Indiana Defense Struggles to Stop the Run

Written by Matt Smith

Indiana’s defense has usually been the backbone of the team for the past couple of seasons, but for the past three games, the defense has struggled to stop the Big Ten offenses. Against Rutgers, the Hoosiers’ defense gave up 38 points.

“You have to take a strong, hard look at yourself, and how you want to be known, identified,” head coach Tom Allen said following the game.

As a team Rutgers ran for 218 on 50 attempts. This included 79 rushing yards from Isaih Pacheco. Pacheco also ran for two touchdowns as well. The defense did not give up many big plays, but the plays were always long enough to keep the Rutgers drive alive.

However, not all of these struggles are on the defense as the offense fumbled the ball many times to give Rutgers great field position and the defense minimal rest on the sidelines in between drives.

In the passing game, the Hoosiers defense held strong, only allowing 97 yards on 9 of 17 throws for Noah Vedral.

They also kept Bo Melton in check only allowing him to have 50 receiving yards on five receptions. 

Reese Taylor was back for this game, but Tiawan Mullen was not, which is one of many injuries that the hoosiers have been struggling with for the majority of the season.

Micah McFadden credited the Hoosiers' struggles with injuries as well as a lack of preparation throughout the week.  

"We can’t worry about who’s injured, who’s not playing, who’s sick. The 11 guys on the field at the same time, those are the guys that have got to perform for this team, and today, all three phases didn’t do that,” McFadden said.