Indiana Football: Can Hoosiers sustain newfound success in 2021?

Michael Penix leads a talented offense

The Hoosier offense begins and ends with Michael Penix under center. He’s a proven commodity now entering his fourth year in Bloomington. He has a strong, accurate arm, and his decision-making skills are superb. The only question is can he stay healthy? Penix has not finished a single season, with injuries ending each of his three previous seasons.

In the backfield, Stevie Scott is gone to the NFL. In his place will be a tandem of sophomores and a senior, the likely starter Sampson James, speedy Tim Baldwin, and experienced USC transfer Stephen Carr.

The offensive line returns four starters and also gained the services of Michigan transfer Zach Carpenter. The offensive line is fine in pass blocking but needs to improve the run blocking to start imposing their will on opponents.

Besides Penix, the receiving corps will also be a strength for the Hoosiers. Ty Fryfogle is one of the top receivers in the conference. Last season, he became the first receiver in Big Ten history to post back-to-back 200-yard games, accomplishing the feat against Michigan State and Ohio State.

Elsewhere in the receiver rotation is DJ Matthews. The former four-star recruit transferred from Florida State where he had 84 receptions and five touchdowns in his three seasons. Sophomores Miles Marshall and Jacolby Hewitt will also be in the mix. Penix will not lack options and there will be an emphasis on spreading the ball around.