For this special edition series of Sideline to Sideline revolving around the 2019 College Football Playoff, SEC Statcat is tweaking it's normal structure. Instead of doing one, big long article chocked full of the advanced analytics, playcall trends, and stat nuggets you know and love, we will be presenting a number of articles geared around all three playoff games. The Sideline to Sideline pieces will consist of deep dives on each playoff offense as well as breakout articles examining certain aspects of all four teams like their quarterbacks, schedule, and offensive weapons to mention a few.

Another buzz term I will be using in great volume is "Success Rate". All yards aren't created equal, and Success Rate applies situational conditions that need to be met in order for a play to be "successful". In case you are unaware, a successful play must gain 50% of yards to gain on 1st Downs, 70% of yards to gain on 2nd Downs, and 100% of yards to gain on 3rd/4th Down. 

In this piece, I will be examining the four quarterbacks: Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, and Trevor Lawrence.

Instead of evaluating each team by their entire body of work, SEC Statcat charted each of the title contender's four best defenses faced per ESPN's SP+ metric. To be concise, this is the Worldwide Leader's blanket stat that measures potency, explosiveness, scoring, and down-to-down success relative to their opponent, field position, and a few other factors. But, I will bring this metric up from time-to-time, so keep in mind what it is. 

Sure, each of these schools have varying degrees of difficulty in terms of the teams they have faced. But by looking at their "four hardest games", we're able to get a better depiction of what to expect from these guys in the playoff. 

LSU's four toughest defenses faced per ESPN's SP+ are Florida, Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia.

Ohio State's four toughest defenses faced per ESPN's SP+ are Michigan State, Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin (Big 10 Championship).

Clemson's four toughest defenses faced per ESPN's SP+ are Texas A&M, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Oklahoma's four toughest defenses faced per ESPN's SP+ are Kansas State, Iowa State, TCU, and Baylor. But instead of TCU, we swapped in Oklahoma State on the road. Baylor in the Big 12 Championship was charted over the regular season game.

Short vs. Long

Obviously, quarterbacks can varying in what they are asked to due in the context of their team's scheme. Some QBs might naturally be asked to lean on deep throws while others might get the luxury of padding numbers with Run-Pass Options or screens. Before we begin breaking out how these playoff passers have done versus their toughest opponents, lets take a glance of how they operate and where they like to direct their passes. 

* Joe Burrow

Despite being an exceptional deep ball passer, no playoff QB has targeted routes five yards or less downfield at a higher rate than Joe Burrow. Operating under the "take what they give us mentality" versus his elite opponents, Burrow has had to reel it in a bit and manage ball games. This has led to many professional talking heads to belittle his accomplishments and call him a "Checkdown Charlie". Despite the conservative perception, Burrow has accumulated the second most yards on throws that have traveled at least 20 yards downfield and shares the top Dropback Pass Rate -- or percentage of passes that aren't screens, RPO throws, or tap passes -- among the four playoff passers. Perhaps the most important of all, Burrow is the most accurate passer whether long or short in the playoff. 

* Justin Fields

Justin Fields did a good job of shredding secondaries in his spot plays at Georgia last season. His first season starting for the Buckeyes has mostly been a success. But despite the clear talent, there is no ignoring the fact Fields is the least accurate passer in this year's playoff when facing top rated foes. Ohio State likes to run the ball so passing takes the backseat. With the ground oriented approach, Ohio State's scheme saw Fields sport the second highest Play Action Rate and RPO Usage on his pass attempts.  No playoff passer targeted short less than Fields. In fact, his average depth of target -- or how far his receiver is downfield -- is the highest by about two yards among the playoff QBs. But with Ohio States rudimentary pass patterns, receivers aren't designed to easily generate yards after the catch. No playoff passer has a lower YAC% than Fields. 

* Jalen Hurts

During his time in the SEC, Jalen Hurts was as talented as anyone else in the conference throwing the football. But due to his risk-adverse and indecisive nature, there was much left to be desired in terms of on-field production. Lincoln Riley's prolific offensive scheme has helped curb some of this past behavior but it still pops up -- particularly against the better opponents. Still, Oklahoma has designed nice plays to get the most out of Hurts and his weapons. No playoff passer has a higher percentage of their yards coming after the catch than Hurts. Despite using play action more than anyone else in the playoff, Hurts is the least reliant on RPOs. Hurts also targets deep the second most while owning the second highest Screen Rate. Regardless on what he's been asked to do, only Burrow has been more accurate. 

* Trevor Lawrence

With how he slung the pill around in 2018, many were quick to label him a generational talent and as a future No. 1 overall pick. While Trevor Lawrence wasn't as sharp as we are used to seeing him earlier this season, he really returned to his old ways by the end of the year. It is rather apparent Clemson faced the easiest schedule of any of the playoff teams. But that doesn't make Lawrence any less of a passer. He still is clearly one of the best in college football. Lawrence targets ten yards or further down field at the highest rate among playoff passers versus their top rated opponents with only Burrow being more accurate. Still it bears mentioning, Clemson doesn't like him to do the heavy lifting too often. No playoff quarterback has a lower Dropback Rate than Lawrence. That is because no one else is more reliant on Screens or RPOs. But despite the ample plays schemed to do damage after the catch, Lawrence has the second lowest YAC% in the playoffs. 

3rd Down

I don't need to tell how you vital it is to succeed on the money down. Regardless of whom you play, you simply have a better chance to come out with a W if you take care of business on 3rd Downs. Considering all four playoff defenses fall within the nation's Top11 in 3rd Down Conversion Rate, there will be plenty of hard fought battles on the do or die down. 

1. Justin Fields

Ohio State plays a lot of 3rd Downs. Against their four toughest opponents, no playoff offense had more than their 55 chances and no passer has been better at moving the chains through the air than Fields. While the Buckeyes tend to breakdown and are forced to improvise quite a bit, Fields is often at his best in those situations. See his playoff leading 15.7% Explosive Pass Rate if you don't believe me. Despite facing the second most pressure, suffering the second most sacks per dropback, and averaging the second most yards to gain, his 3rd Down Passing Success Rate is over 13 percentage points higher than the next closest quarterback. Sure the breakdowns lower Ohio State's 3rd Down Passing Success Rate clip down to 51.6%. But when Fields can buy time, his figures speak for themselves. 

2. Jalen Hurts

Though Oklahoma's Overall 3rd Down Passing Success Rate is down near LSU's and Clemson's, Hurts possesses a 50% Success Rate when not trying to avoid pressure or use his legs to capture a conversion. With a near 78% 3rd Down Pass Rate against top rated opponents, Hurts has had plenty of chances in these spots. With a pretty high early down Run Rate, the Sooners' ground game has done well setting up manageable distance-to-gain situations. His 6.79 average yards to gain on the money down is the second lowest among the playoff passers. With the second lowest Pressure and Sack rate, Hurts has been able to generate big plays in these spots; his 14.3% Explosive Pass Rate only trails Fields' clip. 

3. Joe Burrow

Despite far and away being the most accurate passer on thirds than any other playoff passer, Burrow is only the third most successful. He averages the lowest distance to gain as well as depth of target in these spots. So while Burrow has used the shorter throws to pad his Accuracy%, these throws haven't always led to conversions. LSU has the second lowest 3rd Down Pass Rate. But when they do dropback, Burrow suffers from the highest Pressure Rate and second highest Sack Rate among the playoff passers. For what it is worth, three of their four top rated opponents finished Top30 nationally in 3rd Down defense.

4. Trevor Lawrence

Despite Clemson's first team playing less 3rd Downs than their contemporaries versus the meat of their schedule, no playoff passer has more attempts in these spots than Lawrence. And even though Lawrence sees the least amount of pressure and sacks per dropback compared to the others, no one is as inaccurate or unsuccessful on the money down. However, his degree of difficulty on his chances have been the highest of any playoff quarterback. Lawrence's 8.23 average yards to gain and 13.7 average depth of target are both the highest amongst him, Burrow, Fields, and Hurts versus their four top rated opponents. 

Red Zone

The Red Zone is where passers often have to be on their A-game. With points at a premium and the defense bowing their necks, throwing windows are smaller and yards are harder to come by. Reaching paydirt is often the difference between winning and losing close ball games. After all, six points are more than three. With three of the four playoff defenses being among the 16 best in the country in Red Zone Scoring, things won't come easy for Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, or Trevor Lawrence inside their opponents 20 yard line.

1. Trevor Lawrence 

Lawrence is the most successful and most accurate Red Zone passer in this year's playoff despite averaging a playoff-high 6.3 yards to gain on his attempts. Making the most of his soft schedule, 90% of his attempts have been on target while meeting situational goals. His one incomplete pass went down as a drop. Half of his tosses here have resulted in six points, which is also the best rate among the playoff passers. Though four of his ten Red Zone attempts were off RPOs, he owns the second best yards/attempt average. Looking at the massive dropoffs from his figures to the other QBs in a few areas, Lawrence has the edge within the Red Zone. 

2. Jalen Hurts

While there is not much separation between him, Burrow, and Fields, Hurts gets the nod due to a slightly higher Success Rate. Hurts has the least amount of attempts and touchdowns in the Red Zone of any of the four playoff passers. But by a rate basis, his clip is the second best; all of his successful passes have reached the end zone. A quick decision-maker, averages the quickest time to throw with a 2.03 average in these spots. Hurts also sports the lowest average distance to gain on his Red Zone passes with 4.11. 

3. Joe Burrow

Believe it or not, failing to succeed in the Red Zone was one of Burrow's major blemishes in 2018. Among SEC starters, no one else had a lower Success Rate in this area of the field than his 17.1% clip. While the second best in his conference in the Red Zone this season, a tough schedule has brought down his numbers. Three of LSU's four top rated foes are Top10 nationally in Red Zone Scoring Defense. But despite being the least successful Red Zone passer in the playoff, Burrow is the second most accurate and least reliant on RPOs in this area of the field. While the other playoff teams' Red Zone Pass Rate is around 33.3%, LSU's is over 52%. 

4. Justin Fields

Despite barely edging out Burrow for the third-highest Red Zone Passing Success Rate among the four playoff QBs, Fields is the least accurate. He shares the second-most touchdowns thrown in this area of the field (5) with Lawrence. But the rate at which he throws them is the smallest. To boot, over a fifth of his passes here have been off RPOs. Even though he has the second most Red Zone attempts, Ohio State's Pass Rate inside their opponents' 20 is the same as Oklahoma's and Clemson's. Four of their opponents -- three of which fall under the umbrella of being among their four best -- rank inside the Top30 nationally in Red Zone Scoring Defense. 

Deep Passing

Greg Maddux and Tom Glavin said it best two decades ago: chicks dig the long ball. While the vast majority of quarterbacking supersedes one's ability to lean back and chuck it a country mile, being able to complete deep passes often can change the tenor of drives, games, and seasons. There's no question long balls will alter this year's title race. In case you were unaware, SEC StatCat counts any pass attempt that travels at least 20 "air yards" as a deep attempt. 

1. Jalen Hurts

Lincoln Riley does a very good job scheming dudes open downfield. It's just what he does. No college offense created more average yards of separation for receivers the past two years than Oklahoma's. Hurts has thrived finding guys deep in this scheme as did his two passing predecessors in Norman. Against Oklahoma's toughest defenses faced, Hurts leads the four playoff QBs in Accuracy% and Completion% while not having a single interceptable pass attempt on throws with a depth of target of at least 20. But despite finding guys when they're open, he remains risk adverse trying to squeeze it into tight coverages. This "safe" approach often leads to throws out of harms way, which is why his 18.8% Uncatchable Pass Rate is second highest of the playoff passers. Still, there's no belittling his excellent 62.5% Completion, which is nearly 10 percentage points higher than the next best. 

2. Joe Burrow

Burrow's improved downfield accuracy has been one of the reasons why he vaulted from fringe draft prospect into top pick consideration. While he might not let it rip as much as his playoff contemporaries, he completes over half of his deep passes and has accumulated the second most yards in our sample size. LSU loves to take deep shots off play action, particularly on 1st Downs. Overall, 52.6% of Burrow's deep chances have used play action, which is far and away the most of any playoff passer versus their four hardest foes. While he has thrown an INT, his receiver arguably had a shot at it even though it wasn't on target. Burrow is the only playoff passer to prevent throwing an uncatchable deep pass attempt.  

3. Trevor Lawrence

During his coming out party late last season, Lawrence's ability to deliver dimes deep popped off the screen. While he certainly does a lot of other things well, his ability to throw bombs on a frozen rope wowed many fans and pro scouts alike. In our sample size, he leans on play action the least in order to facilitate his deep passing of the four playoff passers. In those four games, no one topped his 432 deep passing yards despite sitting out a pair of 4th Quarters. Even with the second highest Deep Pass Rate, he only trail Burrow in Interceptable and Uncatchable Pass Rate. 

4. Justin Fields

A big part of Ohio State's run-heavy approach is aiming to hit on chunk plays deep when the opportunity arises. No playoff passers goes deep on average more often than Fields. But despite having the best Deep Passing Touchdown Rate, Fields is firmly at the bottom in most areas. Even with the high composition, he has the least amount of deep passing yards with 287. Fields is also dead last in Accuracy%, Completion%, Interceptable Pass Rate, and Uncatchable Pass Rate on his deep attempts. He is just as likely to throw an uncatchable pass as a touchdown. 

Play Action

Passing off play action is a great way to play complimentary football. Most quarterbacks often see increased production off these looks since they often bait defenders out of position. While you don't want a passer overly reliant on play fakes in order to get the job done consistently, you should want one that can be advantageous against manipulated coverages when the situation calls for it. Play action also facilitates taking chances deep, which can often tilt the tide in close contests. 

1. Trevor Lawrence 

I could've gone with Burrow in the top spot, but theirs no denying Lawrence's potency off play fakes. Sporting the best Depth Adjusted Accuracy% off play action of any playoff passer, Lawrence also holds the highest percentage of yardage that has come off play fakes. Versus the his hardest competition, over 41% of his yards were on plays that utilized play action. Lawrence was very fruitful despite using play action less per dropback than any of his contemporaries. While Burrow has been slightly more successful and explosive in these spots, there's no denying Lawrence's downfield accuracy. 

2. Joe Burrow

Despite facing the toughest four team slate, Burrow is the playoff's most successful passer off play action. While over the course of the season Burrow has been rather explosive and big-play oriented off play fakes, he has been much more reserved against his top rated foes. On the year, Burrow has an Explosive Pass Rate of 28% compared to 17% clip versus the likes of Florida, Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia. Still, no play off passer has been better at Burrow at turning his action attempts into game altering plays. His 1st Down+Touchdown Rate off play fakes is the best clip among the title contending QBs. While the Tigers might not turn to play fakes as much as their contemporaries, it is not because of Burrow's inaccuracy on these tries. 

3. Jalen Hurts

Oklahoma dials up play action more than any other playoff team. With their balanced Run/Pass ratio, they naturally should be more advantageous than the others in this regard. That being said, the playoff's most explosive offense sees a quarter of their passes off play fakes net 20 yards or more -- the highest clip by over 8 percentage points. The ample use of play action has also enabled Hurts to be one of the best a converting or scoring. A scheme that calls for more "power" action with pulling lineman, Oklahoma often has found room to operate beyond the second level. Only Lawrence has a higher percentage of yards coming off play fakes than Hurts. 

4. Justin Fields

Despite Ohio State being the most run-heavy offense in the playoff, their passer is the worst of the four off play action. Regardless of where or how he is asked to execute, Fields' accuracy is consistently at or near the bottom. In terms of play action usage, Fields' Depth Adjusted Accuracy, which applies more weight the further a pass travels, is ten percentage points worse than the next closest passer as is his Success Rate. Despite using the second most play action on average per dropback versus the meat of their schedule, Fields has the lowest yard share of any playoff passer by a considerable amount. That alone should tell you how inefficient these looks have been for the Buckeyes. 

Under Pressure

Besides being a halfway decent song that seems to stand the test of time, "under pressure" stats can help separate the good passers from the great ones. Sure, the vast majority of plays operate under the structure of the design. But it's when things don't go according to plan -- someone fudging a blocking assignment, extending a play extra beat while a target is working off a jam, or facing a jailbreak blitz -- is when you'd love to have a passer stand tall and deliver in the face of pressure. Considering two playoff defenses are Top25 nationally with the other two being Top40 in Sacks/game, these passers shouldn't expect too many clean pockets. 

1. Joe Burrow

What Burrow has done versus pressure as a downfield passer this season is truly remarkable. While some immediately think of his "Heisman moment" against Georgia, Burrow has been so masterful in these spots that it doesn't do him justice to whittle it down to a singular play. Sure, Burrow faces the least amount of pressure per dropback overall. But remember, no one sees more on the money down among the playoff passers on average than Burrow. The 81st Heisman winner substantially is more accurate under duress than the next best QB. His Depth Adjusted Accuracy% -- which applies weight the further an attempt travels downfield -- is over 15 percentage points than the next closest passer. Plus, his Success Rate and 1st Down+Touchdown Rate are also tops by a safe margin. All the while, he hasn't thrown a single interceptable pass attempt. Again, these figures reflect his performances against Florida, Auburn, Alabama, and Georiga -- all being Top8 defenses in the eyes of ESPN's SP+ metric. 

2. Jalen Hurts

Versus their four top rated opponents, there were plenty of instances of Oklahoma's line breaking down. But there also were situations where Jalen Hurts brought the pressure upon himself. Unfortunately, Hurts can still be an indecisive and risk adverse passer, two traits that often frustrated many Crimson Tiders. At Alabama, I too would often step back with mixed reviews of Hurts after charting him. He would make great, tight window throws, be able to evade pressure and deliver dimes, and often would cause self-inflicted wounds by dropping his eyes if his first read failed to get open. Whether or not Hurts is partially to blame for his top 32.6% Pressure Rate, he certainly thrives playing backyard ball. He is more accurate downfield, his attempts are more explosive, more situational succesful, and converts or scores at a higher clip when under duress compared to his clean pocket figures. For what its worth, if his DAA% versus Oklahoma's four toughest foes was averaged over the course of the season, it would only be bested by Joe Burrow's 75.4% clip in the SEC. Jalen with Hurts you if you cannot get to him. 

3. Justin Fields

Fields is still a developing passer, so it shouldn't come as a major shock that the sophomore was considerably less successful when throwing the ball under duress compared to clean attempts. But some of his best throws have been under pressure. Fields sees the second most pressure per dropback among the playoff passers against their best foes. Yet, Fields is the second most explosive in these spots. His 51.5% Depth Adjusted Accuracy% would be among the SEC's best if averaged over the course of the season. Still, his Interceptable Pass Rate is 2x higher versus pressure than from clean pockets. He might be more pinpoint, but he's also considerably more careless with his attempts. 

4. Trevor Lawrence

Mr. Sunshine plays rather cloudy when he is under pressure. Out of clean pockets, you really have to nit-pick to find flaws in Lawrence's game. Versus pressure, however, his shortcomings stick out. Lawrence is the worst playoff quarterback across the board in these spots. His 35.2% Depth Adjusted Accuracy versus pressure is the worst by over 15 percentage points and the only clip below 50%. While the gap between Lawrence and the next worse passer isn't as large in terms of Success Rate, his clip still hovers in the mid 30's. But there is one bit of solace to takeaway from his poor passing facing pressure: Lawrence rarely puts the ball in harms way. His 2.86% Interceptable Pass Rate against his top 4 rated defenses faced only trails Burrow's goose egg. 

Clean Pocket

Evaluating quarterbacks measures them in "perfect conditions". With no busted assignments upfront and by operating within the design of the play, scouts often get a clear representation of what to expect down-to-down. Since clean pockets are far more likely than pressured dropbacks, examining how a passer does in these spots helps determine their consistent output. Perhaps not the most sexy aspect to study, producing from a clean pocket under ideal conditions is vital for any QB. After all if you cannot make the throws when everything is perfect, when can you?

1. Joe Burrow

Burrow is far more reserved as a decision maker from clean pockets than when facing pressure or extending plays with his legs. Still, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia aren't necessarily defenses that allow one to be careless with the football. Versus his elite competition, Burrow hasn't minded playing the role of captain checkdown. He's the only playoff passer with over half of his attempts traveling 5 yards or less downfield while sporting the lowest Deep Pass Rate. Leaning more on the short came when clean has padded his figures. No one has generally been more accurate or successful than Burrow from clean pockets. No one has delivered less turnover-worthy or uncatchable tosses than him either. Despite owning the lowest 1st Down + Touchdown Rate, Explosive Pass Rate, and Yards/Attempt from clean pockets of the playoff QBs, no one has managed games as well than Burrow in these spots. 

2. Trevor Lawrence

Lawrence could argue he is the top playoff passer from clean pockets. After all, his Depth Adjusted Accuracy% versus his hardest foes is considerably higher than the others. Across the board, Lawrence is a premier passer when not facing pressure. He owns the second best Accuracy%, Explosive Pass Rate, Interceptable Pass Rate and Uncatchable Pass Rate from clean pockets. Only Burrow saw less pressure per dropback against his top rated opponents than Lawrence. This translates to plenty of clean pocket opportunities for Lawrence to carve up secondaries.

3. Jalen Hurts

Hurts faces pressure more often than any other playoff passer. Considering the relatively easy slate their top rated opponents presented, that isn't a good detail for the Sooners entering the playoff. To keep offset aggressive defenses, Oklahoma utilizes play action more than any other playoff offense. By doing so, Hurts has often been granted more time to throw and been given more defined throwing lanes. While not as gung-ho throwing the ball around from clean pockets than when pressured, Hurts sports the playoff's top Explosive Pass Rate and Yards/Attempt from clean pockets. Despite the big play ability, Hurts is the least succesful from clean pockets down-to-down. Sure, his 51.6% Success Rate is commendable. But in this context, its the worst in the playoff. Hurts big play ability and sound accuracy give him the edge for the three spot.  

4. Justin Fields

Due to the consistent inaccuracy, Fields is the worst passer from clean pockets in this year's playoff. Both his raw Accuracy% and Depth Adjusted Accuracy% are ten percentage points lower than the next closest quarterback. If each clip was averaged over the course of the season, both would be considered below average by SEC standards. In fact, his Accuracy% would be akin to Tennessee's Jarrett Guarantano and his DAA% would resemble Georgia's Jake Fromm. Far from putrid but not upper echelon by any means. Scheme and a solid supporting cast have helped turn his wayward throws into big plays. No other playoff passer has a higher rate of attempts that result in 1st Downs or Touchdowns versus the meat of their schedule. Despite displaying the second worst Interceptable and Uncatchable Pass Rates, Fields owns the second best Success Rate and Yards/Attempt from clean pockets among the playoff passers. 

THE BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

When all the tape has been watched and when all the advanced passing stats were taken into consideration, our consensus aligns with public perception. Heisman winner Joe Burrow is the strongest passer in this year's playoff. Despite facing four Top8 defenses in ESPN's SP+ metric, Burrow owns the top Accuracy%, Depth Adjusted Accuracy%, and Passing Success Rate while possessing the lowest Interceptable and Uncatchable Pass Rates. 2019 has been a special season for Burrow. Looking across the SEC, there are very few meaningful passing stats where he isn't at or near the top. Versus elite competition, Burrow was noticeably more reserved in taking chances, but that doesn't mean he won't test secondaries opportunely. Whether evading pressure, operating under duress, or delivering accurate passes, Burrow is the most complete passer in their year's playoff. Right now, it really is hard to argue you'd rather have anyone else as your field general behind center.