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! We’ll be looking at a lot of numbers from Pro Football Focus, which I’ll abbreviate here as PFF.
Without further ado, let’s get into it:
#1 vs. #17
…Represents the hotly discussed #1 ranked Miami pass rush against the #17 ranked Indiana pass block (per PFF grades). In the previous Numbers That Matter (Peach Bowl vs. Oregon), I analyzed Indiana’s pass block performance against teams with true NFL talent on the defensive line and found that those were Indiana’s four worst graded games when it came to pass blocking. It does seem, however, that Indiana has turned the tide. They’ve now put up two straight strong pass blocking performances against NFL-laden defensive lines in Alabama and Oregon and will look to do the same against Miami on Monday.
3
…Represents the tear that Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has been on over his last three games. He has arguably never performed better. Passing grades on PFF are at an all time high for the season and the past three games have been Mendoza’s top three performances of the year. This is especially incredible because, as we all know, these last three games have been the Big Ten Championship against #1 Ohio State, the Rose Bowl against #9 Alabama, and the Peach Bowl against #5 Oregon. It takes a special player to put on their best performances of the season in the biggest games of the season, and Fernando Mendoza has done exactly that.
Totaling up these last three games, Mendoza’s line is 46/59 (78%) for 591 yards, 9 TDs, and 1 INT. Talk about elite.
#1
…Represents where Miami ranks when it comes to pass blocking grades on PFF. Thus, as it stands, Miami arguably has the best collective line (OL + DL) in the country. Games are won in the trenches typically, so Indiana will need to bring their A-game to confuse these lines and win their battles. Despite key injuries on defense, Defensive Coordinator Bryant Haines has been able to ingeniously draw up schemes to not miss a beat. He and his staff will need to put on another masterclass on Monday for the Hoosiers to win the National Championship.
1st & 4th Worst
…Represents Carson Beck’s performances in two of Miami’s playoff games thus far in the 2025/2026 season, per PFF. Let me explain. Miami’s opening playoff game against Texas A&M was Beck’s worst graded game of the season, while Miami’s most recent game against Ole Miss was Beck’s 4th worst graded game of the season. The game in between – Miami’s win over Ohio State – wasn’t much better, as it was Beck’s 7th best game of the season.
Unlike Mendoza, who is playing his best football during the playoffs, Beck has been better earlier on in the season. I believe Indiana will bring a large number of confusing blitzes to get Beck off his game early. While Miami’s offensive line is elite, it won’t matter if Indiana continues to confuse the opposing quarterbacks.
3
…Represents the number of receivers in the National Championship game who grade within the top 10 of PFF’s overall receiver grades across the country. They are, in order, Elijah Sarratt (6th best), Omar Cooper Jr. (7th best), and Malachi Toney (8th best). This is a star studded final for many reasons, but especially in the receiving game. If you like electric receivers who you’ll see at the next level, this is the game for you.
Indiana Game Information
Indiana kicks off against Miami on Monday, January 19 at 7:30 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
–#23 Indiana vs. Kennesaw State
–#22 Indiana vs. Indiana State
–#3 Indiana vs. Michigan State