WKU Football: Indiana Q&A with Hoosier Huddle

After a bye week, the Tops now look to their biggest challenge so far this season with a home game against the Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana is…

After a bye week, the Tops now look to their biggest challenge so far this season with a home game against the Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana is looking to get back on track with a win after losing to Cincinnati while WKU looks to defend their home field and finally get that elusive win over a Big 10 school in front of a near sell-out crowd.

This week we got to interview Hoosier Huddle! They are an independent blog site that covers all things IU. They already have some articles up on WKU looking at the Tops from a Hoosier perspective so be sure to go check them out on Facebook, Twitter, as well as their website.

Let’s get started with our interview.

The Towel Rack: WKU and IU haven’t played each other since 2015 with IU winning a close game in Bloomington, 38–35. Obviously IU has become a better football program since then. What have been some of the biggest changes the program has had since then that has led to their success?

Hoosier Huddle: The biggest change has been on the defensive side of the ball under Tom Allen. As you remember the 2015 IU defense was, let’s say, not good. He has changed the culture of the program and has upped the talent on the roster as well.

TTR: Indiana had a historic season last year and were ranked in the preseason top 25 at the start of this year. Now at 1–2, is it time to hit the panic button if you’re a Hoosiers fan?

HH: Being 1–2 isn’t shocking. IU has played two top-10 teams in the first three. It’s how they lost that is worrisome though. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is struggling with interceptions and self-inflected wounds cost them a win against the Bearcats. However, it is not time to hit the panic button. Although many already have.

TTR: It’s safe to say that Michael Penix Jr. is the most prolific QB that Indiana football has had for some while. With the current season being somewhat of a challenge for him statistically, what strengths make him a playmaker against other teams?

HH: Nate Sudfeld was great in 2015 and Ben Chappell was really good in 2010, so no, not really. Penix has elite arm strength and has been good in the past at diagnosing things pre-snap. He can run too, but has been hesitant to do so after his second ACL tear. When he gets into a good rhythm, he can be lights out. However, that hasn’t happened since the Ohio State game last season.

TTR: We saw that Penix had a wrist injury but will be good to go Saturday. Do you think he will still perform at 100% despite the injury?

HH: He hasn’t performed at 100% all season, so I don’t think the hand injury will change that. Health-wise he should be 100% though.

TTR: Looking at WKU, how do you see the IU defense matching up against Bailey Zappe and their pass heavy offense?

HH: It’s going to be a challenge for IU. The defense has played really well this season despite the ugly points per game average. They have been set up for failure by the offense and some special teams miscues. IU’s secondary is very talented with four All-Big Ten selections. Linebacker Micah McFadden is an All-American and defensive end Ryder Anderson can get into the backfield and be disruptive as much as anyone. It should be a fun strength-on-strength matchup to watch.

TTR: IU is the only Big 10 team that has ever traveled to play WKU in Bowling Green (first time being in 2010). Do you think many Hoosier fans will make the drive down to see them play?

HH: There should be a good contingent of IU fans coming down for the game. It’s an easy drive from Bloomington, plus IU has a nice alumni base in the Louisville area as well.

TTR: What do you think would have to happen in order for WKU to get their first win over a Big 10 school on Saturday?

HH: Western Kentucky will win if Indiana continues to turn the ball over, especially in the red zone. It’s just that simple. The other half of that is if Allen continues to ride Penix if he struggles early.

TTR: What is your personal prediction for the game?

HH: This is an absolute must win for the Hoosiers so there should be a lot of urgency from IU. The Hoosiers should also be able to run the ball well against the Hilltoppers. WKU will put up some points, the offense is too good not to, but I think IU’s overall depth and talent win out in the end. 38–31 IU.

We once again thank Hoosier Huddle for answering our questions! Be sure to go check them out if you’d like to see an Indiana perspective on WKU and the game Saturday.