Week 12 Inside The Numbers: Defense is the Name of the Game as Hoosiers Invade Ann Arbor
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Indiana’s defense ranks 4th nationally in takeaways in 2018 Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle
Written by Lauralys Shallow
Indiana travels to No. 4 Michigan playing for a chance to clinch a bowl game with a win over the Wolverines. Michigan is playing for a chance to continue to control its destiny in the College Football Playoff. While it will be no easy task for Indiana to pull off the upset, let’s take a closer look at the numbers leading into this matchup.
29–The Michigan defense has 29 sacks for 204 yards, and 71 TFLs for 313 yards so far on the year. The Wolverines are ranked 18th in the country in team sacks, and they average 2.9 a game. One of the main reasons Michigan is ranked number one in the NCAA in total defense is because of the defense’s ability to make sacks and TFLs and pin opposing offenses way behind the chains. Through 10 games, the Wolverines allow just 3.82 yards per play, and sacks and TFLs are a large reason why opposing offensives struggle to gain positive yardage.
24–IU is ranked fourth in the country in takeaways with 24. Of those takeaways, 11 have been interceptions and 13 have been recovered fumbles. Indiana leads the country in fumble recoveries through 10 games. Head Coach Tom Allen stresses the importance of takeaways to his defenders and their magic number per game is three. Takeaways are what give IU momentum and keep them in close games with tougher opponents like Michigan. However, the Wolverines are third in the NCAA in fewest turnovers with only seven on the season. It will be hard for IU to get its magic number of three takeaways in the Big House, and the Hoosiers need to capitalize on any opportunity they have to take the ball away from Shea Patterson and the Michigan offense.
13–Kicker Logan Justus has made 13-15 field goals this year. Justus is 13th in the nation in field goal percentage, and he was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for the first time after last week’s win over Maryland. The last time these two teams met, Michigan won 27-20 in overtime. If IU finds itself in an overtime scenario again this year, Justus may be put in a game tying or winning scenario. Justus has expressed his confidence in his ability to make kicks in the clutch, and in his first game after being named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, Justus hit the 42-yard game-winner, to give IU a 34-32 win over the Terrapins. In the Big Ten conference, Justus shares the top spot in field goals, is second in percentage, and is sixth among kickers and eighth overall in scoring.
12.9–The Michigan defense allows only 12.9 points per game, which is the third scoring defense in the country behind Clemson and Alabama who allow just 12.7 per game. The last time IU played at the Big House, the Hoosiers were held to only 10 points in a 20-10 loss. Michigan is the only team to have not surrendered 100 total points in Big Ten play, allowing 82 total points across seven contests. Michigan State, the next-lowest, has surrendered 130 points, and the Big Ten average is 194.2 points allowed among all 14 Big Ten programs. Last week, Michigan held Rutgers' passing game to just 59 total yards, which is the fewest any team has recorded against Michigan this season. The Hoosiers have to be able to move the ball through the air if IU wants any chance of scoring points against the Wolverines.
Seven–Senior running back Karan Higdon has had seven 100-yard rushing games, including six in conference games. Higdon surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark (1,005) this season at Rutgers last week. Higdon has been recognized as the Offensive Player of the Week for his performances against Nebraska and Penn State. The Wolverines have run for more yards (855) in the last four games than they have allowed in total offense from opponents (815). The young IU defense has to go into a hostile environment and deal with an efficient offense powered by offensive juggernauts Higdon and Shea Patterson at running back and quarterback.