Penn State vs. Indiana: Game Preview
By Will Logan
This weekend’s matchup features two of the worst teams in the Big Ten, the best running back in the country and the best run defense in the country. Somehow, all of that is wrapped into one game.
What They’re Saying
- Vegas: PSU by 7
- ESPN: Penn State 27 Indiana 10
- Athlon: 1 out of 3 writers picking the Hoosiers
- BTN: Penn State 24 Indiana 10
Keys to Victory
1. Tevin’s Biggest Test
Things seem to get harder for Tevin Coleman every week, but somehow he finds a way to maintain his status as the best running back in the country. Let’s be honest. Since losing the only viable QB on the roster, opposing defenses know they can overload the box as the Hoosier passing attack poses zero threat. That’s not doing Coleman any favors. Nor has the schedule. Since losing Sudfeld, the Hoosiers have faced two of the top five defenses in the conference. Still, Coleman has kept his 100+ yard game streak alive.
“That’s what this game is really about: Our rush defense versus their running back.” PSU coach James Franklin
Unfortunately, things aren’t getting any easier. In fact, this weekend’s game represents the biggest threat to Coleman’s streak for the remainder of the season. Forget B1G rankings, the Nittany Lion run defense is number one in the entire country in both yards per game (77.13) and yards per rushing attempt (2.29). Impressive. Scary. Slightly depressing.
Coleman was able to rush for 132 yards against the nation’s 19th ranked run defense and 108 against the 13th ranked Michigan run defense, all without a passing attack to relieve some of the pressure. Can he keep it going against numero uno?
Maybe, but don’t bet on it. Coleman struggled holding on to the ball last week (I for one applaud Wilson for holding his superstar to the same standard as any other shmuck on the team and benching TC) and was held to just 4.0 yards per carry.
2. Exploit the PSU O-line
While my enthusiasm has clearly waned, it should be noted that Penn State fans aren’t exactly walking on sunshine either. Penn State’s current losing streak is actually longer than that of the Hoosiers. Small victories.
Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Andre Monroe (93) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
One Penn State writer, who concludes his morose preview by predicting Indiana to win 16-10, makes it clear that one of the biggest sources of PSU’s offensive woes has been the awful play of their offensive line. In fact, PSU is ranked 121 out of 127 teams in terms of sacks allowed, surrendering nearly four per game and dead last in the conference in rushing yards per game by nearly 30 yards.
As a whole, PSU’s offense ranks second-to-last in the B1G. Now Michigan, who is only one spot better than PSU, reminded us last week that pretty much everybody, irregardless of previous performance, is going to have a stellar day against the Hoosier D, but there’s no reason why Brian Knorr’s blitz heavy defense shouldn’t be able to make Christian Hackenberg’s job difficult Saturday.
3. Find a Reason to Fight
If you’re one of the fans who has thrown in the towel for the year, you’re not to be blamed. This team’s success was dependent on a prolific offense’s ability to outweigh the damage allowed by a mediocre-at-best defense. It’s hard to stomach the current combination of a bad defense and (perhaps) even worse offense. It’s been beyond miserable. The biggest threat to the Hoosier team is that the players and coaches begin to internalize this same sense of despair. The team has got to find some reason to fight. Something to rally around. Some way to get pissed off at the way everyone is dismissing them now rather than indulge in self-pity for the team’s misfortunes.
I’m of the foolishly optimistic persuasion that a bowl isn’t impossible at this point. Indiana’s remaining schedule features games against the last place team in the West Division (Purdue) and the two teams tied for second-to-last in the East Division (PSU and Rutgers). I’m not saying it’s likely. I’m just saying that if the team is able to settle down and establish a post-Sudfeld identity, the remaining schedule lends itself to a late run.