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Rough start: Indiana’s defense has as many 1st half receptions as Michael Penix Jr. had completions

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

It has not been a good start for Indiana’s offense coming off of a 35-point showing against Ohio State.

Following that emotional game against the Buckeyes, many expected a potential letdown taking on Maryland. The Terrapins have been chomping at the bit to get back on the field after missing the past two weekends due to COVID-19.

Through one half of action, it has been a strong start… for the Hoosier defense. The defense picked off Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa twice in the first half, giving Indiana multiple interceptions in all six games this season.

Unfortunately for Michael Penix Jr. and the Hoosier offense, it has scored just seven first-half points. That score came on a run by Stevie Scott as Penix has struggled mightily.

How bad has Penix been? He has as many first-half completions as the defense has interceptions. No, seriously.

At the break, Penix is a discouraging 2-for-15 passing with just 37 yards through the air. Digging a little deeper, every bit of yardage was picked up on an incredible third-down catch by Miles Marshall. The second completion, a throw to Peyton Hendershot, was logged as going for no-gain.

Can Penix snap out of his slump in the second half? Time will tell as he looks to find the rhythm he had against the Buckeyes while throwing for 491 yards and five touchdowns.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.