Hoosiers Efficient Offense Led by Quarterbacks and Young Rushing Attack

Stevie Scott (21) had two touchdowns on the ground on Saturday Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Lauralys Shallow

IU thumped Ball State 38-10 behind a solid offensive effort to improve to 3-0 on the season. Much like last week’s contest against Virginia, the offense took control of the game early, jumping out to a 24-3 lead, but unlike last week, the IU offense finished strong, putting up 14 more points in the second half. Let’s take a closer look at IU’s successful day offensively.

Freshmen Impact

With Michael Penix, Ronnie Walker Jr., Taylor Bjorson, Reese Taylor and Stevie Scott, IU Head Coach Tom Allen literally has a handful of freshmen who are a huge piece of IU’s offensive success.

Ronnie Wlaker scored on his first touch Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Scott and Walker got 27 of IU’s 44 carries and 155 of IU’s 255 rushing yards. Scott followed last weekend’s monster game against Virginia with another solid performance. Scott became the fastest freshman in IU history to have back to back games with over 100-yards rushing. He finished with 114 yards and 2 touchdowns.  

Walker did not see action until the second half, but he made an immediate impact as soon as the ball was placed his hands. Walker’s first career carry as a Hoosier was for an 18-yard touchdown to put IU up 31-3. He finished with 9 carries for 41 yards, averaging 4.6 yards a carry. 

Taylor and Bjorson did not have as huge as an impact on the passing game as Scott and Walker did in the running game, but Taylor and Bjorson had a solid showing, combining for 5 receptions for 52 yards. Bjorson’s longest catch was a 22-yard reception that led to Scott’s first rushing touchdown on IU’s second drive. Taylor averaged 7 yards on his 3 receptions while Bjorson averaged 15.5 on two catches. Bjorson and Taylor combined with Luke Timian, Nick Westbrook, Ty Fryfogle and Peyton Hendershot give IU great options in the passing game.

Quality Quarterback Play   

Peyton Ramsey looks for room to run. Image: Sarah Miller Hoosier Huddle

It has been less than a month since Peyton Ramsey was named the starting quarterback, but he proved why Tom Allen gave him the job. Ramsey was 20-27, throwing for 173 yards, and he ran for 43 yards and a touchdown. Allen himself said that Ramsey was dependable and consistent, and that is exactly the type of play IU needs at quarterback. Another strength of Ramsey is his ability to make plays with his feet, and more importantly, get first downs with his feet. Ramsey’s scrambling ability is huge for IU’s offense because it keeps drives going and the IU defense off the field.

Like the FIU game, Penix did not play until the second half. In his first drive under center, Penix led IU on a 10 play, 83 yard scoring drive. Penix was 4-5 for 29 yards in the four drives he was utilized. All of Penix’s throws were hard and on target. While Penix did not do anything impressive necessarily, he did his job and he did it well.

Overall, IU looked in sync and explosive on offense. All phases of the offense–passing, rushing and blocking were solid, and IU is in a good place offensively heading into conference play with Michigan State.