GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Penn State is second in the Big Ten in rushing offense, averaging 251.8 yards per game and 6.1 yards per carry. In conference games, the Nittany Lions are tops in rushing offense with 266 yards per game in the three games. Indiana, meanwhile, has struggled with its run games in league games, averaging just 85.8 yards per game which ranks 13th out of 14 teams.
Indiana is 10th in rushing defense in the conference, allowing 157.7 yards and is last in passing defense in conference games, 296.8 yards per game.
If Indiana must rely on the pass, coach Tom Allen said quarterback Peyton Ramsey must play better. Ramsey completed 31-of-42 passes for 263 yards and was intercepted twice in the 42-16 loss to visiting Iowa. “He has to protect the football,” Allen said. “It’s part of his job. I don’t think he played very well during the game. We’re not bashful about saying those kind of things. We’ve praised him when he has played well. He didn’t play his best game.”
DRAFT SLANT
–S Jonathan Crawford, who is on the Senior Bowl watch list, has started every game in his four-year career. He has 34 tackles, including 25 solos, a sack, three tackles for loss, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the first six games.
ROSTER REPORT
–RB Morgan Ellison, who led the Hoosiers with 704 rushing yards as a true freshman, has been under indefinite suspension all season. Last week it was revealed Ellison has been accused of a sexual assault. According to the Indianapolis Star report, an Indiana sexual misconduct hearing panel ruled Ellison should be suspended from IU for 2 1/2 years. Ellison is appealing the decision and university records show Ellison said the sexual activities were consensual. Ellison is not being investigated by the police at this time according to the report.
–OL Coy Cronk, a junior starting left tackle, missed the game against Iowa. Allen said it looks promising Cronk will play Saturday.
–WR Whop Philyor, a sophomore who has 18 catches for 194 yards and one touchdown, played a couple of snaps against Iowa but was not effective due to a nagging ankle injury. His status is questionable for Penn State,
–RB/CB Reese Taylor, a true freshman and the 2017 Indiana Mr. Football, has rushed for 83 yards on 15 carries and has 19 catches for 105 yards. Taylor had six catches for 28 yards vs. Iowa. He also has five tackles on defense.
–DT Jacob Robinson, a senior and veteran presence on the defensive line, missed his fourth consecutive game. His status is questionable.
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