Kentucky football 122nd in total defense; plus more NCAA statistical rankings
Three weeks into the 2016 season, Kentucky ranks 122nd out of 128 FBS teams in total defense. The Cats are allowing 528 yards per game, putting them ahead of only Texas Tech (531.3), Arkansas State (532.0), Bowling Green (532.7), Hawaii (535.5), Texas State (548.5) and Rice (567.0).
Kentucky’s highest ranking in the NCAA stats belongs to pass efficiency. Believe it or not, the team that threw as many interceptions (three) as completions (three) at Florida last week is 13th nationally in pass efficiency with a rating of 170.1
Kentucky’s 692 yards of total offense in Saturday’s 62-42 win over New Mexico State moved Eddie Gran’s offense up to 68th nationally at an average of 416.7 yards per game.
New Mexico State did convert seven of 15 third-down attempts, however, leaving UK at 127th out of 128 teams in third-down defense. On the season, opponents have converted 57.7 percent of their third-down opportunities against UK.
Here are Kentucky’s national rankings in various statistical categories:
Kentucky in NCAA football statistics
Category | Rank | Average |
Scoring offense | 54 | 34.7 |
Total offense | 68 | 416.7 |
Rushing offense | 55 | 190.3 |
Pass efficiency offense | 13 | 170.1 |
Third down offense | 73 | 38.7 |
Scoring defense | 122 | 43.7 |
Total defense | 122 | 528.0 |
Rushing defense | 116 | 243.0 |
Pass efficiency defense | 108 | 151.1 |
Third down defense | 127 | 57.7 |
Turnover margin | 115 | -1.3 |
Net punting | 57 | 38.1 |
Kickoff returns | 48 | 23.2 |
Kickoff return defense | 19 | 16.4 |
Sacks | 97 | 1.3 |
Sacks allowed | 102 | 3.0 |
Penalties | 76 | 62.3 |