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Indiana Football: Preview, Key Storylines, and Prediction vs. Penn State

By Trevor Gersmehl

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 12: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Indiana Hoosiers warms up before the start of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 12: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Indiana Hoosiers warms up before the start of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Michael Penix, Indiana Football
Michael Penix, Indiana Football. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Indiana Football: Key Storylines and Predictions vs Penn State

Key Storylines

Indiana

Peyton Ramsey had a phenomenal game against Penn State last season, completing 31 of his 41 passes for 371 yards and a touchdown. It was ultimately the turnover and penalty battle that lost IU the game. Whop Phylor carelessly muffed a punt early in the game and dropped the ball again on a hit where the Penn State defender got away with a targeting call.

Even though Indiana had just five penalties, Penn State had one for zero yards. One of IU’s penalties was a pass interference that bailed the Nittany Lions out of a third and long and eventually led to a score.

If Indiana can not beat themselves up, they can win this game. We will see how mentally tough and disciplined they can be without the regular preseason preparation they are used to.

Penn State

Unfortunately, Penn State star running back Journey Brown is likely out for the year with an undiagnosed medical condition discovered in the offseason. This is a horrible occurrence and you hope and pray he could play football again one day, but it is one less thing for Indiana to worry about on Saturday. On top of that, All-American linebacker Micah Parsons opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID -19 concerns.

Another factor that could potentially be a big deal is the lack of receiver experience. Penn State’s passing game wasn’t great against Indiana in their game last season, and they are without a second-round draft pick, KJ Hamler. Jahan Dotson is the only returning receiver with real playing experience. No other receiver on the roster has over 12 catches for their career. Penn State also has a new offensive coordinator in Kirk Ciarrocca. Although he said not much will change in the offense, there could be some growing pains.

Key Players

Indiana

Michael Penix Jr. QB (2019 stats: 1394 yards, 10 touchdowns 157.6 passer rating)

Whop Phylor, WR (Preseason Biletnikoff Watchlist)

Peyton Hendershot, TE (2019 stats: 52 receptions, 622 yards, 4 touchdowns)

Penn State

Sean Clifford, QB (2019 stats: 2654 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 402 rushing yards)

Pat Friermuth, TE (2019 stats: 43 receptions, 507 yards, 7 touchdowns)

Next. Indiana Football: Predicting the 2020 season part one. dark

Prediction: Indiana 38, Penn State 28.

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