Game Preview: Penn State vs. Indiana

Story posted October 17, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by David Sagio

Jake Starr, Jack Flanagan, Kevin McConlogue and Andrew Destin preview Penn State's trip to Indiana, looking to snap a two game losing streak.

Penn State (4-2, 2-2 Big Ten), is currently ranked 18 after back to back home losses to Ohio State and Michigan State. This week, the Nittany Lions hit the road to face the Indiana Hoosiers (4-3, 1-4 Big Ten) at Memorial Stadium this Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Indiana is coming off of a 42-16 loss against the 19-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. Likewise, Penn State is coming off of a defeat, conceding a close one to the Michigan State Spartans, 21-17 at Beaver Stadium.

Coming into this matchup are two talented quarterbacks in Trace McSorley of Penn State and Peyton Ramsey of Indiana. For McSorley, his hot start to his final season in blue and white took a step backwards against Michigan State as he completed 19/32 passes with one touchdown, 192 yards passing and a lost fumble. Meanwhile, Ramsey also struggled in his game against Iowa. He only threw for one touchdown and two interceptions last Saturday. For both teams, getting their starting quarterbacks going is a must for them as McSorley and Ramsey are both essential to their respective offenses. 

Meanwhile, defensively for Penn State, Shareef Miller will be looking to add to his sack total on the year against a decent Indiana offensive line that has given up 12 sacks on the year. Penn State will also be looking to capitalize more on opponent’s mistakes, particularly on forcing turnovers as there were numerous times against Michigan State where Penn State had the opportunity to make a play on the ball and force a turnover. Look for Amani Oruwariye to bring his ball hawking skills into this matchup. Oruwariye will try to tally his third interception of the season. Penn State will also be looking to limit penalties in this matchup as well, incurring six for 41 yards last week.

On the defensive side for the Hoosiers is senior defensive back Jonathan Crawford. Crawford came into 2018 as one of the top-rated defensive backs in the Big Ten. Entering 2018 he had very impressive numbers including 135 career tackles, eight interceptions and 16 passes broken up. Crawford started his year off with a forced fumble and pick six in Indiana’s game against Florida International but has yet to register a turnover again this season. Indiana also sports a solid defensive front with defensive lineman Niles Sykes and Jerome Johnson each sporting two sacks on the year. 

For Indiana fans this should be an exciting matchup. Indiana is currently in the hardest part of its Big Ten schedule and to knock off a ranked but reeling Penn State team would greatly increase their chances of receiving a bowl game invitation. Meanwhile Penn State will be looking to get back on track as a team after two heartbreaking and playoff crushing defeats in back to back games.

 

David Saggio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email davesag12@gmail.com.