Ohio State faces its first “test” in the form of Indiana this week, and while it is a huge favorite, the Hoosiers present some interesting issues the Buckeyes have not faced this year. There are a few reasons Indiana could cause some problems, and it has head coach Tom Allen to thank for an upstart and overachieving season thus far.
Allen has Indiana playing well and full of confidence. He has surprised teams this season and has the team believing in themselves. When a team buys into a coach and the coach gets the team in the right position, it can make for a dangerous opponent for anyone. Let’s look at the three reasons the Hoosiers could actually win this game against a very talented Ohio State squad on Saturday.
NEXT … The defense is opportunistic
An attacking Indiana defense
Indiana CB Tiawan Mullen across 21 coverage snaps vs MSU
🔺 3 targets
🔺 0 catches allowed
🔺 2 INTs pic.twitter.com/87gTWoD5uI— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 14, 2020
The Indiana defense loves to attack up front and let its defensive backs take advantage. A name that has jumped out this season is Tiwan Mullin in the secondary. Mullin has intercepted two passes, has 2.5 sacks, and plays all over the field. While Indiana doesn’t play a lot of man coverage, the Hoosiers like to blitz the front seven and let the corners and safeties break on the ball when a quarterback makes a mistake.
While Justin Fields has made very few mistakes this year, Ohio State has not played a defense this relentless. As long as the offensive line can hold up to the pass rush and take what Indiana gives it, things should be fine. However, if Fields tries to push a little too much or rush passes, Indiana is primed to take advantage.
Next … Michael Penix Jr.
Indiana has a good, young, fearless quarterback…
Most big-time throws since the Big Ten began (Wk 8)
1⃣ Michael Penix Jr, Indiana – 15
1⃣ Sam Howell, UNC – 15
2⃣ Kyle Trask, Florida – 14
3⃣ Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma – 13 pic.twitter.com/7bELsErGEt— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 19, 2020
Watching Indiana win these past few weeks, its quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., has been a story worth following. Everyone saw his highlight play in the win against Penn State, but he has made highlight plays in every game he has played this year. Penix was not thought to be quite as dynamic as he’s been this season, but here we are talking about what a difference-maker he is.
Penix has made some ridiculous throws in the face of pressure this season. He is a gunslinger who can also beat you with your feet. If Penix can keep be Superman for Indiana, the Hoosiers will be a tough out. He makes everyone else around him better, and those types of quarterbacks can be very dangerous.
Next … The Hoosiers ability to control the clock
Indiana will try to grind the clock…
Stevie Scott III 🔥#Hoosiers pic.twitter.com/HngoVToh0L
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) November 14, 2020
For all the talk of Michael Penix Jr. this season, the offense has a two-headed monster at running back with Stevie Scott and Sampson James. Both running backs are big for the position with Scott listed at 6-foot, 2-inches, and 231- pounds, while James is listed at 6-foot, 1-inch, and 220-pounds. Those types of running backs punish tacklers and get stronger as the game goes on.
Indiana will try to keep the game close by grinding out yards on the ground to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field. The Buckeyes will have to get Indiana behind the chains early or it won’t be Penix to beat them, it will be the running game. If Indiana can keep it close, it could come down to some final plays.
