Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Football: Report card grades from Ball State win

By Alec Lasley

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 31: Ronnie Walker Jr. #23 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball during the first half as Jacob White #2 of the Ball State Cardinals misses the tackle at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 31: Ronnie Walker Jr. #23 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball during the first half as Jacob White #2 of the Ball State Cardinals misses the tackle at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 31: Stevie Scott III #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers rushes for the touchdown during the second half against the Ball State Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 31: Stevie Scott III #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers rushes for the touchdown during the second half against the Ball State Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Offense

It was not only Michael Penix’ first start, but also his first game back after suffering a torn ACL last season against Penn State, so there was still a lot of questions to be answered on how he would perform in the season opener.

For the most part, he showed why Tom Allen named him the starting quarterback this season because of his big play ability and his explosiveness.

It was shown almost immediately with his 75-yard bomb to Nick Westbrook in the Hoosiers second drive of the game.

Penix flashed all the tools that the Indiana offense had desired over the past few seasons, mainly his ability to throw the ball downfield, opening up the offense.

One part of his game that he needs to get better on is the ability to have a bit more touch on some of his throws. The ball comes out of his hand so fast that some of the receivers had a difficult time catching the ball.

While Nick Westbrook was pretty quiet outside of his touchdown, just two catches for 28 yards after, and Donavan Hale had just one catch, it was Ty Fryfogle and Whop Philyor who showed up. Despite some drops, those two combined for 12 catches for 107 yards. Kaleb DeBoer did a tremendous job getting those two the ball early and often, allowing them to use their skill in open space.

Coming into this season it was all about how the Hoosiers would use Hendershot in an offensive system of Kaleb DeBoer’s that loves to utilize as many tight ends as possible. His four catches for 69 yards, including two catches of over 15 yards, showed his ability to not only be a threat at the second level, but also be someone who can rack up yards after the catch.

For the running game, it was a bit lackluster but it did exactly what it was meant to do and be a nice complement to the high-powered passing attack – 148 yards on the ground.

Obviously the two interceptions weren’t great, but that’s something that is just part of the game. Outside of that, the offense did what it was supposed to do; get the ball in the end zone or set up the kicking game for field goals.

Overall Grade: B

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