All of us love the scoreboard, however generally it does not inform the entire story. That’s the place information visualizations are available in. They create out the traits, the truths, and the surprises that uncooked field scores can’t seize.
Listed here are ten of my favourite charts, constructed from opponent-adjusted metrics and team-level information, that supply a deeper look into how the sport is de facto performed from each side of the ball.
1. Success Charge: Normal Downs vs. Passing Downs
This pair of charts reveals how groups carry out in numerous recreation conditions. Offensively, it is about staying environment friendly whether or not you are forward of schedule or in a gap. Defensively, it’s about getting stops when it issues most.
Offense
Groups within the prime proper are efficient on each normal and passing downs. The underside left highlights models that wrestle to remain on observe or get better from setbacks.
Protection
On the defensive aspect, top-left groups shut down early-down runs and pressure passing conditions however then wrestle. These within the backside proper might clear up on Third-and-long however wrestle to include base performs.
2. Line Yards vs. EPA per Rush
How a lot push does your line get, and what are your backs doing with it? And on protection, are you stonewalling rushers or getting gashed regardless of contact?
Offense
This chart compares line yards (blocking effectiveness) to dashing EPA (precise worth). Groups within the top-left are counting on their playmakers to bail out their torpid run recreation. Groups on the bottom-left are getting constant push however not sufficient to spring explosive performs.
Protection
Defensively, it’s about limiting each preliminary yardage and big-play potential. Groups within the top-right are stone partitions, stuffing runs and denying explosive performs. Prime-left groups are your traditional bend-don’t-break defenses.
3. Third Down Success vs. Common Distance
Success on Third down isn’t nearly execution, it’s additionally about setting your self up with manageable conditions. These charts break down how offenses and defenses deal with the cash down.
Offense
Elite groups convert typically and keep away from long-yardage eventualities. Excessive success, low distance is the candy spot. Groups above the trendline are what you’d name clutch. They convert extra typically than you’d count on given the common distance to go.
Protection
Sturdy defenses pressure longer Third downs and preserve conversion charges low. Groups above the trendline maintain agency on Third down extra typically than anticipated. These defensive coordinators are incomes their paycheck.
4. Dashing Fashion: Line Yards vs. Spotlight Yards
These charts replicate dashing identification. Offenses might grind out constant positive aspects or depend on splash performs. Defenses might pressure groups into low-efficiency runs or quit explosive positive aspects.
Offense
Groups within the prime proper have each push and explosiveness. Higher-left groups are high-risk, high-reward. Decrease-right groups grind it out however lack big-play potential.
Protection
Nice defenses present up within the prime proper, limiting each constant positive aspects and explosive performs. Penn State was incredible final season in opposition to the run. Struggling models development towards the underside proper.
5. Dominating the Trenches
Successful up entrance nonetheless wins video games. This chart reveals which groups are bodily controlling the road of scrimmage on each side of the ball.
Offense vs. Protection
This combo plot reveals offensive line yards gained vs. line of defense yards allowed. Prime-right groups are trench kings who win each side of the battle. Backside-left groups are getting bullied round on each side of the ball and should have to rethink their bodily identification.
6. Recruiting vs. NFL Draft Output
Having prime expertise is nice. Creating it into draft picks is even higher. This chart doesn’t break down any recreation statistics or metrics, but it surely tells a robust story.
Some packages overachieve and produce execs from modest courses. Others underdeliver regardless of recruiting success. Michigan and Georgia stand out as elite in each expertise acquisition and growth. Texas A&M and Clemson stand out for fairly totally different causes.
7. Internet Success Charge by Half
Who will get higher as the sport goes on? This charts seize how groups carry out earlier than and after halftime, exhibiting teaching changes, depth, and late-game execution.
Prime-right groups are persistently good all recreation. Higher-left groups enhance all through the sport. Decrease-right groups begin sturdy however fade.
8. Common Beginning Area Place
It’s not nearly scoring, it’s about controlling the sphere. Area place tells the hidden story of effectivity and management. These charts map the place groups are likely to spend their time on each side of the ball.
Prime-right groups spend the majority of their time on the opponent’s aspect of the sphere after they have the ball and much away from their very own finish zone after they do not. Groups within the backside left are often pinned up in opposition to their very own purpose line, whether or not they have the ball or not.
9. Area Purpose Anticipated Factors
This chart reveals the anticipated level worth of a area purpose try by distance, based mostly on outcomes for a replacement-level kicker. Quick kicks (beneath 30 yards) are practically computerized, however worth drops rapidly past 40 yards and makes an attempt past 50 typically return lower than 2 factors on common.
It’s a robust reminder that not all “area purpose vary” is created equal. Coaches should weigh area place and down-distance in opposition to the true anticipated return, not simply the hope of three. Kicking expertise issues as nicely, because the curve for an above-average kicker shall be extra elongated than this one. For a below-average kicker, the curve will drop off a lot sooner and harsher.
10. Returning Manufacturing: Utilization vs. EPA
This one stands by itself. Whereas we don’t have a defensive counterpart, it’s nonetheless a robust preseason predictor.
We chart returning utilization (quantity) and whole EPA (influence) from final season. Groups excessive in each should not simply skilled, they’re returning confirmed performers.
All the charts above are based mostly on information from final season (2024), utilizing opponent-adjusted metrics to offer a clearer image of group efficiency. Because the 2025 season unfolds, I’ll be posting up to date variations of many of those visuals, together with some others, every week.
You’ll be able to observe alongside on Twitter/X and Bluesky, the place I share contemporary charts, insights, and information tales all through the season.
Dig Deeper
These charts are only a pattern of what’s doable with the instruments at CollegeFootballData.com. Whether or not you are constructing fashions, prepping picks, or simply watching smarter, we’ve obtained the information to offer you an edge.
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