Keys to a Hoosier Win Over the Bearcats

Written by Andrew Walker

Indiana Football is 3-0. 3-0 is 3-0 is 3-0. Could the Hoosiers possibly be 1-2? Definitely. But they’re not. The fact of the matter is that the win/loss column doesn’t care what your record is. Just win. That’s what Indiana will be hoping to do against the Cincinnati Bearcats this Saturday in Nippert Stadium at 3:30. Today’ let’s take a look at a few keys to victory for the Hoosiers. 

Capitalize on Cincy’s Mistake Problem.

Cincinnati has been making mistakes. That’s very apparent. One year removed from being one of the best teams in the country under Desmond Ridder, the Bearcats seem like a far cry from the non-power five CFB Playoff ready team. Cincinnati has come up with ten penalties in every game they’ve played this season so far, and lost six turnovers to boot. Indiana head coach Tom Allen’s ball hawk defense should have a heyday in the turnover column if Cincy keeps making mistakes as they have been.

Connor Bazelak Needs to be Consistent Enough

Bazelak has had an up and down start to his tenure at Indiana. A tenure marked by decently consistent short to medium range play, to semi-regularly overthrowing some deeper balls. Bazelak needs to stay consistent for this game. The Bearcats gave up 31 points to then top-20 Arkansas, and there shouldn’t be any reason as to why Indiana couldn’t approach that many points on the board either. Being able to get the ball out against this team will be crucial. Bazelak shouldn’t have to worry about an extremely stout secondary either. Cincy has only raked in two interceptions so far.  

Pass Rush Needs to be a Point of Emphasis

Indiana has done a great job at getting to the QB this season so far. In three games, the Hoosiers have eight sacks for -52 yards. That will be even more of a necessity against Cincinnati. Eight sacks and five forced fumbles so far on the season give a great indication as to how successful Indiana should be against the Bearcats’ offensive line. Granted, Cincinnati’s OL is pretty experienced, with four seniors starting for first year position coach Mike Cummings. Indiana will undoubtedly need to rush more than four most likely, but that shouldn’t take away from the second level of the defense. Getting to the QB and forcing senior QB Ben Bryant to make mistakes will be at the top of the defensive game plan.