Ramsey and Fryfogle Power Indiana's Passing Game in Loss to Penn State

Image: Matthew O'Haren

Written by Evan McShane (@very_reasonable)

The Hoosier offense got off to a roaring start against Penn State, putting up touchdowns on each of their first two drives of the game. With the hostile crowd somewhat tamed, Indiana failed to create separation in the first half. Losing Whop Philyor early in the game to injury would prove to be a game changer. Overall, it was a valiant effort by the offense, but after those early success IU managed 13 points on their next eight drives. Peyton Ramsey and the offensive line played at a high level, allowing Indiana to overcome a number of mistakes on top of some brutal officiating; but ultimately it wasn’t enough as the Hoosiers fell in Happy Valley 34-27.

The first drive of the game was all about Peyton Ramsey and Ty Fryfogle. The duo connected for a 24-yard back-shoulder catch on third down. Two plays later, Ramsey hit Fryfogle wide open for a 38-yard touchdown strike to tie the game. The Nittany Lions would answer with a field goal and IU punched right back. Another clutch third down, this time Whop Philyor took a pass down the sideline for 42 yards. A Stevie Scott 14-yard scamper took IU to the goal line where Ramsey took it in for six on a QB sneak.

The Hoosiers 14-10 lead was brief. When the offense got the ball back to close the first quarter, IU trailed 17-14. The Hoosiers picked up a quick first down, but two incompletions and a busted play on third down forced Indiana to punt. After the defense forced a fumble, Indiana’s ensuing drive would change the game. Whop Philyor caught a pass and was drilled by two Penn State players in what looked to be egregious targeting. Philyor fumbled and Penn State recovered. The play was reviewed, but no penalty was called and Philyor would miss the rest of the game.

Indiana’s next two drives stalled out. After an 11-yard completion to Nick Westbrook, IU had an illegal substitution penalty on third down and was forced to punt. The Hoosiers’ final drive of the half took Indiana to midfield, but Ramsey and Fryfogle couldn’t connect on third down. IU went into the half trailing 20-14.

Another inflection point in the game came early in the first half. Ramsey hit Fryfogle for 12 yards and connected with Hendershot to pick up a first down. After IU failed to pick up the first down on 3rd and 1 the Hoosiers flirted with going for it. Allen called a timeout and called a fake punt. Out of the timeout it was clear the defense was prepared for the fake. The ball was snapped directly to Peyton Hendershot who wasn’t ready for the ball and was tackled immediately. Allen attempted to call off the fake, but according to coach, the true freshman long-snapper made a mistake.

Now finding themselves down two touchdowns, Indiana put together a gutty drive that lasted 14 plays and over seven minutes. Ellis, Westbrook, and Fryfogle each caught passes of over ten yards. Ramsey had an 11-yard scamper and connected with Hendershot for a nine-yard completion to get to first and goal. IU was unable to get six as the usually reliable Donavan Hale dropped an easy touchdown in the back of the end zone on third down. Indiana settled for a 25-yard field goal.  

The Hoosiers next drive was their most impressive of the day, spanning 91 yards and over five minutes. Back-to-back ten-yard completions to Ellis and Hendershot got IU some breathing room. On second down, Ellis broke free on a screen pass and used his speed to pick up 39 yards. Ramsey had two scrambles of seven yards each and punched it in on another QB sneak. The Hoosiers were right there, trailing by three points with ten minutes left to play.

Penn State put together a devastating 18 play 75-yard touchdown drive that lasted over nine minutes. IU got the ball back down ten with 90 seconds remaining and thanks to another big Fryfogle catch, this time 46 yards, IU made it to the four-yard line. They would settle for a field goal and fail to recover the onside kick. The offense played well enough to win, but Indiana came up just short. There were some encouraging signs as IU’s offense out-gained Penn State 462 yards to 371.

Ramsey had 371 yards passing on 31-of-41 completions, averaging an impressive 9.0 yards-per-pass. Ramsey added three total touchdowns. Fryfogle had his best career game in terms of individual numbers, catching five passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. Indiana was dedicated to the run game although Stevie Scott managed just 54 yards on the day. If the Hoosiers can clean up some mistakes and bring their A-game to Memorial Stadium next week they’ll give themselves a chance to beat Michigan. Pack the rock one last time.