Keys for an Indiana Upset over No. 4 Penn State
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Written by: @Zgreene650
Last weekend, the Hoosiers got back on track, traveling two hours south, beating Western Kentucky 33-31 on their historic “Black Out” crowd. It was not an easy win, but there were many positives and some critical injuries that are something to keep an eye on going into this week’s game. IU falls to 2-2 on the season while they will now travel east to Penn State to take on the #4 ranked team in the country. The game will take place on national television at 7:30 pm on ABC. Both teams will have a lot to play for. Last year IU pulled off the upset against the Nifty Lions, so you rest assured they will want payback. On the other hand, the Hoosiers will look to prove people wrong. After losing to Cincinnati and Iowa, many have counted out this up-and-coming program. Many have left Indiana out of their current bowl projections, which will only provide more motivation. Now with said, let’s dive into keys for the Hoosiers to pull off an upset against Penn State.
1. Do Not Let Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington Beat You
So far this season, teams have struggled to stop this star-studded duo. They have a combined 50 receptions on the season for over 650 yards and six touchdowns. Nifty Lions QB Sean Clifford loves throwing to Dotson and Washington while not giving many targets to other receivers. Therefore, Indiana CB Tiawan Mullen will be critical to play lock-down defense against one of the receivers. It will be unclear who he will be lined up against, but you can rest assured that he will be ready. Mullen will not only look to lead this Hoosiers defense but improve his draft stock.
2. Give QB Michael Penix Time to Throw
IU QB Michael Penix has underperformed this season. He has a 4-6 touchdown to interception ratio. His turnovers have been brutal. The losses against Iowa and Cincinnati Penix looked shaky and jittery. He could not make the correct reads, and when under pressure, failed to throw the ball away. Therefore, it will be critical for the IU Offense Line to be on their A-Game, giving Penix a clean and secure pocket. The Nifty Lions are led by #9 CB Joey Porter Jr., who has two sacks on the season, and #12 Brandon Smith with one. Both players can cause havoc and can speed up the progression of opposing QB’s. If the O-Line can lock up both guys and be quick and versatile, there’s a chance Penix looks like what he looked like last year against Penn State.
3. Offensive Coordinator Sheridan Needs to Get Creative
In Saturday’s win against Cincinnati, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan got creative, drawing up a flea-flicker on the first drive on the game. He will need to draw up more plays like this for the Hoosiers to pull off an upset victory. At times, the IU offense has looked flat and predictable, especially on the first down. There have been many times in the four games where the first plays have been an iso run up the middle. This needs to change. Sheridan will need to be more aggressive. The Nifty Lions are prone to receivers beating them off the line of scrimmage. With the loss of WR D.J. Matthews, someone will need to step up. Who will it be? Jordyn Williams had a solid summer camp. He did not take a redshirt year. There is a chance he suits up and gets some snaps in the slot. He is a shifty slick wideout who not only catches but runs the ball on jet sweeps.
4. One Turnover or Fewer
This Hoosiers team has been prone to turnovers in their two losses this season. Penix, in both defeats, threw three picks and one late-game fumble by Tim Baldwin Jr. have gashed their hopes of the CFP. For the Hoosiers to win, they cannot afford to turn over the ball more than one time. It will be understandable if there is a pick while Penix is under pressure, but anything more, than the Hoosiers’ hopes, will be slim. Being a road game, the Penn State crowd, will be rowdy. Rowdy is an understatement. They will be angry. They will try and take their anger out on IU after last year’s loss. What better way for them to get out their anger than turnovers. Overall, this Hoosiers team cannot afford to turn the ball over. When they turn the ball over, they lose.
5. Excel On Special Teams
The Hoosiers have been just ok on special teams this season. Kicker Charles Cambell is perfect on the season and will look to continue this streak. Field position will also be a significant key in the game. If the Hoosiers win field position, they will have a better chance of upsetting the Nifty Lions. IU cannot afford to have to defend starting at their 50-yard line. It will be interesting to see who wins field position in this game. One thing is for sure. If the Hoosiers can end drives with points and win the field position battle, they will be competitive in this ball game.