Hoosiers Show a Balanced Offense in Opening Night Win

Written by Lauralys Shallow

Underclassmen had to step up for IU’s offense tonight, and they delivered. IU lost its leading rusher and a graduate transfer quarterback heading into tonight’s contest with FIU. Last week, the program announced that Morgan Ellison is suspended indefinitely, and just days ago news broke that Brandon Dawkins was leaving. Overall, IU’s offense was impressive despite the recent controversy leading up to the season opener.

Passing

IU turned the ball over on its first offensive possession of the season. Peyton Ramsey threw into tight coverage across the middle, which resulted in an interception and led to FIU’s first touchdown. Ramsey responded well to his early mistake, and he led the Hoosiers on a 7 play, 75-yard scoring drive. Ramsey felt the pressure, stepped up in the pocket and threw a laser to Donavan Hale on an 18-yard seam route for IU’s first touchdown of the season. Ramsey threw two more touchdowns, both on the goal line to wide open receivers Peyton Hendershot and Hale for his second touchdown. Ramsey threw for 156 yards, completing 20-27 passes for 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.

In the second half, true freshman Mike Penix saw playing time. Penix went 3 for 4 for 40 yards and a touchdown on his first collegiate drive.  Even more impressive, Penix proved that he can throw the deep ball when he threw a dime to Hale for a 34-yard pickup in the fourth. Penix completed 8 passes on 10 attempts for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Rushing

True freshman Reese Taylor, 2017 Indiana Mr. Football, had high expectations coming into his first season, and he was impressive. Taylor had 40 yards in 3 carries for an average of 13.3 yards per carry. His most impressive play was his explosive run that set up IU for its first touchdown of the season. IU did a nice job calling plays that utilize Taylor’s athleticism. 

Another true freshman, Stevie Scott led the team in rushing tonight with 71 yards. Ellison’s suspension left major concerns with IU’s running game, but tonight Scott proved he is a solid back. Scott’s size and speed allows him to finish runs, which will be crucial for IU in short yardage situations. Scott’s conversion on third-and-two with 4:30 left in the game impressed me most tonight. The young back delivered in a pivotal moment tonight.

The main takeaways from tonight for IU’s offense are that the young guns are ready for the moment, and both quarterbacks proved they have accuracy. IU amassed 213 rushing yards, and freshmen Scott and Taylor counted for 110 of them. Ramsey and Penix went for a combined 28-37 and 252 passing yards. IU has two viable options at quarterback, and I am interested to see how this quarterback situation unfolds as the season progresses.