Week 14 Analytics MVPs: An entire unit gets the nod on one side, and the first three-in-a-row on defense

Dec 4, 2024 | Uncategorized

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Missouri defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. (15) celebrates a fumble recovery during the first half of a game against Oklahoma on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Faurot Field in Columbia. (CAL TOBIAS/ROCK M NATION)

Johnny Walker Jr. has officially made Analytics MVP history, earning his third straight honor.

With snow piling all over Faurot Field this past Saturday, it was imperative that the Missouri Tigers have good play in the trenches. The Tigers got that and more from their offensive and defensive line, evidenced by the MVPs this week.

Missouri averaged just under 4.5 yards a play in the first three quarters, and then shot up to over 10 yards a play in the final frame. This made for some noticeably wonky analytics for the offensive skill players, as they were graded poorly due to their bad performances taking up most of the game time.

Nonetheless, Mizzou did enough to win the game and they did enough to have two MVPs this week. Let’s take a look at who earned the nods:

The Entire Offensive Line

This is a first for the series, I am giving an entire unit it’s flowers this week. This comes with warrant, as the line only allowed ONE pressure against Arkansas and it was a hurry. This was truly a flawless performance from the line especially given the conditions and the talent on the defensive side of the ball for Arkansas. Only allowing one pressure is by far their best performance of the season, including a game against 1-11 FCS Murray State.


The player’s card that I’m going to use is Marcus Bryant and that’s purely because he scored the best. Funnily enough, the only pressure was allowed by Cayden Green so I guess if there are any Oklahoma fans reading they’ll be happy to know that. Green should be devastated he allowed one pressure. Bryant was perfectly scored in almost every aspect, and was one of the best pass blocking left tackles in the SEC this week.

Brady Cook’s quarterback draw is one of those plays that I think showcases this the best. The way the entire unit parts the sea for him is pretty phenomenal, even if it was a passing play Brady would have had plenty of time. Specifically the interior of the offensive line which has done pretty bad this season, they did a great job on this play and in the game overall.

This offensive line unit had some inexperience and a lot of chemistry to be gained, alongside an injury to Connor Tollison which had them adding yet another player to the fold. However, despite that they did a pretty solid job against Arkansas and even powered this team to a solid running performance. This was in spite of the fact that Arkansas knew Mizzou was going to be running the football thanks to the conditions.

Johnny Walker Jr. | Edge Rusher

Hello! It is a first for Analytics MVP history, Johnny Walker Jr is our first ever player to get the honor three games in a row. I really do try to avoid this but Walker had a monster game for his final showing at Faurot, picking up a whopping seven pressures. In the last three weeks, Walker actually leads the country in pressures. Safe to say, after a slow start Walker really emerged as a statistical leader for this defense.

What’s even better about these performances, is his VAT gets better and better every week. Walker was really being good that it was noticeable on a team or a conference level, but this was a national level showing in snowy conditions. He was graded dominantly, and played dominantly. Walker is currently on a streak of six straight games with a sack, which is the longest of its kind in the country. Doing that in the conference which is notorious for physically intense play and physically gifted offensive linemen is even more impressive.


Walker’s forced fumble which was his first of two in the game on Saturday, on Taylen Green was nothing short of a masterclass in not giving up. Walker doesn’t get to Green but he shows his one-track mind of getting to the quarterback, and doesn’t give up on the play. He capitalizes on the conditions especially considering Arkansas leads the country in fumbles, and slapped the ball out.

I’ve said it time and time again but Walker is truly a player Mizzou fans should miss dearly. People will remember Darius Robinson because of his smile and NFL draft success, but people should equally remember Walker for his production and amazing leadership on this squad.

Legend

Offensive Linemen

OL Stats have two categories, team and individual. Each category has 5 stats, and they both contribute to the VAT.

Team

Line Yards: The line gets credit for rushing yardage between 0-3 yards (instead of 0-4) and 50% credit for yards 4-8 (instead of 5-10). Anything over 8 yards is quantified as a highlight opportunity, and credit goes to the runner. As with the pro definition, lost yardage still counts for 125%.

Run Efficiency: The percentage of carries (when four yards are available) that gain at least four yards, i.e. the percentage of carries in which the line does its job, so to speak.

Power: Percentage of runs on third or fourth down, two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown.

Stuffed: Percentage of carries by running backs that are stopped at or before the line of scrimmage.

Sacks: Unadjusted sack rate for all non-garbage time pass attempts.

Individual

Run Block: A combination of many variables, including Run Blocking grade that give an overall run-blocking score.

Hits: Ratio of QB Hits allowed to Pass Blocking Snaps.

Pressures: Ratio of QB Pressures allowed to Pass Blocking Snaps.

Penalties: Penalty Rate.

Pass Efficiency: Pass Blocking Efficiency.

Edge Rushers

Pass Rush: Pass Rush Score, comprised of various pass rushing stats and factors

Run Defense: Run Defense Score, comprised of various run defense stats and factors

Stops: On a first down, if the offense gets 45% of the way to a first down or less.

On a second down, if the offense gets 60% of the way to a first down or less.

On a third or fourth down, if the offense doesn’t get a first down.

HHS: Hits, Hurries, and Sacks generated

Efficiency: Overall Defensive Efficiency

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