Indiana Football: Was Penix Jr the better choice over Ramsey?

The Indiana football team will go to battle this year with Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback, but was he the best choice?

Starting the 2019-20 season Michael Penix Jr. beat out returning starter Peyton Ramsey at the quarterback position. Penix Jr played well but was injury prone and was finally lost for the season after just six games last year. Ramsey came in to start the final seven games for the Hoosiers and played really well.

Ramsey could have transferred after he lost his spot, but he stayed and it paid off as he was able to help lead the Hoosiers to their first bowl game in the state of Florida. But after the season he decided to enter the transfer portal knowing Penix Jr would be back and he would again be on the bench. He transferred to fellow Big Ten school Northwestern where he will likely be the starter there.

The question then has to be asked, did the Hoosiers make the right decision in naming Penix Jr, the starter instead of Ramsey. With the way, Penix Jr was playing it seemed like he brought more excitement to the Hoosiers, but Ramsey was more of a steadying force for Indiana when Penix Jr went down to injury.

Ramsey had played well the year before but still threw 13 interceptions. He did throw for over 2,800 yards and 19 touchdowns, but the Hoosiers missed making a bowl game.

So who was the right choice? We may not have that answer until after this year, but let’s take a look.