Inside the Numbers: Indiana vs. Ohio State
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Written by Andrew Walker
Now that the Indiana Hoosiers are 2-0, the seemingly David and Goliath Ohio State matchup is on the horizon. Whether it’s week one or week three, Indiana vs. Ohio State never fails to draw national attention and excitement from both fan bases alike. With the stage set for battle, let’s take a quick look inside the numbers, and dive into some fresh 2019 season stats from each team.
Rushing Yards
Indiana
The Hoosiers are averaging 131 yards on the ground per game through the first two contests. The first game against Ball State, Stevie Scott didn’t get as many touches as he would’ve liked to, but Ronnie Walker Jr. and the others picked up the slack. Scott was able to get a little more production in the second game, but this test against Ohio State will bea great opportunity for the Hoosiers’ ground attack.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes have never been strangers to an effective ground attack. This year is no exception. Through the first two games, OSU is averaging 253.5 yards per game behind J.K. Dobbins. Master Teague III is also part of the two pronged attack Ohio State has on the ground.
Punt Return Average
Indiana
The Hoosiers haven’t been very lucky when it comes to returning punts so far. Through the first two games, the Hoosiers have only managed to average six yards per return. Punt returns are an effective way to gain “free” yardage and minimize the impact of flipping the field. Indiana is going to have to create a lot more in that area if they want to advance the ball.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes have been a little more successful in the punt return average. 10.1 yards on average returning punts is good enough to have a significant impact in flipping the field. K.J. Hill is the return specialist for the Buckeyes.
Third Down Conversions
Indiana
IU Football so far is converting 57% of their third down conversions. Against an Ohio State team who’s defense so far is looking outstanding, this is going to either make or break the Hoosiers’ chances.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are actually averaging about 56% of their third down conversions. With their number being so close to Indiana’s, it’ll come down to pure grit on third downs to see who can keep their drive going. It’ll be an interesting battle to see whether J.K. Dobbins or Stevie Scott gets more opportunities on third down.
Passing Yards
Indiana
With Mike Penix being a gametime decision for Saturday’s game, it’ll be hard to tell whether or not the playbook will expand to some more liberal down the field shots. I’d imagine if Penix plays it will. The Hoosiers average over 380 passing yards through the first two games in 2019, and part of that is due to the great downfield blocking Indiana is showing. Not all of those yards have come on deep shots.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are averaging 235 yards per game through the first two games, and that’s not a knock on starting QB Justin Fields. That’s just a testament to how solid J.K. dobbins is with the running game. Fields has completed 76% of his passes for six TD’s so far.
TFL
Indiana
The Hoosiers have made a big point this year of creating pressure in the backfield. The run defense and pass rush has steadily improved over the summer and the last two games. Indiana has recorded 15 TFL for 59 yards lost. Indiana even held EIU to negative total yards in the first quarter. TFL will be a huge factor on Saturday’s game, especially because it’s a home game for the Hoosiers.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are monsters in the pass rush. They’ve recorded 19 TFL for 97 yards lost. Being able to get after the QB with that amount of efficiency is what’s going to make a difference for the Buckeyes. If Ohio State can get after either Mike Penix or Peyton Ramsey like that, it’ll be a long day for the Hoosiers.