The Indiana juggernaut retains going.
On Saturday, Related Press No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (8-0, 5-0 in Large Ten) rolled to their second consecutive 8-0 begin with a 56-6 thumping of the UCLA Bruins (3-5, 3-2 in Large Ten).
Whereas others had stronger wins in opposition to harder opponents in Week 9, Indiana did what any title contender ought to when dealing with inferior competitors. Its efficiency, notably on protection, was one other bullet level in its presentation exhibiting why it may very well be the final crew standing in January.
Sensational defensive effort instrumental to the blowout Indiana win
UCLA entered Saturday having gained three in a row below interim head coach Tim Skipper. Through the span, the Bruins averaged 33.3 factors and 422.3 yards per sport. None of that was obvious when watching Indiana dominate from the opening kickoff.
Within the first half alone, the Hoosiers had six tackles for loss, together with three sacks, a 25-yard interception return for a landing and a pressured fumble with restoration that arrange a 29-yard landing drive. The Bruins averaged 3.3 yards per play.
Total, UCLA gained 201 yards, 163.6 yards lower than its common by means of seven video games, and was held to a season-worst 1-of-11 (9.1 %) on third downs.
The defensive effort was one other gem from Indiana, which has principally been recognized for its offense throughout its turnaround from laughingstock to school soccer’s higher crust. The Hoosiers have solely allowed 20 factors as soon as this season — in a 30-20 win at then-No. 2 Oregon — and are giving up 10.9 factors per sport after Saturday.
Getting into Week 9, Indiana ranked third within the nation in sacks (26) and second in tackles for loss (66) whereas permitting the fewest journeys into its crimson zone (10). (h/t CFBStats)
Among the many many causes Indiana has grow to be the most effective groups in school soccer, the protection hasn’t been talked about practically sufficient. Maybe that may begin to change.
