Yards Per Play vs Success Rate
YPP measures average yardage. Success rate measures how often plays meet the down-and-distance goal. Teams can be explosive by YPP but inconsistent by success rate.
Offense
What is Yards Per Play (YPP) in college football?
YPP
In college football, Yards Per Play means: Total offensive yards divided by offensive plays. It helps compare offensive efficiency across teams with different tempos.
Quick Answer
In college football, Yards Per Play means: Total offensive yards divided by offensive plays. It helps compare offensive efficiency across teams with different tempos.
Definition
Yards per play measures how many yards a team gains on average each offensive snap.
Formula
Total offensive yards ÷ offensive plays
Example
A team with 420 yards on 70 plays averaged 6.0 yards per play.
How to Interpret It
Higher yards per play usually signals explosiveness or efficiency, but it can hide inconsistency if a team relies on a small number of big plays.
Common Comparisons
Why It Matters
It helps compare offensive efficiency across teams with different tempos.
How CFB Track Uses It
CFBTrack uses yards per play as a quick offensive or defensive efficiency check, then pairs it with success rate, PPA, havoc, and schedule context.
Caveats
- Can be inflated by a few explosive plays.
- Does not account for opponent strength unless adjusted.
Related Glossary Terms
Success RateThe percentage of plays that gain enough yardage based on down and distance.EPA Per PlayTotal EPA divided by total plays.Explosive Play RateThe percentage of plays that become explosive plays.11 PersonnelOne running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers.12 PersonnelOne running back, two tight ends, and two wide receivers.21 PersonnelTwo running backs, one tight end, and two wide receivers.
Related CFB Track Pages
Last reviewed 2026-04-24