and there are several to choose from:
97th worst in the country in negative yardage plays per game. 11th in conference, only Cal was worse. 7.17 negative yardage plays per game. Combine that with 6.7 penalties per game and (assuming half those penalties are offensive) our offense goes backwards 8 1/2 plays every game.
Btw the 43rd fewest penalties this past season I believe is Helton's best year. So there is that. Last couple years prior we were hovering around a 100th.
Honorable mention stat is red zone offense ranking of 85th, 10th in the PAC ahead of Cal and zona. Which underscores our inability to run the ball. When the field shrinks and WR's can't run around all day we have to be able to run, and we just can't.
Defense made some strides last year, if the offense matches those strides this year and the D holds court from last year the team can win the PAC. Despite the Helton factor. The d imo will regress a bit with no Hufunga and of course the losses at DT. But it shouldn't be a big drop off. The Offense is the key to this year as well know.
Gomer said we're going to return to smashmouth football this year. I believe him!
DC