Numbers That Mattered: Indiana Hoosiers vs. UCLA Bruins

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 awesome opportunity to examine the numbers behind Indiana’s recent 42-13 win over the UCLA Bruins.

3rd…

Represents Indiana’s overall team rank based on Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades this season. Translating, that means Indiana has been the 3rd best team in the country over the first three games of the season (without adjusting for opponent difficulty). This ranking is well deserved, as Indiana has been one of the most poised and confident teams in the country. Watching the Hoosiers almost reminds me of a military regiment in a way - so extremely focused, tactical, detail-oriented, and relentlessly hard working.

8.6…

Represents Kurtis Rourke’s Average Depth of Target (aDOT) during this game, per PFF. This figure is actually his lowest of the season, but don’t read too much into that. Rourke and the Indiana offense carved up the UCLA defense all game long. The aDOT that Rourke and the offense put up exhibits a mastery of Mike Shanahan’s offense and an extremely adept ability to read the UCLA defense, as quick RPO’s were a vital part of the game plan on Saturday. Rourke executed it perfectly and no doubt put the country on notice that this IU offense is for real.

77.3…

Represents Trey Wedig’s pass blocking grade against UCLA, per PFF, which ranked as the best on IU’s offense. I wanted to specifically call out Wedig to commemorate his incredible bounce back performance after a lackluster pass blocking opener against FIU. Wedig allowed 0 sacks, 0 QB hits, 0 QB hurries, and 0 QB pressures against a UCLA defense that blitzed a significant number of times throughout the game. Props to Trey for working hard to improve, learn, and bounce back here. He is a huge piece of this Indiana offensive line and was a major key to Indiana’s win on Saturday.

76.9…

Represents Amare Ferrell’s overall defensive PFF grade from Saturday’s game, ranking as the best on Indiana’s defense. Ferrell has been an absolute star so far this season and has arguably been the most talented and well rounded player on Indiana’s defense. So far, he has racked up 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 9 tackles, and has earned a passer rating against of 16.7 when targeted. In addition, Ferrell plays everywhere. While mostly lining up in the slot, his specific role on the Hoosiers’ defense as the “Rover” requires him to roam around, cover receivers, fill gaps, and pressure ball handlers - whether that is the QB or RB. Basically, he is a do-everything defensive player. His success so far has translated to being ranked as a top 40 cornerback in the country, per PFF among CB’s who have played at least 20% of a team’s total snaps (Ferrell is listed as a CB on PFF). Ferrell is a gigantic part of this defense; look for him to continue to wreak havoc against opposing offenses for years to come.

5...

Represents the number of teams left in the entire country who have not yet turned the ball over during the 2024 college football season (per ncaa.com’s stat tracking page). Indiana is one of those teams. Ball security and good decision making is such a large pillar of this offense and it has been on full display thus far in 2024. More difficult opponents are coming Indiana’s way, but when you’re in an exclusive club like this with Ohio State, Georgia, Louisville, and Louisiana Monroe, you’re doing something right. 

Saturday, September 21st @ 12:00 PM EST…

Represents Indiana’s next game against the Charlotte 49ers. Be on the lookout for another edition of “Numbers That Mattered” after that game as well.