Indiana moved to 3-0 with a 38-0 win over Western Kentucky on Saturday in Bloomington.
The full defensive snap counts from the game are below.
But first, here are some notes on the defense coming out of the contest:
For a look at the offense vs. Western Kentucky, GO HERE.
Defensive Line
From his stud position, Tobi Osunsanmi had the top overall defensive grade on the team according to PFF, and among players with 10 or more pass rush snaps, his 93.2 grade was the best in the nation. He had a sack and a forced fumble. But while PFF gave him good grades, he did have three missed tackles.
Osunsanmi and his fellow Kansas State transfer Chiddi Obiazor each had four quarterback pressures, part of 21 total pressures by IU on 34 drop backs.
Mario Landino, Daniel Ndukwe and Josh Burnham each added two pressures.
The absence of Kellan Wyatt and Stephen Daley elevated the roles of Burnham, Ndukwe and Obiazor, who all saw considerably more snaps week-over-week.
Freshman Blake Smythe was healthy for the first game this year and made his debut. He had a pressure and should end up in the regular rotation at defensive tackle.
Linebackers
Rolijah Hardy had the best PFF run defense grade. He led the team with nine tackles, including two for a loss, and he added a quarterback hit. His average depth of tackle was just two yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
Isaiah Jones’ interception was the second of his career, with the first coming at Oregon last season.
Kaiden Turner started in the third linebacker spot against two tight end personnel.
Safeties
Among the main players, rover Byron Baldwin had the best coverage grade according to PFF. His day included a pass breakup, and he also recorded his first career tackle for loss.
Safety Preston Zachman had the best tackling grade.
Quan Sanks saw his most snaps on the season and played both on the back end at a rover.
Cornerbacks
In his return from injury, Jamari Sharpe was solid across the board. He was targeted three times and only gave up one catch. He had five tackles, a tackle for loss, and no missed tackles. And he broke up a pass.
Ryland Gandy had six tackles with no misses, and he forced a fumble.
DEFENSIVE SNAP COUNTS (61 snaps)
- Ryland Gandy, CB (59)
- Rolijah Hardy, LB (58)
- Amare Ferrell, S (58)
- Isaiah Jones, LB (58)
- Jamari Sharpe, CB (58)
- Preston Zachman, S (48)
- Mario Landino, DT (45)
- Tyrique Tucker, DT (39)
- Byron Baldwin, Rover (34)
- Tobi Osunsanmi, Edge (31)
- Josh Burnham, Edge (31)
- Daniel Ndukwe, Edge (30)
- Chiddi Obiazor, DL (30)
- Quan Sanks, S (24)
- Joe Hjelle, DT (19)
- Kaiden Turner, LB (12)
- Blake Smythe, DT (7)
- Cam McHaney, DT (7)
- Keishaun Calhoun, DT (7)
- Jeff Utzinger, LB (7)
- Jamar Owens, S (3)
- Jaylen Bell, CB (3)
- Anthony Chung, S (3)
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
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