Indiana Recap: How much confidence does Penn State have?

It’s easy to look ahead to the next week’s opponent when it’s the number one ranked team in the country and you’re playing at their house, under the lights in primetime, in front of millions. Coaches across the country will say they are focused on whomever they are playing this week, not next. Before Penn State could even think about playing Ohio State, who by the way is a 17.5-point favorite against the Nittany Lions, they had to worry about Indiana. There wasn’t much to worry about once quarterback Christian Hackenberg and company got settled.

Penn State will need a big game from big man
in Austin Johnson. 

After a rocky start to the game, between the dropped passes and lack of offense, James Franklin’s team finally got going. On the teams second possession Hackenberg found receiver Brandon Polk on a wheel route for a 39-yard touchdown. That was only the beginning for the quarterback on what would be his best all-around day of the season. Later in the quarter Hackenberg would find receiver DaeSean Hamilton for another 39-yard touchdown. Finally, to end the first half on a high note, the 225-pound quarterback faked the handoff and roll out to green grass and a walk-in touchdown, his first of the season. At the end of the day Penn State’s offense would rack up 420 total yards, 262 coming from the arm of Hackenberg. (He added another rushing touchdown.) Running back Saquon Barkley did not play for the second week in a row but James Franklin does expect him to play this week against Ohio State. They are going to need him if they want a real shot at winning. 

Granted it was eventually against the third string quarterback and the fourth string running back, but the defense held their own. Austin Johnson and Jason Cabinda led the way for a defense that allowed just 234 total yards including just 79 on the ground. Carl Nassib would add to his sack total with two against the Hoosiers. Next week will provide a much bigger task against Ohio State and their two quarterback system with Cardale Jones and JT Barrett. Both are much better runners than passers. 

Overall it was a good win for Penn State on homecoming. The offense finally, sorta, got going and the pass game opened up. The preparation has begun for Ohio State and it’s going to take all the preparation James Franklin has to get ready for the biggest test for him as the head coach thus far.