Match-up to Watch: Indiana's Offensive Line will be Tested Against the FIU Front
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The Indiana line will have a good test on Saturday Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle
Written by Rylie Kyhn
Last year, Miami was hit by Hurricane Irma right as the Florida International Golden Panthers planned to head to Indiana for a matchup against the Hoosiers. The Hurricane caused plans to halt and all travel was cancelled which meant FIU no longer got to play their road game in Indiana. This year, the Hoosiers travel to Florida and they will take on the Golden Panthers in the Miami heat for the season opener, the same place they began their season two years ago. They have been preparing for this game all summer with scheduled afternoon run sessions in order to prepare their bodies for the heat and humidity they will face this Saturday. They have transformed themselves completely over the last few months and open their season faster, more conditioned, and stronger than ever.
Plenty has changed from two seasons ago but for the Indiana offensive line, there is a lot that is the same. Indiana returns all starting offensive linemen and they seem as prepared as ever to enter the season. Not only do they have a ton of experience under their belts, but they are a group that the strength staff really focused on improving over the summer and they are more athletic than they have ever been. The offensive line knows the Indiana offense and exactly what they need to do to produce numbers this season.
After Tom Allen announced that Peyton Ramsey would be the starter for the game, things seemed to be a bit more settled offensively and the Hoosiers played a mock game this past Saturday to prepare for opening weekend. The experience of the Hoosier offensive line is going to give them an advantage in the season opener and will allow them to continue to build chemistry all season. The matchup between the Indiana offensive line and the Florida International defensive line is going to be one to watch because of the experience of the Hoosiers and the depth of the FIU defensive line.
The Hoosiers return starting right tackle, Brandon Knight, right guard Simon Stepaniak, left tackle Coy Cronk and left guard Wes Martin. The center position has been a talked about battle between returning starter Hunter Littlejohn and graduate transfer from Miami, Nick Linder. No matter who gets the start against Florida International, the amount of experience both players have should allow for a productive offensive line. Last season the Hoosiers struggled to run the ball at times and they recently lost their leading rusher, Morgan Ellison (704 yards) to suspension. In 2017 the Hoosiers gained only 1561 yards on 449 rushes and failed to have a running back that ran for over 1,000 yards. This should be a turning point season for the Hoosiers with the experience of the line and the improvement all around, there are some expectations for the production of this years offensive line.
In 2016, the FIU defensive line lost three starters but they were quickly replaced and in 2017 they turned right back around and returned three starters. Much like the Hoosiers, the Golden Panthers hired a new strength and conditioning coach and the entire defensive line improved. In 2016 the defensive line allowed 198 rushing yards per game and after last season improved tremendously allowing 171.3 yards per game. From last season, they lose defensive ends Newton Salisbury and Jordan Guest who combined for 58 tackles, 3.5 sacks and six tackles for losses, however they have three starters returning. They have quite a bit of depth and a transfer
from Georgia Tech, Jordan Wood, who has the ability to contribute after sitting out last season. The pass defense was an area they needed to improve on and in order for that to happen, the defensive line needs to get pressure on the quarterback quickly and make it difficult for him to throw in the pocket. Peyton Ramsey is a dual threat, he has the ability to pass and run the ball which means they need to keep an eye on him while he’s in the pocket and especially if he escapes.
Both lines have struggled in the past but have both improved with new strength and conditioning coaches and they both have the ability to have a successful season which is why this is a huge matchup to watch. Saturday night in Miami is going to be the first test of the season for both lines and everyone will get the first glimpse of what to expect out of each this season.