Pat McAfee blows AJ Hawk & Co's minds with Pro-Indiana stat ahead of Ohio State clash

As Indiana gets ready for the biggest regular-season game in memory with their upcoming battle with Ohio State, the Hoosiers are in search of respect. Many single out Indiana's light schedule as evidence that other teams are more worthy of College Football Playoff consideration, but there's another side to things.

Pat McAfee used his ESPN show as a forum to build up the Hoosiers. In discussion with AJ Hawk, McAfee spoke at length about his positive feelings on the Hoosiers. Eternally the contrarian, McAfee made a pretty good case for Indiana's superiority over the Buckeyes:

"Here's some Hembo [ESPN Producer Paul "Hembo" Hembekides] stats about Indiana and Ohio State, some very, very good ones. It is true, Hembo says, that Indiana has played the 106th ranked strength of schedule, and Ohio State is 28th.

"Also true, if you were to think about it, Indiana and Ohio State have played three common opponents-- Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan State. Indiana has performed better in those games than Ohio State has. Ohio State vs. common opponents against Indiana, +59 scoring margin, 90-31, that's pretty good. Indiana +103 scoring, 144-41."

McAfee also cited advantages for Indiana over Ohio State in both yardage gained and turnover margins from games with common opponents. Perhaps the Hoosiers aren't such substantial underdogs this week.

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Indiana's path to OSU matchup

Indiana was picked 17th of the 18 Big Ten teams in the preseason media poll. Yes, the Hoosiers have had a light schedule. But they are 10-0 and have only played one game with a final margin inside of two touchdowns - their 20-15 win over Michigan.

Indiana has averaged a whopping 43.9 points and 453.2 yards per game. Their defense is severely underrated, as they are allowing just 13.8 points per game. Indiana also has avoided playing any of the top seven teams in the current Big Ten standings.

OSU's path to battle with IU

Ohio State lost to No. 1 Oregon 32-31 and bested No. 4 Penn State 20-13. The Indiana game will be their third top five battle of the season. OSU has scored 37.8 points per game and allowed just 10.3.

OSU has had only three games - the aforementioned top five battles and a 21-17 win over Nebraska. The Buckeyes will also finish the season with their annual battle with Michigan.

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Do you think the Hoosiers are overrated? Share your take on this weekend's Indiana/Ohio State showdown below in the comments section: