We all know statistics can be deceiving, but looking inside the numbers at the Allstate Sugar Bowl between the Florida Gators and Cincinnati Bearcats reveals two teams that are for the most part evenly matched, at least on paper.
Cincinnati boasts the nation’s sixth best offense, averaging 464.3 yards per game. Quarterback Tony Pike had a stellar season despite suffering an injury that sidelined him for three games.
Pike completed 62.8% of his passes for 2,350 yards and 26 touchdowns. Backup quarterback Zach Collaros was impressive during Pike’s absence, completing 75% of his passes for 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Florida ranked 12th nationally in total offense, averaging 442.4 yards per game. The Gators offense begins and ends with quarterback Tim Tebow, who led Florida in passing and rushing yards this season.
Tebow threw for 2,413 yards and 18 touchdowns and ran for 859 yards and 13 scores. Florida’s offense is well-balanced, averaging 225.2 yards rushing and 217.2 yards passing per game.
The Bearcats were decidedly more pass happy this season, averaging 320.3 yards through the air while gaining 149.3 yards rushing per game.
Cincinnati did an exceptional job of protecting the ball this season, committing only 10 turnovers. The Bearcats lost only two fumbles the entire season, leading all 121 FBS programs.
Florida was a little more generous to their opponents, giving the ball away 16 times. The Gators five interceptions were among the fewest in the nation while the Bearcats eight picks also ranked among the top 25 nationally.
The Gators and Bearcats boast two of the most dangerous kick returners in the nation, with Florida’s Brandon James and Cincinnati’s Mardy Gilyard giving opposing special teams coaches nightmares.
The Bearcats were second nationally averaging 29.2 yards per kickoff return this season while Florida was eighth nationally, averaging 26 yards per kick return.
Sticking with special teams, the Bearcats and Gators don’t have field goal kickers that give their coaches warm fuzzy glows when the game is on the line.
Florida’s Caleb Sturgis was good on 21 of 28 field goal attempts this season while Cincinnati’s Jake Rogers went 12 for 18.
Cincinnati did a much better job of protecting their quarterbacks this season, giving up only 11 sacks while Florida allowed 26 sacks.
The Bearcats were also the more disciplined team, allowing an average of five penalties a game while Florida averaged better than six.
Florida was among the best nationally converting third downs, moving the chains on 81 of 165 third down plays. Cincinnati was less proficient on third down but still respectable, converting 56 of 129 this season.
Both teams sacked the opposing quarterback 35 times this season, tied for 10th nationally.
Perhaps the most interesting statistic of all those mentioned, the Bearcats and Gators were tied for next to last in fumbles recovered this season.
Both teams had only three fumble recoveries all year, with the Georgia Bulldogs being the worst of all 121 FBS teams with just two.
Cincinnati’s turnover margin was a little better than Florida’s, with the Bearcats +9 for the season and the Gators +7.
Easily the most glaring difference between Cincinnati and Florida this season is on defense, where the Gators clearly dominated.
Florida was fourth nationally in total defense, allowing just 252.8 yards a game. Cincinnati finished 49th nationally, giving up 350.3 yards per game.
Numbers don’t mean much in bowl games, especially when one team has an overwhelming talent advantage like Florida.
In the end, while the statistics may provide some interesting insights, the numbers that only matter are those on the scoreboard.
For more great coverage of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, check out the Gunaxin Sports Blog Bowl.
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