Numbers That Mattered in Indiana's 27-22 Loss to Nebraska

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

In the days leading up to the Hoosiers homecoming game against the Huskers we looked into some numbers that may play a role in the outcome of the game. Now let’s take a look back at what numbers really mattered in IU’s 27-22 loss.

17-0- The Hoosiers dug themselves a big hole falling behind 17-0 in the first quarter. Indiana would cut that to 17-15, but ultimately that was too large of a deficit to come back from. 

0-2- Kevin Wilson’s squad was unsuccessful on two fourth down conversions on Saturday. Both attempts were deep in Nebraska territory and field goal attempts were not unrealistic. The first attempt came on a fourth-and-seven from the Huskers’ 36-yard line (would be a 52-yard field goal). Indiana decided to throw the ball and a defender broke up the pass to Luke Timian. The Hoosiers were trailing 3-0 at that point in time. The second attempt came later in the game, IU was trialing 17-8 and were facing a fourth-and-three from the Huskers’ 32-yard line (49-yard field goal). A Zander Diamont run was a yard short. Both drives had the wind at the Hoosiers’ back and in a game where points were at a premium, Indiana needed to put the dice away and kick it. IU is now 1-11 on fourth downs this season.

2.9- We speak endlessly about the Hoosiers running game and the struggles they have had since Dan Feeney and Dimitric Camiel have gone down. Saturday was another struggle as IU managed just 2.9 yards per carry that included a 33-yard touchdown run. The next three games should be a good gauge where exactly this rushing attack is. 

20.8- Indiana did a great job limiting the Nebraska passing attack to just 10 completions while picking off two passes. However, those 10 completions went for 208 yards. Tommy Armstrong threw a lot of passes up for grabs, twice the Hoosiers came away with the ball, twice the Huskers got a bounce of either the ball or a defender for huge plays. 

7:41- Indiana had cut the Nebraska led to 24-22 with nearly eight and a half minutes left. The Hoosiers had plenty of time to make a stop and force a punt and make an attempt at a game winning or go-ahead drive. Give credit to Mike Riley and the Huskers because they put together a methodical drive that ate up 7:41 and resulted in three points. They ran the ball 14 times for 60 yards.