By: Ryan Moreland (@ryanmoreland)
Season 21 will come to an end tonight with the National Championship Game. The USC Trojans will take on the Texas A&M Aggies. But before we get to the action, let’s look at how these two teams stack up against each other in different areas of the game.
Offense
| Stat | USC (Rank) | Texas A&M (Rank) |
| Points Per Game | 36.7 (13th) | 40.6 (10th) |
| Total Yards Per Game | 430.5 (17th) | 505.7 (10th) |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 124.3 (6th) | 118.9 (7th) |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 305.4 (22nd) | 386.8 (12th) |
| Sacks Allowed | 46 (24th) | 18 (t-7th*) |
| 3rd Down Conversion Rate | 43% (15th) | 50% (t-7th) |
| Turnovers Allowed | 13 (t-10th*) | 16 (t-15th) |
Advantage: Texas A&M
The Aggies fare better than USC in most offensive stats this season. The two that USC ranks better than Texas A&M (Rushing Yards and Turnovers) the Aggies aren’t far behind them.
Perhaps the most glaring statistic is the number of sacks allowed. USC has given up more than 2.5 times more sacks than Texas A&M and is by far the worst team in the CFSL in this metric. As you will soon see, Texas A&M excels at getting after the opposing quarterback. The Trojans will need to block better than they have so far this season if they want to win tonight.
Defense
| Stat | USC (Rank) | Texas A&M (Rank) |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 27.7 (1st) | 32.3 (7th) |
| Total Yards Allowed Per Game | 429.3 (4th) | 443.8 (7th) |
| Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game | 99.2 (11th) | 85.1 (7th) |
| Passing Yards Allowed Per Game | 330.1 (2nd) | 358.7 (8th) |
| Sacks | 20 (15th) | 37 (1st) |
| Turnovers Forced | 23 (t-1st) | 21 (3rd) |
Advantage: USC
As you can see, both teams have been great on the defensive side of the ball. However, the Trojans hold a distinct advantage over the Aggies.
Both teams have excelled at forcing turnovers. It is no secret that turnovers can change the fate of a game. USC has an advantage in forcing them and not allowing them to happen on offense. This could spell trouble for the Aggies.
Playoff Experience
| Stat | USC | Texas A&M |
| All-Time Playoff Record | 14-4 | 5-1 |
| National Titles | 2 | 0 |
Advantage: USC
The Trojans have a clear advantage in playoff experience, not only all-time but recent as well. The Trojans are looking for their second title in as many seasons. This is only the second playoff trip in school history for the Aggies.
While the advantage does belong to USC, playoff experience isn’t a good indicator of future success in the CFSL. Only two teams in CFSL history have ever won back-to-back National Championships (Notre Dame Seasons 12 and 13 and Kentucky Seasons 18 and 19).
Coaching
| Stat | USC | Texas A&M |
| AD Record | 24-10 | 11-8 |
| AD Seasons of Experience | 3 | 2 |
| AD Playoff Record | 9-1 | 3-0 |
Advantage: USC
Both teams have young ADs, but both have found a lot of success in the league. USC holds an advantage in coaching right now, thanks in large part to USC’s title run last season.
Just like playoff experience, an AD’s coaching record isn’t a strong indicator of future success either. There are only two ADs with multiple CFSL National Championships and the winningest AD in league history has just one.
This should be an exciting matchup between two extremely talented teams. Good luck to both USC and Texas A&M.
