NEBRASKA CITY - Nebraska Radio Network analyst Damon Benning said there could be some surprises as both Indiana and Nebraska come off bye weeks for Saturday’s Big Noon Kickoff, but he expects a key to the game to be how prepared teams are to counterpunch their opponents’ tendencies.

Game on Paper lists the top college quarterbacks halfway through the season based on an advanced metrics relying on math formulas that link probable points to down, distance and field position. Not only is Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke at the top of the list, but, according to an "expected points added" analysis, the six-year transfer is trending toward being the best quarterback to ever play.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/analytics-preview-nebraska-football-vs-indiana/ar-AA1sneDz?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=b3abd9a797c74ffa92efb012f6a7709f&ei=59

Benning said Nebraska’s defense also has some impressive statistics, ranked in the top 10 nationally for rushing yards allowed and sacks.

He posits the idea that fans expect Indiana’s stats to manifest on the field Saturday, while they question whether Nebraska’s defensive stats will hold up.

Benning: “Nebraska’s defensive statistics are really, really good and they’ve been portable, but when we pit them against Indiana’s offense it’s almost like we’re in fear. Why do Indiana’s stats have to play out on Saturday and Nebraska’s won’t?”

He said Nebraska can counterpunch with its defensive line and its back seven. He expects cornerback Tommi Hill to be back from plantar fasciitis but said Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a DeShon Singleton-kind-of-day.

He said the offense can counterpunch with its commitment to the running game and its talented quarterbacks.

Benning: “If you ask me what is the secret little super power that Nebraska has, their scout team is pretty impressive on both sides of the ball that the top groups, the top 60,  are going against. That’s where depth shows up. Not everybody has a Danny Kaelin who is going to play  Rourke on the scout team. The guy is pretty good.”

He said a 6-0 start and national ranking has Indiana feeling good.

Benning: "It's a team that definitely reflects the confidence of that coaching staff."

Nebraska 27, Indiana 24.

GBR