Matchup to Watch Week One: Indiana's Offensive Line vs. Penn State's Defensive Front Seven
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Written by Andrew Walker
The Hoosiers are finally back on the field after a hiatus that seemed like years. This season, things are looking up for Indiana. Their promising young starting QB Mike Penix is back under center, along with most of the offensive line, star running back Stevie Scott, and many others that bring experience and power to the Hoosiers. Their first game back is against the gauntlet that is Penn State. The Nittany Lions come into this season off of an impressive 11-2 season that saw them in the top ten for the majority of the season. This season is not any different, at least in terms of Penn State’s prowess. The eighth ranked Nittany Lions will travel to Bloomington this weekend for what’s sure to be a prove-it game for both teams. Can Penn State retain their offensive and defensive firepower? And can the Hoosiers improve on their record setting 2019 season? This game should be a good glimpse into how both teams will do.
Let’s take a look at a matchup to watch for this game. In my mind, the Hoosier offensive line vs. the Penn State front seven. This matchup will solidify whether or not Indiana can really compete with the top of the big ten. Indiana’s offensive line has gotten much better in previous years, but this year will be a test to the preparation and promised progress.
I recently wrote about the Hoosier offensive line in a preview article, and while reading some of the bios from the players, high school achievements, and paths to where they are now, I couldn’t help but think that this offensive line might be the most cohesive and solid I can remember seeing. Of course, that’s a prediction. Neither I nor Hoosier fans will know for sure until the end of the season. Indiana’s offensive line is one of the oldest and most experienced in the Big Ten. Made of mostly juniors and seniors, the size and experience of Indiana’s protection unit will be a massive part of Indiana’s success if they can figure it out. Head coach Tom Allen also thinks that experience will be a determining factor for success.
“That experience and the guys being a year older, a year better with fundamentals, better technique and better execution. More guys that can help us, more guys that can play at a high level, to me, is the key” Allen said.
Penn State’s defensive front seven is and has been for years a fearsome unit. 45 sacks as a unit last year for a total of 335 yards lost is something to behold. The experience of the Nittany Lion defensive front is going to be what holds Indiana back in this game if they’re able to figure it out.
“They are one of the best in the entire country at that position. We are aware of that. Our guys have to meet the challenge head on” Allen said. PSU’s defensive line has a good mix of seniors all the way down through freshmen, but Penn State has always recruited well. Meaning that these freshmen are already pretty capable to step in at any moment.
At any rate, this game on Saturday will be a great look into the viability of the season for these two teams. The Hoosiers, with their success of last season looking to carry the momentum. And Penn State, looking to stay near the top of the Big Ten and the entire FBS.