Inside the Numbers: Indiana Looks to Use Rushing Attack To End Losing Streak
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Stevie Scott reasserted himself against Penn State after a couple down weeks. Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle
Written by Rylie Kyhn
Coming off three straight losses, the Hoosiers need a win this weekend to snap that losing streak and turn things around for the remaining three games of the season, especially if they want to be bowl eligible. They sit at 4-4 on the season and a win this weekend would put them above .500 which could give them the momentum and confidence they need to get at least another win this season. They head to Minneapolis this week to take on the Gophers for their first game under those Friday night lights.
Rushing Yards
Both Indiana and Minnesota have struggled to run the ball at times this season but the Gophers struggles have been greater. Indiana is coming off a game where the run game was successful with 224 yards on 45 carries after they struggled to get any production going in the previous week against Iowa. This season they have rushed for 1447 yards on 298 attempts averaging 159 per game. They gain an average of 4.3 yards per rush which is slightly more than the Gophers who gain only 3.7 yards per rush. Minnesota averages 146.9 rushing yards per game and they have 11 rushing touchdowns on the season which matches the Hoosiers. Both teams are going to need to control the line of scrimmage to win. The Hoosiers offensive line will be tested yet again in another Big Ten matchup.
Takeaways
Since the beginning of the season, takeaways have been highlighted as a must have and a crucial piece of the defensive game for Indiana. They have a three a game takeaway goal and last week, they had an interception and a fumble recovery but didn’t meet their takeaway goal. Minnesota only had one fumble recovery last weekend and on the season they have five interceptions and four forced fumbles. In comparison to Indiana who has eight forced fumbles and nine interceptions, Minnesota’s takeaway numbers are unimpressive. As always, takeaways are going to play a huge role in this game. If Indiana can get those takeaways like they have all season, they are going to be able to win this game as long as the offense can capitalize on those possessions.
Yards Per Pass
Indiana started off the season with three healthy quarterbacks but after Brandon Dawkins decided to transfer, they only had Peyton Ramsey and true freshman Mike Penix. Mike Penix made his first appearance since the beginning of the season last weekend but unfortunately suffered an ACL tear which means Indiana now only has one quarterback with actual field experience. The passing game over the last few games has looked better than it has in a while and they are averaging more receiving yards per game than they are rushing yards with 259 per game and 6.4 yards per pass. This is the same situation for the Gophers. They average 221 receiving yards per game and 7.27 yards gained per pass. Both teams are going to look to get their passing game going early and gain yardage in the air. Minnesota’s two quarterbacks Zack Annexstad and Tanner Morgan combined for 349 passing yards last week which is the most since Adam Weber in 2010. However, they are in a similar situation with their quarterbacks after Annexstad left the game last week due to an injury. Both team’s passing games will likely play a huge role and the yards they are able to gain per pass is going to be a huge factor Friday night.