#CUWStatsInfo: What makes Football's offense explosive?
MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin is putting up impressive numbers at a rate not seen in some time, averaging 407 yards and 35 points per game. Both yards and points averages are the best in head coach Greg Etter's era.
The Falcons are on pace to fall just short of the program's all-time yardage and points records, but nonetheless still put the crowd on edge not knowing if a score will come on that current play or not.
Quick-strike attacks
Perhaps the most impressive facet of CUW's offense is how quickly it can score.
The Falcons average scoring drive is 2:30 (22 touchdowns, three field goals), with 12 scoring drives accounting for less than two minutes. Looking deeper into the statistics reveals their touchdown scoring drives occur at an even faster pace, 2:12.
CUW scores quickly because its hurry-up offense is designed for big plays at a fast pace. The Falcons are averaging five plays per game that gain 20 or more yards, including three games with six big plays.
The Falcons average one play per every 24.3 seconds, which is a reason why their time of possession is deceiving. Just one of the five games this season they have finished with more time of possession than their opponents. They rank 47th in the nation in scoring offense, which was helped by their 70-point outburst at Maranatha Baptist Bible College on Oct. 12.
The passing game
CUW has an outstanding passing game and surprisingly it passes on only 48.6 percent of its plays. The Falcons are led by one of the most efficient and dynamic quarterbacks in the country in Austin Damaschke.
He is averaging 230 yards per game and 11.1 yards per completion. Damaschke leads the NACC in completion percentage (65.9) and ranks second in passing yards per game (326.0) in conference games.
CUW's passing game features one of the most potent aerial attacks because of the receivers ability to overpower and run past opposing linebackers and defensive backs. This season 14 receivers have caught at least one pass, led by wide receiver Garrett Wenzelburger's 41 receptions for 513 yards (102.6 yards per game) and six touchdowns.
Damaschke has connected with receivers for plays of 20 or more yards 18 times, including three for touchdowns. Wenzelburger leads all receivers with nine catches of 20 or more yards, with the team-best 61 yarder, which was also a touchdown against Benedictine University on Oct. 5.
Can CUW's offense be better?
While CUW's offense has been prolific thus far, it can pile on more yards and points if needed.
The Falcons have league games to come against Concordia University Chicago, Rockford University and Aurora University, who all rank at the bottom of the NACC allowing 38.6 or more points and at least 414 yards per game.
If you think CUW's offensive explosion last weekend at Maranatha Baptist Bible was impressive, just wait for more highlights in the coming weeks.
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