Texas Football: Inside the Longhorns Advanced Stats
By Shane Black
Efficiency
In this context efficiency is defined as the rate of successful plays. Successful plays in football are gaining 50 percent of necessary yards on first down, 70 percent on second down, and of course 100 percent on third down.
The 2019 Texas offense had an efficiency of 46.3 percent, good for 21st nationally. This should come as no surprise as Texas was 14th in total offense last season and seventh in third down percentage. Losing Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson out wide is tough, but this offense should once again be in the top 25 for efficiency (if they stop throwing bubble screens on first down).
On the defensive side of the ball Texas had an allowed efficiency rating of 43.7 percent, ranking 86th nationally. What the Texas offense has done well, the defense has not. Texas ranked 63rd in third down defense which included that back breaking 3rd-and-17 conversion from LSU.
All signs point to this statistic increasing for Texas. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash is insistent on the defense getting pressure without sending extra men. Plus, you have to imagine the defense will be healthier than last season and brings back nine starters.