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 ahead of the Indiana Hoosiers’ matchups each week, so be on the lookout for that!
Without further ado, let’s get into it:
19th
…Represents where Maryland’s defense ranks nationally per Pro Football Focus (PFF), led by star safety Jalen Huskey. This will be one of the best defenses Indiana plays all season, presenting an extremely strong test for the Hoosiers – especially on the road. The Hoosiers all season have proved that their preparation is among the best in the country, so it will be interesting to see how they attempt to exploit this stout Terrapin defense.
102nd
…Represents where Maryland’s offense ranks nationally per PFF. This is the main reason why Maryland is not bowl eligible by now and only has 4 wins as of this writing. Their Expected Points Added Per Play (EPA/Play) on offense ranks 92nd in the country per gameonpaper.com and their success rate on offense ranks 116th in the country. They average just 350 offensive yards per game, which also ranks 102nd in the country. The Hoosier defense is arguably the best in the country, so this will be a major area for Indiana to exploit going into Saturday’s game.
7th
…Represents – speaking of Indiana’s highly ranked defense – D’Angelo Ponds’ overall defensive ranking on PFF across all cornerbacks in the country. Indiana’s coaching staff has touched on what a luxury it is to have a player like Ponds, who can quite literally take away an entire half of the field. He gives Bryant Haines and the Indiana defense so much flexibility to try new things, take risks, and remove high profile opposing players from games entirely. PFF has him ranked as 7th best in the country, but I think Hoosiers fans everywhere know that his ranking will be much higher come season’s end.
17th
…Represents another high rising player on the Indiana defense, Amare Ferrell, and where he ranks nationally on PFF when it comes to safety grades across the country. Ferrell has been a star for the Hoosiers and a player many picked to break out in a big way. Each year, it seems Ferrell breaks out and takes his game to an entirely new and unforeseen level. He is a game breaker whose skill absolutely profiles as someone ready to play on Sunday in the NFL. He is a big piece to this Indiana defense and will no doubt play a strong factor this Saturday.
8%
…Represents a number we are continuing to track each week – Indiana’s percent likelihood to win the College Football National Championship per PFF’s model. This number has increased each week, which makes sense as the Hoosiers seem to look better and better each week as well. In addition to this percentage, Indiana is given a 32% chance to win the Big Ten Conference and a 76% chance to make the College Football Playoff.
Game Information
Indiana kicks off against Maryland on Saturday, November 1 at 3:30 PM EST! The game will be shown on CBS for those watching at home. Stay locked in with Hoosier Huddle for all things Indiana football and Indiana sports – all season long.
Other Numbers That Matter Articles
–#23 Indiana vs. Kennesaw State
–#22 Indiana vs. Indiana State
–#3 Indiana vs. Michigan State