We all love the scoreboard, but sometimes it doesn’t tell the whole story. That’s where data visualizations come in. They bring out the trends, the truths, and the surprises that raw box scores can’t capture.
Here are ten of my favorite charts, built from opponent-adjusted metrics and team-level data, that offer a deeper look into how the game is really played from both sides of the ball.
1. Success Rate: Standard Downs vs. Passing Downs
This pair of charts shows how teams perform in different game situations. Offensively, it’s about staying efficient whether you’re ahead of schedule or in a hole. Defensively, it’s about getting stops when it matters most.
Offense
Teams in the top right are effective on both standard and passing downs. The bottom left highlights units that struggle to stay on track or recover from setbacks.
Defense
On the defensive side, top-left teams shut down early-down runs and force passing situations but then struggle. Those in the bottom right may clean up on 3rd-and-long but struggle to contain base plays.
2. Line Yards vs. EPA per Rush
How much push does your line get, and what are your backs doing with it? And on defense, are you stonewalling rushers or getting gashed despite contact?
Offense
This chart compares line yards (blocking effectiveness) to rushing EPA (actual value). Teams in the top-left are relying on their playmakers to bail out their lethargic run game. Teams on the bottom-left are getting consistent push but not enough to spring explosive plays.
Defense
Defensively, it’s about limiting both initial yardage and big-play potential. Teams in the top-right are stone walls, stuffing runs and denying explosive plays. Top-left teams are your classic bend-don’t-break defenses.
3. 3rd Down Success vs. Average Distance
Success on 3rd down isn’t just about execution, it’s also about setting yourself up with manageable situations. These charts break down how offenses and defenses handle the money down.
Offense
Elite teams convert often and avoid long-yardage scenarios. High success, low distance is the sweet spot. Teams above the trendline are what you would call clutch. They convert more often than you would expect given the average distance to go.
Defense
Strong defenses force longer 3rd downs and keep conversion rates low. Teams above the trendline hold firm on 3rd down more often than expected. These defensive coordinators are earning their paycheck.
4. Rushing Style: Line Yards vs. Highlight Yards
These charts reflect rushing identity. Offenses may grind out consistent gains or rely on splash plays. Defenses may force teams into low-efficiency runs or give up explosive gains.
Offense
Teams in the top right have both push and explosiveness. Upper-left teams are high-risk, high-reward. Lower-right teams grind it out but lack big-play potential.
Defense
Great defenses show up in the top right, limiting both consistent gains and explosive plays. Penn State was fantastic last season against the run. Struggling units trend toward the bottom right.
5. Dominating the Trenches
Winning up front still wins games. This chart shows which teams are physically controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Offense vs. Defense
This combo plot shows offensive line yards gained vs. defensive line yards allowed. Top-right teams are trench kings who win both sides of the battle. Bottom-left teams are getting bullied around on both sides of the ball and may need to rethink their physical identity.
6. Recruiting vs. NFL Draft Output
Having top talent is great. Developing it into draft picks is even better. This chart doesn’t break down any game statistics or metrics, but it tells a powerful story.
Some programs overachieve and produce pros from modest classes. Others underdeliver despite recruiting success. Michigan and Georgia stand out as elite in both talent acquisition and development. Texas A&M and Clemson stand out for quite different reasons.
7. Net Success Rate by Half
Who gets better as the game goes on? This charts capture how teams perform before and after halftime, showing coaching adjustments, depth, and late-game execution.
Top-right teams are consistently good all game. Upper-left teams improve throughout the game. Lower-right teams start strong but fade.
8. Average Starting Field Position
It’s not just about scoring, it’s about controlling the field. Field position tells the hidden story of efficiency and control. These charts map where teams tend to spend their time on both sides of the ball.
Top-right teams spend the bulk of their time on the opponent’s side of the field when they have the ball and far away from their own end zone when they don’t. Teams in the bottom left are usually pinned up against their own goal line, whether they have the ball or not.
9. Field Goal Expected Points
This chart shows the expected point value of a field goal attempt by distance, based on outcomes for a replacement-level kicker. Short kicks (under 30 yards) are nearly automatic, but value drops quickly beyond 40 yards and attempts beyond 50 often return less than 2 points on average.
It’s a powerful reminder that not all “field goal range” is created equal. Coaches must weigh field position and down-distance against the real expected return, not just the hope of three. Kicking talent matters as well, as the curve for an above-average kicker will be more elongated than this one. For a below-average kicker, the curve will drop off much sooner and harsher.
10. Returning Production: Usage vs. EPA
This one stands on its own. While we don’t have a defensive counterpart, it’s still a powerful preseason predictor.
We chart returning usage (volume) and total EPA (impact) from last season. Teams high in both are not just experienced, they’re returning proven performers.
All of the charts above are based on data from last season (2024), using opponent-adjusted metrics to give a clearer picture of team performance. As the 2025 season unfolds, I’ll be posting updated versions of many of these visuals, along with some others, each week.
You can follow along on Twitter/X and Bluesky, where I share fresh charts, insights, and data stories throughout the season.
Dig Deeper
These charts are just a sample of what’s possible with the tools at CollegeFootballData.com. Whether you’re building models, prepping picks, or just watching smarter, we’ve got the data to give you an edge.
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