As Indiana (5-2, 2-2) prepares for another major road test, a familiar narrative is unfolding at the quarterback position.
Starter Michael Penix left the Maryland game in the second quarter with an undisclosed injury. Penix also missed two games earlier in the season with an injury that he recently said was related to his throwing shoulder.
The Tampa product appeared to take a hit against Maryland to his throwing shoulder but head coach Tom Allen indicated after the game that this latest issue was not related to Penix’s earlier injury.
Allen spoke about Penix’s availability for this Saturday’s game at Nebraska at his regular Monday media availability.
“Right now do not know what his status will be,” Allen said. “It will be a game time decision.”
Penix had a similar questionable tag earlier in the season before he missed games against Ohio State and Connecticut.
Allen went on to indicate that the Hoosiers will follow a familiar script with having back up Peyton Ramsey ready if Penix is unable to play.
“The plan will be to prepare like we have every single week to be able to have Peyton ready to roll and he’ll have a great week of practice just like he did last week and Jack (Tuttle) will be ready as well.
“The guys in that room will be doing the best that they can to prepare and Michael will as well and we’ll do everything we can to get him back if at all possible but that remains to be seen.”
Allen was further quizzed on Penix’s availability for practice this week, but he was unable to provide any specifics.
“I’ll probably know some more this afternoon about that, so then we’ll have to take it day by day and see where that leads us,” Allen said. “Don’t have that answer for you right now.”
Ramsey filled in for Penix on Saturday at Maryland and led IU to a 34-28 win in College Park. Ramsey was 20-for-27 throwing the football for 193 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He added 8 carries for 46 yards on the ground.
On the season Ramsey is 79-for-107 (73.8 percent) with 843 yards, 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He has appeared in five games.
Penix has also appeared in five games and has gone 100-for-145 (69 percent) with 1,232 yards, 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
IU and Nebraska kick off at 3:30 Eastern on Saturday at Lincoln. The Hoosiers are an early favorite in the contest.
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