Ramsey, Scott Get Hoosier Offense Back on Track
/
Whop Philyor scores Indiana’s first touchdown. Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle
Written by Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
Indiana’s offense came roaring back after only putting up 10 points the previous week against Ohio State. The Hoosiers made the most of a talent advantage over a struggling UConn team. After a Hendershot fumble on the third play of the game led to a Connecticut field goal, IU would go on to score 38 unanswered points, with 31 generated by the offense. For the second straight game, Michael Penix was ruled out prior to kickoff. The Hoosiers were extremely efficient behind Peyton Ramsey, averaging 9.0 yards per pass attempt and 4.5 yards-per-rush. Indiana fans were relieved to see the running game show promise, with Stevie Scott leading the way as the Hoosiers posted 178 yards as a team on the ground. IU was efficient in all facets, completing over 85% of team passes, converting 8-of-10 third down attempts, and only committing five penalties the entire game.
Indiana’s first drive following the early fumble was a clinic.12-plays, 75-yards and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ramsey to Whop Philyor. The following drive saw IU go 10-plays, 70-yards, but the Hoosiers were forced to settle for a field goal. Logan Justus continued to be perfect on the season, nailing the 27-yarder with ease. Indiana’s first drive to open up the second quarter was a three-and-out. It took just four minutes for Indiana to capitalize off of a UConn missed field goal. Ramsey led a 9-play 68-yard touchdown drive, including a 25-yard strike to Ty Fryfogle, capped off with a 4-yard, uncontested touchdown pass to Peyton Hendershot, who continued his tear to begin the season.
Hendershot finished the game leading the team in receptions with five for a total of 43 yards and a TD. Ten different Hoosiers caught a pass with six players surpassing 20 yards receiving. Eight different players logged at least one rushing attempt. Scott led the team with 97 yards, while true freshman Sampson James was second on the team with five carries for 20 yards. Ramsey finished the day 23-of-27 for 247 yards a touchdown and an interception. The game was not perfect, however, as team leader, senior Coy Cronk suffered a gruesome injury. Cronk was awarded the game ball after the victory. The bench cleared and Cronk rallied his teammates, yelling at them as he was being carted off the field in what was an emotional moment at Memorial Stadium.
Allen discussed the injury and the moment after the game: “He means a lot to our program, and he always will no matter what the situation is. Bottom line is he's one of our captains, he's one of our leaders, and yeah, it's definitely going to hurt losing him if that's the case, but if that is, then other guys gotta rise up.” Freshman Matthew Bedford will be one of those players counted on to step up right away. Allen also spoke of the commitment to the run game, specifically balancing run versus pass plays: “We've got to be able to balance that out and be able to keep people off balance,” Allen said. “We were able to do it today, and that was encouraging to see.
Indiana’s first drive in the second half was a 10-play 90-yad masterpiece, culminating in a touchdown pass from Ramsey to Westbrook. On the Hoosiers next drive Ramsey threw an interception to the defensive lineman, but ultimately this would prove insignificant. Ramsey would lead one more touchdown drive, this one for 70-yards total, ending in a Stevie Scott touchdown run. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jack Tuttle commanded the last Hoosier drive of the day, logging ten plays and milking the clock for over six minutes to secure the 38-3 victory.
Next week, Indiana faces perhaps the most difficult test their offense will face all year. IU travels to East Lansing to play Michigan State, whose defense has been absolutely dominant so far this season. The Hoosiers will have their work cut out for them, especially in the run game as the Spartans tout an elite defensive line. Most fans and pundits expected Indiana to be 3-1 when non-conference play was all said and done. After three straight blowout games, one of which the Hoosiers were at the opposite end of, what can fans expect from this team? Peyton Ramsey executed the game plan with perfection today. If Michael Penix is unavailable against next week against Michigan State, Ramsey will have to play lights out for IU to have a chance.