Tough question: how do you rank first in rushing and last in time of possession?

Question

The Arkansas Razorbacks lead the SEC in team rushing and are ranked 5th nationally in that category (a major reason they are a top 15 team and the only SEC team that is undefeated in conference play). However, they are DEAD LAST in the SEC in time of possession, behind even the last place teams from Mississippi. For people who follow statistics, one of the main reasons it's so important for a team to establish the run is because you control the clock (time of possession) and keep your defense fresh. Can anyone reconcile this?

Answer 1

long runs to the end zone take little time. a team that gains 4 yards per will hold the ball longer than a team that puts down 50 yard runs. 50 yards is a TD and it only takes 1 min off the clock.
8 min to move down to the end zone and only get 3 points.

Answer 2

One reason for this is probably the yards per carry the backs average. If they break longer runs it doesn't take as much time off the clock. Also the Razorback passing game is much improved this season. Mustain throws the deep ball better and his average yards per completion is better than last seasons quarterbacks. In the end the longer passes and the longer runs don't eat up time. The defense is young so the lack of rest is not hurting them yet but as the season wears on it may.

Answer 3

you can have a great running game, all game and, lose time of possession if, the rest of the team are slow starters. believe Me, I know.

Answer 4

lots of 3 and outs (all rushing plays), a bunch of long rushing TD's