Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Pawelek For President? How about All-Big XII then?

Joe is on pace for 100 tackles on the year as a freshman, and I think he could exceed even that number now that he's getting more playing time and every game is more experience.

He's not rotating any more, so that means he has more opportunities. I believe I read he's averaging 9 tackles a game since becoming the starter. That's amazing. He's definitely Freshman All-American material, and a lock for Freshman All-Big XII. The question is: Does he get All-Big XII recognition?

He's 8th in tackles in the Big XII (linebackers), averaging 7.9 per game. But if he continues to average 9 per contest, that number will jump to more than 8/game, which could take him to 5th.

Looking only at conference statistics, Pawelek is 6th on the list, averaging 9.7 per contest.

The main problem is that guys like Rufus Alexander and Bo Ruud are going to get a spot on the list just by having their name being pumped. Both those guys are tied for 20th in tackles/game among linebackers, and 36th overall (Pawelek is 6th on both the overall and linebackers list). They are averaging 3.7 tackles per game LESS than JoePa.

I'd love to see JoePa get 15-18 tackles in the game against Kansas, earned DPOY and get the publicity ball really moving. If he could move up to third or fourth in the Big XII in tackles it'd be hard to leave him off the post-season list (only 1 tackle/game separates him from 3rd).

Some Kansas Tidbits

Kansas is giving up 111 yards on the ground and 281 through the air for the year. When looking at conference only numbers, they JUMP to 348 yards through the air and 151 yards on the ground. That's an astounding 500 yards of offense a game on AVERAGE!! After playing OSU, Texas A&M and Nebraska.

On Baylor's side, we are giving up 212 through the air and 131 on the ground, while in conference only play we are giving up 215 yards through the air and 161 yards on the ground.

The difference between the two defenses, of course, is the turnovers.

Baylor has forced 20 turnovers, while Kansas has only gained 13. Baylor is +1 for the year (even after the -4 game against Texas) and Kansas is tied for last in the Big XII at -5. Our situation should continue to head in the opposite directions this game.

Kansas is coming up fast!

Sorry I haven't gotten the updates flowing, I'm drowning in paper at work. I'll do my very best to get some more info up on Kansas and a bit of an outlook at the game by tonight.

If you haven't already, get your tickets for the game! It's Homecoming, so I expect everyone to be there!