IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Nebraska If...

Written by Sammy Jacobs

After every win the Indiana Hoosiers raise the Victory Flag high over Memorial Stadium. The No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers (6-0,3-0) return home to a sold out Memorial Stadium for a homecoming matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1). Here are the keys to a Hoosier victory.

1. Feed the Crowd Which Feeds the Team

It’ll be a sold out Memorial Stadium crowd for the first time since 2021 and the IU fan base is as fired up as one can remember. IU athletics is enticing the fans to come into the stadium early with a happy hour deal that includes discounted beer.

The crowd will be revved up early, which should feed the team’s energy as well. The key here is to keep the crowd engaged and give them plenty to cheer about. This is Nebraska’s second road game and probably the most hostile environment they have seen this year.

2. Win the Battle Up Front on Both Sides of the Ball

It’s football 101, right? If a team can control the line of scrimmage they will probably control the game. Nebraska has one of the best defensive lines in the conference and it will be a challenge for an IU offensive line that has looked really good this year. Neutralizing Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher will not be easy, but that’s the key to controlling this defense.

On the flip side, Indiana has to get pressure on true freshman Dillon Raiola. The Hoosiers have done an excellent job of creating havoc in the backfield in 2024 and what better way to fire up a crowd than to make a couple big plays on defense.

3. Dominate Special Teams

The one area where Indiana has a clear advantage is on special teams. Nebraska has had five kicks blocked, issues with their long snapper and the propensity to allow a big return. Special teams can be a deciding factor in a close game, which this is supposed to be. Indiana punt returner has been very aggressive and this could be the opportunity he has been looking for to break one.