Numbers That Mattered: Indiana Hoosiers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Written By: Evan Alvarez

Numbers drive so much in today’s world and the sports world is no different. Now more than ever teams are hiring and building analytics teams to get every edge possible over their opponents. Over the course of the season, we’ll look into many of those numbers following the Hoosiers’ matchups each week. 

Today, we have the joy of examining the numbers behind Indiana’s recent 56-7 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

96.9%…

Represents the win probability Indiana had with 13:37 remaining in the 2nd quarter at a score of 14-0 (per gameonpaper.com). By all accounts, this game was over quickly as Indiana dominated the Nebraska Cornhuskers. At the end of the half, IU’s win probability increased to 99.2% before finally rising to 100% with 2:26 remaining in the 3rd quarter with IU about to score while up 35-7.

45…

Represents the yard line of Indiana’s average starting field position from Saturday’s game (per gameonpaper.com). This, of course, is Indiana’s own 45 yard line, but again illustrates Indiana’s domination over Nebraska in all three facets of football. The defense made early stops, special teams made sure there were no holes or mistakes, and the offense capitalized. Curt Cignetti and the entire coaching staff must be incredibly proud of their team’s effort from Saturday. Look for this to continue into the coming weeks and beyond as Cignetti and company prepare like no other.

4…

Represents the total number of QB pressures from Terry Jones Jr. on Saturday (all numbers here per Pro Football Focus), as this man was at times single handedly bringing problems to the Nebraska protection scheme. If you watched the game, it was hard to miss #12 always ending up somewhere in the backfield. For a player listed as a defensive back who only recorded 1 pressure all season prior to this game along with 75 total snaps in 6 games prior, it almost feels as though the Hoosiers unleashed Jones Jr. to the nation. He logged 59 snaps this game alone and recorded 1 sack, 1 QB hit, and 2 QB hurries for a total of the aforementioned 4 QB pressures. Jones Jr. had a fantastic game and it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff uses him in games moving forward.

17th…

Represents Carter Smith’s national rank in Pro Football Focus (PFF) pass blocking grades (85.5 grade, tied with Kadyn Proctor of Alabama). Smith has allowed 3 QB pressures all year and has only taken 1 penalty (per PFF). Smith ended his redshirt freshman season in Bloomington with nothing but high praise and talks of his potential. His redshirt sophomore season in Bloomington this year has only solidified that Smith is a force to be reckoned with for all opposing defensive linemen. IU has had a successful season thus far for many reasons, but one of the most important of them is Carter Smith.

47...

Represents the amount of extra points made by Indiana kicker Nicolas Radicic (on a perfect 47 attempts). This total is by far the most in the nation, as 2nd place is a three way tie at 37 extra points made. Radicic is on pace to break Mitch Ewald’s single season Indiana record of 56 extra points made, which he set in 2013.

Saturday, October 26th @ 12:00 PM EST…

Represents Indiana’s next game against the Washington Huskies. Be on the lookout for another edition of “Numbers That Mattered” after that game as well.