Hoosiers look to celebrate Mallory legacy by rebounding against Sycamores
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Indiana State (0-1) at Indiana (0-1), Friday, 7 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
Line: No betting line, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Indiana leads 6-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Indiana is trying to rebound from last week's loss to No. 3 Ohio State while celebrating the Mallory coaching tree. Indiana State coach Curt Mallory is the youngest son of the late Bill Mallory, the winningest coach in Hoosiers history and current Indiana coach Tom Allen says the pregame hug will not be just another “bro hug.” The Sycamores are seeking a milestone first win in this series.
KEY MATCHUP
Indiana State QBs vs. Hoosiers secondary. Last season, injuries forced Indiana State to use four different quarterbacks. If Week 1 is any indication, 2023 may be more of the same. Evan Olaes started the game but threw only two passes — both interceptions. Gavin Screws didn't fare much better, also throwing two interceptions — both returned for touchdowns. If the Sycamores can't take care of the ball against Indiana's much improved and quite aggressive secondary, it could be an even longer night than Eastern Illinois' 27-0 drubbing last weekend.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Indiana State: WR Dakota Caton. The two-time all-conference selection was the Sycamores most productive receiver last week. He caught six passes for 70 yards. The rest of the receiving corps finished with seven catches for 46 yards. If Indiana State's passing game is going to get started, Caton must play a key role.
Indiana: QB Tayven Jackson. Allen already has announced the transfer from Tennessee will start this game after deciding to let the QB competition with Brendan Sorsby to continue into the regular season. While the Hoosiers struggled offensively last weekend, Indiana seemed to have more juice with Jackson behind center.
FACTS & FIGURES
This is the sixth Friday night game in Hoosiers history and just the third on their home turf. ... The two in-state schools have only met six times overall, none since 2014. ... Indiana has won 13 consecutive games against FCS foes including 4-0 under Allen. ... Indiana State is 0-5 against the FBS under Curt Mallory. ... Bill Mallory's other two sons — Mike (Denver Broncos) and Doug (Michigan Wolverines) — are also current coaches who have experience in the FBS and NFL. Mike Mallory's son, William, is a rookie tight end with the Indianapolis Colts. ... Neither the Hoosiers or Sycamores scored a touchdown in their season openers.
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