Dominant Defense Carries Hoosiers to Blowout Win
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Indiana posted its first shutout since 1993 with a 27-0 win over Charleston Southern Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle
Written By: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
As the 2-2 Indiana Hoosiers welcomed the 2-2 Charleston Southern Buccaneers to Bloomington, the story many were focused on was the first career start for Peyton Ramsey. The redshirt freshman quarterback from Ohio was more impressive than anyone could have hoped for as he carved up the CSU defense during the first half, completing 25 of his 30 pass attempts for 277 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he was effective with his legs and even recovered a fumble in the end zone for an IU touchdown. Taysir Mack was impressive as well, catching seven passes for 111 yards and scoring his first two career touchdowns. While both of those players looked great and deserve recognition, the star of the day was the Indiana defense. The Hoosiers completely suffocated the Charleston Southern triple option attack in one of the most convincing defensive performances IU has had since the days of Bill Mallory as the Cream and Crimson improved to 3-2 on the season with a 27-0 victory. The score could have been worse but a heavy rainstorm in the second half caused IU to play as conservatively as possible and coast to the end of the contest.
Despite missing a number of defensive starters and rotation players, IU held the Buccaneers to just 134 yards, six first downs and no points. It was IU's first shutout since October of 1993 and Charleston Southern did not enter the red zone or threaten to put points on the board. The Hoosiers defensive line and linebackers were in the Bucs backfield on nearly every play, disrupting their running game and punishing the ball carriers. On the rare occasions the secondary was tested, they stuck to receivers and ultimately didn't allow a single completion. In total, the Hoosiers outgained Charleston Southern 478-134.
The game began with a Charleston Southern three and out as IU's defense set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Ramsey found Simmie Cobbs three times on the opening drive and appeared to connect with him for the opening touchdown but the play was brought back due to an offensive pass interference call. The Hoosiers settled for a 30 yard field goal from Griffin Oakes to put IU ahead 3-0. Another Charleston Southern three and out was followed by a fumble by Simmie Cobbs, one of three turnovers for the Hoosiers on the day, perhaps the only disappointing part of the afternoon from an IU perspective. Charleston Southern could not capitalize and Peyton Ramsey led the Hoosiers 32 yards for a quick score, connecting with Taysir Mack for a 13-yard score to put IU ahead 10-0 as the first quarter came to a close. Charleston Southern had their best drive of the game, getting near scoring territory but IU's defense stuffed a fourth and one to force a turnover on downs. After the teams traded punts, IU took possession at the ten yard line and drove 90 yards for another touchdown, this one coming on a Devonte Williams fumble that was scooped up by Ramsey in the end zone. IU took possession with 1:41 remaining in the first half and Peyton Ramsey again found Taysir Mack, this time on an out route. Mack broke free of his defender and scampered 45 yards for his second touchdown, going ahead 24-0.
The Hoosiers added a 21 yard field goal early in the second half for the game's final score as neither team could find any offensive rhythm in the heavy rain. In addition, the Hoosiers clearly got ultra-conservative and got themselves to the finish line with no apparent injuries. Ramsey ended up completing 32 of 41 passes for 321 yards with two touchdowns along with a team-best 54 rushing yards. The victory moves the Hoosiers to 3-2 heading into a massive contest against the Michigan Wolverines. IU had to get this win and they did so in dominant fashion. The next step will be a much stiffer one but the Hoosiers can now feel confident about both sides of the ball as they sit halfway to bowl eligibility.