Indiana Football: 3 keys to taking down the Buckeyes

Make Justin Fields Uncomfortable

Albeit against less than stellar competition, sophomore quarterback Justin Fields has looked as impressive as advertised.

Through two games, the Georgia transfer has thrown for 458 yards and six touchdowns while completing 76 percent  of his passes. However, this will be his first major test as a starting quarterback. He will be playing on the road against in the Big Ten against a Hoosier team that looks vastly improved from a year ago and hungry to pull off a major upset.

In order to prevent the Buckeyes from getting into a rhythm Indiana has to make Fields feel uncomfortable in the pocket. Tom Allen and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack have to mix up defensive looks and dial-up blitzes. Indiana can’t afford to play conservatively against a quarterback this talented. Forcing him to make plays with his feet and avoid pressure is critical.

Defensive linemen James Head Jr. and Jerome Johnson will need to find ways to the quarterback and playmakers Marcelino Ball and Micah McFadden will have to do just that–make plays at the second level.

If the Hoosiers are able to compete in the ground game and apply pressure to Fields, that leaves just one more major key to Indiana capturing a program changing win.