Game Day Prediction, 3 Keys For Indiana Against Indiana State
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana's season opener against Ohio State revealed significant improvements on defense and heaping questions on offense.
That uneven mix ultimately resulted in a 23-3 loss, but the defensive performance was strong enough to keep the Hoosiers in most games. Indiana will still run a two-quarterback offense against Indiana State, as Tayven Jackson and Brendan Sorsby continue to audition for a starting job Indiana hopes to have a decision on following this game.
Indiana and Indiana State are scheduled to kick off Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium. Here are three keys to an Indiana victory, as well as a score prediction at the bottom.
1. Control line of scrimmage
While important in any game, this is typically the most obvious advantage Power 5 schools hold against FCS opponents. It stems from being able to recruit more size and talent along the offensive and defensive lines, and Indiana seems to have improved both units this season.
With new offensive line coach Bob Bostad, the line looked noticeably better in Week 1, which is especially impressive given they did so against Ohio State. On the other side, a transfer-heavy defensive line helped Indiana hang tough for most of the game.
Against Indiana State, the Hoosiers should be able to run the ball at will with Jaylin Lucas, Christian Turner and Josh Henderson. The Sycamores averaged just 2.8 yards per carry against Eastern Illinois, and it'll be tough sledding against a higher-caliber opponent.
2. Build quarterback confidence
Indiana wants to make a quarterback decision after this game, with a matchup against Louisville at Lucas Oil Stadium awaiting next week. After starting Brendan Sorsby against Ohio State, Tayven Jackson will start Friday against Indiana State. Allen said Indiana will aim to divide reps, similar to how they managed that in Week 1, as Sorsby took 28 snaps and Jackson 27.
Offensive coordinator Walt Bell called a conservative game against Ohio State, but both he and Allen said they plan to open it up moving forward. Expect Indiana to still run a significant amount of triple-option plays with Jackson and Sorsby, who can both run. But it's important to further evaluate them as passers before making a starting quarterback decision.
Sorsby completed 8-of-16 passes for 58 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions against Ohio State, and Jackson completed 1-of-5 attempts for 24 yards. Both played sparingly last year, so Friday will still only be their second true game of college football experience. And no matter who Indiana chooses, Friday's game is an important time to build some confidence and let it fly.
3. Utilize Jaylin Lucas in space
Lucas made a couple of eye-popping moves in the punt and kick return game against Ohio State, but he was never quite able to get rolling on offense. He carried the ball 11 times for 24 yards, and too many of his attempts went up the middle.
Lucas' speed and agility make him a dangerous playmaker in space, but he's not going to plow ahead for many yards up the middle given his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame. Indiana coaches have mentioned using Lucas as a slot receiver, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him utilized that way this week after being targeted just once in the pass game against Ohio State.
Score prediction
I'll take Indiana 38-3 in this one.
Sure, last week's offense didn't inspire much confidence that the Hoosiers can score 38 points, but Ohio State and Indiana State are vastly different opponents. Indiana should be able to run the ball with relative ease and stop it on the other side, establishing itself as the aggressor. Based on the way Indiana's defensive backs shut down Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka last week, it could be tough for the Sycamores to get much going in the pass game, too, after losing 27-0 to Eastern Illinois last week. It's also much less of a daunting matchup for Jackson and Sorsby, and Indiana needs at least one of them to take a big step forward.
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