Week Five Matchup to Watch: Indiana's Wide Receiver vs. Rutgers Defensive Backs

Donavan Hale has to be targeted more the rest of the way Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Rylie Kyhn

In the first three games of the season, the Indiana offense didn’t have a lot of trouble moving the ball and the unit was effective, at least enough to get the job done. However, last weekend in their first conference matchup against Michigan State, the offense struggled to get anything going especially in the rushing game. The MSU defensive line completely dominated and the offensive line had trouble creating holes for the running backs and protecting Peyton Ramsey. Indiana rushed for a total of 29 yards on 32 carries and averaged 0.9 yards per rushing attempt.

Because running the ball was not getting the Hoosiers anywhere, they were forced to throw which didn’t get them the win but was still solid, despite two interceptions. The Hoosiers gained a total of 18 first downs and 15 of them were on pass plays and two were a result of a penalty. Ramsey threw for 272 yards with 32 completions on 46 attempts and two touchdowns. Their only two touchdowns were both converted in the air.

So far this season, they have converted 45 first downs and eight touchdowns passing and that can be attributed to both the quarterbacks and the solid group of receivers they have that can all make plays. The group of receivers the Hoosiers have is a threat to any opponent because many of them have a lot of field experience and they are all solid players.

Nick Westbrook, J-Shun Harris, Luke Timian, Donavan Hale, Whop Philyor and Ty Fryfogle are leading the Indiana receiving group. They have all proved to be reliable and Indiana has depended on them this season. Philyor is leading the group after a huge game against Michigan State last weekend with 18 receptions for 194 yards and one touchdown.

The Indiana passing attack is strong when the quarterback has time to throw and that is going to be a threat this weekend against a Rutgers team that has struggled to hold opponents defensively this season.

Rutgers defense has given up a total of 156 points this season, averaging 39 points per game. They give up around 21 first downs per game and over the last four, 39 total passing. They have given up 18 total touchdowns and it is divided equally with nine rushing and nine passing. On average, they give up 7.78 yards per pass play but the Hoosiers are only averaging 6.39 yards per pass play which is why the matchup between Indiana’s pass attack and Rutgers group of defensive backs will be one to watch for. How well Indiana can move the ball in the air will be a test because they should be able to do it quite effectively.

This weekend is a big game for the Indiana offense coming off the loss, they need to redeem themselves and generate a more well-rounded performance and they should be able to against a struggling Rutgers defense.