Week Three Match-up To Watch: Indiana’s Offense vs. Ball State’s Defense
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Ty Fryfogle has become a reliable target in 2018 Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle
Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
Most people have been focused on how the Indiana defense will stop the Ball State offense, and rightfully so as the Cardinals have a very talented quarterback in Riley Neal, a bruising running game led by James Gilbert and an adequate receiving corps with speedster Justin Hall and Riley Miller. However, if IU wants to win this one it’ll have to put together four quarters of offense.
The Hoosiers are averaging 29 points per game over the first two, including one played in a monsoon, but IU was shut out in the second half against Virginia. This cannot happen this week against a Ball State defense that is 57th nationally in total defense. The Hoosiers should have the advantage in both the rushing attack and through the air. Freshman Stevie Scott had his coming out party with 204 yards against Virginia and Ball State is surrendering 145 yards per game (68th nationally). He should have another good day on the ground. IU’s rushing offense is ranked 39th nationally gaining an average of 225 yards per game and over five yards a rush.
Ball State did pick off three Brandon Winbush passes last week in South Bend, but also allowed 297 yards on 17 completions (17.5 yards per completion), meaning they are susceptible to the big play. The Hoosiers haven’t lit up the scoreboard through the air as the average just 201 yards per game through the air, good for 91st in the nation. Yes, some of that struggle is due to playing their last game in a monsoon, but IU hasn’t really thrown the deep ball often either. Peyton Ramsey has been excellent in the short-to-intermediate passing game, completing 73.5% of his passes for 306 yards and five touchdowns, however he averages just 6.2 yards per attempt. True freshman back up Michael Penix is 8-for-10 for 94 yards and a score in his lone appearance and with a good forecast, IU won’t be afraid to unleash him if they need a big pass play.
IU also has advantage catching the ball. Eleven Hoosiers, four have seven catches or more, have caught passes over the first two games and the receiving corps has proven to be very good. Donavan Hale is living up to his billing as an elite athlete and Nick Westbrook gets better with every game back. In addition to the usual suspects, Ty Fryfogle has become a go-to target early in the season. IU can run out multiple sets of receivers that the staff is comfortable with. Ball State just cannot keep up with that.
Yards and big plays are great, but the most important thing for the Hoosier offense this week is to put points on the board every chance they get. Ball State will come in playing hard and with confidence, IU does not want to let this team hang around.