LSU has averaged 20 "splash" plays per game this season (plus tons of outrageous Joe Burrow stats)

That's plays of at least 10 yards.

280 on the season, #1 in the nation.

What's really crazy is we only have 367 first downs on the entire season that weren't by penalty (i.e., due to an offensive play).

So only 87 first downs were plays under 10 yards (e.g., 5 yard run on 2nd and 3).

 

Obviously that number is unfathomable, even for Jugular Joe.

Here are some facts that don't include the Oklahoma game:

Factoring in drops, throwaways, and batted passes, Burrow's adjusted accuracy improves to 83.5 percent, the highest mark in Pro Football Focus' statistical database, which dates back to the 2014 season.

Burrow ruthlessly attacks the heart of opposition defenses. He's completed 219-of-255 passes between the numbers this season – an incredible 85.8 percent completion mark – for 2,904 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just one interception.

His numbers on throws of 20+ yards are off of the charts: 33-of-56 (58.9 percent) for 1,166 yards, 18 touchdowns, and two interceptions. That's the highest completion percentage and most touchdowns on such throws, and it's the fourth-most yards, bettered only by three players with 25+ more attempts than Burrow.

He ranks first nationally in yards (1,095), touchdowns (14), and adjusted completion percentage (77.6) under pressure, and his 145.8 NFL Passer Rating in such situations is 28 points higher than the next best quarterback in PFF's database, dating back to 2013. (Baker Mayfield, 117.8, 2016).

Meanwhile, Burrow keeps LSU's offense ahead of the chains: he's completing 80.6 percent of his passes on first down, and his 228.9 passer rating on first downs in the highest figure in the last decade.

In terms of expected points added (EPA), Burrow has the fifth-highest figure (112.1) in passing EPA since 2004, with two games left to play. His total EPA of 112.5 is nearly five points higher than any player in the country, and it's 41.5 points higher than Ohio State's Justin Fields, who ranks fourth in the metric.

 

Is Jugular Joe a tough son of a bitch you ask?

Joe Burrow's stats on throws where he was hit this season:

24-of-33
72.7% completions
509 yards
4 touchdowns
15.4 yards per attempt
154.4 NFL Rating

All are tops in the country. The passer rating is 30 points better than any other QB while being hit in the last six seasons.

 

Don't blitz him, don't hit him.

Rush 3 and put 8 men back in coverage.

And watch Edwards-Hellaire run for 263 yards.

 

What about pressure and being clutch? Any chance Jugular Joe excelled under those circumstances?

Burrow also shines with his back against the wall. He completes 79 percent of his passes and had a 136.1 NFL Rating after an opponent scores, ranking first and third nationally, respectively.

Set aside the obvious – LSU's 12-0 record, road wins over top-10 foes, Burrow's fourth-quarter passer rating of 203.14, despite only playing in nine of 12 possible fourth quarters this season.

Look deeper: in clutch play situations, Burrow is 55-of-68 (80.9 percent) for 811 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, including an 88.7 adjusted completion percentage. All marks lead the SEC.

Adverse situations and high stakes bring out the best in him. He's thrown 25 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the red zone, and he's got a passer rating of 233.5 in third and long situations, which is why LSU's offense converts on third down 50 percent of the time.

When LSU needs him most, he delivers. In the second half of one score games, Burrow leads the nation in: completion percentage (80.8), yards per attempt (11.8), adjusted completion percentage (86.3), and NFL Passer Rating (127.0).

 

Uncatchable balls.

That would be passes actually intended to be caught, so excluding throwaways and of course dropped passes.

93.3% of Burrows intended passes were catchable this season.

478 attempts
371 caught
29 dropped
32 not catchable
6 intercepted
33 other (catchable but either defended or not considered drops)
7 thrown away

 

26 splash plays last night in the most important game of the season.

This offense was not going to be denied.