Indiana began the season with 12 consecutive victories.But coach Tom Crean said IU is a better team now than they were after capturing that 12th straight victory Dec. 22 against Maryland-Baltimore County.The No.BLOOMINGTON – Indiana leads the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed. Penn State leads the Big Ten in sacks.
That will be one of the more intriguing matches in Saturday’s game at Beaver Stadium.
The Hoosiers rank No. 17 nationally, giving up 11 sacks this season.
“I think it is a real credit to our pass protectors, because it is no secret (quarterback) Ben (Chappell) is not running around,” IU coach Bill Lynch said. “Sometimes it is hard to rush a passer when you have to put a net around him because you don’t know where he is going to be.
“I think that is a credit to the offensive line and their protection. I think it is a credit to Ben and how smart he is, because he will get rid of the ball. He is completing a good percentage, but he is not afraid to throw an incompletion because he knows sometimes an incompletion is a positive play in comparison to a sack or a fumble.”
Penn State is eighth nationally with 32 sacks. Defensive tackle Jared Odrick has six sacks, while defensive end Jack Crawford has 5 1/2 .
“I think Penn State’s defensive front is great. They get upfield and fast,” Lynch said.
“Some teams are read while others are upfield, but Penn State redirects so well. There is a reason why they are nicknamed ‘Linebacker U.’ They all look alike every year because they are so sound, tough, they can run and they are not out of position.”
On the road again
Indiana has another road challenge ahead of them going to Beaver Stadium, which seats 108,000.
“It is obviously a great opportunity for us to play at a national stage particularly at Penn State because it is one of the best venues in the Big Ten. I don’t think there is a venue more awesome than Penn State,” Lynch said. “We went out and played them a year ago and fortunately, our guys have been there and understand what they are getting into.”
The Hoosiers have stayed in games in tough road environments, holding fourth-quarter leads at Michigan and Iowa before losing.
“I don’t think it bothers anyone on this team. Even young kids,” senior linebacker Matt Mayberry said. “Once it’s time to play football, it’s time to play football. I think everyone understands that. Once you are out there playing, the crowd doesn’t really matter. It’s a great atmosphere and opportunity to play football.”
