There may have been more to the story of Michael Penix’s pre-halftime exit last week against Eastern Illinois.
IU football head coach Tom Allen told reporters today that the redshirt freshman starting quarterback is questionable for Saturday’s matchup with No. 6 Ohio State with an injury.
“He’s working through some things right now and we’re not 100 percent sure,” Allen told reporters on Thursday. “It’s going to be a game day decision.”
Allen indicated that the injury was not suffered in last Saturday’s game, but that Penix had indicated that something was not right. Allen did not elaborate on the specific nature of the injury, but stated that Penix practiced “a little bit” this week and he does not anticipate this being a long term situation.
Penix’s final play against Eastern Illinois was an 8-yard touchdown pass to Peyton Hendershot in the second quarter. He did not play with any apparent limitations during the game.
On the season, Penix is 38-for-60 with 523 passing yards to go with three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Tampa, Fla. native has added 79 yards rushing on nine carries.
If Penix cannot go, Peyton Ramsey will get the start. Ramsey has played in 21 games during his IU career and went 13-for-14 for 226 yards and two touchdowns after replacing Penix last weekend.
Ramsey played against Ohio State in 2018 in Columbus and went 26-of-49 passing for 322 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Redshirt freshman Jack Tuttle would be the backup if Penix cannot play. Tuttle also saw action against Eastern Illinois.
Indiana and Ohio State kick off at noon on Saturday from Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The game will be aired on Fox.
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