2023 Nebraska-Northwestern football stats matchup

Here’s how the Cornhuskers and Wildcats match up statistically entering their Oct. 21 game in Lincoln. Average national ranking in categories listed: Nebraska 73.6, Northwestern 81.6.

	Stat	Rank	Stat	Rank
	NEBRASKA 3-3 (1-2)		NORTH- WESTERN 3-3 (1-2)
Rushing offense	200.5	17	103.0	118
Passing offense	141.8	125	203.3	97
Pass efficiency	110.59	123	124.12	97
Total offense	342.3	102	306.3	120
Scoring offense	19.0	120	22.0	107
Rushing defense	75.8	3	172.3	106
Pass defense	247.2	93	189.7	26
Pass eff. defense	123.42	40	130.49	64
Total defense	323.0	24	362.0	55
Scoring defense	21.0	41	27.3	77
Net punting	38.15	76	36.66	99
Punt returns	3.80	109	4.33	99
Kickoff returns	22.80	39	20.50	57
Turnover margin	-1.17	127	0.00	61
Tackles for loss	5.3	85	4.5	113
Sacks	2.67	35	1.67	104
Sacks allowed	2.33	85	3.67	117
Third-down conversion	0.378	89	0.456	32
Third-down defense	0.400	77	0.400	77
Fourth-down conversion	0.500	64	0.222	126
Fourth-down defense	0.500	61	0.643	109
Red zone offense	0.667	129	0.882	44
Red zone defense	0.895	108	0.833	63
First downs offense	104	119	108	114
First downs defense	114	43	115	46
Fewest penalties	6.33	70	4.67	20
Fewest penalty yards	53.33	66	37.00	14
Time of possession	31:03	41	26:53	122
Power index*	0.0	65	-4.7	88
Efficiency: Offense*	31.7	106	30.0	108
Efficiency: Defense*	70.6	27	37.9	100
Efficiency: Spec. Teams*	51.1	72	54.4	53
Efficiency: Overall*	52.3	63	31.2	105
Schedule strength*	59	59	36	36
*ESPN FPI analytics. Schedule strength does not include future opponents.