Their run game is pretty explosive. 5.03% 20+ yard rush rate aginst FBS on the season. 4.84% in post-season (Big10 championship included). Our defense allows 2.71% on the season and just 1.25% in the playoffs (only the Lacy long TD). Will be a key battle in the game. Take away their explosive runs, and they have to either drive the length of the field or produce more explosive pass plays. I like our pass rush against their OL.
Despite running as well as we have in the playoffs we still suck at getting explosive rush plays, just 2 in 116 attempts (1.72%), slightly better than the whole season rate of 1.55%. IU allows 3.05% on the season and 2.90% in the post-season. Hoping for more explosive running plays at this point from this offense likely an exercise in insanity, yet I still hope we can pop a few longer runs against IU. Surely it couldn't hurt in helping us get more points when we cross the 50 yard line, which we have been awful at in the playoffs.