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Indiana Football vs Penn State: 3 matchups to watch

By Alec Lasley

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 20: Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the third quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. Penn State won 33-28. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 20: Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the third quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. Penn State won 33-28. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 07: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hurdles Devon Russell #12 of the Buffalo Bulls during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 07: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hurdles Devon Russell #12 of the Buffalo Bulls during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

1. Tiawan Mullen vs KJ Hamler

This is probably the most exciting matchup heading into Saturday’s matchup. Two of the best underclassmen in the conference and have made a name for themselves this season will likely square off on the field.

Penn State’s KJ Hamler has been a tough guard all around the field, but especially in the end zone. WIth eight touchdowns this season, ranked second in the Big Ten, Hamler also ranks third in average yards per catch (16.8) with players that have at least 30 receptions on the year.

Not only is he a speedster, at 5-foot-9, and can beat you deep, but Hamler is also a terrific possession receiver for quarterback Sean Clifford. WIth six games of at least four receptions this season, he has caught at least three in every matchup.

For Mullen, the true freshman corner has lived up and even exceeded expectations this season.

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Not only is he the best defensive back on the Hoosiers’ roster, but he is also one of the best in the conference already.

After becoming more comfortable with the defense around week three and four, Mullen has taken off and currently leads Indiana with seven pass breakups. With Mullen drawing more and more of the opposing team’s best wide receiver, he has held his own on many occasions.

Continuing to make big plays on the defensive side of the ball, Mullen added a forced fumble and fumble recovery against Northwestern, in Indiana’s last outing.

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