With four games of Tech football in the book, it is as good a time as any to look into the numbers behind their 3-1 start.
Defense off to hot start
Tech ranks sixth nationally among CFB programs in defensive yards allowed per game (260.0). This figure is a team effort — Tech’s triple-style-offense eats up so much clock, opposing teams watch what little time they have with possession quickly disappear thanks to Tech’s defense.
Death from above
QB TaQuon Marshall’s passing efficiency rating for the season sits at 182.3, the fifth best in the country among QBs with at least 33 pass attempts and the best in the ACC.
It’s been such a long time
The last time Tech beat a ranked Miami team was 2008, when the Jackets defeated No. 23 Miami 41-23 on Nov. 23. The Hurricanes have gone undefeated against Tech when ranked since then, and have only lost once overall to Tech since 2008.
Kicking it down the road
Freshman punter Pressley Harvin III has averaged 44.8 yards per punt this season. As it stands, that figure would be the highest ever by a Tech punter since Durant Brooks averaged 45.1 yards per punt in 2007.
Before committing to Tech, Harvin was ranked as the number one high school punting prospect in the country.
You can pick your friends…
A.J. Gray recorded two interceptions against UNC in the Jacket’s most recent game. Gray became the first Tech player to record two picks since Lawrence Austin accomplished the feat against Virginia Tech last season.
Gains and losses
The Jackets currently have a offensive yards per play versus defensive yards per play differential of +1.7. That figure is tied for 17th best in the country, tied with Stanford, Texas Tech, North Texas, USF and KSU.
In a rush
Tech’s offense has recorded 5.9 yards per rush, ranked no. 10 in the country. Stanford ranks first with 8.1 yards per attempt — the highest figure ever recorded since 2000. Only 2009 Nevada comes close to beating Stanford at 7.4 yards per attempt, as no other team this century averaged more than seven yards per attempt.
Brotherly love
Twins Lance and Lawrence Austin have combined 32 total tackles this season, and Austin’s 18 tackles rank second on the team behind Brant Mitchell. Both brothers have been integral parts of Tech’s defensive unit since joining in 2014.
Good reception
WR Ricky Jeune has recorded 171 total yards this season. Despite playing in Paul Johnson’s run-game-oriented triple option, Jeune has still posted solid numbers for a WR, and leads the team in receiving yards. Second place is RB Qua Searcy with 61 yards. Jeune has recorded three touchdown receptions, leading Tech.
Good reception
WR Ricky Jeune has recorded 171 total yards this season. Despite playing in Paul Johnson’s run-game-oriented triple option, Jeune has still posted solid numbers for a WR and leads the team in reception yards. Second place is RB Qua Searcy with 61 yards.
Oopsie Daisy
Tech’s offense has given up eight fumbles this season. Despite having played in only four games while most teams have played in five or six, Tech leads the ACC and has given up more fumbles than 122 other FBS teams.