Indiana football vs. Cincinnati: Three key Bearcats to keep in check
2. Ivan Pace Jr. – LB – #0
2022 stats: 31 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
The senior linebacker spent his first three seasons with Miami (OH) and totaled 125 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss (TFL), and 4.0 sacks in 13 games as a junior. Thus far, in just three games with the Bearcats, Pace Jr. has recorded 31 total tackles, 6.5 TFL, and 2.0 sacks and is on pace (pun intended) to finish the 2022 season, if Cincinnati reaches a bowl game, a career-best 134 total tackles, 28.0 TFL, and 8.5 sacks.
As of right now, Pace Jr. ranks in the top five in tackles for loss and top 20 in total tackles in all of college football. In his career, the senior has faced off against just one Big Ten opponent (Minnesota) and managed nine tackles and 1.5 TFL in that game. The leader of this defensive unit will now be facing an ever-changing offensive line for Indiana football and will look to make some noise in the backfield.
Per @PFF_College, Cincinnati LB Ivan Pace (@Ivan_PaceJR) is the only LB in the country with:
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) September 19, 2022
80+ total defense grade (84.2)
90+ run defense grade (91.7) AND
80+ pass rush grade (84.1)
23 tackles, 7 TFLs or NGs, and 6 total pressures.
Awesome season so far for the MAC transfer! pic.twitter.com/VKCvKK3ODT
If the Hoosiers offensive line focuses on any one specific defender, it has to be Pace Jr. or he will wreak havoc over this developing offensive unit led by Connor Bazelak.