Hoosiers Are Looking For Their First Win in Happy Valley

Nov 8, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Akeel Lynch (22) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Greg Gooch (49) and defensive tackle Adarius Rayner (99) in the fourth quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium. Penn State won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Hoosiers have arrived. Sure they fell short of upsetting the Buckeyes, but that was with backups at several key positions. Now, IU has set their sights on the Penn State Nittany Lions with a goal of getting their first win in Happy Valley.

The Hoosiers (4-1, 0-1) are in Happy Valley to face-off against their Big Ten East divisional foe, Penn State. Indiana is looking for their first win in at Penn State (4-1, 1-0). The Nittany Lions are winners of four-straight following their week one loss on the road in Temple. With quarterback Nate Sudfeld probable for today’s game, the Hoosiers are ready for a win.

After a heartbreaking, yet inspiring loss at home to Ohio State last week, Indiana has given fans a reason to believe that they can be contenders for the Big ten title. Sure, they lost to Ohio State and are 0-1 in conference play. However, we’re talking about a loss where the starting QB and RB were not on the field in the second half. Indiana could have beaten #1 Ohio State with Zander Diamont and Devine Redding in the backfield. Had head coach Kevin Wilson managed the clock better on the final drive with his three timeouts, the game has a much different ending. If Indiana can face those odds and nearly win, then the Hoosiers must be considered contenders.

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Today they contend with Penn State with kickoff at noon and with them will be

Darius Latham

– the anchor of the defensive line – who is returning from suspension. Latham’s addition will further bolster the Hoosiers defense that has surprised every team they’ve faced. That’s right folks, Indiana has playmakers

ON DEFENSE.

Latham,

Nick Mangieri

Tegray Scales

, and

Zack Shaw

, they lead a defensive attack that is still improving despite their youth in the secondary.

The Hoosiers defense must contain the Penn State offensive attack led by quarterback Christian Hackenberg. Indiana should be looking to dial up the pressure against the Penn State offensive line. If Mangieri and Shaw can generate sacks, they can force Hackenberg to speed up his internal clock. Hackenberg has been less settled in the pocket this year due to issues with their pass blocking. He was sacked by Temple 10 times. If Indiana can force Hackenberg to rush his throws, the Hoosiers could stagnate the Nittany Lions attack and come away with their first victory at Penn State in team history.

Be sure to check back for more coverage of Indiana Hoosiers football here after the game here at Ink On Indy!

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