Indiana went deep into the depth chart on Saturday in connection with its 55-0 win over Howard.
The full defensive snap counts are below.
But first, here are some notes from the game:
For a look at the offense vs. Howard, GO HERE.
Defensive Line
Mario Landino and Chiddi Obiazor led the team with three pressures apiece. As a team, IU had 22 pressures. Landino had the best overall defensive grade and best pass rush grade on the team according to PFF, and he also forced a fumble.
Edge Kellan Wyatt, who is in an ongoing legal battle to obtain a fifth season, saw his first action of the season. Fellow edge Stephen Daley, who is also seeking a fifth year, started for IU and co-led the team with five tackles.
In an attempt to get the best 11 on the field, IU with more than two defensive ends at a time on some plays, and had Daley, Josh Burnham, and Obiazor all in the B-gap at various points.
Keishaun Calhoun had two sacks in just five pass rush snaps from his interior position.
Freshman Blake Smythe, who is expected to have a rotational role, missed his second straight game. Cam McHaney continued to be the fourth interior lineman in the rotation behind Tyrique Tucker, Mario Landino and Joe Hjelle.
Linebackers
Isaiah Jones had the best overall run defense grade on the team according to PFF, with three tackles it credited as stops (tackles that constitutes a “failure” for the offense).
Rolijah Hardy had the best PFF pass coverage grade, no doubt largely influenced by his interception he returned for a touchdown. That was the second time Hardy has recorded a pick-six at IU.
Freshman Jacob Savage continues to see a decent early role, and his quickness to the ball pops. He managed to get a couple pressures and a couple tackles. Indiana still appears to still be figuring things about behind Jones and Hardy, and Savage is emerging.
Safeties
Jamar Owens saw a good amount of snaps and appears to be in the mix for a second team role as a true freshman.
Quan Sanks appears to continue to be the fourth safety, behind Amare Ferrell, Preston Zachman and Byron Baldwin. All four should see plenty of action.
Anthony Chung, who was awarded a scholarship during the offseason, is also in the top five.
Cornerbacks
Starters Jamari Sharpe and A.J. Harris were held out for what was likely precautionary reasons given the opponent. That led to a second straight game of extensive action for Jaylen Bell and Ryland Gandy. Those are valuable reps for both the players and staff.
Among the starting defensive backs, Gandy had the best PFF coverage grade. He allowed just one reception in three throws his direction, and he broke up two passes.
Fourth-year walk-on Lincoln Murff from Ben Davis H.S. in Indianapolis saw his first-ever game action for the Hoosiers, played multiple series, and delivered a couple second half tackles.
DEFENSE (47 snaps)
- Jaylen Bell, CB (35)
- Isaiah Jones, LB (34)
- Ryland Gandy, CB (34)
- Rolijah Hardy, LB (32)
- Amare Ferrell, S (31)
- Preston Zachman, S (27)
- Byron Baldwin, Rover (27)
- Tobi Osunsanmi, Edge (25)
- Mario Landino, DT (24)
- Tyrique Tucker, DT (24)
- Quan Sanks, S (20)
- Stephen Daley, Edge (19)
- Daniel Ndukwe, Edge (18)
- Joe Hjelle, DT (17)
- Chiddi Obiazor, DL (15)
- Jacob Savage, LB (13)
- Jamar Owens, S (13)
- Lincoln Murff, CB (13)
- Josh Burnham, Edge (13)
- Kaiden Turner, LB (13)
- Cam McHaney, DT (12)
- Carson Williams, CB (12)
- Jeff Utzinger, LB (11)
- Kellan Wyatt, DE (9)
- Anthony Chung, S (8)
- Keishaun Calhoun, DT (6)
- Tyrone Burrus, DT (3)
- Kaden McConnell, LB (3)
- Henry Ohlinger, LB (2)
- Jhrevious Hall, DT (2)
- Kyler Garcia, DT (1)
- Clay Conner, S (1)
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