11.3- Baylor averages 11.3 points per quarter in the first and third quarters of games. They rank 8th nationally in first quarter scoring and 4th nationally in third quarter scoring. In the second and fourth quarters, they rank 20th and 15th in scoring. It will be paramount for the Bruin defense to withstand the likely early flurry from the Bears. Coach Mora, Spanos, and company will have to make adjustments to slow the Baylor offense as each half progresses.
1.0- The number of interceptions thrown per game by Baylor quarterback Nick Florence. If UCLA’s defense can force more than one interception, than they will be in a great position to win the game.
1.3- The number of sacks that Baylor gives up per game. Despite throwing the ball 38.3 times per game, Florence is only sacked 1.3 times per game, which ranks 28th best in the nation. UCLA’s pass rush, led by the nations’ leader in sacks, Anthony Barr, will have to find a way to get to the quarterback and disrupt Baylor’s lethal pass attack.
61.35– Percent of total yards by pass. Despite ranking in the top 30 nationally in pass attempts, Baylor ranks 55th in percentage of yards through the air. The Baylor offense is more balanced than given credit for and Lache Seastrunk is the leader of the ground game, averaging 7.6 yards per carry.
60.87– Percentage of field goals made. Despite attempting over two field goals per game, Baylor has struggled to convert. For comparison sake, UCLA’s Kaimi Fairbairn has converted 70% of his attempts, which ranks 70th in the country. Baylor ranks 103rd.
84.2- Plays per game. Baylor ranks tied for 5th, with Oregon, in total plays per game. The up tempo offense is nothing new to the Bruins, however, as UCLA ranks 15th nationally in plays per game. Practicing at this pace will be essential and conditioning after a long layoff will be important. A tired defense is an ineffective defense.