Prior to each remaining Big Ten game, Inside Nebraska is catching up with a media member who covers the opposing team to get their perspective on the Huskers' upcoming opponent.
Ahead of Nebraska's reopening of league play, we're checking in with Indiana beat writer Keegan Nickoson of The Hoosier, part of the Rivals national network, to ask him five questions on Indiana's quarterback situation, Tom Allen's hot-seat status, a game that the Hoosier faithful had been labeling "The Buy Out Game" and more.
1: How has Indiana replaced the production of Michael Penix Jr. and what does the Hoosiers’ offense look like under Connor Bazelak?
Well, it'd be hard to say that Indiana didn't succeed in replacing Michael Penix after last season. The Hoosiers were kind of in a lose-lose situation after losing a QB who was in the Heisman conversation, even if for a short amount of time. The injuries stockpiled and even when he was healthy he couldn't find his footing in Nick Sheridan's offense during the 2021 season. The change-of-scenery transfer caught very few people off guard.
Replacing him was a process. Indiana was in on multiple guys: Casey Thompson, Emery Jones, Adrian Martinez and Dillon Gabriel just to name a few. So, when the news that Bazelak was the guy came about, some were disappointed. While he hasn't put up insane numbers by any means, Indiana has been in the position of needing a quarterback to win a game and he has stepped up both times, leading game-winning drives in two of Indiana's four games thus far.
Schematically, Walt Bell has made it clear he is an air-raid guy, and if Bazelak throwing 50-plus passes (66 last week at Cincinnati) twice on the season already doesn't tell you that, I don't know how to paint a more clear picture.
2: What schemes and strategies did Cincinnati deploy against Indiana that Nebraska could also utilize?
Defensively, Cincinnati mixed up its pressure looks very well. Running stunts at the line of scrimmage and doing the same with their linebackers to sack Bazelak multiple times. The Bearcats also took advantage of Indiana not having one of its best weapons in DJ Matthews. He played but had very little impact on the game before injuring himself in the first half on a punt return. I don't expect Allen and Co. to rush him back for this weekend's game.
Offensively, they pretty much attacked Indiana's lack of elite speed in its defensive backfield. Tyler Scott and Tre Tucker pretty much just outran Tiawan Mullen and Jaylin Williams all day, and Ben Bryant's accurate deep ball gave the Hoosiers fits. The defensive front for Indiana also got very little pressure on the quarterback, their get-offs looked slow and Cincy's veteran O-line had little trouble in protection.
3: Indiana has started the season 3-1, but is Tom Allen on the hot seat? What’s the pulse in Hoosier Land?
I don't think Tom Allen is anywhere near the hot seat. I think it would take Indiana losing out for the rest of the season to reach that point. AD Scott Dolson loves Allen and admires the culture he has built, and the high of the 2020 season hasn't fully worn off just yet.
The pulse in Hoosier land is more wondering if Jalen Hood-Schifino is going to start at the two this season, or will Mike Woodson stick with veteran Miller Kopp even though his lackluster shooting last season left much to be desired. Sometimes you have to remind people it's still September. But you can't blame them.
4: What is the perception of the state of Nebraska’s program from the Hoosiers’ point of view and how is the fan base feeling about the chances of going into Lincoln and leaving town with a win?
That's a good question. I think a lot of Hoosier fans look at Nebraska football like a lot of other fan bases look at Indiana basketball: You were good a long time ago, why is everyone still talking about you?
In all seriousness, there was a lot of hope that Scott Frost would hold on to coach against Indiana. People were labeling it as "The Buy Out Game", and saying your favorite team got Frost fired would cause some sort of pride. Right?
5: What is your prediction for the game and the final score?
Both teams should be looking forward to this one. I think this is one of the more narrow spreads either team will see for the rest of the season.
I expect a high-scoring shootout in which Bazelak will probably throw 50-plus passes yet again. After Indiana's solid second half against Cincinnati I see both sides of the ball – but Bazelak especially – playing a little pissed off. The Hoosiers are playing with nothing to lose. There's no reason to press, there's been way too much of that over the last 14 months.
Unfortunately for the Hoosiers, I think there will be a buzz around the stadium and on the sidelines that will help the Cornhuskers. Nebraska punches Indiana in the mouth early, taking a two-score lead into the second half. Indiana runs out of time, most likely a late turnover to seal it.
Nebraska 42, Indiana 39
