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 10 came and went, delivering seven ranked–on-ranked matchups. While this week is lighter in that regard, quality over quantity reigns supreme with a handful of CFP-shaping matchups on the horizon.
This week: USC’s tight end is crushing it. Is Brad Jackson the next great Group of 6 quarterback? Plus, Alabama's scouting department deserves a raise.
The Matchup
USC vs. Indiana
The reports of Lincoln Riley and USC’s demise have been greatly exaggerated…for now.
With three games left to play and a massive pileup atop the Big Ten standings, USC still has a path to the College Football Playoff.
The Trojans’ offense features some exhilarating playmakers, chief among them being freshman tight end Mark Bowman. Bowman averages 11.8 yards per reception, 7 yards after catch per reception and pulled off one of the catch-and-runs of the season two weeks ago against Ohio State.
He’s emerged as one of quarterback Jayden Maiava’s go-to targets and will likely need another strong performance against Indiana’s defense on Saturday afternoon.
Across the field from Bowman and the Trojans stands the Indiana defense, one of the best units in college football. The Hoosiers’ defense allows 1.1 points per drive, 5.1 net yards per pass and 3.6 yards per rush, all better than league-average figures.
The matchup between USC’s offense and Indiana’s defense might tip the scales on Saturday and could create a ripple effect that massively impacts both teams' seasons.
The Radar
Texas State QB Brad Jackson
Texas State has one of the most free-flowing, high-scoring offenses in the Group of 6 this season. A big reason why is the continued development of quarterback Brad Jackson.
Jackson is undersized, but what he lacks in height, he makes up for with a quick-trigger release and elite anticipation. This season, he’s completed 67.7% of his passes and generated chunk pass plays 21.5% of the time, all while keeping his interceptions low. On the ground, he’s also chipped in 7.3 yards per rush attempt – further proof of his dual-threat capabilities.
Coach GJ Kinne has a knack for getting the most out of his quarterbacks. He’s done it again with Jackson, who has blossomed into one of the best quarterbacks in the Group of 6 this season.
The Player to Watch
Alabama C Racin Delgatty
Alabama found another gem via the transfer portal, folks.
A season ago, center Racin Delgatty was playing for Cal Poly at the FCS level. This season, he’s been the anchor of the Crimson Tide’s offensive line and has become one of the latest success stories in the FCS-to-Division I pipeline.
Through nine games, Delgatty has a Time to Pressure rate of 5.1 seconds and a Run ALOE (Average Length of Engagement) of 1.8 seconds, both significantly better than league-average marks.
He’s a solid pass blocker, good run-blocking finisher, and rarely allows pressure in either aspect of the game. The Crimson Tide’s scouting department deserves a ton of credit for unearthing a player of Delgatty’s ability and plucking him from the FCS level.
