Indiana vs. Rutgers by the Numbers: What the First Four Games Tell Us
Indiana enters Friday night at 4-0 while Rutgers sits at 1-3. The records create an obvious first impression, but the first four games show a Rutgers offense capable of creating problems — and an Indiana team whose advantages become much clearer when you dig beneath the records.
Here is what the numbers tell us about Indiana’s first Big Ten road test.
Through Four Games
| Category | Indiana | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-0 | 1-3 |
| Points Per Game | 43.5 | 33.8 |
| Total Offense/Game | 463.8 | 431.0 |
| Yards Per Play | 7.6 | 6.3 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 233.5 | 153.8 |
| Yards Per Rush | 5.9 | 4.2 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 230.3 | 277.3 |
| Third Down | 52.3% | 43% |
| Points Allowed/Game | 9.75 | 28.5 |
| Total Defense/Game | 233.8 | 361.0 |
| Rushing Defense/Game | 65.8 | 166.8 |
| Yards Allowed/Rush | 2.2 | 5.0 |
| Passing Defense/Game | 168.0 | 194.3 |
| Defensive Sacks | 11 | 5 |
| Giveaways | 1 | 10 |
Start With the Running Game
The clearest statistical advantage belongs to Indiana’s running game against the Rutgers run defense. The Hoosiers are averaging 233.5 rushing yards per game and 5.9 yards per carry. Rutgers is allowing 166.8 rushing yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry.
Lee Beebe Jr. has 398 rushing yards through four games, while Turbo Richard has 383. With Richard injured, Beebe’s role becomes even more important. His 203-yard performance against Northwestern showed that Indiana can put the offense on his shoulders when necessary.
For Indiana, establishing the run is about more than producing yards. It can keep the Hoosiers ahead of the chains, control the tempo and create the play-action opportunities Josh Hoover has been efficient attacking.
The Number Indiana Cannot Ignore: 10 Giveaways
Rutgers has turned the football over 10 times in four games — nine interceptions and one lost fumble. Indiana has only one giveaway.
That is a major difference between two offenses that are otherwise closer statistically than the records suggest. Rutgers averages 431 yards and 33.8 points per game. Indiana averages 463.8 yards and 43.5 points.
The Scarlet Knights can move the football. Their problem has been giving possessions away. Indiana’s defense does not need to manufacture something exotic. Make Rutgers execute repeatedly, force the quarterback to make decisions under pressure and give the turnover opportunities time to develop.
Indiana’s Defensive Disruption Deserves More Attention
The Hoosiers’ defensive numbers are not simply about points allowed. They show how frequently Indiana is changing down-and-distance before the offense gets comfortable.
- 33 tackles for loss
- 11 sacks
- 25 quarterback hurries
- 5 forced fumbles
- 3 interceptions
- 1 blocked kick
Tobi Osunsanmi leads that disruption with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Daniel Ndukwe has 4.5 tackles for loss. Mario Landino has two sacks and four quarterback hurries, while Tyrique Tucker has three hurries.
Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones each have 29 tackles and an interception. That production is significant because Indiana is getting disruption from multiple levels rather than relying on one pass rusher to create negative plays.
But Rutgers Has Some Real Weapons
Rutgers’ record should not cause Indiana to overlook the skill talent on the other sideline.
- KJ Duff: 29 receptions, 550 yards, seven touchdowns and 19.0 yards per catch. His 78-yard long illustrates the explosive-play threat Indiana’s secondary must account for.
- Antwan Raymond: 438 rushing yards at 5.6 yards per carry with four rushing touchdowns, plus seven receptions for 65 yards and another score.
- Dylan Lonergan: 708 passing yards and seven touchdowns in three games, but five interceptions. Pressure and coverage discipline can force him into difficult decisions.
Duff is particularly important after the communication issues Indiana showed in the secondary against Northwestern. The Hoosiers cannot allow a coverage mistake to turn into an easy explosive touchdown.
Indiana Has Its Own Problems for Rutgers
Josh Hoover has completed 70 percent of his passes for 850 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. Charlie Becker has emerged as his biggest downfield producer with 19 catches for 370 yards and six touchdowns. Nick Marsh adds 221 yards and three touchdowns, while Shazz Preston and Davion Chandler continue to give Indiana additional answers.
That balance matters against a Rutgers defense allowing 361 yards and 28.5 points per game. If Rutgers has to commit additional bodies to slow Indiana’s rushing attack, Hoover should have opportunities to attack favorable matchups outside.
What the Numbers Tell Me
Rutgers is not a typical 1-3 offense. The Scarlet Knights have enough production and enough individual talent to punish mistakes. But the four-game numbers also identify the areas Indiana should be able to control.
- Run the football against a defense allowing 5.0 yards per carry.
- Make Rutgers sustain drives without giving the football away.
- Use Indiana’s defensive front to create negative plays and pressure.
- Do not allow KJ Duff to turn a secondary communication error into an explosive play.
- Continue Hoover’s outstanding ball security.
- Win third down — Indiana is converting 52.3 percent while its defense is allowing opponents only 29.1 percent.
The records say 4-0 against 1-3. The underlying numbers say Rutgers has an offense Indiana has to respect. But Indiana’s efficiency, rushing attack, ball security and defensive disruption show exactly where the Hoosiers can take control of this football game.
