Penn State Vs. Indiana Preview, Predictions
Penn State football gets a chance to press reset on the 2023 season when Indiana visits Beaver Stadium on Saturday. The Hoosiers are the lowest-ranked Big Ten team in ESPN's Football Power Index (93rd) and are projected to win just one more game this season. That shouldn't be this one.
The Lions couldn't pick a better get-right opponent than Indiana, which has allowed an average of 42.3 points in its last three Big Ten games, fired its offensive coordinator in early October and has flipped starting quarterbacks. For Penn State, this should be a game to test-drive some new ideas, starting with the pass game.
Penn State (6-1) Vs. Indiana (2-5)
When: Noon ET Saturday
Where: Beaver Stadium
TV: CBS
Streaming: FuboTV (Start your free trial)
Betting Line: Penn State is a 32-point favorite, according to DraftKings
Series History: Penn State leads 24-2
Last Meeting: Penn State 45-14 in 2022
Streaks: Penn State is 12-0 at home against the Hoosiers
The Story Line
Penn State coach James Franklin admitted this week that the passing game is behind schedule. That was laid bare at Ohio State, where quarterback Drew Allar complete 10 of his first 30 passes, threw nine straight incompletions and didn't complete more than two consecutive passes until the final series. Though the numbers splattered primarily across his stat sheet, they represented a wholesale offensive issue. And the numbers from Penn State's win over UMass should have rang an alarm.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Allar threw for just 55 air yards among his 162 yards passing against the Minutemen. The Lions tried to throw downfield, as evidenced by the 170 intended air yards recorded but didn't connect. Allar was 2-for-7 on attempts of 10 air yards or longer — against UMass. That extended to the Ohio State game, in which he was 5-for-16. And he shouldn't shoulder all the blame for that.
This is all to say, the Lions need to let it rip against Indiana. The weather should be favorable, Indiana ranks 13th in the Big Ten in passer rating allowed and the Hoosiers face some significant injury issues. Noah Pierre, a team captain and one of its top defenders, was hurt against Rutgers last week and won't play.
Allar and the passing game need a confidence boost. Moreover, they need to know the coaches are confident in them. Let him let it fly Saturday.
Penn State Players to Watch
Dante Cephas: Franklin cited Cephas as a starter for the Ohio State game, but the receiver played just three of his 12 snaps before the final series. This season is beginning to slip away for the heralded Kent State transfer, who has five games remaining to make an impact.
Beau Pribula: At some point, Penn State has to deploy the package that Franklin has been foreshadowing all season, right? Penn State's backup quarterback might be a threat for the all-hands-on-deck game forthcoming against Michigan. Might as well introduce him now.
Jameial Lyons: Penn State wants to redshirt the freshman defensive end but might be forced to play him Saturday if injured edge rushers Chop Robinson and Amin Vanover are out. Lyons has played in three games this season. He can play in four plus the postseason and still preserve his redshirt.
Indiana Players to Watch
Brendan Sorsby: Indiana coach Tom Allen declared Sorsby as his No. 1 quarterback following a 15-for-31 performance against Rutgers. But Dexter Williams II, recovering from a 2022 ACL tear against Purdue, is nearing a return, Allen said.
Andre Carter: The 6-5, 270-pound lineman has been a bright spot of Indiana's defense, with seven tackles for loss and 21 quarterback pressures.
Jaylin Lucas: The sophomore running back is a triple threat, leading the Hoosiers with 84 touches and 459 yards while ranking fourth in the Big Ten in kickoff returns.
Predictions
Max Ralph: James Franklin said Wednesday that he wants his team to take its frustrations out on the field this weekend after losing at Ohio State. A struggling Indiana team shouldn't stand in the way. The Hoosiers field one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten, so it could be an important chance for Allar and the offense to get on track. Don't be surprised if the Lions score another late touchdown to cover the spread this week. Penn State 38, Indiana 6.
Mark Wogenrich: Offensive tackle Caedan Wallace this week recalled Penn State's double-overtime loss to Indiana in 2020, calling it "one of my least favorite Penn State games." That might have some company now from last week's loss to Ohio State. Before leaving Ohio Stadium, defensive end Adisa Isaac said, "Our next opponent is definitely going to be in for a good one." He's probably right, but we'll see. Penn State 45, Indiana 10.
More on Penn State
Penn State's passing game needs a jolt after Ohio State
James Franklin addresses Chop Robinson's injury status
Ohio State game won't define Penn State's offense, lineman Caedan Wallace says
First Look: Penn State vs. Indiana
When will Penn State truly 'close the gap' against Ohio State?
Penn State lost ground in the Big Ten tiebreaker as well
An emotional Drew Allar challenges himself after Penn State's loss to Ohio State
Where does Penn State's offense go from here?
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
