Indiana Football: Preview, Key Storylines, and Prediction vs. Rutgers

Indiana Football: Key Storylines and Predictions vs. Rutgers

Key Storylines

Indiana

Can Michael Penix Jr. get on track after a rusty performance versus Penn State?

Don’t get me wrong, Penix got it done last week when his team needed it most. The Hoosiers are undefeated because their quarterback picked them up and carried them to the finish line.

However, I don’t think anyone would tell you Penix had a good game overall. He finished the game 19 of 36 through the air with 170 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Those poor stats were even buffed by his superb late-game performance.

The good news is we know Penix can — and will — do better as the season rolls forward. This game against Rutgers is a great opportunity for him to get back on track. Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi had a pretty good day through the air against Rutgers, tallying 319 yards and three touchdowns. Penix has pretty good odds to do the same thing.

Rutgers

Can the defense continue to force turnovers?

I don’t know what is more baffling: the fact that Rutgers forced seven turnovers in one game or the fact that Michigan State still managed to score 27 points despite turning the ball over seven times. On the same note, it is also astonishing that Rutgers was out-gained in almost every way. They only managed to score twice off of all those turnover chances.

Rutgers’ offense is a huge weak point for them, and if they can’t create plays on defense, they won’t be in this game for long. They’ll have to create short field position opportunities for their struggling offense.

Key Players

Indiana

Michael Penix Jr, QB: 19/36, 170 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Whop Phylor, WR: Last season vs. Rutgers — 10 receptions, 182 yards

Rutgers

Isaih Pacheco, RB: 19 attempts, 61 yards, 2 touchdowns

Noah Vedral, QB: 18/29, 169 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Prediction: Indiana 35, Rutgers 14