Game Wrap and Reaction: Indiana 38 Connecticut 3
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Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle
Written by T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
Opponent – Connecticut Huskies
Location – Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN
Why They Played – The Hoosiers and Huskies played game three of a four-game non-conference scheduling contract. The series will conclude next season in Storrs.
What the Game Meant – Indiana finished 3-0 in the non-conference with a dominant performance over their American Athletic Conference foes. After 1/3 of the season, the Hoosiers sit exactly where most thought they would and they now turn their attention to the Big Ten schedule.
Top Offensive Performers
Stevie Scott – RB – Scott ground out 97 yards on a season-high 21 carries with a touchdown. Despite a long run of just 10 yards, Scott averaged 4.6 yards per carry and consistently kept IU in a good position.
Peyton Ramsey – QB – Ramsey was not asked to do a lot today as Kalen DeBoer kept things very simple for the Hoosiers back-up quarterback today. IU was methodical on offense in the absence of Michael Penix and for the most part, Ramsey executed well. He was 23-27 for 247 yards with three touchdowns and one ugly interception.
Peyton Hendershot – TE – The tight end continues to benefit from the scheme of Kalen DeBoer. He has been given the chance to show his ability and he has not disappointed. Hendershot had 43 yards with his third touchdown of the season.
Top Defensive Performers
Cam Jones – LB – Having a healthy Cam Jones makes a massive difference for the defense. The sophomore from Tennessee was everywhere on Saturday. He had an interception that he returned for a touchdown, a massive hit on UConn back Kevin Mensah, four tackles and a tackle for a loss.
Tiawan Mullen – CB – While his statistics do not jump off the page, Mullen was excellent in coverage and made a standout play on a fourth down that could have kept a drive alive for UConn. The freshman looks the part of a future star in the secondary.
Jamar Johnson – Husky – Johnson got extensive playing time and capitalized with a team-high (tie with Reakwon Jones) six tackles.
Special Teams Performance
Nathaniel Snyder kicked off six times and had six touchbacks and Jared Smolar added one of his own so it was a very good afternoon for the kickoff unit. Logan Justus made all of his extra points and the only field goal he had to attempt in the 38-3 route. Haydon Whitehead only had one punt but it was a terrific one as he boomed it 57 yards. The only negative for this unit was a few penalties on punt returns.
Key Stats
430 to 145
That’s the total offensive yards as Indiana dominated both the rushing and the passing numbers on Saturday. IU held UConn to under 100 yards passing and just 2.2 yards per carry. It was a complete performance from the Hoosiers.
8 of 10 to 3 of 14
A major reason for IU’s success on Saturday, particularly in winning the time of possession battle and succeeding in methodically moving down the field was the third down conversions. IU was 8-10 while holding UConn to just 3 of 14.
One Major Injury
While this is not a stat, it is a key takeaway from Saturday’s game. Coy Cronk left the contest in the first quarter with what appeared to a very serious ankle injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time. Cronk was IU’s best offensive lineman and the Hoosiers will have to cobble together a unit that can be successful without him. They tried moving Caleb Jones from right tackle to left tackle with DaVondre Love at right tackle and they tried Jones at right tackle with freshman Matthew Bedford at left tackle. Bedford could be a great player in time but the Hoosiers might need that time to be now if they are to have success in 2019.
Turning Point
IU dominated this contest thoroughly but the turning point probably came when the defense held UConn to a field goal on their first drive. UConn took over in IU territory after a Peyton Hendershot fumble. IU allowed one first down but then stiffened and kept UConn to three points. The Hoosiers scored on their next series and never looked back.
I Knew it was Over When…
It was over when Cam Jones intercepted a pass at the 41 yard line and took it to the house for a 24-3 lead. It was a play created by pressure from the defensive line and a well-deserved reward for the defense on a day they played some great football.
Players of the Game
Peyton Ramsey – It was a well-balanced and methodical effort from the offense. Ramsey didn’t do anything to wow anyone but he distributed the ball nicely and kept the offense moving.
Cam Jones – The sophomore forced the takeaway and turned it into a score. He also had some very nice hits and a really good pass break up on a potentially big play for UConn.