Indiana Offensive Keys to the Game: Ole Miss

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written By: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

After almost a month between games, Indiana will once again hit the gridiron this weekend in what will be the program’s second consecutive January bowl game. This year’s opponent will be the University of Mississippi, entering the Outback Bowl with a 4-5 overall record from the SEC West.

"Excited about this matchup, this bowl game in Tampa,” head coach of the Rebels Lane Kiffin said on Monday. “First time in five years being in a bowl game for this program, so I'm sure a lot of fans are excited as well. I'm really excited for our players who get to go to a bowl game. The challenge is to play really well and win the game."

The Rebels are an offensively driven team with a suspect defense, exactly what the Indiana offense needs as they return from an extended layoff due to a couple cancellations and a COVID outbreak. Today we’ll highlight the keys on offense to Indiana’s first bowl game victory since the 1991 Copper Bowl.

Tuttle Time

Making just his second career start at quarterback will be Jack Tuttle. Tuttle had success in his first game at the helm when Indiana went on the road and defeated a ranked Wisconsin team. He threw for a methodical 130 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 13 of his 22 pass attempts. He also carried the ball 6 times for 11 yards in a very stereotypical Wisconsin slugfest.

“I think that it was great to have that game where he was the starter and had a chance to prepare for that all week long,” said Coach Allen yesterday. “I think it was very beneficial for his confidence and just the experience of having that game under his belt. It is always a great thing to be able to have your last experience of playing and being the starter like it was there up in Wisconsin, and we were able to finish out that game and get the big road win against a ranked opponent. So, it was huge for him, huge for his confidence and I think he will carry that into the bowl game.”

Fortunately for Tuttle, it will not be the same quality of defense that he saw in Madison. Ole Miss has allowed over 40 points per game and finished last in the conference in rush defense, pass defense, scoring defense, and total defense. They were last in the FBS in pass yards allowed per game and total yards allowed per game. The Indiana offense, which at times has struggled to run the ball, should feel confident in their ability to rely on the pass if needed and allow Tuttle to sling it around the field to its playmaking receivers.

Convert on Third Down

If this game goes how a lot of Ole Miss games have gone this year, punting will be a rarity. The Indiana offense will need to keep its offense on the field by converting on third down to keep drives alive and turn possessions into scoring opportunities.

Once again, the Rebel defense should be vulnerable in this area. Opponents converted on 47% of third downs and the defense allowed an SEC-worst 176 plays over ten yards. Nonetheless, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan will not let up.

“I know they would say there have been moments where they have not played as well as they should have or have liked, but there is plenty to grab our attention,” said Sheridan. “I think if you watch enough film, you can see enough plays where guys are flashing, getting off blocks, making tackles, being strong in the backend, and making plays on the ball. They have gone against some really high-end offenses.”

Don’t Let Up - WIN

Twice this year Ole Miss finished the game having scored 48 points… yet lost. Ole Miss will fight to the finish and with their lightning-paced, high-powered offense, they’re never out of a game. There are still demons floating around Indiana’s heads from last year’s fourth quarter bowl game collapse, and the offense cannot allow this to happen again.

“We coach through kickoff here,” added Sheridan. “We do not ever stop and say the hay is in the barn, or we are ready to go. This week will be important, and our kids have had a good attitude and a good work ethic to prepare themselves to play well on Saturday.”

There has been much to say about the bowl selection process and the quality of Indiana’s opponent, but none of that will matter if the Hoosiers can’t go home with a win.

“We know we are going to have to play our best. That is how we feel every game, and certainly this one is no different. It will be a great challenge for us.”