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Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Hoosiers 6-2

The Indiana Hoosiers are coming off of a second consecutive winning season under head coach Tom Allen. It has been 30 years since the Hoosiers have had consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances. Now IU attempts three straight winning seasons and bowl appearances.

The Hoosiers bring back much of their production from last season. Elias “Whop” Philyor and Stevie Scott are big losses for the Hoosiers offensively. Michael Penix is coming off an injury and needs to be healthy if the Hoosiers want to get back to a bowl.

Jovan Swann and Jerome Johnson take depth away from the defensive front from the Hoosiers, and they are a bit thin in the secondary. These three players can help in those areas.

  • DJ Matthews (Transfer), WR: Matthews comes in and immediately gives the Hoosiers speed and versatility. Despite the slight frame (5-foot-10 and 165 pounds), Matthews is tough and plays hard. Even if Matthews does not start, he’ll catch some passes and can contribute to special teams as a returner.
  • Ryder Anderson (Transfer), DE: Anderson fills a role similar to Swann and Johnson. The Texas native gives the Hoosiers rotational depth upfront with enough size to kick inside on obvious passing downs. Ryder is a long athlete who can eat double teams and can transition speed to power well.
  • Jaquez Smith, WR: Smith is the highest-rated wide receiver the Hoosiers signed this cycle. Smith is a reliable, “handsy” receiver who is physical and difficult to throw off his routes. Smith is not fast but is a tough runner that does not go down on initial contact. With speedy receivers like Ty Fryfogle and Miles Marshall on the roster, Smith could prove a reliable slot possession receiver.
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