Keys to an Indiana Hoosier Victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers

Written by Andrew Walker

The Indiana Hoosiers have officially lost their first game. Is it the end of the world? No. Are the Hoosiers prepared to enter Big Ten play? That remains to be seen. The fact of the matter is the game Indiana played against Cincinnati last weekend would have been sufficient to take down Nebraska. The Hoosiers played a decently consistent level of football against the Bearcats, certainly, but can that consistent level of play be held throughout a grueling Big Ten schedule? They’d sure hope so. Today, we’re taking a look at a few keys to victory over Indiana’s upcoming Big Ten foe, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Nebraska has the 127th best defense in the country. Indiana needs to know that.

With the Hoosiers off to a decently hot start offensively (when they want to be), offensive yardage should come relatively easy against the Cornhuskers. Nebraska’s defense has given up more than 30 points in three out of their last four games. Indiana will have the firepower to tick that stat up to four out of five games for Nebraska. RB Shaun Shivers has had his moments this season, but look for the transfer running back to have his biggest game of the season on Saturday. Nebraska has given up more than 100 yards rushing in each of their games this season, and there shouldn’t be any reason for that to change.

Bazelak Needs to Find His Groove

As mentioned, Nebraska’s defense isn’t exactly good. Bazelak could be able to work and pick apart the secondary without too much trouble. The Cornhusker defense doesn’t force takeaways, and there will undoubtedly be some deep balls that Bazelak will end up hitting. Indiana ranks 28th in the FBS in passing offense for a reason. Bazelak’s confident play so far has been a big reason why Indiana has found the win column three times so far. There shouldn’t be any reason why Nebraska will put a damper on that red-hot offense.  

Defense must continue to get takeaways

So far this season, Indiana has three interceptions and five forced fumbles. Getting the ball back from the opponent has been a massive reason Indiana has found success late in the game. Getting an interception or forcing a fumble is a great momentum shift and confidence boost, and the Hoosiers have relied on that for years now. Nebraska starting QB Casey Thompson has already thrown three interceptions this season, and there shouldn’t be any reason why Indiana couldn’t add to that number. In addition, Nebraska has fumbled the ball five times. Indiana should have a field day for turnovers come Saturday.