2011 Bowl Games: The Biggest Strength for Every Team

It is the most wonderful time of the year, but all 70 bowl teams have something cooking for them regardless if they are on a winning or losing streak. 

Whether it is on defense, offense or special teams, many of these solid squads rely heavily on their strengths. Some are more balanced than others, but there is that special ingredient that gets them cooking.

So, without further ado, here are your biggest strengths filled with stats for every bowl team!

LSU: Team Speed

This is arguably the fastest team in the country and when you look at this defense, it is filled with freak athletes. They have eight linemen that can harass your quarterback and don’t forget an All-Pro secondary filled with future pros as well.

Stat: Second in Total defense, eighth in passing defense, third in pass effiency defense, third in rushing defense and second in total defense.

Alabama: Run Defense

The Tide are loaded, but their linebackers are the best in America and because of it, they rank No. 1 against the run, allowing only 74 yards a game. Even their backups could start for most teams in the nation, and the starters may be starting in the NFL sooner than later.

Stat: First in run defense and total defense 

Oregon: Backfield

The Ducks possess the fastest backfield in the nation with as many as four or five different stars. They can hit the home-run ball on any given play and for that, they may be the most dangerous offense in America.

Stat: Fifth in rushing offense, sixth in total offense and fifth in scoring offense

Wisconsin: Chain Moving

Wisconsin has a knack for making crucial plays on third down, thanks to the Houdini known as Russell Wilson, and Montee Ball is a Heisman invitee for a reason.

Stat: Badgers are 26th in first downs per game (23.3) and fourth in scoring offense (44.6 PPG). Mr. Ball leads the nation in total touchdowns for a RB or WR with 38.

Michigan: Coaching

The Wolverines have some solid players, but Brady Hoke, Al Borges and Greg Mattison have significantly improved this program.

Stat: 10-2 season is best year since 2006 (11-2) where they lost in the Rose Bowl to USC.

Virginia Tech: Running Game

The defense isn’t bad, but Jayron Hosley has not been healthy, which has hurt the secondary.

Logan Thomas and David Wilson make this team tough to defend. Both are capable of extending drives and if they get it going against the Wolverines, they may pull off the upset. 

Stat: David Wilson is seventh-leading rusher in nation (125) and the team is 31st in rushing offense (188)

Clemson: Pool of Youth

It is the youth of this team that makes them so dangerous. Had they understood that they are playing in uncharted territory, they never would have made it to the BCS.

Sammy Watkins, Tajh Boyd and Dwayne Allen could come back next season in what likely would be a Top 10 preseason squad.

Stat: Watkins is 16th in the nation in receiving yards per game (96)

West Virginia: Offensive Matchups

They have so many talented options in the passing game that they often catch the defense by surprise.

Tavon Austin is a legit possession receiver often being used in the flats or the middle of the field, but Geno Smith has a whole cast of playmakers that Dana Holgorsen uses to his advantage. 

Stat: WV is seventh in the nation in passing offense (341 YPG)

Oklahoma State: Scoring Touchdowns

The Pokes biggest strength is not settling for field goals, and they are nearly unbeatable because of it.

Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon get most of the hype and deservedly so, but Joseph Randle could be a future All-American at tailback because he can do it all.

Stat: Oklahoma State is second in scoring offense (49.3 PPG)

Stanford: Push You Back

When the Cardinal needs that extra yard, it gets it. They have a few runners who always seem to fall forward when being tackled, but having the two best offensive linemen in the country certainly helps (David DeCastro and Jonathan Martin).

Stat: Nine teams have given up fewer than ten sacks and the Cardinal are one of them

Arkansas: Big Plays

Whether it is Joe Adams bringing back a punt for a touchdown or Jarius Wright sneaking past the secondary, the Razorbacks are loaded with big plays offensively.

Stat: Adams leads the nation in punt return yardage (16.19) and Wright is 23rd in nation averaging 93.55 yards per game.

Kansas State: Grinding It Out

Collin Klein and the Wildcats have been able to grind out a ton of victories this season due to their calm and cool demeanor. They are not the most entertaining team, but they do run for nearly 200 yards a game.

Stat: Klein is 41st in nation averaging 91 yards per game

Georgia: Sideline Speed

LSU struggled to move the ball in the first half because they tried to go east-west too often, and any team that attempts to do such will fail miserably.

The 3-4 defense the ‘Dawgs use is their strength, and it often sets up the offense with great field position.

Stat: Dawgs are eighth against the run allowing just 103 yards per game

Michigan State: Deep Threats

Jerel Worthy, William Gholston, Kevin Pickelman and the rest of the front seven are ferocious, but Kirk Cousins has got it going on in the passing game right now.

BJ Cunningham and Keshawn Martin are terrific receivers and can stretch the field, which opens up the running game.

Stat: In his last five games, Kirk Cousins has thrown 13 TDs and just 2 INTs

Nebraska: Speed Option

If your team is not technically sound, it will get run off the field. Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead are as good as it gets on the perimeter from an offensive standpoint.

Stat: Burkhead has had seven games this season with at least 20 or more carries and in those games he found paydirt nine times 

South Carolina: Front Four

The Gamecocks have one of the elite defensive lines in the nation, and it has often made the secondary a lot better than maybe it really is.

Stat: Thanks to the front four, the secondary ranks second in pass defense (133 YPG)

Ohio State: Ground Game

Braxton Miller is the bread-and-butter of this team because he can create on his own when the pocket collapses.

Plus, Daniel Herron helps Miller out in the running game to make the Buckeyes a potent rushing attack. 

Stat: Buckeyes are 27th in rushing offense (195 YPG)

Florida: Front Seven

The speed on the Gators is exceptional up front and without it, they would likely not be bowling.

It will be a great matchup to see Florida’s defense up front against the Buckeyes' running game that can bust off a few long gains.

Stat: Gators are ranked ninth in total defense (299 YPG)

Penn State: Interior Line

The offense has had its fair share of problems this season, but Devon Still has been on beast mode all year long.

The Nittany Lions defensive line is solid and they are known for making a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Stat: Devon Still ranks 14th in tackle for losses (17)

Houston: Pitch and Catch

Case Keenum can thread the needle with a plethora of weapons in the passing game. Most teams have been torched, but putting pressure on them can stop this offensive juggernaut.

Stat: Cougs lead nation in passing offense (443 YPG)

Oklahoma: Vertical Game

Even without Ryan Broyles, Landry Jones has found Kenny Stills, Jaz Reynolds and a few pass-catching tight ends down the field.

Though Jones has struggled in recent weeks, he is too good to continue to struggle against the Hawkeyes.

Stat: Landry Jones completed a pass of at least 38 yards until his final two games of the season (24, 23)

Iowa: Going McNutts

When the Hawkeyes can put the ball into the hands of star wide receiver Marvin McNutt, things usually turn out just fine. If the pocket collapses, all hell breaks loose.

Stat: McNutt is 11th in nation in receiving yards per game (105)

Texas: Bevo Beef

The Longhorns have some beef up front that can push your offensive line back to the end zone. They rank 11th against the run, and they thrive on coming after your quarterback.

Stat: 11th in rushing defense (103 YPG)

Cal: Maynard to Allen

Starting quarterback Zach Maynard and his half-brother Keenan Allen are one of the best duos in the nation. 

Stat: Allen is 12th in receiving yards per game (105 YPG) and the Bears rank 38th (251 YPG)

SMU: Throwing It Around

The Mustangs will always throw it around a ton as long as June Jones stays around (which may not be long).

Their system is tough to defend because they always have a few sneaky fast wideouts.

Stat: Mustangs are 22nd in passing offense (277 YPG)

Pittsburgh: Line Play

They are known for toting the rock with whoever is in the backfield, but they also have a solid defense up front that limits their opponent from relaxing in the pocket.

Stat: Pitt is 24th against the run (121 YPG) and 68th in rushing offense (151 YPG) despite losing their starter in Ray Graham

Northern Illinois: Dual Threat

The dual-threat ability of Chandler Harnish has been impressive this season and without it, they would certainly not be MAC Champions.

Stat: Harnish is eighth in total offense averaging 332 yards per game

Arkansas State: The Aplin Show

Ryan Aplin may be the least known player in the country not named Lance Dunbar or Bobby Rainey. Aplin is currently 10th in the nation in total offensive yards per game (320).

Stat: Aplin is also 20th in the nation for passing completions per game (22.8)

Auburn: One-Two Punch

Michael Dyer is the bell-cow runner on this team, but Onterio McCalebb has been known to bounce a few to the outside in the backfield or even on special teams.

Stat: Throw in Tre Mason for kick returns, ranking 19th in the nation (26 YPR)

Virginia: Hard-Nosed

The Wahoos have a stingy defense, but they love to run it right at you on offense. Freshmen Kevin Parker and Perry Jones have helped out the 53rd-ranked rushing offense in the nation.

Stat: Cavs are 53rd in rushing offense (165 YPG) and 34th in rushing defense (128 YPG).

Vanderbilt: Unknown Defense

The Commodores are arguably the best team in the nation that nobody knows about.

They squandered games against Florida, Georgia and Arkansas, but their defense ranks 19th in the nation and they have a ton of solid players including defensive end Tim Fugger (SEC Honorable Mention).

Stat: Vandy is 27th in run defense (123 YPG) 19th in total defense (324 YPG)

Cincinnati: Toting the Rock

Zach Collaros is expected to be back (ankle) at quarterback, but he will need continued production form running back Isaiah Pead if they expect to knock off a solid SEC squad.

Stat: Bearcats rank 37th in rushing offense (175 YPG) thanks to Pead, who is averaging 92.5 yards a game (39th in nation)

UCLA: Backfield Mates

Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman have been productive for a Bruins team that has struggled. UCLA has the 30th-ranked rushing offense, which has given the opposition some issues.

Stat: Franklin is 69th in rushing averaging 73 yards per game

Illinois: Sack Masters

The Illini are ninth in the nation for sacks per game and it is all thanks to Whitney Mercilus, who leads the country in sacks (14.5).

Stat: The Illini pass rush has helped the secondary out ranking fourth in the nation (159 YPG)

Georgia Tech: Triple Option

Tevin Washington has given major issues all season running the ball because most opponents have been more worried about his running backs.

The Jackets had 186 first downs due to the option, and only Air Force has more first downs via the run (193).

Stat: The third rushing offense in the nation (316 YPG) has been gashing nearly opponent this season

Utah: Run Defense

The Utes have trailed in several games this season, but they have avoided getting gashed against the run, allowing only 97 yards a game.

However, they did not play Oregon or Stanford, and they will be tested by Georgia Tech.

Stat: The Utes are seventh allowing just 97 yards per game against the run

Texas A&M: Pass Happy

Ryan Tannehill loves to spin it, and he has a few weapons who can come up with the big catch. The Aggies are averaging 288 yards per game, ranking 18th in the nation.

Stat: The Aggies are also 11th in the nation in scoring offense (39 PPG)

Northwestern: Aggies 2.0

A&M has a bit more talent in the passing game, but the Wildcats will spread you out with four and five wide receivers.

Drake Dunsmore, Kain Colter and Jeremy Ebert are trio of stars to be reckoned with.

Stat: The Cats are 35th in he nation in passing yards per game (256), but they also have a reliable rushing attack averaging 176 yards per game (36th)

Wake Forest: Deep Ball

Chris Givens has gone deep and blown by nearly every corner he has faced this season. Without him, WF would be in a world of hurt.

Stat: Givens ranks tenth in the nation averaging 106 yards per game

Mississippi State: Toughness

Dan Mullen has quite a few tough players, including Vick Ballard in the backfield on top of a slew of players in the secondary that are ball hawks.

The injuries hurt this team early in the season, and certainly Chris Relf's lack of production has been a factor.

Stat: Ballard is 49th in rushing, averaging 84 yards a game

Iowa State: Rushing Attack

Jared Barnett has given this offense a spark offensively, and guys like Jeff Woody and James White have been productive on the ground as well.

Stats: The Cyclones are 35th in rushing offense, averaging 181 yards per game

Rutgers: Pass Defense

The Scarlet Knights only have the 57th-rated rushing defense, but they are sensational against the pass, ranking 10th.

Stat: Rutgers are sixth in pass effiency defense allowing only 104 yards per game

BYU: Line Play

The Cougars and Bronco Mendenhall have always been known for their intense line play. They have a big offensive line, and their defensive front is the main reason they are 21st against the run.

Stat: The Cougars average 165 yards per game on the ground, 52nd in the nation

Tulsa: Offensive Balance

The Golden Hurricane's success has to be credited to the offensive balance. They average 250 yards a game passing and 204 yards rushing.

They will make it tough on the Cougars in the Armed Forces Bowl, because many of Tulsa’s backs can catch the ball and really stretch a defense.

Stat: Tulsa is among the most balanced non-AQ teams out there averaging 34 points per game (24th)

Baylor: Robert Griffin III

I mean, come on, man! RGIII is not only the Heisman frontrunner, but he is the toughest player to game-plan against. One has to hope to obliterate the Bears offensive line, or else Griffin will light up the opponents. 

Stat: Griffin trails just Case Keenum for total offensive yards per game (386.5)

Washington: Broken Tackles

Chris Polk breaks a boatload of tackles and is the main focal point of an offense that enjoys spreading it out.

Stat: Polk is 16th in the nation averaging 111 yards per game

Notre Dame: Stingy Defense

The Irish have a stingy defense because they have not been prone to give up a lot of big plays (save Michigan, USC). Due to that, they force a boatload of punts and give their offense decent field position.

Stat: The Irish are 34th in total defense, allowing 349 yards a game

Florida State: Defense

The offense has had some major problems, but the Noles have as fast of a front seven as you will see.

They are in the top five in a few defensive categories, mainly because they have a few defensive ends that are nearly unblockable.

Stat: The most impressive stat is arguably total defense, where they rank sixth in the nation allowing just 274 yards per game

Air Force: Option

Similar to Georgia Tech, the Falcons quarterback carries this offense. Tim Jefferson moves the chains on short-yardage situations, but they have a few backs that can get the job done.

Stat: The Falcons are second in the nation, averaging 320 rushing yards per game

Toledo: Star Talent

Eric Page and Adonis Thomas average over 200 yards of total offensive yards per game. Page is a threat in the passing and punt return game, whereas Thomas grinds out yardage on the ground.

Stat: Page is 18th in the nation in punt return yardage averaging nearly 11 yards per game

N.C. State: Scorching QB and Passed Intercepted

Mike Glennon has been catching fire at the perfect time of the season in hope of pulling off a bowl victory to springboard them into next season. 

Also, don't forget that the Pack lead the country in passes picked off (24) and that David Amerson has 11 of them (leads country).

Stat: Glennon has nine TDs (one rushing) in his last two games, compared to just one interception.

Louisville: Tackle for Losses

Charlie Strong’s defense is 16th in the nation in tackle for losses, averaging 7.25 per game. The defense was solid last year, but has made some nice strides in Year 2 under Strong. 

Stat: The Cardinals are 10th in the nation against the run allowing 103.5 yards per game

Western Michigan: Carder to White

Alex Carder to Jordan White has been arguably the best passing-catching combo in the entire country. White leads the nation in receiving yards per game (137) and in receptions (13).

Stat: Carder is seventh in total offense, averaging 335 yards per game

Purdue: Methodical but Successful

Ralph Bolden has made the Boilermakers a consistent offense, since they have been able to gash the opposition slowly this season, averaging 174 yards a game.

Stat: Caleb TerBush is 86th in the nation for total offense, averaging 169 yards per game

North Carolina: NFL Talent

For a 7-5 team, the Heels are loaded with three or four future stars just on defense. Quinton Coples is headliner and he, is expected to become a sure-fire Top 10 pick in next year’s draft. 

Stat: Coples is 34th in the nation with 7.5 sacks

Missouri: Mobile Quarterback for a Spread System

James Franklin has been a solid quarterback, albeit it has not gone without some growing pains.

The loss of star running back Henry Josey has put more of a burden on Franklin, but he handled it well overall (2 INTs vs. Kansas).

Stat: Franklin is 15th in the naiton for total offense, averaging 297 yards per game

Boise State: Winning and Scoring

The defense always helps out Kellen Moore when need be, but the all-time winningest quarterback in FBS history has a knack for hanging a ton of points every weekend.

They also win 11-plus games every season, will it continue in the Big East next season without Moore and a senior-led defense?

Stat: Boise State has finished in the top 12 for scoring offense in every single season under Chris Petersen

TCU: Track Speed

TCU has not received much credit prior to the past few seasons, but they are arguably faster than every team they play.

They have track stars all over the field and use that to their advantage under Gary Patterson.

Stat: The Frogs are ninth in scoring offense (41.6 PPG)

Southern Miss: Non-Offensive Dominance

It isn’t so much that Austin Davis and the offense have struggled, but more so that the defense and special teams thrive on turnovers which are immediately turned into points.

In fact, the Golden Eagles have 13 non-offensive touchdowns, which are the most among any team in the FBS.

Stat: The scoring defense is 29th allowing only 21 PPG

Nevada: Pistol Offense

Chris Ault’s pistol offense has always been nearly unstoppable. However, the loss of Mike Ball (suspension) has taken away the big-play ability.

Lampford Mark was a stud already, but he is going to have go bonkers if they expect to win the Hawaii Bowl.

Stat: The Wolf Pack are 8th in scoring offense, averaging 251 yards per game

Arizona State: Receivers

Brock Osweiler has a lot of options to throw the ball to, so despite their struggles this season, they remain a constant pain for most teams to deal with.

Stat: The Sun Devils are 11th in passing offense, averaging 310 yards per game

Louisiana Tech: Threading the Needle

The Bulldogs have a solid passing attack that is averaging 247 yards per game, which is 45th best. The WAC champions rely heavily on Quinton Patton, who has 10 TDs on the season.

Stat: Quarterback Nick Isham is sixth among freshman in terms of total offensive yards per game (159)

FIU: Hidden Yardage

Similar to Kansas State, the Panthers are amazing at hidden yardage. What does that term mean? It refers to special teams where games are often won and lost.

Hilton is America’s No. 3 kick returner in the nation, averaging 32 yards per return. He does it on offense as well, averaging 79 receiving yards a game.

Stat: Hilton is also 21st in all-purpose yards per game (145)

Marshall: Aaron Dobson

Aaron Dobson’s one-handed snag was the best catch of the entire season, but he is clearly the top strength of the team.

Without his 10 TDs, who knows if the Thundering Herd would have half as many wins?

Stat: As great as Dobson has proven to be in Conference USA, the Herd are only 74th in passing offense (212 YPG)

San Diego State: Backfield

Ryan Lindley is a possible NFL prospect in terms of playing in the immediate future, but Ronnie Hillman is already dreaming big for a sophomore. America’s third-leading rusher is averaging 138 yards per game.

Stat: The Aztecs are 28th in rushing offense, averaging 194 yards per game

Louisiana-Lafayette: Ladarius Green

The future NFL tight end has what it takes to play at the next level because of his size and athletic ability for such a big dude (6'6", 230 pounds).

Green has 46 receptions and seven TDs, which makes him arguably the best tight end not named a Mackey Award finalist.

Stat: Louisiana is 40th in passing offense averaging 251 yards per game

Ohio: Yardage

The Bobcats may have blown a 20-0 lead to the Huskies, but they sure moved the ball without many problems.

Not many teams can average 400 yards regardless of their schedule and the Bobcats are currently putting up 457 yards a game (21st).

Stat: The Bobcats are 38th in scoring offense, averaging 31 PPG

Utah State: Robert Turbin

Utah State is not an extremely talented team, but it showed what it can do when clicking on all cylinders when it played Auburn in the opener.

The main talent on the team is Robert Turbin, who is a one-man wrecking crew for the Aggies, as he can bulldoze over would-be tacklers on any given play.

Stat: Turbin is 10th in the country, averaging 118 yards per game

Temple: Yards Per Carry

Bernard Pierce has been a stud for the past few seasons, but his 5.57 yards per carry has carried this Owl offense.

Stat: Pierce is second in total touchdowns for a running back with 25, which would be the most in the country had there not been a player named Montee Ball.

Wyoming: Running in Laramie

The Cowboys prefer to run the rock because quite frankly, they cannot pass the ball much. Wyoming is averaging 185 yards per game, ranking 32nd in the country.

Stat: Cowboys are averaging just under 400 yards of offense per game (48th)