Two Important Stats to keep an eye on in the Citrus Bowl

Kentucky will play against the 2020 version of its own offense in the Citrus Bowl. Iowa executes a ball control scheme that focuses on time of possession and field position in order to support its opportunistic defense and efficient special teams. There are two defensive statistical categories that may have a significant impact on Saturday’s outcome. Let’s take a look. 

Tackles for Loss 

Iowa ranks 117th in the nation and last in the Big Ten after allowing 94 tackles for loss. Kentucky is 10th in the SEC with 76 TFLs but will likely be without defensive end Josh Paschal who is listed second in the league with 15.5. Edge defender J.J. Weaver is second on the team with 10 tackles for loss and is followed by inside linebacker DeAndre Square’s nine.  

The Hawkeyes’ run plays are often slow to start and are frequently led by a fullback. Opponents have recorded 7.2 tackles for loss per game this season. UK will need to meet or surpass that number. Led by All-American center Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa is averaging 3.3 yards per carry and 120 yards per game on the ground. A key for the Cats is to force its opponent into facing third and six-plus on third downs. 

Quarterback Sacks

Iowa currently ranks last in the Big Ten and 89th in the nation after surrendering 32 quarterback sacks this season. The Hawkeyes are giving up 2.5 sacks per game. Surpassing that number will be of vital importance for Brad White’s unit.

Quarterback Spencer Petras has a tendency to hold on to the football in the pocket and his receivers have struggled to beat coverage downfield. There will be ample QB sack opportunities. The Wildcats have registered 29 QB sacks and again, will likely be without the services of Josh Paschal. The defensive end has recorded 5.5 sacks in 2021. Kentucky isn’t a heavy blitz defense but does situationally dial up pressure. JJ Weaver leads the team with six sacks. Fellow Edge Jordan Wright returned from injury and has a history of creating explosives. Both Wright and Weaver will need to be productive across the line of scrimmage against the Hawkeyes. 

What Does All This Mean?

At times, Iowa’s offense consists of slow developing plays whether on the ground or in the air. It’s paramount for Kentucky to take advantage of its opponent’s offensive liabilities by forcing the issue across the line of scrimmage. By doing so, the Hawkeyes could face uncomfortable certain-passing scenarios. The Cats have to keep its opponent off schedule on early downs. The Hawkeyes average less than 300 total yards per game. The 2020 Wildcats accumulated 318 and lacked explosion. There are several similarities between Iowa’s 2021 offense compared to the Wildcat’s from a year ago. 

Iowa has given up a high number of tackles for loss and quarterback sacks which has frequently placed its offense behind the chains. Playing defense beyond the line of scrimmage is the goal for tomorrow if UK is to win the Citrus Bowl.