conversions. Hill has a very aggressive D and it is a significant factor in winning games.

Also, score margin. Other than SMU, BYU has been up significantly almost the entire 2nd half of every game. Up big in the 1st half of some games. When up big a team changes focus to time of possession. O doesn’t go vanilla, but less aggressive. D doesn’t lose aggression, but focuses on keeping plays short yardage and no big plays. Both impact 3rd down conversions.

Also, a focus on 3rd downs ignores 1st, 2nd and 4th down conversions. BYU only had more 3rd down attempts than opponent in game 1, because SIU rarely had 5 or more plays in a drive. BYU had the same # of 3rd down attempts in 1 game and most of the rest about half as many 3rd down attempts, because BYU is getting conversions on 1st and 2nd. Also BYU absolutely dominates 4th down conversions.

Simple stats give incomplete pictures.