Welcome to Between the Numbers — where we look at what the Hudl IQ data tells us about what to expect in the unexpected world of college football.
Lace up your gloves because Week 10 is full of prize fights. We’re going to dive into three matchups — and the data behind their most intriguing players — to get you ready.
This week: Is LSU peaking at the right time? Why is everyone sleeping on Gio Lopez? Plus, Will Echoles is a monster.
The Matchup
Alabama vs. LSU
The biggest week of the college football season is finally upon us, with two top-10 matchups and four ranked games on the docket.
It’s difficult to parse out the most important of the bunch. But it’s undeniable that LSU-Alabama will have big-time implications on the SEC and College Football Playoff picture.
LSU is riding a two-game win streak and boasting some seriously good efficiency numbers. On offense, the Tigers are averaging 3.2 points per drive and have been successful on 55.5% of all plays.
On Saturday, this group will play host to an Alabama defense searching for answers after losing two of its last three games.
LSU could look to target Alabama’s secondary, which gives up 46.3% successful pass attempts, an above-league-average figure.
The battle between LSU’s wide receiver room and the Crimson Tide’s secondary could determine the winner of this monster matchup.
The Radar
Wake Forest QB Gio Lopez
Lost amidst the shuffle of Miami’s dominance and a few ACC stalwarts stalling out is Wake Forest’s dominant season. The Demon Deacons are 7-1, with the lone loss coming to the top-ranked Hurricanes.
Head coach Jake Dickert deserves a ton of credit, but so does quarterback Gio Lopez.
Lopez is lighting up the ACC, notching 0.44 EPA/Play and 0.38 EPA/Pass figures, while completing 67% of his passes. Lopez isn’t just playing pickleball either. He’s stretching defenses vertically, as evidenced by his 14 yards per completion and 25.7% pass chunk percentage.
The Demon Deacons appear to be in the driver’s seat for the 2nd-place race to the ACC title game. Lopez is finally getting the credit he deserves. If you haven’t been paying attention, this is one of the coolest stories in the sport and should be celebrated at every turn.
The Player to Watch
Ole Miss DL Will Echoles
Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles will be an NFL player very soon, but for now, we should enjoy what we’re seeing out of him in the college ranks.
Echoles is basically unblockable as the interior anchor for the Rebels’ defensive line. He’s got great size, elite strength and a real nose for the football on run plays.
This season, opponent rushing attacks have run into a wall with Echoles on the field. He’s created havoc on 27 plays and tallied 15.5 true tackles through eight games, and has been a big reason why this team is improving at the right time.
A big game against a fearsome Georgia rushing attack awaits.
