IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Rutgers If…

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers come into Saturday’s homecoming game against Rutgers with a 2-4 (0-3) record and as a 5.5-point underdog. Saturday’s game is a must win for the Hoosiers and Tom Allen for various reasons and has been dubbed as ‘Allen’s Last Stand’. So what does IU need to do to get up off the mat? Here are three things the Hoosiers need to do to win:

1. Play Like There is No Tomorrow

While there will be five more games remaining in the 2023 season for the Hoosiers, a loss to Rutgers would effectively end any hopes of making the postseason and lead the IU higher ups to have to ask some very difficult and expensive questions. The Hoosiers need to come out and play like their season is on the line. There is nothing to hold back, nothing to save for later. If there are any aces up anyone’s sleeves, now’s the time to play them. The time for conservative play is over. Roll the dice, see what happens.

2. Be Mentally Tough

The Scarlet Knights just grind until they come out victorious and while they have lost two road games, they were against Michigan and Wisconsin. Rutgers is tough, both physically and mentally, and they will wear down an opponent. Indiana has to be mentally tougher than they have been over this season. The Hoosiers have wilted several times when things start to go south.

3. Give the Fans a Reason to Cheer

It will not be a huge crowd and for the most part, the home fans will be ready to boo any little thing they deem to be bad football. The team needs to be ready for this.

On the flip side, the Hoosiers need to give the fans a reason to cheer. It’s homecoming, Hoosier Hysteria is Friday night and hopefully there are good vibes heading into the stadium. IU needs to make plays and make them early and often. Whether it’s a touchdown, an explosive play or a big play on defense. Force the crowd to cheer by making plays.