Written by: @Zgreene650

The Hoosiers 38-24 loss to Cincinnati was disappointing for the coaches, players, and fans after starting the game taking a 14-0 lead. There was much improvement from this up-and-coming program compared to their first two games. If a couple of big plays and penalties could have gone in Hoosier’s favor, they could have come out with a win. This week the Hoosiers will travel about three hours south to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at 8 pm EST on CBS. The Hoosiers are 10-point favorites and will look to gain some momentum going into a nationally televised game against Penn State. That said, let’s dive into some keys for this Hoosiers team getting a win on Saturday!

1. Create Havoc

The Hoosiers need to be able to fast off the line of scrimmage and create some pressure on the Hilltoppers O-Line, which will speed up the progressions of Hilltoppers QB Bailey Zappe. On the season, Zappe is 56-75 for over 800 yards and ten touchdowns. He has only thrown two picks on the season so far. Zappe is a Graduate Student who sure knows how to play Quarterback at this level. He is accurate and reads defenses well. He does not have the best size nor the best arm but can torch a defense if given enough time in the pocket. Zappe can make mistakes when under pressure. Against Army, he threw a pick to a linebacker when a defender was right in his face. Defensive Coach Charlton Warren should have good gameplay to stop the Hilltoppers offense.

2. Average 4.5+ Yards Per Carry

So far, the Hoosiers have done “just ok” running the football. They have averaged 3.5 yards per carry on 39 attempts. This past Saturday, the Hoosiers averaged a yard better. This, in large part, was because of the O-Line as they were able to create decent holes for the RBs against one of the best defenses in the nation. This Saturday against the Hilltoppers the Hoosiers should be able to make bigger holes. So far, the Hilltoppers have allowed just over five yards per carry to RB’s and three touchdowns a game. Expect RB Coach Deland McCullough to have his running back unit prepared to have a big game.

3. Limit Turnovers

With IU QB Michael Penix starting Saturday, it will be essential for him not to turn the ball over. So far, the Hoosiers have averaged two turnovers a game, and Penix has thrown three interceptions in the Iowa and Cincinnati loss. While both programs have excellent defenses, the Hilltoppers are not nearly anywhere near as good on defense. While they have only allowed over 100 yards a game in the air, they are prone to the run. It will be crucial for whoever gets carries on Saturday to make sure the ball is secure.

4. Play the Game Until the Clock Hits “ZERO”

It will be crucial for the Hoosiers to come out the gate strong and fire on all cylinders and play 110% until the game ends. The Hoosiers already have two losses on the season, and for them to jump back in the rankings, they will need to put a show on. Last Saturday, the Hoosiers started the game strongly but lost momentum right before the half, and this will need to change Saturday. Expect Tom Allen to have his players motivated to play all 48 Minutes and play with a chip on their shoulder now that everything is counting them out.

5. Gain Rhythm on Offense

Down the stretch last Saturday, the Hoosier’s offense struggled to get back on track after a massive fumble by running back Tim Baldwin Jr. That said, it will be vital for the Hoosiers to get back into a groove on offense. QB Michael Penix was not good with under five minutes left and failed to lead his team down the field, and he looked shaky and out of focus. With much of the attention and blame for the Hoosiers 1-2 coming on him, he will look to have some extra motivation going into the game against Western Kentucky. Coming out with a “Big” win will be huge as the Hoosiers will travel to College Station to take on Penn State on “National T.V.”

The Huddle

Keys to a Hoosiers Win Over the Hilltoppers on the Road

Hoosier Huddle