Key Snap Counts and PFF Grades from Big Ten Win Over Ohio State

The Indiana Hoosiers celebrated a significant milestone by clinching their first Big Ten Championship title since 1967 with a thrilling 13-10 victory over Ohio State. This win marked Indiana’s first outright championship since 1945. With a flawless 13-0 record, they emerged as the top team in the country according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades.

Key Snap Counts and PFF Grades

Indiana’s impressive performance in the championship game highlighted several standout players who excelled according to PFF evaluations. These grades reflect both offensive and defensive contributions throughout the match.

Offensive Highlights

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza stood out with an impressive 92.4 PFF grade, which is his highest rating of the season. He was particularly effective under pressure, completing 11 passes for first downs and achieving three “big time throws,” which denote exceptional timing and ball placement.

• Top Offensive Performers:
  • Fernando Mendoza (QB): 92.4 PFF grade
  • Charlie Becker (WR): 89.8 PFF grade; 6 receptions from 7 targets
  • Roman Hemby (RB): 36 yards after contact

In the receiving game, Charlie Becker was noteworthy, making six receptions for first downs and recording three contested catches. Roman Hemby also contributed significantly, averaging 4.0 yards per carry and accumulating 36 yards after contact.

Offensive Snap Counts

• Drew Evans (G) – 59 snaps
• Carter Smith (T) – 59 snaps
• Pat Coogan (C) – 59 snaps
• Fernando Mendoza (QB) – 58 snaps
• Elijah Sarratt (WR) – 54 snaps
• Roman Hemby (RB) – 27 snaps

Defensive Highlights

On the defensive side, linebacker Rolijah Hardy achieved the highest grade overall, excelling with ten tackles and a sack. He also was credited with breaking up a crucial pass late in the game, sealing the victory for Indiana.

• Top Defensive Performers:
  • Rolijah Hardy (LB): 10 tackles, including a sack
  • Stephen Daley (DE): Top run defense grade
  • Isaiah Jones (LB): 2 sacks on 8 attempts

Additionally, Devan Boykin delivered exceptional pass coverage, allowing only three yards per catch on four targets. His efforts along with Hardy and Daley were instrumental in maintaining Indiana’s defensive prowess.

Defensive Snap Counts

• Stephen Daley (DE) – 57 snaps
• D’Angelo Ponds (CB) – 56 snaps
• Rolijah Hardy (LB) – 51 snaps
• Isaiah Jones (LB) – 53 snaps
• Louis Moore (S) – 47 snaps

As Indiana prepares to face the winner of the Oklahoma vs. Alabama matchup on January 1 at the Rose Bowl, their achievement as the top-ranked team in PFF grades emphasizes their strong performance throughout the season.