Inside the Numbers: Bucket Game Edition

Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers face off against the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday for the annual Old Oaken Bucket game. This series resumes after being cancelled last season due to COVID issues inside both programs. The Hoosiers come into the game holding the Bucket, but with a 2-9 record while the Boilermakers come in with seven wins looking for their best regular season since 2007 and to reclaim the Bucket for the first time since 2018. Let’s dive into some of the numbers that matter this week.

Purdue’s Passing Attack vs. IU’s Banged up Secondary

Purdue’s offense is predicated on the passing attack and sit at second in the Big Ten at 345.6 yards per game through the air. They are led by wide receiver David Bell, who has 1,207 yards with five touchdowns through the air, and quarterback Aidan O’Connell who has completed 72-percent of his passes for 2,896 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The Hoosiers defense ranks 11th in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game with 231.6. IU has been missing their top for corner backs for most of the year and may be with out Devon Matthews Saturday. However, Indiana head coach Tom Allen said Monday he is hoping to get All-American Tiawan Mullen back. Reese Taylor has already returned and Jaylin Williams has been solid.

0-9?

After back-to-back winning seasons in Big Ten play the Hoosiers are staring a winless conference season in the face. While 1-8 will still be extremely disappointing, a win over the Boilermakers would keep the Bucket in Bloomington and keep people from printing LEO&9 shirts.

96th Old Oaken Bucket Game

While the two teams have played a total of 122 times, this will be the 96th game where the Old Oaken Bucket is awarded to the winner. Purdue leads the series 74-42-6 and has a 60-32-3 advantage in games where the Bucket is on the line (1925-present). However, since 2010, the Hoosiers have a 6-4 advantage and have won three of the last five at Ross-Ade Stadium.

One

Indiana tight end Peyton Hendershot needs just one touchdown to tie Ted Bolser for the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in IU history.