Numbers That Matter: No. 2 Indiana vs. Penn State

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:

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:

…Represents the number of teams across the country who have allowed under 100 total points on the season thus far. These teams are, in order, Ohio State (55 points allowed), San Diego State (80), and your Indiana Hoosiers (97). Keep in mind that the Hoosiers have played one additional game compared to their two counterparts as well. The Hoosiers prove week after week that their defense is arguably the best in the country. Going into a hostile environment like Penn State, the Hoosiers will have another opportunity to prove just that against an offense that ranks 63rd in the country per Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades.

12th

…Represents Riley Nowakowski’s PFF rank across all tight ends in the country as of this writing. Nowakowski has been a revelation for this Hoosiers side after being reunited with Coach Bob Bostad from his time at Wisconsin. Nowakowski has 181 total yards on the season with 2 total touchdowns. These may seem like small numbers to be so high on the PFF grading list, but it’s about consistency, reliability, big play-ability, and blocking that sets Nowakowski apart. He is a complete package and it’s great to see national metrics realizing that as well now.

3rd

…Represents where Carter Smith (still) ranks across all offensive tackles in the country per PFF’s grading system. Smith has been a tank all season long and, frankly, it is disrespectful that he is not getting 1st round grades yet among major media outlets in their recent mock drafts. If this continues, Smith will be a gem of a find for whichever team is lucky enough to draft him this summer. Hopefully, however, Smith gets the respect he deserves and is drafted in the first round as he continues to muscle opposing defensive ends with ease week in and week out.

20th

…Represents an area of success Penn State has seen this year, as they rank 20th in the country in EPA/Rush (Expected Points Added per Rushing Attempt) per gameonpaper.com. This has not been a rosy season for the Nittany Lions, but their rushing attack is certainly a bright spot thus far. The Hoosiers will need to work hard to mark Penn State’s elusive and explosive running backs, as they might just be the best Indiana will face all year.

…Represents Indiana’s percent likelihood to win the College Football National Championship. This figure has increased by one percentage point since last week and should continue to rise as Indiana continues to win. Currently, this 9% figure puts the Hoosiers as the 3rd most likely team to win the National Championship. They sit behind Georgia (13%) and Ohio State (34%) at the time of this writing. No doubt, we will see some fluctuations here over the coming weeks.

Game Information

Indiana kicks off against Penn State on Saturday, November 8 at 12:00 PM EST! The game will be shown on FOX for those watching at home. Stay locked in with Hoosier Huddle for all things Indiana football and Indiana sports – all season long.