IU’s Offense Stumbles Again Against Cincinnati

Image: Zach Greene Hoosier Huddle

Written by Matt Smith

IU hosted the number eight team in the country on Saturday, when the Cincinnati Bearcats came to Bloomington. For the first time in a while, there was a sell out crowd in Memorial Stadium. However, the offense still struggled in front of the home crowd.

The Hoosiers got off to a good start when Michael Penix hit Peyton Hendershot for a short touchdown pass that put them up seven. After the defense forced a fumble, Stephen Carr caught a short pass from Penix as well for a touchdown.

DJ Matthews had a great game as he hauled in five receptions for 120 yards. He also had two rushing attempts including a touchdown run in the third quarter that gave the Hoosiers the lead back.

However, the story of the game for the offense was the turnovers. Penix threw three interceptions including one in the red zone. All three of his interceptions led to Bearcats points. In addition, Tim Baldwin fumbled the ball on the five yard line in the fourth quarter when Indiana had a chance to score the ball and take the lead.

“One rule for running backs. You gotta protect the football,” head coach Tom Allen said during his post game press conference.

Penix looked more comfortable in the pocket during the game, however continued to make silly mistakes and missed a lot of open receivers. Part of that has to do with the offensive line, who were getting beat off the line during much of the second half.

Penix threw for 224 yards on 17 of 40 attempts with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

IU’s run game had a decent game totaling 152 rush yards. Stephen Carr was the leading rusher with 21 carries for 52 yards. 

IU is also leaving the game with some injuries, Carr was banged up during the game which is why Baldwin was in during the fourth quarter. Penix is also getting x-rays done to him as well. 

As far as the offensive mistakes, Allen was not pleased with them after the game.

“You can’t make those mistakes,” Allen said. “That’s the game.”

Many different things went wrong for the offense during the game, the majority of which being turnovers, but the Hoosiers will look to bounce back next week as they travel to Western Kentucky.