Week Seven Matchup to Watch: Indiana QB Jack Tuttle vs. Wisconsin's Defense

Jack Tuttle gets his first start on Saturday Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written by Andrew Walker

Indiana Football is officially on a roll. Regardless of what happens from here on out for the Hoosiers, this season has been a massive step in the right direction. Obviously, the loss of Michael Penix as Indiana’s starting QB is a blow to the head, but backup QB Jack Tuttle has proven in practice that his preparation has been top notch all season. “Every week I try to prepare like I am the starter. Every week we put earmuffs and blinders on to the outside to focus on the internal and our opponent.”

This will undoubtedly be the matchup of the week to watch against Wisconsin. It’s on everyone’s mind. Will Jack Tuttle be able to lead the Hoosiers to a victory against a very talented Badgers team? This will be one of the most interesting games to watch for Indiana’s offense in a few weeks. Tuttle is a great player, and one that can take this Hoosiers team to where they are meant to be at the end of this season. From what I saw in practice of Tuttle last year, he could make every throw that Penix could. That’s for sure. Tuttle has a great, upright posture in the pocket, and standing at 6’4, he’s got the reach to deliver a high ball right on the money. 

Wisconsin has played great this season. While their defense isn’t really as prolific as either Indiana or Northwestern this season, they’ve still been able to hold their own respectably well. Wisconsin’s defense will see a QB that they’ve never seen before in Tuttle, much less anyone else very recently. That’ll be the matchup to watch in my opinion. Jack Tuttle’s preparation and confidence vs. Wisconsin’s defense that finds itself staring into the eyes of almost an unknown opponent. 

The Badgers are the seventh ranked takeaway team in the Big Ten, with Indiana on top. At just three interceptions on the season, the secondary for Wisconsin shouldn’t be that big of a headache for Tuttle and the offense. Likewise, Wisconsin’s pass rush hasn’t looked all that stellar this season either. With only five sacks through the season so far, they’re not looking like a very disruptive team that likes to get pressure on the QB. 

This opponent is just who Tuttle needed in order to have a shot at a statement win for himself. Hoosier fans are gnawing at the bit to find out whether or not Tuttle is for real. The general consensus is an optimistic “yes”, but this game will be the determining factor for real.