After stumbling against Ohio State, No. 10 Penn State will return home on Saturday to host Indiana.
The Hoosiers are limping into Beaver Stadium at 2-5 with a 0-4 record in Big Ten play. They’ve lost their last three games by a combined score of 150-41.
Although Indiana appears vulnerable, it has some difference makers who could give the Nittany Lions trouble if they’re not careful.
Brendan Sorsby, quarterback
Coach Tom Allen handed Brendan Sorsby the keys to the offense last week, as he made his first full-time start against Rutgers.
Sorsby was serviceable against the Scarlet Knights, going 15-of-31 for 126 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled for 49 yards and another score.
Sorsby is a dual threat, so Penn State will have to respect both his arm and his legs, especially when the play breaks down.
So far this year, the Nittany Lions have had one of the nation’s top passing defenses, allowing less than 150 yards per game and just two 200-yard passers.
Jaylin Lucas, running back
James Franklin said Tuesday that the coaches are “very aware of” running back Jaylin Lucas, who’s a do-it-all threat for the Hoosiers.
Lucas is productive on the ground and through the air, totaling 247 yards rushing and 212 yards receiving. His four total touchdowns leads the team through seven weeks.
Lucas also serves as Indiana’s return specialist. He was one of the Big Ten’s best kick returners last year, bringing two kicks to the house.
Expect the Hoosiers to manufacture plenty of touches for Lucas on Saturday.
Aaron Casey, linebacker
Linebacker Aaron Casey is a magnet to the football for the Indiana defense.
Casey leads the Hoosiers with 59 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks, including a 10-tackle, two-sack effort against Louisville.
Casey emerged as a starter last year, leading the Hoosiers in tackles and tackles for loss.
Casey will be one of the main obstacles for a Penn State offense looking for a spark after last week’s defeat.
Phillip Dunnam, safety
Former 4-star safety Phillip Dunnam is living up to his pedigree so far with Indiana.
Dunnam swarms to the football, racking up the second-most tackles on the team with 43.
A former high school wide receiver, Dunnam has flexed his ball skills with a team-leading three interceptions.
Look for the standout safety to make plays against both the run and pass on Saturday.
MORE FOOTBALL COVERAGE
