In the week’s biggest game, the biggest matchup to watch will be Indiana’s physical and talented wide receivers going against the talented, but young Oregon defensive backs. It is a matchup that was mentioned by both Curt Cignetti of Indiana and Dan Lanning, the head coach at Oregon.
“(The Indiana receivers) are strong at the point of attack. They go and catch the ball. If they’re not catching the ball, they’re creating pass interference calls because of the way they attack the ball. They’ve got good speed, and they can run all the routes in the route tree.” Lanning said when asked about IU’s Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt.
The Hoosier duo has combined for 53 receptions, 820 yards and 12 touchdowns. Throw in E.J. Williams who has 14 catches and two more touchdowns and it is pick your poison for the defense. Sarratt and Cooper have each had huge individual games and come up with big plays in the clutch.
Oregon has freshmen cornerbacks that drip with talent, but lack experience. However, they have put in the work. “Those guys have worked really hard and prepared really hard, and then they push themselves in practice to get the results you want on the field on Saturdays.” Lanning said.
Branden Finney Jr. has played over 200 snaps as a true freshman. He has performed well with a PFF grade of 66.1. Iffy Obidegwu is also a true freshman and starts at the corner opposite Finney. He graded out slightly better than Finney at 66.9. While there may be youth at corner, there is veteran talent at safety with Dillion Thieneman, a Purdue transfer.
Indiana needs to take advantage of the age difference at these positions. Oregon’s corners will not back down and will not be scared of IU. They are really good players, however Sarratt, Cooper and Williams can frustrate them with how they attack the football and how physical they can be in the blocking game.