Written By: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

Flashes of greatness, flashes of ineptitude. That’s what we saw from the offense last week in Indiana’s upset over Penn State. While they ultimately won them the game, their inability to control the ball and sustain drives earlier in the game almost cost them the game.

Today was a different story.

“I feel like we were on today,” said Michael Penix, fresh off a week of confidence-boosting publicity. “It was a complete execution from the offensive side of the ball. Coach Sheridan called a great game.”

In a Penn State game that flashed the highest highs and the lowest lows, perhaps the most impressive part of today’s performance was simply how consistent they were able to see production.

“Guys were just making the simple plays,” Penix continued. “All we had to do was execute and that is what we did today.”

Penix finished 17-of-26 for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. He added 21 yards and a score with his legs as well.

“That is probably just taking it one play at a time,” added tight end Peyton Hendershot, who finished with a team-high 6 receptions and 2 touchdowns. “I think we were all just trying to force things. We have a bunch of starters coming back and are trying to just take too many plays and need to let the game come to us.

A week after Rutgers wreaked havoc against Michigan State on the road, the Hoosier offense never felt forced and consistently made the smart play to pick up positive yardage.

“They created seven takeaways last week against Michigan State,” said Tom Allen postgame. “We had zero on offense, I am really pleased with that as it was a big emphasis for us…when you do that and are that efficient in the red zone, you are going to win a lot of football games in this conference.”

Indiana finished seven-for-seven in the red zone with two touchdowns and four Charles Campbell field goals. Nothing flashy, just consistently putting points on the board and giving the spotlight back to the defense, which has been dominant. IU is a perfect 12-of-12 from the red zone in 2020.

Dominant wouldn’t be the word I use to describe the performance of the offense. Effective? Sure.

It ultimately doesn’t matter; for the first time since 1991, Indiana is 2-0 in the Big Ten. Next week they’ll host one of the Big Ten East’s perennial powerhouses, Michigan – and despite being 0-24 in their most recent matchups, will likely be the higher ranked team.

And as long as the offense can remain effective, they’ll have a shot at going 3-0 next week.

“I am really proud of our football team,” concluded Allen.

The Huddle

Indiana Offense Finds Comfortable Groove in Win Over Rutgers

Hoosier Huddle