Numbers That Matter: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama

Photo Credit: Indiana University Athletics 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: 45th ...Represents where Alabama falls on Pro Football Focus' (PFF's) ranking when measuring run blocking across the nation. It is, without a doubt, Alabama's biggest weakness on offense. On gameonpaper.com, this is exemplified further as Alabama ranks 131st in the country when examining the rushing success metric. This weakness leaves Alabama exposed and potentially one dimensional when they match up against Indiana on New Year's Day should the Hoosiers choose to exploit it. 6th ...Represents where Alabama falls on PFF's ranking when measuring defensive coverage grades across the nation. This is arguably Alabama's biggest strength on defense and presents a tough challenge for Indiana's Heisman trophy winner and his excellent receivers. The Hoosiers have faced elite defensive backs and coverages before, but this will potentially be their biggest test on the biggest stage of the season. Photo Credit: Pro Football Focus 1st ...Represents where Indiana ranks across the country when looking at average 3rd down distance with an average of 5.4 yards to go (per gameonpaper.com). In other words, the Hoosiers are one of the best teams in the country when it comes to efficiency on first and second down in order to set them up for success on third down. In a big game like this one on one of the biggest stages you could ask for in the Rose Bowl, 3rd down success is paramount to winning the game. The Hoosiers need to continue this trend of short yardage to gain on 3rd down to set them up for success in controlling the game, the clock, and ultimately the outcome. Check out the full breakdown of both teams below courtesy of gameonpaper.com. Photo Credit: gameonpaper.com 0 ...Represents the numbers of meetings all time between Indiana and Alabama. Yes, this means that the first ever matchup between these two teams will be in the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl. For two programs that extend all the way back to the 1800's, it is quite shocking that they've never matched up until the year 2025. After it is all said and done, Indiana will hopefully have a 1.000 record against the Crimson Tide. #1 and #2 ...Represents Indiana's overall rankings on PFF across the country when it comes to offensive grades and defensive grades, respectively. There is a lot of hype around this game and still some doubters against the Hoosiers. While nothing is guaranteed and Indiana will need to play their A-game, if the Hoosiers do what they've done all year, they should win this game against the Crimson Tide. Photo Credit: Pro Football Focus Indiana Game Information Indiana kicks off against Alabama on Thursday, January 1 at 4:00 PM EST! The game will be shown on ESPN for those watching at home. Stay locked in with Hoosier Huddle for all things Indiana football and Indiana sports – all season long. Other IU Numbers That Matter Articles –#20 Indiana vs. Old Dominion –#23 Indiana vs. Kennesaw State –#22 Indiana vs. Indiana State –#19 Indiana vs. #9 Illinois –#11 Indiana vs. Iowa –#7 Indiana vs. #3 Oregon –#3 Indiana vs. Michigan State –#2 Indiana vs. UCLA –#2 Indiana vs. Maryland –#2 Indiana vs. Penn State –#2 Indiana vs. Wisconsin –#2 Indiana vs. Purdue –#2 Indiana vs. #1 Ohio State

Numbers That Matter: No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama

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