Numbers that Matter: Nebraska Cornhuskers

David Banks-Imagn Images

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

It feels like I have said some version of “this will be the toughest test Indiana has faced” for every conference game so far. And here we are again, headed into the Hoosiers’ seventh game, and I’ll say it again: Nebraska will be Indiana’s toughest test thus far. A 5-1 Cornhusker team heads to Bloomington to take on the 6-0 Hoosiers on homecoming. Let’s take a look at some of the stats that could come into play in this week’s matchup.

0 to 23

One would have to imagine something will have to break this weekend when the Nebraska rush defense faces off against the Indiana rushing attack. The Cornhuskers are the only team in the nation that have not yet allowed a rushing touchdown; meanwhile, Indiana is 3rd nationally with 23 rushing touchdowns. We’ve got a classic immovable object meeting the unstoppable force situation on our hands with this 0 to 23 ratio this weekend.

11.3

The defensive prowess does not stop on the ground for the Cornhuskers, as another immovable object meets unstoppable force situation is on our hands when we compare Indiana’s total offense versus Nebraska’s total defense. While Indiana is having one of its best scoring seasons of all time (their five 40-point games in a season is just one shy of the school record, with half a season yet to play), Nebraska is having similar success on the defensive side of the ball. They currently are holding opponents to just 11.3 points per game, compared to Indiana’s 47.5 points per game scored.

“Coach (Matt) Rhule has done a great job with the football team there, 5-1, impressive team on tape,” said Curt Cignetti to the media this Monday. “Giving up 11 points a game on defense, a veteran outfit, and offensively big offensive line, big tight ends, play a lot of guys, really skilled receivers, a lot of good running backs and a mega talented young quarterback.”

34 of 37

A reason Indiana has had so much success lighting up the scoreboard is their success in the red zone. The Hoosiers lead the nation in red zone attempts (37) and have converted 34 of their opportunities into scores (30 touchdowns, 4 field goals). Those 30 scores lead the nation in total touchdowns, four more than the next nearest (Texas).

Nebraska will counter this success with their Big Ten conference runner-up defense in opponent red zone conversions, currently only allowing scores on 69.23% of red zone visits. 

“Well, they've got good players,” added Cignetti on Monday. “They're very well-coached. They're very multiple in their scheme. They've got guys that can affect the passer, a couple big guys inside, 315-plus type guys. They play a lot of people. They do everything they can to keep you off balance.”

Ten

Poor punter James Evans has borne the brunt of Indiana’s offensive success – his usage has plummeted! Coming into the year having averaged 67 punts per season, Evans has only punted ten times this season. After racking up 8,826 yards of punts his first three seasons, he has a meager 444 yards in his senior year. His net average punt distance has improved, however, and he does see time on the field – he serves as the team’s extra point and field goal holder, which he has done plenty of.

88.5

Another part of Indiana’ success on offense has come from its ability to score from anywhere – and anyone. Currently, five receivers have at least two touchdown receptions and three running backs have at least four rushing touchdowns. According to PFF, the Hoosiers receivers room is the highest rated in college football headed into week seven with an 88.5 grade. Three receivers have a PFF grade over 80 this year – Ke’Shawn Williams, Elijah Sarratt, and Omar Cooper.

“It’s awesome to be able to have such great athletes and playmakers all around,” Rourke said after their last win. “The receiver room is one of the deepest in the country. We have one of the best running back rooms in the country. And, put that together with the O-line and the way they’re playing, and that’s why we’re able to put up so many points.”

Indiana is one of eight teams nationally to have scored first in each of its games played (Indiana, Army, Ole Miss, Toledo, Boise State, Memphis, Illinois, Texas) and is one of two teams to not trail in a game this season.