Keys to a Homecoming Victory Over the Cornhuskers

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Saturday’s homecoming game against Nebraska is a huge opportunity for Indiana Football to stay on the right path. A win would mean a 4-2 (2-1) record heading into Northwestern and a second win over a ranked opponent in 2016. It also may result in IU being ranked in the Top-25. What does IU need to do to knock off No. 10 Nebraska on Saturday? Let’s take a look.

1. Contain Tommy Armstrong Jr. 

As Tommy Armstrong goes, so does Nebraska’s offense. Armstrong has accounted for 14 of Nebraska’s 25 total touchdowns in 2016 and with receiver Jordan Westerkamp, tight end Cethan Carter, and running back Devine Ozigbo likely out for Saturday’s game just makes Armstrong that much more important to the Husker’s offense. Armstrong is most dangerous when he can run the ball, either on designed runs or scrambles. If Armstrong and the Husker offense becomes overly reliant on the pass, that is when the quarterback becomes susceptible to throwing interceptions. Armstrong threw 16 interceptions this year, but a balanced attack has cut that number down to just two.  

2. Get Off to a Hot Start

It’s homecoming in Bloomington, a top-10 team is coming to town, and the Hoosiers are playing good football. All that should mean a great crowd in Memorial Stadium on Saturday. In order to keep the Hoosier fans engaged in this one, IU will have to get off to a quick start and put points up on the board early. Nebraska will bring their fair share of fans, like they do everywhere else, but an early IU lead could quite those fans and ignite Hoosier Nation into a frenzy that will create a home-field advantage. 

3. Re-Establish the Running Game

The chink in the armor of the Indiana offense has been the lack of an explosive running game. There are many factors that have resulted in the struggles on the ground. First, Indiana has been missing their right side of the offensive line with Dan Feeney, out with a concussion, and Dimitric Camiel, done for the season, missing time. Add into the fact that Indiana has played three-straight great defenses who are as tough to run against as any, and you have the major question mark the Hoosiers have right now.

Feeney travelled with the team to Ohio State, which is a good sign, but he did not dress and his status for Saturday is still up in the air. However, if the Hoosiers can get their All-American back they can run against this Nebraska squad who is giving up 4.83 yards per carry and 151.8 yards per game. The return of true freshman Cole Gest would be a major boost as well since he has the burst to break off big runs.

4. Cash in On Scoring Opportunities

The Hoosiers haven’t really had a problem moving the ball between the 20’s this season, but they don’t have the points to show for their work. The issue most notable in causing the lack of scoring is the Hoosiers struggles in the red zone. IU has 18 trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and has come away with just eight touchdowns and four field goals. That simply is not good enough. The Hoosiers have to get six points out of these trips and at least get three on trips inside the opponents 35-yard line. It is difficult to knock off any foe when that many points are being left on the field. 

5. Finish The Game

Nebraska has let teams hang around in the first half in games in 2016 only outscoring opponents 65-57, however the Huskers put them out of their misery in the fourth quarter. Nebraska is +72 in the final stanza, with an aggregate score of 78-6. The last couple of games Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson wanted to get his team into the fourth quarter with a chance to win the game.

Just getting to the fourth quarter with either a lead or just being within striking distance will not be enough for the Hoosiers. Indiana will have to step on the throat of their opponent this week when they have the chance. Indiana will have to play a full sixty minutes to take care of business.