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To compare a quarterback’s rushing from game to game, line up rushing attempts, net rushing yards and net yards per attempt for the same season and competition level. Then check sacks, kneel-downs and game situations before treating a high or low total as evidence of rushing efficiency.
Start with the same sample and three basic numbers
Choose the games you want to compare and state the scope: season, competition level and whether postseason games are included. Avoid mixing FBS with lower-division games or regular-season with postseason results without labeling the difference.
For each game, collect:
- Rushing attempts: the recorded number of carries.
- Net rushing yards: rushing yards after losses are included.
- Net yards per attempt: net rushing yards divided by rushing attempts.
These figures answer different questions. Attempts indicate workload, net yards show total rushing contribution, and yards per attempt helps compare output relative to workload. A quarterback can lead in total yards because he ran more often while posting a lower average per attempt.
Know what the rushing total includes
Rushing yards are net, not just gains
The NCAA Football Statistics Rules state: “The rushing total is a net figure. All rushing losses must be recorded so as to account for the net figure.” That means the rushing-yard figure already subtracts qualifying losses; it is not a sum of positive runs alone. See the NCAA Football Statisticians’ Manual.
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Sacks can affect a quarterback’s rushing line
NCAA scoring rules can classify a sack as a rushing loss. Before interpreting a quarterback’s low or negative rushing total as poor designed rushing, check whether sack losses are part of the recorded figure. Net yards per attempt inherits those losses, so it may reflect both rushing plays and pass plays that ended in a sack.
Kneel-downs and team totals are not interchangeable
The manual identifies quarterback kneel-downs among losses recorded as team rushes. As a result, do not assume the team rushing total is simply the sum of the quarterback’s and each running back’s individual figures.
Option plays depend on how the play is scored
On option plays, the quarterback’s credited yards can depend on whether he pitches the ball at the line or first keeps it beyond the cushion described in the manual’s examples. If an individual game total looks surprising, use the official scoring or play-by-play record rather than inferring the credited rush from a video impression.
Calculate yards per attempt consistently
Use this calculation for each game:
Net rushing yards per attempt = net rushing yards ÷ rushing attempts
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Use the yards and attempts from the same statistical source. Label the result as net yards per attempt, and do not compare it directly with a figure based on a different treatment of sacks, kneels or other scoring. If a player has no recorded attempts, the rate is undefined; do not divide by zero or report a made-up average.
Use a repeatable game-by-game comparison
- Set the scope. Record the season, competition level, games included and whether postseason games count.
- Gather the same fields for every game. Use official game box scores or the relevant official statistics page. NCAA.com’s current FBS individual rushing statistics is a starting point for FBS figures; for game-by-game comparisons, confirm that the view or box scores provide the needed game-level values.
- Compute the rate. Divide net rushing yards by attempts for each game, using figures from one source and the same scoring scope.
- Investigate outliers. Check sacks, kneel-downs and option plays in the box score or play-by-play before attributing an unusually high or low total to designed runs.
- Compare totals and rates separately. Say whether you are comparing workload, total contribution or efficiency instead of collapsing them into one ranking.
- Add available game context. Note opponent and circumstances such as score or down-and-distance when those details are available.
Put the numbers in game context
Two similar rushing lines can come from different situations: one quarterback may have run frequently while the score was close, while another’s attempts may have come in a different game state. Opponent, score and down-and-distance can help explain the difference, but they do not change the recorded totals.
cfbstats.com describes player and team splits and play-by-play, with rushing breakdowns by half, quarter, down and distance, field position, and score. Check the site’s current season coverage and access before relying on a particular split.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to get figures and what to verify
Official box scores and NCAA statistics are the best starting points for recorded figures and NCAA scoring conventions. The NCAA.com FBS statistics page may require an interactive browser view; verify current figures directly rather than relying on a stale copy. For a disputed or unusual line, consult a game box score or play-by-play and keep the source consistent across the comparison.
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The NCAA manual is the primary reference for NCAA statistical scoring rules. Its relevant provisions cover net rushing totals, special loss treatment and option-play examples; consult the current manual if you need to resolve a specific scoring question.
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