Nebraska has a difficult task ahead of them when they play 16th ranked Indiana on Saturday. Both teams will be coming off a bye week and have had extra time to prepare for this matchup. Indiana is coming into this game undefeated standing at 6-0 and Nebraska is one win away from being bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. This is a huge game that holds a lot of weight for both programs.
Let’s take a look at Indiana’s lineup.
Indiana Defense
The Indiana defense is a very strong and powerful unit that has had a great year. In past years they have struggled on this side of the ball, but with a new coach and multiple transfers, they have turned it around. They are a top 10 defense, ranking 21st in passing defense, 6th in rushing defense, 11th in scoring defense, and 6th in total defense. They have also done a great job sacking the quarterback. Throughout six games, the Hoosiers have 19 total sacks. Indiana defense has also done well in the fourth quarter, by outscoring the opposing team 80-24. This is an impressive stat that has surely helped them dominate.
When looking at the Hoosiers defensive players, there are many that stand out. The defense is led by defensive lineman Mikhail Kamara. He has had a great season with five total sacks. Kamara does a great job getting into the backfield and pressuring the quarterback. Another great defensive lineman is fellow transfer James Carpenter. He is just behind Kamara with three sacks. The linebacker position has also been dominant this season. Jailin Walker and Aiden Fisher are a great duo leading the team in tackles. Walker got injured in their last game against Northwestern, but he is expected to play on Saturday. All four of these players transferred with their head coach from the University of James Madison. Overall, Indiana has a great defense that could present Nebraska with some challenges.
Indiana offense
The Indiana offense is a very powerful and high-strung group this season. Like the defense, the Hoosiers offense is ranked in the top 10. Their passing offense is ranked 10th in the nation and first in the Big Ten. They are 2ndin the nation when it comes to points per game, averaging 47.5 points. The Hoosiers have been dominant both on the ground and through the air. They have a pretty balanced run game and passing game, which has helped them succeed.
There are multiple players that stand out on this side of the ball. Indiana is led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke. The Ohio transfer has had a great season so far. He has 1752 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Statistically, this puts him in 3rd place among Big Ten quarterbacks and passing touchdowns. Another player to watch out for is running back Justice Ellison. He has totaled 409 rushing yards on the season and has scored at least one touchdown in the last five games. Indiana likes to run and pass the ball; therefore, I expect Ellison to get a lot of carries.
The tight end group is another element to the offense that I expect to be utilized heavily. Although they have not produced many touchdowns, with only two on the season, they are great at blocking and helping in the run game. Zach Horton is a great blocker that has been very beneficial in the run game. I expect this to continue in Saturday’s game. Indiana also relies heavily on their wide receivers. James Madison transfer Elijah Sarratt currently leads the team with 513 yards and two touchdowns. They are known to spread the ball and target a multitude of different receivers which has been very effective so far and should take place against Nebraska. All in all, the offense has been very productive and strong this season.
Fundamentals for Nebraska to Win
It’s pretty clear what Nebraska will need to do in order to win this game. They will need to be consistent on both sides of the ball. They will need to play a nearly perfect game if they want to get this win. On the offensive side of the ball, we need to make smart decisions and try to get explosive plays. Indiana’s defense is great at getting sacks. Therefore, the offensive line will need to make sure they protect Dylan Raiola. On the defensive side of the ball, Nebraska will need to tackle well and prevent Indiana from making big plays. Another key component will be the turnover margin. If we want to win this game, we will need to get takeaways stealing at least one or two possessions from this high-powered team. Indiana is going to come at us with all they have, and I expect it to be a hard-hitting, tough Big 10 game.
Score Prediction
I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a shootout where it comes down to the last play. Nebraska can pull it out if they keep up with Indiana’s offense. I think Nebraska will win 35 to 28.
