Keys to a Much Needed Hoosier Win Over Rutgers

Written by Andrew Walker

Indiana will travel to Piscataway, New Jersey to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday. Although the Hoosiers haven’t been all that successful against Rutgers, Indiana isn’t really playing that poorly even though they’re on a four-game losing streak. Pushing Maryland that hard last weekend was a good sign that Indiana isn’t completely helpless. Today, we’re taking a look at a few keys to victory for Indiana.

Defense needs to bend, not break. 

After the loss against Maryland last Saturday, one thing became very clear. Indiana cannot stop the run as the Terrapins were able to break off 172 yards and three touchdowns against the Hoosiers. This coming Saturday, Indiana must be able to keep Rutgers’ Samuel Brown V on the ground if they’re going to have any success. The last thing Indiana needs is to have to over-extend their defense to cover both big running plays and deep shots by the QB.

Turnovers will win the game.

Rutgers turns the ball over way too much. Indiana just so happens to be a “see ball, get ball” kind of team. Having given up eight interceptions and fumbling the ball five times already, Rutgers may be in for a world of hurt if they continue the trend of poor ball security. Indiana will be ready to take the ball back whenever they have to, and that’ll be a massive reason why the Hoosiers should win.

Rushing attack must show up.

The strength of the Rutgers defense is against the run. They have the third best rush defense in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers have not had much success on the ground, but having a decent attack on Saturday could help IU find the win column again. Josh Henderson has been the most consistent back and this is a homecoming game for the New Jersey native. Shaun Shivers has had his moments, especially when he gets to the second level and Jaylin Lucas could provide a spark in space. If the Hoosiers can crack the century mark on the ground, they’ll leave victorious.