TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Game Primer – Indiana vs. Tennessee

/
Image: Indiana University Athletics

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

What – TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida

When – January 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm

How to Watch – The game will be broadcast on ESPN and can also be heard on the IU Radio Network with the legendary Don Fischer on the call.

Series History – Tennessee and Indiana have only met one time on the gridiron. The matchup occurred in 1988 and the Volunteers, led by Johnny Majors, knocked off Bill Mallory’s Hoosiers 27-22 in Atlanta.

What’s at Stake – With a win, the Indiana Hoosiers can match the program record for victories in a single season (nine). They can also win a bowl game for the first time in nearly 30 years. This is an opportunity for to put a statement victory on the end of a breakthrough campaign and knock off a blue-blood program in front of a national audience.

1.    Dealing With Rust

By the time this bowl game kicks off, Indiana and Tennessee will have been out of action for more than a month. The Hoosiers and Volunteers last played on November 30, with both teams winning against their respective rivals. They’ve been able to stay conditioned and have fifteen bowl practices but playing at game speed against an opponent is a very different animal. Which team can deal with the emotions of playing in this game and with the rust and timing issues that could accumulate? IU has been one of the best teams in the country at starting fast and they’ll need to continue that instead of coming out rusty.

2.    Scoring on an SEC Defense

IU’s offense has produced against nearly everyone they have lined up across this season. However, there is a perception that the SEC produces bigger, faster and stronger defenses and there is certainly a perception from some that the Hoosiers will not be able to score on the Volunteers like they have scored on teams like Penn State, Northwestern and Purdue. Tennessee runs a base 3-4 defense, something IU hasn’t seen much of so offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer, calling his final game for the Hoosiers before departing to be the head coach at Fresno State, will need to have accounted for the different look. IU is expected to have some injured players back in action: Sampson James and Stevie Scott (questionable) at running back and Matthew Bedford at left tackle. Peyton Ramsey will lead the Indiana offense and I expect them to have a nice day, much like they almost all season.

3.    Containing the Tennessee Weapons

While the Tennessee offense does not have huge numbers, they do have some terrific individual pieces. Their running backs are particularly impressive with a trio of players at more than four yards per carry. Eric Gray came on late and looks like a future star and Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan will get looks as well. Jauan Jennings is as tough a matchup as the Hoosiers will face at wide receiver all season. He is a big target that will be very difficult for Indiana’s secondary to slow down. Fortunately, the talented wide out is suspended for the first half but when he does play, IU will need to get creative because none of the cornerbacks look like physical matches. The Hoosiers will need to get penetration in the backfield to slow the running game and force quarterback Jarrett Guarantano to beat them with accuracy, something he has struggled all season with.

Other Game Week Links

Other Important information for fans heading to the game