Can the Scarlet Knights' disciplined defense and ball-control offense slow down Indiana's big-play dynamic or will tempo turn the tide?
Two very different teams meet on the field as Indiana's big-play attack looks to solve Rutgers' gritty, Schiano-led squad.
Indiana Offense vs. Rutgers Defense
The matchup between Indiana's high-powered, explosive offense and Rutgers' gritty, physical defense present a classic clash of styles. Indiana operates with a tempo-driven, multi-faceted attack designed to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically. The passing game, led by Josh Hoover, thrives on quick, rhythm throws to dynamic playmakers like Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh in space. Both Becker and Marsh can beat teams deep, but they're also big-bodied, possession types. Hoover has some great options to throw to.
Unfortunately for Indiana, running backs Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard are both on the injury report. Beebe is listed as questionable, while Richard falls under the probable category. It'll be interesting to see how involved they both are, because what they do on the ground often dictates what Hoover does through the air.
On defense, Rutgers has a disciplined bend-dont-break style of philosophy anchored by the trench players. Greg Schiano has always been a hard-nosed, tough, defensive coach, and even though he doesn't have a ton of talent, he does have an identity and his teams will follow his lead the best they can. Rutgers is better against the pass than they are against the run, so look for Schiano and Co. to load the box in order to be more effective against an Indiana team that can really pound it on the ground.
Indiana Defense vs. Rutgers Offense
Normally, Schiano's teams want to be tough and hard-nosed on offense as well. In the past, his teams have been run-first built on power and play-action passing. Schiano still wants to do that, but he has a dynamic wide receiver in KJ Duff, who is 4th nationally in receiving yards with 550 and tied for 1st in the country with seven receiving touchdowns. This is a guy who is keeping pace with or outperforming Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Miami's Malachi Toney and even Indiana's Charlie Becker. At 6-6, 225 pounds, he's a beast of a receiver and he will be No. 1, 2 and 3 on Indiana's scouting report.
Indian's defense is going to be challenged in a major way by Duff. Two of IU's top defensive backs are on the injury report with Carson Williams listed as out and AJ Harris listed as questionable. With that being said, Indiana is coming together up front with guys like Stephen Daley and Rolijah Hardy ready to roll. If Indiana can stop the run, which they've been very good at this year, the defense can shift more of its attention to Duff in order to contain the big play waiting to happen.
Prediction
Ultimately, Indiana's offense should be way too much for Rutgers to handle, and, while Duff will get his, it won't be enough for Rutgers to remain competitive into the second half. Expect the score to be close early on, but the Hoosiers will pull away in the end.
Indiana 34, Rutgers, 13
