Saturday, October 17
Bloomington, Ind.
3:30 p.m.
Indiana University
vs
Rutgers (Homecoming)
Indiana Looks To Regain Form Against Rutgers
10/13/2015 12:44:00 PM | Football
By: Sam Beishuizen | Twitter
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana football is focused on dimensions this week.
The Hoosier offense is at its best when it becomes unpredictable, mixing between run and pass. Likewise, the defense has run at optimal strength when it forces its opponent to become predictable, which IU can dictate by taking away either the run or pass.
Indiana has managed to do both at different points in the season, but the two units haven't been at their best collectively at the same time quite yet.
The Hoosiers will look to change that in a Homecoming matchup against Rutgers (2-3, 0-2) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Doing so might be exactly what Indiana (4-2, 0-2) needs to snap a two-game losing streak and pick up its first Big Ten win of the season.
"When teams are one-dimensional, they're sort of in a bind," redshirt sophomore safety Chase Dutra said. "Teams that are harder to predict are better. It's something we as a team really strive for, and we're going to need it this week."
Rutgers heads to Bloomington a week removed from falling just seven points short of upsetting No. 4 Michigan State. After the Spartans took a 31-24 lead with 43 seconds remaining, Rutgers regained possession and drove into Michigan State territory before the final whistle.
"We've got to come back in on Sunday and lock in and have more attention to details because at the end of the day that's how you get beat in this league," Rutgers junior receiver Lente Carroo said postgame. "Obviously we proved today it's not a talent thing. It's just who can play with better details longer."
Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano has quietly been one of the Big Ten's top quarterbacks. The sophomore leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency, having completed 87-of-124 passes for 1,002 yards.
Laviano's favorite target, Carroo, returned last week after being unavailable for two games. The time off didn't seem to slow Carroo down. He finished with seven catches for 134 yards and three touchdowns.
In three games, Carroo has hauled in 14 catches, six of which have been touchdowns. His knack for the explosive plays has caught Indiana's attention, for good reason.
"You just try to play as sound as you can and limit the amount of plays and catches he can get," Dutra said. "You know he's going to make plays. You just need to limit the big ones and keep them to a minimal and just look in on him and know where he's at at all times."
Meanwhile, Indiana's offense will look to get back into rhythm. Since senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld and junior running back Jordan Howard suffered injuries, the Hoosier offense has been limited. Head coach Kevin Wilson said both are still on the road to recovery.
Regardless of who lines up, they'll be working against a Rutgers defense that ranks among the middle of the pack in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights have been susceptible to giving up yards through the air, allowing the third-most passing yards per game with 292.6.
But Indiana may only be able to pass the ball as well as it can run the ball. Redshirt junior receiver Ricky Jones and sophomore running back Devine Redding said the air and ground attacks feed off one another, and that getting both going will be key this week.
"We just have to keep doing what we know we can do," Jones said. "If we get back to playing our football, I think we'll be alright."
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana football is focused on dimensions this week.
The Hoosier offense is at its best when it becomes unpredictable, mixing between run and pass. Likewise, the defense has run at optimal strength when it forces its opponent to become predictable, which IU can dictate by taking away either the run or pass.
Indiana has managed to do both at different points in the season, but the two units haven't been at their best collectively at the same time quite yet.
The Hoosiers will look to change that in a Homecoming matchup against Rutgers (2-3, 0-2) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Doing so might be exactly what Indiana (4-2, 0-2) needs to snap a two-game losing streak and pick up its first Big Ten win of the season.
"When teams are one-dimensional, they're sort of in a bind," redshirt sophomore safety Chase Dutra said. "Teams that are harder to predict are better. It's something we as a team really strive for, and we're going to need it this week."
Rutgers heads to Bloomington a week removed from falling just seven points short of upsetting No. 4 Michigan State. After the Spartans took a 31-24 lead with 43 seconds remaining, Rutgers regained possession and drove into Michigan State territory before the final whistle.
"We've got to come back in on Sunday and lock in and have more attention to details because at the end of the day that's how you get beat in this league," Rutgers junior receiver Lente Carroo said postgame. "Obviously we proved today it's not a talent thing. It's just who can play with better details longer."
Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano has quietly been one of the Big Ten's top quarterbacks. The sophomore leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency, having completed 87-of-124 passes for 1,002 yards.
Laviano's favorite target, Carroo, returned last week after being unavailable for two games. The time off didn't seem to slow Carroo down. He finished with seven catches for 134 yards and three touchdowns.
In three games, Carroo has hauled in 14 catches, six of which have been touchdowns. His knack for the explosive plays has caught Indiana's attention, for good reason.
"You just try to play as sound as you can and limit the amount of plays and catches he can get," Dutra said. "You know he's going to make plays. You just need to limit the big ones and keep them to a minimal and just look in on him and know where he's at at all times."
Meanwhile, Indiana's offense will look to get back into rhythm. Since senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld and junior running back Jordan Howard suffered injuries, the Hoosier offense has been limited. Head coach Kevin Wilson said both are still on the road to recovery.
Regardless of who lines up, they'll be working against a Rutgers defense that ranks among the middle of the pack in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights have been susceptible to giving up yards through the air, allowing the third-most passing yards per game with 292.6.
But Indiana may only be able to pass the ball as well as it can run the ball. Redshirt junior receiver Ricky Jones and sophomore running back Devine Redding said the air and ground attacks feed off one another, and that getting both going will be key this week.
"We just have to keep doing what we know we can do," Jones said. "If we get back to playing our football, I think we'll be alright."
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