Where Michigan Ranks In The Nation's Most Important Statistical Categories
Here's a look at where Michigan ranks in several of the nation's most important statistical categories after 12 weeks of action. The Wolverines' national rank is listed first below.
Note: there are 130 teams in the FBS.
Offensive statistics
Points per game: 82nd (26.3)
Rushing yards per game: 35th (194.1)
Passing yards per game: 112th (166.2)
Yards per game: 101st (360.4)
First downs per game: 109th (17.6)
Sacks allowed: 104th (29)
Tackles for loss allowed: 102nd (72)
Special teams statistics
Average yards per punt return: 63rd (7.4)
Average yards per kick return: 100th (19.4)
Average yards per punt return: 97th (39.8)
Field goal percentage: 61st (75%)
Third down conversion percentage: 113th (32.6%)
Red zone touchdown percentage: 105th (52.7%)
Defensive statistics
Points allowed per game: 11th (17.1)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 15th (116.8)
Passing yards allowed per game: 1st (144.4)
Yards allowed per game: 3rd (261.2)
Sacks: 6th (36)
Tackles for loss: 3rd (93)
Opponent first downs per game: 2nd (13.5)
Opponent third down conversion percentage: 1st (24.6%)
Opponent red zone touchdown percentage: 57th (57.6%)
Miscellaneous
Penalties per game: 91st (6.7)
Turnover margin: 71st (-1)
Observations
— After allowing 182 rushing yards to Wisconsin, Michigan's rush defense statistics dropped from ninth to 15th nationally. This is the exact spot that the Wolverines finished last season (allowed 119 yards per game on the ground last year, and 116.8 so far in 2017).
— Although U-M surrendered 143 passing yards to Wisconsin on Saturday, it jumped from the second-best pass defense in the country to the best. The Maize and Blue overtook Air Force for the top spot, and have flip-flopped with the Falcons over the last few weeks.
— Michigan's penalty statistics continued to improve after it committed just four penalties against the Badgers. The Wolverines jumped from 96th nationally to 91st, and fell from seven penalties per game to 6.7.
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