Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
This is a feature, not a bug, and it could be the future of college football. Older players are more physically mature, experienced, and easier to coach. Saw a stat that Indiana's average player age is 23, while the Green Bay Packers average age is 25. And with NIL paying some guys better than a rookie NFL contract will I would guess older teams are going to become more common.
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Yes.
I think Cignetti's portal plan (production above all else) is the key. He brings in older guys who have played a lot of college football instead of chasing a couple star players, raw talent, or high school recruiting stars. Veterans who have experienced a lot on the field end up going to Indiana for what amounts to finishing school under Cignetti. It also results in quality depth across a very high floor roster and undercutting the need for star players.
Indiana's top three rushers have gained 1,060 yards, 961 yards, and 505 yards.
Their top five receivers (four WR) all have at least 30 receptions and are between 370 and 866 receiving yards.
They are second per game in tackles for loss with 128, but 11 players have at least 5.5.
They are sixth per game in sacks with 45 with ten players between 2 and 8.
Mendoza is the headliner because he is their quarterback and he is very talented (his accuracy last night is the standout feature), but he is surrounded by a lot of talent up and down the roster.