It also may look a little ragged to start. But given that the Baylor should have spring ball and a normal fall camp that will make a difference. Projections are not realistic because Grimes is just getting started. But given how poor the 2020 offense was, it’s not hard to go up.
