But those teams' success is a rarity. The Ducks' defense ranked 82nd in the nation, while Missouri's ranked 98th. Because of that, those numbers will be hard to replicate on a consistent basis.
During 2008, the top three teams (TCU, Virginia Tech, Nebraska) in time of possession combined to go 30-10.
It's not a coincidence that TCU's 2008 defense ranked No. 1 in the nation, while the Hokies' ranked seventh. However, the Huskers' ranked 55th in total defense, although, that occurred in the pass-happy Big 12 Conference.
In 2007, the bottom eight teams in time of possession combined for a less-than flattering 23-73 record.
Meanwhile, those teams' defenses averaged a national ranking of 103. That same season, the top three ball-control teams combined for a 28-11 record, with the defenses all ranking in the top-30 nationally.
It's not quantum physics or molecular genetics. Rather, it's fairly simple: The less your defense is on the field, the less points the opposition can score. And a more rested defense usually equals a better product on the field.
There will always be teams such as Oregon and Missouri who will represent arguing points for holding onto the ball, but the proof is in the pudding.
Ron Prince provided a perfect example for K-State fans. The Wildcats never ranked higher than 107 in time of possession, and it should come as no coincidence that their defense never ranked higher than 69th in the country.
Yes, the Wildcats were going up against some of the best offenses in the nation during those three years. But I think it's safe to say if the defense was off the field a little more then K-State fans wouldn't have witnessed four games of 50 or more points scored on its team in 2008.
The Wildcats rarely showed a commitment to the running game during the Prince era. In 2007, KState threw the ball 510 times while attempting just 351 rushing attempts. There was a lack of balance.
K-State always went back to the passing game. Prince had an abnormal philosophy, particularly in 2008, when his team seemed to run the ball more in the second half when trailing by significant margins than in the first half when it was close.
But now, Bill Snyder has returned to the sidelines and ball control is just one of several changes for the Wildcats.
However, question marks still remain with the 2009 team. The Wildcats are first in the nation at holding onto the ball at 35 minutes, 58 seconds per game.
Those numbers are likely to fluctuate some as the season progresses due to the need to pass more.
But the change is evident. Yet the Wildcats are 2-2. Why? K-State has sustained long drives while chewing up the clock, but has failed a large percentage of the time to convert those drives into points.
K-State ranks 87th nationally in scoring offense at 23.50 points per game, but the Wildcats have only scored 24 points in their two games against FBS opponents.
The Wildcats must simply convert every opportunity they have.
Those drives have to result in touchdowns and the occasional field goal. If the Wildcats can take advantage of those drives, then the wins may become more frequent, and the ball control of the 2009 team could begin to reap its benefits.
