Grading System

Before reading too far, I think it is important to take a look at the grading system that I use to determine how individual players performed. I won't be using the PFF formula, rather the old Milt Tenopir system with some tweaks. It's proven to be a system that I have grown a lot of respect for as a player and coach. The scoring system is pretty simple. Players get grades of 0, 1, or 2 on each play. When the game is over (or when starters come off of the field) their total is added up and divided by the points possible (number of plays x 2 points possible per play). On certain occasions, I will give a player a 3 out of 2 if their block is performed so well that it deserves it. Here are explanations on how the individual grades per play are determined:

0 - Critical errors such as blocking the wrong guy, knowing the block missed blocks and poor effort. Giving up sacks or Tackles for Loss are almost automatic zero's but also getting whipped on the backside of a play would still earn a 0 even if it didn't harm the outcome of the play.

1 - Think "stalemate." The Offensive Lineman made it to to his block but didn't get much movement in run game. In pass protection, it would be picking up the right defender but not being able to stay 'bodied up' on him to give the QB adequate time or RB to cut past the line of scrimmage. There may also be some technique flaws here but the OL did not have a critical error.

2 - This would be doing your job and getting it done well. In pass protection, this is solid technique and setting the width of the pocket (Tackles) or depth of the pocket (C's & G's) and providing the QB plenty of time to throw. In Run game, this would be correctly identifying your assignment and getting good vertical (upfield) or lateral (toward the sideline) movement off of the defender.

3 - This would be a pancake or major drive block that triggers an explosive play. This would be peeling off to pick up a late blitzer across the formation a la Quenton Nelson. These are not often given out.

What do the percentages mean?

<50% - This is a terrible performance. Think an 'F' grade in school. This means they either had an superior defender lined up across from them or had a high percentage of critical errors. This player's performance would be an utter liability in the game and was likely obvious at times - you may have even heard announcers call this player out or discuss who this player is tasked with blocking.

50-60% - This is very poor game. Think a 'D' grade in school. This is below standard in college football. This player is a liability at times and a risk.

60-70% - This is an acceptable performance. Think 'C' grade in school. This would essentially mean that this member of the Pipeline stood up to the task at times and had errors as well. This performance can be good enough to win games if other members of the OL are performing well. For perspective, if all five players performed at this level every play, you could expect one of the five to make an error on a given play and potentially cost the team a big play. At the same time, you would see everything come together at times and see an explosive play.

70-80% - This is a very good performance. Think 'B' grade in school. This is winning football. If all five guys score in this range and the skill players do not turn it over a bunch, expect the Huskers to score a lot of points during this game.

<80% - A truly dominant performance. This could be that the defender lined up across from said player is inferior or that this player just had wonderful performance. Expect several game-changing explosive-play-triggering blocks. A high likelihood that defenders will be on the ground due to this player's performance.

Subjective: The system isn't perfect by any means and there is always a level of subjectivity involved when it comes to grading someone's block. However, I think this system is a pretty good one and can paint a picture of who the better performing players are.