Inside the Numbers: No. 17 Indiana at No. 18 Iowa

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Written by: Zach Greene (@zgreene650)

The #17 Indiana Hoosiers will open up their season at Iowa City to take on the #18 Hawkeyes THIS SATURDAY. The Hawkeyes ended the bazar 2020 season going 6-0 after losing their first two games against Northwestern and Purdue. They have many returners coming back this season including Starting QB Spencer Petras and Starting RB Tyler Goodson. That said, let’s dive into some vital stats to know before the game on Saturday.

1)   Iowa has won the past three matchups (45-28 All-Time)

  • The Hawkeyes are 45-28 all-time against the Hoosiers, with their last win coming in 2018. That game, the Hawkeyes tore up the Hoosiers with their two first-round tight end draft picks,, Noah Fant and T.J Hockenson, ,scoring three touchdowns.

2)   Iowa comes in as a -3.5 Favorite

  • Last season Vegas often bet against the Hoosiers even after beating Penn State and Michigan.

  • Don’t be surprised more public money goes on IU bringing the spread down to -2.5

3)   Kirk Ferentz Enters his 22nd season with the Program

  • Ferentz has held his position since 1999, having a 168-106 record. His 168 wins rank him 4th All-Time in the Big Ten in history. Currently 66 years old and will be looking to get off to a hot start.

4)   Indiana Allowed an Average of 20 points to Opponents Last Season While Iowa Allowed 17

  • Both teams can cause havoc on defense and were able to outgain their opponents last season. Iowa allowed 226 yard per game with Indiana only allowing 162 per game. Most of the defensive on IU and Iowa will be returning this year. With IU returning All-Big Ten Linebacker Micah McFadden and Cornerback Taiwan Mullen. Iowa will have recurring Second All Big-Ten players Zach Vanvalkenburg at Defensive Tackle and CB Matt Hankins.

5)   Both Starting Quarterbacks Coming Back for Junior Season

  • Michael Penix is coming back for his Redshirt Junior season after leading the Hoosier to a 6-2 record. Really impressed much of the nation last season. Has a 10-2 record as a starter. Completed 124 passes for 1,645 yards at a 56.4 clip. In 2019 he earned Freshman of the Week Honors against Michigan State and Ball State.

  • Spencer Petras is also coming back for his junior season. Has a career completion percentage of 57% with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Out of Marin Catholic in San Rafael, CA (Same High School where Lions QB Jared Goff went)

6)   IU averaged 29 points per game Last Season while Iowa Averaged 33 Points

  • Expect to see plenty of early down rushing in the beginning of the game with both teams trying to establish the rush and then take shots off play action