Game Day Primer: Indiana Hoosiers vs. Ball State
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Written by T.J. Inman
Game 1 Primer – Ball State
What: Indiana (0-0) vs. Ball State (0-0)
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
When: Saturday, August 31 at Noon
How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. You can also listen to the game on the IU Radio Network with the legendary Don Fischer on the call.
Series History: The Ball State Cardinals and Indiana Hoosiers are close in distance but they have surprisingly only played each other nine times. The Hoosiers took the first four contests in the series before Ball State won three in a row between 2008 and 2012. IU knocked off Ball State in 2016 and beat the Cardinals 38-10 in 2018.
What’s at Stake: Beyond maintaining superiority over an in-state foe, this game can be considered a “must win” for Indiana to stay on track on the road back to a bowl game in 2019. A loss against the Cardinals in the season opener would make a path to six victories incredibly difficult to envision. In addition, the Hoosiers will want to see a lot of players get meaningful snaps so starting well and building a lead would be ideal.
What to Watch For
-Hoosiers Look to Run Wild-
Ball State was dreadful at defending the run in 2018 and their returning personnel does not suggest they will improve much this season. The Indiana Hoosiers have a veteran offensive line, a stable of talented running backs and a new offensive coordinator that will be looking to get his team into a rhythm. One would certainly expect to see the Hoosiers pound the ball on the undersized Ball State defensive line (no tackles above 280 pounds) and look to impose their will. Stevie Scott, Cole Gest, Sampson James and Ronnie Walker will all likely get carries and it will be interesting to see how Kalen DeBoer chooses to utilize the talented backfield. A failure by the Hoosiers to control the line of scrimmage in this matchup would be discomforting.
-QB1: Does IU Have the Answer?-
The biggest question surrounding the Indiana Hoosiers all offseason has been at the quarterback position. Who would be the starter for the Hoosiers? Would it be the returning Peyton Ramsey? The recovering and talented Michael Penix? The newcomer transfer Jack Tuttle? After a months-long competition, the man that gets the first crack at the job is redshirt freshman Michael Penix. Saturday will be his first career start and it will be fascinating to see what he does with this opportunity. IU has a talented crop of skill players, a new offensive system and an offensive line that should be solid. His first test as a starter will be somewhat stiff as Ball State was strong as a pass defense in 2018. They prevented opponents from hitting big plays through the air and they bring back a number of contributors from that unit. How will Penix perform in his first start? Will Ramsey or Tuttle be involved? IU needs a difference-maker at quarterback, it’s week one of seeing if the Hoosiers have one.
-Youth Will Be Served-
This is the second year of the new redshirt rule and I fully expect Indiana to take full advantage of the ability to have players play four games and still preserve their year of eligibility. Look for a lot of young guys to see the field on Saturday and make their debuts. Some will undoubtedly start to make a case for additional playing time. Some particulars that I will be keeping an on: Tiawan Mullen (DB), Josh Sanguinetti (DB), Cameron Williams (LB), Sio Nofoagatoto’a (DL), Jeramy Passmore (DL), David Ellis (WR), Jordan Jakes (WR), Sampson James (RB), Gary Cooper (TE), Matthew Bedford (OL)
-Establishing the Defense-
This will be Kane Wommack’s first game as the head of the Indiana defense. The Hoosiers will be going against a rebuilt Ball State offense and a lot of experienced pieces are returning for Indiana. Expecting defensive dominance, particularly when the Hoosiers will be working in lots of rotated players, is probably unrealistic. Ball State will be turning to Drew Plitt at quarterback and a very productive at the Division II level in Walter Fletcher at running back. The entirety of BSU’s offensive line is back and they have a potentially good group of receivers led by Riley Miller. Locking down this Cardinals offense would be a good sign for a defense looking to be a top 25 unit in 2019.
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