Welcome to Between the Numbers — where we look at what the Hudl IQ data tells us about what to expect in the unexpected world of college football.
Week 9 is here, and this week’s slate presents plenty of opportunities for disruption. We’re going to dive into three matchups — and the data behind their most intriguing players — to get you ready.
This week: What team wins the Thursday night shootout? Is Arizona a Big 12 title contender? Plus, Wisconsin’s defensive line is dominating right now.
The Matchup
Florida Atlantic vs. North Texas
Thursday night college football games don’t get much rowdier than this one.
If you enjoy points in bunches, this is the game for you.
Florida Atlantic enters this game averaging 32.5 points per game. North Texas, by comparison, is putting up a fourth-best nationally, 39.8 points per game.
Two teams. Two high-flying offenses. One national stage to show off their skills.
The player to watch is North Texas quarterback Tayven Jackson. Jackson is averaging 10 net yards per pass, completing 72.7% of his passes and has a Completion Percentage Over Expectation (CPOE) of 7.7%.
If Jackson gets hot, it could be a long night for the Owls’ defense.
The Radar
Arizona QB Noah Fifita
Lost in the shuffle of a chaotic weekend in the Big 12 is the fact that the Arizona Wildcats are now 6-1 (3-1) and might have a part to play in the conference title race.
The Wildcats’ offense has scored 34 points or more in all six wins and is playing an ultra-efficient brand of offensive football.
The conductor of the Arizona orchestra is star quarterback Noah Fifita. Fifita is doing it with his arms and legs – averaging 8.1 net yards per pass and 6.8 yards per rush.
Despite losing some big-name receivers over the past two seasons, Fifita is finding ways to elevate this offense. If he keeps up his hot start, Arizona will present a difficult challenge for Texas Tech on Saturday and just might have a part to play in the Big 12 title race at season’s end.
The Player to Watch
Wisconsin DL Hamond Russell IV
Last week, the Wisconsin defensive line dominated the trenches in a pronounced win over Lincoln Riley’s USC.
The Trojans’ backfield combined for just 40 yards on 20 carries, and after accounting for five sacks of Jayden Maiava, USC finished with -17 rushing yards, the second-lowest mark in Wisconsin program history.
One of the Badgers’ standout defensive performers this season is interior defensive lineman Hammond Russell IV.
Through seven games, Russell has tallied 18 impact plays, 19 havoc plays and 12 run disruptions.
He’s changed the calculus for how good this unit can be, and it’s a big reason why the Badgers possess one of the best defenses in the Big Ten this season.
