IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Nebraska If…

After a 47-15 win over Rutgers, Indiana football has a quick turnaround this week as they travel to Lincoln, Neb., to face the 5-0 Nebraska Cornhuskers. Nebraska, led by coach Matt Rhule, is undefeated and 2-0 in Big Ten play, having handled Maryland and Michigan State. The Cornhuskers are on their best start to a season since 2016, and will strive to continue that streak on Saturday. As always, the Hoosiers will need to come prepared. Indiana will raise the victory flag against Nebraska if…

Keeping Nebraska’s Offense Off the Field

Across five games, the Cornhuskers have averaged 43.60 points per game, ranking No. 9 nationally, while holding their opponents to just 14.20 points. On the flip side, the Hoosiers just barely top Nebraska with 44.2 points per game. Both teams will be looking to keep the opposing offenses off the field.

Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea has completed 94 of 143 passes (65.7%) for 13 touchdowns. The 6-foot senior dictates this Cornhuskers offense both through the air and on the ground. He has totaled 249 yards on the ground, with two rushing touchdowns. Colandrea’s main wide receiver target is UCLA transfer, Kwazi Gilmer. Gilmer has totaled 29 receptions for 387 yards, recording six touchdowns.

Running backs Mekhi Nelson and Jamal Rule take the majority of the carries. Nelson has totaled 266 yards and four touchdowns. Rule is ahead with 333 yards and five touchdowns.

The Hoosiers’ defense will need to force Nebraska into third-and-long situations, and that begins with an aggressive attack on first downs. Strong performances from defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino, paired with linebackers Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy, will be crucial in forcing negative plays on downs and pushing Nebraska into uncomfortable third-and-long situations.

Productivity on Offense

The Hoosiers will be facing a physical Nebraska defense, one that leads the Big Ten in sacks with 16.0. Five Cornhuskers are tied with two sacks on the season, including Jamir Conn, Donovan Jones, Dawson Merritt, Riley Van Poppel, and Willaism Nwarneri. Defensive lineman Jahsear Whittington is just ahead with 2.5 sacks. The Cornhuskers feature multiple pass rushers capable of collapsing the pocket and creating negative plays. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover must diagnose coverage quickly and get the ball out as quickly and accurately as possible.

The Hoosier offensive line will be instrumental to Hoover’s performance. They can’t afford to let the Cornhuskers slip through gaps; establishing strong leverage will be vital. Allowing penetration not only destroys the play behind the line of scrimmage, but it also leaves Hoover vulnerable in the pocket.

If the pocket does collapse, Hoover may be forced to resort to his legs. Hoover has rushed for 18 yards for one touchdown this season; however, this number could increase on Saturday with Nebraska’s aggressive defensive front.

Nebraska ranks second nationally in third-down defense, creating a test for the Hoosiers on crucial downs. Hoover will have to keep the Hoosiers ahead of the chains on early downs to avoid predictable passing situations.

Last week against Rutgers, Indiana running backs Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard took the majority of the offensive snaps, totaling 31 carries together. Richard led with 204 yards, and Beebe was behind with 122 yards; both players totaled one touchdown. With Nebraska ranked 30th nationally in rushing defense, Indiana’s ground game will be vital to moving the chains and keeping Nebraska off balance.