Average Halftime Deficit

[Smitty]

As amazing as it is that UNT's average final deficit is 29.6 points per game, there is a more amazing number this year:

22.8

That is the average halftime deficit North Texas has faced this year.

We are falling behind by three-touchdowns-plus in just two quarters. And that average includes the ten-point halftime lead UNT had against Western Kentucky. In the ten games we have trailed at halftime, the average deficit is 26.1 points - down by almost four touchdowns a game by halftime.

[eulessismore]

As amazing as it is that UNT's average final deficit is 29.6 points per game, there is a more amazing number this year:

22.8

That is the average halftime deficit North Texas has faced this year.

We are falling behind by three-touchdowns-plus in just two quarters. And that average includes the ten-point halftime lead UNT had against Western Kentucky. In the ten games we have trailed at halftime, the average deficit is 26.1 points - down by almost four touchdowns a game by halftime.

I think this further discredits the theory, given in another thread, that our opponents are deliberately running up the score on us, because of some perceived resentment against Todd Dodge's "arrogance". It shows, to the contrary, that they're trying NOT to score after halftime. Although this may give our opponents a kinder and gentler look, and not Dodge haters, it may indicate that, as bad as things look based on the final scores, that they may actually be much worse. Not trying to point a finger at anyone, just trying to understand how things really are. A few things that are little mentioned are that

(1.) nine defensive starters, I believe, graduated last year, and

(2.) that Deloach was not a defensive coordinator after he left UNT for UCLA, but a special teams and secondary coach; also that his defensive unit peaked in his 3rd season at UNT .

(3.) It seems that our special teams play has deteriorated compared to when we had our previous special teams coach. Maybe Tasty or someone else with a bent for statistics could figure out how we compare on special teams play at UNT to other FBS schools (meaningful special teams stats seem hard to find for me)? And

(4.) In the games where we actually played competitively last year, how much of a factor was Jamario Thomas? Is our running game now enough of a consistent threat to keep defenses honest, and help establish the passing game?

[GoMeanGreen1999]

(3.) It seems that our special teams play has deteriorated compared to when we had our previous special teams coach. Maybe Tasty or someone else with a bent for statistics could figure out how we compare on special teams play at UNT to other FBS schools (meaningful special teams stats seem hard to find for me)?

Not sure if it is possible or not, but one does have to wonder what the most extra points either missed or blocked in one season is. How many have we had this year that have either been missed or blocked?