Hoosiers Offense Stalls After Fast Start in 24-17 Win
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The Indiana offense was shutout in the second half for the second time this year. Image: Sarah Miller Hoosier Huddle
Written By Rylie Kyhn
An offense that scored a touchdown on each of their first three possessions of the game, went the remainder of the game scoring only three points. No touchdowns, only a field goal in the second quarter and put no points on the board after that. They went scoreless in the second half which is not the first time this season. Against Virginia, they went the entire second half and couldn’t put any points on the board. Going scoreless in the second half is not going to get the job done in the majority of their games but luckily the defense came up with a few major stops that allowed the Hoosiers to come out with the win.
Two major turnovers for the offense gave the Hoosiers a scare. A fumble by Stevie Scott led to a Rutgers touchdown early in the fourth quarter to bring them within ten and make the score 24-14. Then an interception thrown in the end zone by Peyton Ramsey after they decided to go for it on fourth down led to a drive that resulted in a field goal for Rutgers to pull them within a touchdown score. On the next drive, which would be the final of the game, Indiana didn’t score and just ran the clock out.
The offensive line that was dominated last weekend against the Michigan State defensive line looked better matched against Rutgers. Although there were times that they struggled, they held the line and got the job done. They only allowed one sack and they held their blocks allowing the run game more production than last weekend where they were held to 29 rushing yards. They produced 451 yards yards of total offense, 288 passing and 163 yards rushing.
The Indiana passing attack going up against the Rutgers defensive backs was the matchup to watch coming into this game and the pass attack dominated, in the first half at least. They were led by J-Shun Harris, Ty Fryfogle and Nick Westbrook who combined for 186 of their 288 total passing yards. Peyton Ramsey was 27/40 for 288 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The wide receiver group had an impressive day and they are a bright spot in this offense. The entire group is solid and they all have the ability to make plays.
Although they had more rushing yards than last weekend, it is not going to be enough to compete with other teams in the Big Ten. You have to be able to run the ball successfully and over the last two games, this Indiana run game is not getting the job done. They averaged 3.9 yards per carry against a Rutgers defense that typically gives up 5.6 yards per rush. Stevie Scott led the Hoosiers with 58 yards on 18 carries and quarterback Peyton Ramsey was not far behind with 51 yards on 10 carries.
A Rutgers defense that gives up an average of 39 points per game, held the Indiana offense to 24 and held them to 0 in the second half. Rutgers outscored them 10-0 in a game that they barely escaped with a win. An offense that goes scoreless in the second half is not going to be dependable for the entire season so they are going to need to figure out how to put up points after the first.