Michigan Football: Indiana Players To Watch
AP Photo/Darron Cummings
Offensive Players to Watch
Redshirt freshman quarterback Peyton Ramsey: Fifth-year senior Richard Lagow began the season as the starter, but struggled with turnovers. Ramsey has stepped in and boosted the IU offense. He is a threat on the ground — rushing 49 times for 171 yards and two touchdowns — and through the air. He is 61-for-89 and 637 yards and has thrown for six touchdowns and two interceptions. His mobility will be key for the Hoosiers as they look to find some way to best the Michigan defense.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Simmie Cobbs: Cobbs lit up Ohio State’s defense earlier this season and hasn’t let up on opponents. At 6-foot-4 he is a mismatch for most college cornerbacks. He had 11 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown against the Buckeyes and has 33 catches for 370 yards and three scores on the season as a whole. He is a target monster and will be sophomore cornerback Lavert Hill’s biggest test yet.
Freshman running back Morgan Ellison: Another freshman that took a job away (at least seemingly) from a veteran. Ellison took advantage of junior Mike Majette’s injury and has been the team’s most effective runner. He’s carried the ball 69 times for 358 yards and two touchdowns. Majette will still get carries if he’s healthy, but Ellison is clearly the most productive on the two so far this season.
Defensive Players to Watch
Senior linebacker Tegray Scales: A Sports Illustrated second-team All-American last season, Scales led the nation in tackles for loss with 23.5. He was the Big Ten’s leader in tackles (126) and is currently Indiana’s tackles (42), tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (3.5) leader on the year. He flies to the ball and makes plays everywhere. Keep your eyes on No. 8 this Saturday.
Fifth-year senior cornerback Rashard Fant: Fant has led the Big Ten and been No. 2 in the nation in pass breakups each of the previous two seasons. He is Indiana’s, and generally considered the Big Ten’s, best cover cornerback. The secondary is a strength for the Hoosiers, and Fant is its leader.
Junior safety Jonathan Crawford: Indiana has just one interception this season, and it belongs to Crawford, who picked off Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley. He is a ball-hawk and plays well alongside fifth-year senior safety Chase Dutra and senior husky Tony Fields. With standout sophomore defensive back Marcelino Ball out with an injury, Crawford has been counted on more heavily. He has 22 tackles and three pass breakups.
Special Teams Player to Watch
Fifth-year senior kicker Griffin Oakes: Entering his fourth season as the starting kicker, Oakes has made 58-of-78 field goals in his career and is 5-for-5 so far this season. His career long is 58 yards, which he hit in 2014. His long this season is 51 yards, which came against Virginia. He has yet to attempt a field goal in a Big Ten game this season.
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