Indiana Offense Doesn't Adjust After Rutgers Clamps Down
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Image: Sarah Miller Hoosier Huddle
Written by Matt Smith
Indiana played a must-win game at Rutgers on Saturday, but the Hoosiers struggled mightily in the second half on the offensive side of the ball. The Hoosiers offense was under pressure for the majority of the half.
Indiana began the game with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jaylin Lucas. They then followed it up with a touchdown drive capped off by a Connor Bazelak rushing touchdown.
However, that was all she wrote for the offense as they were completely shut down after the first quarter.
“We kind of beat ourselves again today, just not executing,” Bazelak said. “A lot of that was Rutgers not letting us make easy completions.”
During the second half, the offense was only able to pick up three first downs and one of them due to a pass interference penalty.
In the second half, the Hoosiers had plenty of chances to put points on the board with great field position, but a missed field goal by Charles Campbell kept them down three.
A pick-six by Bazelak with five minutes to play put the nail in the coffin for the Hoosiers.
With the offense struggling, the Hoosiers season is now in turmoil and the once great chance to make a bowl game has now become a panic.
An injury to Cam Camper during the first half hindered the offense as they struggled to complete a pass throughout the second half.
“He’s a special player,” Tom Allen said. “It's been a noticeable difference when he’s in there.”
Lucas showed many flashes today and is one bright spot of the offense by making multiple big plays throughout the game.
Indiana had a late drive in the fourth quarter that boosted their yards, but only gained 15 yards in the second half prior to the garbage time points. The drive was halted by a sack and a holding call when they were inside the 20.
There was a lot of pressure by the Rutgers defense on Bazelak which made him struggle to complete passes throughout the entire second half.
Josh Henderson was the leading rusher with 31 yards. Camper had 43 receiving yards while Javon Swinton had 47 including a 41 yard reception late in the fourth quarter.
Indiana ended up losing 24-17.
Indiana has a much needed bye week next week and will look to rebound at home against Penn State.