Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

Indiana football has proven its biggest strength to be the defense, and Saturday it has a chance to prove itself elite. The Hoosiers have a chance to top their College Football Playoff resume as they go head-to-head with the No. 3 team in college football— The Ohio State Buckeyes. Nothing about this contest that begins Saturday at noon will be easy, but if the Hoosiers want to come out of Columbus with a win, here’s what they need to do on defense.

Have a Plan For Justin Fields

The Heisman Trophy dangles in front of Justin Fields’ face and Indiana’s defense has to find a way to steal his focus. Fields is completing 86.7% of his passes, and averaging over 300 yards a game. Fields has been untouchable and unstoppable thus far in 2020. The defensive line’s success in putting pressure on the junior quarterback will determine the outcome of Saturday’s game.

Create Takeaways

Interceptions are unheard of for Fields’ leading up to Saturday. The junior quarterback has three career interceptions, all of which were thrown last season. The Hoosiers who thrive off takeaways are facing a man with a nearly flawless arm who is known for huge plays and doing well under pressure. Like other games this season, the defense has to find a way to take away the football if they want to win.

Contain Wilson and Olave

It’s an opportunity for IU’s corners to shine as they face the tough task of having to defend Fields’ connection to two top receivers in the Big Ten. Garrett Wilson has three 100-yard games under his sophomore belt, and junior receiver Chris Olave has two 100 yard-games so far this season. It will be up to Tiawan Mullen, Reese Taylor and company to halt the Buckeyes’ momentum that is fueled with their hot passing game on Saturday.

Shield Penix

It’s been a topic of discussion every week— for Penix to do his job, the offensive line needs to show up and do theirs. Mike Katic and Caleb Jones out against Michigan State was a big blow, but Luke Haggard and Dylan Powell held up the left side and the offensive line as a whole played a good game without them. Despite the loss of Chase Young to the draft, the defensive line, like every other Ohio State position group, brings a challenge for the Hoosiers— they have 9 sacks in 3 games. If the defense does its job to get the ball back, Penix has an arm that can do some damage, and hold IU’s side of the scoreboard and make a close game if the offensive line can contain the pressure. Win or lose, Penix has to come back to Bloomington healthy.

The Huddle

Keys For Indiana Defense to Take Home a Victory From Columbus

Hoosier Huddle