Keys for a Hoosier Upset of No. 8 Cincinnati

Written by Evan Orris

Last week, the Hoosiers secured a 56-14 win over FCS-opponent the Idaho Vandals. This time around, the level of competition will be much higher as they take on the No. 8 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats.

The Bearcats currently stand at 2-0 on the season with wins over Murray St. and Miami University (OH). Over the past two seasons, they are 11-1 with their lone loss coming to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Peach Bowl. It will be a tough task for the Hoosiers to take them down, but here is what they must do to win.

1.Letting the ball fly

The Hoosiers did a good job on the ground last week as Stephen Carr rushed for 118 yards but Michael Penix once did not look like his normal self. Penix was accurate with a 68.8% completion rate and threw for two touchdowns, but he is not slinging the ball downfield like he was last season.

In 2020 on passes 20-yards or over, Penix completed 42.5% of his throws for five touchdowns and just two interceptions. But those deep shots have not been in offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan’s playbook lately. Only Penix’s 16 passing attempts were beyond 20-yards. Sheridan has already mentioned that has to change. It needs to change if the Hoosiers want to score on a tough Cincinnati defense.

2. Protect Penix at all costs

The IU offensive line has already allowed three sacks and six hurries already through the first two games of the season. However, it has seemed like that number is too low. Numerous times, Penix has had little to no time to throw before a defender is in his face.

Opening weekend was a disaster for the unit as they had just 77 rushing and 156 passing yards. But they were also without starting lineman Luke Haggard. He returned for the Idaho game and the line improved with 179 rushing and 159 passing yards. There were still a couple of hiccups that led to sacks, however. Tom Allen has told the line that communication needs to be better and it has to so Penix can get comfortable in the pocket and make better throws.

3.Containing Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder is among one of the best quarterbacks in college football. Tom Allen dubbed him as a “future NFL guy” while defensive coordinator Charlton Warren described him as someone that is “hard to trick.” Ridder has started 38 games for the Bearcats in his career and has led them to one of the nation’s top teams.

In his career, the 2020 Maxwell Award semifinalist has thrown for 7,443 yards, 63 touchdowns, and just 21 interceptions. This season he already has 538 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception. He is a smart quarterback that can beat teams with his feet as well as his arm.

If the Hoosiers want to win, coach Warren will have to create a game plan to contain the stud QB. This will be the second time that Warren will face Ridder as he was a member of the Georgia coaching staff when they played Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl last season. Georgia’s defense came out on top in the battle with a 24-21 win. Maybe the experience will be on Warren’s side this time.

4.Packing the rock

Last game, 47,408 fans crowded Memorial Stadium after a year’s reprieve due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Players were greeted by an unfamiliar sound of cheers that gave them the energy needed to win. That will be needed again on Saturday.

It has been announced that this weekend’s game is already sold out. Fans will need to get to the stadium and bring the energy early. If the Hoosiers want to become a top team in the nation, they will need the fans to bring a top-notch atmosphere to the game.