Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

The stage was set just as it had been so many weeks and so many seasons before.

With just four minutes to play in the fourth, Indiana’s defense trotted back onto the field clinging onto a 3-point lead. After being picked apart in the first half, their adjustments had worked in the second. The missed tackles and penalties had diminished, and suddenly the Maryland offense was stalling.

But we’ve seen this before, right? Surely the defense would revert back to its bad habits of the first half and leave Indiana heading home with an all too familiar defeat.

As former Indiana coach Lee Corso would say, “not so fast, my friend.” This time was different.

On the first Maryland offensive play, safety Juwan Burgess was able to strip and recover a fumble from one of the most explosive players in the Big Ten, Javon Leake. One Logan Justus field goal later, and the Indiana lead was extended to six, 34-28, with two minutes to play.

The defense again had to stop Maryland to preserve a win. And once again, it did just that.

“In the past, we haven’t gotten those breaks. The ball hasn’t always bounced our way,” said Peyton Ramsey postgame. “This is just a different group of guys, a group of guys that works so hard and is just so locked in all the time.”

This time, the defense locked down and secured the victory. After giving up a 4th down conversion on what seemed like a sure-sack, a couple plays later Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome was not able to make magic happen twice. Pigrome overthrew his intended receiver and the ball was picked off by Reese Taylor.

The victory formation came out, and the road Big Ten win was secured. 34-28. 5-2 on the season.

“I thought takeaways were going to be the key to us winning the game,” said Coach Allen. They may not have been the only reason for the win, but they put the final bow on it.

“The defense grows in confidence because of tonight. You learn that when you’re on the field and have to step up and make a play.”

The Terrapins were limited to just 144 offensive yards and 7 points in the second half.

For the first time in a while, Indiana was able to flip the script and finish a game they hadn’t been able to in the past. Now, it’s October 19th and they’re just one win away from bowl eligibility.

Next up, the Cornhuskers.

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