Indiana vs. Minnesota: By the Numbers

If Indiana wants to celebrate a homecoming win on Saturday the Hoosiers will have to slow down Minnesota's running attack

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@sammyj108) 

The Hoosiers meet the Gophers on the gridiron for the first time since 2008 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.  Let’s take a look into some numbers that could play a factor in the matchup.

26-37-3- Indiana’s record against the Golden Gophers all-time.  The last Hoosier win came at home in 2007, a 40-20 romp.

217.8- The average rushing yards per game the Gophers gain.  Good for 23rd in the nation.  Compared to their 122.9 passing yards per game, which leave them ranked 119th overall.  Look for the Gophers to try and pound the rock against a banged up Indiana defense.

342.7- Passing yards per game averaged by the Indiana offense, good for 10th in the nation.  The ground game isn’t bad averaging 171.3 yards per game, which puts them right in the middle of every one at 63rd in the country.

23.1- The average number of points given up by the Gopher defense this season.  It is good for 42nd in the nation.  Something will have to give, as the Hoosiers are 8th in the nation in scoring averaging 42.4 per contest.

7- The number of Indiana receivers that have accumulated over 100 yards or more through the air this season.

4- The number of Gopher running backs who have totaled over 200 yards rushing this season.

55.1- The combined completion percentage of Minnesota quarterbacks Philip Nelson and Mitch Leidner.  Needless to say, make the Gophers throw the ball.

9.5- The amount of points that Indiana is favored to win by.  Yes, you read that correctly.

These two teams are opposites when it comes to style of play.  Minnesota is going to want to run the ball down the throat of Indiana early and often using their stable of running backs, while the Hoosiers who have trouble stopping a nose bleed will try and outscore the Gophers through the air.  Indiana is playing at home for the first time in nearly a month and it should give them the boost, however they need to come out the more desperate team because if IU stumbles out of the gates on Saturday and Minnesota can control the pace of the game, the Hoosiers bowl hopes will go down the toilet.