Numbers That Mattered: Indiana at Northwestern

Richard Lagow had a rough outting against Northwestern. Image: Chris Howell Herald-Times

Richard Lagow had a rough outting against Northwestern. Image: Chris Howell Herald-Times

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Saturday’s 24-14 loss at the hands of Northwestern was probably the ugliest offensive performance for the Hoosiers since 2014. Let’s dissect some of the numbers that led to Indiana’s third straight loss.

352- The Hoosiers just weren’t good in the first half against the Wildcats. While the defense dug in during the second half they did allow 352 total yards in the first half in route to a 24-3 deficit.

37- The Indiana defense gave up just 37 yards in the second half by the Indiana defense, an effort that put the offense in position to win a game that seemed out of reach at halftime. 

10 and 0- The Indiana defense broke up 10 passes that resulted in zero interceptions. While the defense played well for the majority of the game, they left takeaways on the field, as several of these pass break ups should have been interceptions.

403- Head coach Kevin Wilson talks a lot about how many yards each offensive touchdown takes. It’s all about efficiency or lack there of as the Hoosiers had to move the ball 403 yards for just one offensive touchdown.

2- Hoosier quarterback Richard Lagow threw two interceptions on Saturday, brining his 2016 total to 11. Even though the two picks came on outstanding plays from the defender, a better throw turns those into big plays for IU.

5.4- If you look squarely at the stats and did not watch the game it looked as if Richard Lagow had a decent, if not, a good game. However the Hoosiers averaged just 5.4 yards per pass attempt against a secondary that was without three starters. Lagow consistently under threw deep receivers that had at least a step on a defender and over threw many other open receivers underneath.

3.1- Yet again we are talking about the Hoosiers inability to run the ball on offense. Indiana averaged just 3.1 yards per carry. The sad part, that’s their best rushing average since Michigan State. Six ball carriers combined for just 84 yards. Devonte Williams was the lone bright spot at running back as he proved a spark with 42 yards on just four carries.