Inside the Numbers: Indiana Hoosiers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Written by Matt Smith

Indiana football is no longer going bowling, after two straight seasons of making a post season bowl game. However, Rutgers still has a chance to make a bowl game, setting up an interesting matchup between the two teams on Saturday.

1. Indiana is favored by 7

   • Indiana is 2-7 against the spread this season

   • Rutgers is 4-4 against the spread this season

   • The over/under is at 42

2. Rutgers Offense

   • Averages 21.3 points per game 

   • 327.2 average yards per game

   • 10 giveaways

3. Indiana Defense

   • Allows 31.3 points per game

   • Only 9 takeaways

   • Struggled during the past two games

4. 0 Power 5 wins

   • Indiana is one of three programs with zero power 5 wins this season

   • Needs a win for the program this weekend

   • Something needs to change scheme wise

5. Noah Verdal

   • 1,493 yards passing with 7 TDS

   • 5 interceptions

   • 61% completion 

6. Other tops players

   • Isaih Pacheco 475 rushing yards

   • Bo Melton 473 receiving yards

   • Max Melton 2 interceptions

7. Donaven McCulley

   • Has had a couple highlight plays

   • Very many ups and downs throughout the season

   • Needs to continue to slowly develop

8. Nick Sheridan

   • Play-calling needs to be more creative

   • Needs to be more aggressive 

   • The team has nothing to lose

9. Indiana Hoosiers

   • Need to play with some pride

   • Not give up during the last three games