Opponent Snapshot: Indiana

Few groups within the Huge Ten had a extra disappointing season in 2021 than Indiana. The Hoosiers started the season ranked for the primary time in a very long time, checking in at no. 17 within the preseason AP Ballot, and hopes have been excessive for Tom Allen’s group. Nicely, it didn’t take lengthy for issues to go fallacious because the Hoosiers blowout 34-6 by Iowa to start the season. This was the start of a 2-10 marketing campaign that noticed Indiana go 0-9 in convention play. This included a 24-0 loss at Beaver Stadium.

With long-time Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. transferring on the Hoosiers added Missouri switch Connor Bazelak. To the credit score of Allen and his employees Bazelak is a powerful addition. In 24 video games performed in his Missouri profession Bazelak accomplished 66.3% of passes thrown for five,058 yards, 23 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Including Bazelak ought to give the Hoosiers a prime half quarterback within the Huge Ten this fall.

A giant motive for the defensive struggles of Indiana final season was harm limiting Tiawan Mullen to only 7 video games. Throughout the 2020 season he was named the group’s most excellent defensive participant, whereas additionally being named first-team All-Huge Ten and a first-team All-American by a number of retailers. In his profession Mullen has 88 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptions, 3 pressured fumbles, and 20 cross breakups. Mullen is likely one of the greatest defensive backs within the nation when wholesome, and must be an early choose within the 2023 NFL Draft.

When Indiana upset Penn State in Bloomington to kick off the 2020 season it took one mistake after one other by the Nittany Lions. Missed area targets, penalties, turnovers, failing to capitalize on scoring alternatives. If Indiana goes to tug one other upset this season it’s going to take the same effort. The Hoosier can even have to care for the ball and keep away from penalties themselves.

There may be not denying that Penn State is the extra proficient group of the 2. So long as the Nittany Lions care for the soccer and don’t shoot themselves within the foot repeatedly as they did they final time they traveled to Bloomington, then they need to depart Memorial Stadium with a victory. This can be a matchup wherein Penn State ought to be capable to assert their will.