IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Maryland If…

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers travel east to take on the undefeated Maryland Terrapins on Saturday as they seek their first Big Ten win of the season. The 2-2 Hoosiers are coming off a narrow four overtime win over Akron. IU enters the game as a two- touchdown underdog, but could pull off the upset if they can do certain things against Maryland.

1. Score Points When Across the 40-Yard Line

Indiana has crossed the opponents 40-yard line just 19 times this season and have come away with just 68 points out of a possible 133 points (if all drives ended in touchdowns). 41 of those points came against FCS foe Indiana State. The failure of the offense in the red zone and in goal line situations has already cost IU one game and was close to costing them another against Akron.

The Hoosiers do not get to the red zone often, just 11 times over the first four games, so when they get there IU needs to cash in for points. Eight of those 19 drives across the opponents’ 40-yard line have resulted in IU not getting inside the 20. It’s just wildly inefficient. The Hoosiers first need to get into the red zone and then find away to put up points and if they cross the 40-yard line, they need to be better in at least getting a field goal more often. It will be tough as Maryland’s red zone defense only allows points on 64-percent of their red zone attempts, which puts them third in the Big Ten.

2. Win the Turnover Battle

The Terrapins enter the contest ranked second in the Big Ten with a +8 turnover margin. They have recovered four fumbles and intercepted a conference leading seven passes. The Hoosiers meanwhile sit a +2 with six interceptions and zero fumble recoveries.

Winning the turnover battle is usually what swings the outcome of tossup games. The last few seasons have seen this game turn on a turnover or two and whoever takes the ball away the most and gives their offense a chance to put up more points will determine who leaves the Shell with a win.

3. Start Fast/Finish Strong

We talked at length about this in our Matchup to Watch for this week, but starting fast is imperative for IU. Not only could it help spark momentum, it could halt the old “here we go again” mentality that tends to creep in from around the program. Maryland has allowed two inferior opponents to jump out to two-score leads early in the game before eventually recovering and winning with a dominant final three quarters. If the Hoosiers get off to a fast start, they will have to finish strong to come out with a win.