A year ago this week, redshirt freshman Peyton Ramsey stepped onto the field for the most significant snaps of his early career, replacing starting quarterback Richard Lagow after Indiana’s sloppy start against Virginia. A risky move by head coach Tom Allen, but one that paid off quickly.

In his first meaningful appearance, Ramsey completed 16-of-20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 32 yards and a touchdown to lead the Hoosiers to a 34-17 victory over the Cavaliers.

Now, one year later, Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall says his defense is more ready for this year’s matchup against Indiana and the versatile quarterback.

Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Wednesday morning that Mendenhall’s defense was ready for the challenge Ramsey presents after “a season’s worth of mobile quarterbacks and practicing against our own.”

Ramsey won Indiana’s starting quarterback job prior to the season opener against FIU, beating out Brandon Dawkins and Michael Penix Jr. And in his first outing of the 2018 campaign, Ramsey looked just as comfortable as he did against Virginia last September.

The sophomore threw for 156 yards and three touchdowns, completing 20-of-27 passes. He added 36 yards on the ground as the Hoosiers opened the year with a 38-28 victory.

Ramsey won’t catch the Cavaliers by surprise this year and the defense is prepared to stop the mobile quarterback in the rematch in Bloomington. Now it’s on the Hoosiers to try and keep Virginia guessing.

Both Indiana and Virginia enter Saturday’s matchup 1-0.