Five players to watch on Saturday as #10 Indiana football hosts rival Purdue

#10 Indiana football plays in its final game of the regular season this Saturday, hosting rival Purdue.

The matchup is the first time the Old Oaken Bucket game has been played at night, having a kickoff set for 7:00 PM ET on Saturday.

While the two teams have faced 126 times, the Old Oaken Bucket game is now in its 99th meeting. Purdue leads the all-time series 77-42-6, holding Indiana winless since 2019.

There are several key Indiana football players to follow Saturday night.

RB: Ty Son Lawton

Ty Son Lawton had himself another strong game last week on the road at Ohio State, picking up 15 carries for 79 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

The performance was Lawton’s sixth game of surpassing 50 rushing yards in a game this season. His two touchdown game brought his season total up to 11 rushing touchdowns on the year.

The 11 rushing touchdowns set a single season collegiate high for Lawton in that category, surpassing his 10 rushing touchdowns in 2021 at Stony Brook.

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti complimented Lawton and Justice Ellison’s performance in the Ohio State game.

“I thought the backs ran really, really well. Really well. We had pretty good downfield blocking.”

Lawton and Ellison can be expected to be used at full force Saturday, serving as use towards moving across the field as well as posing as end zone threats.

WR: Myles Price

Although Myles Price brought in just one reception against Ohio State, he’s served as a reliable pass catcher all season long, reeling in 31 receptions on the year.

Price has excelled in his role with Indiana, serving in several different positions including pass catcher, running the ball, as well as returning punts.

The role of being used heavily and frequently isn’t new to Price, as he spent four seasons at Texas Tech being used on rushing, receiving and returning ends. 

With temperatures expected to be as low as 20 degrees fahrenheit on Saturday, Price reflected on the expectation set for himself come gametime.

“Make the play. That’s all you can do, make the play. When it comes to you, you got to make the play. It don’t matter what the temperature is.”

Having returned punts and played in this sort of atmosphere before, Price feels ready and confident in his ability to compete at the same level on Saturday.

The idea of a cold setting doesn’t seem to impact Price’s mentality, as he hinted at what he’s hoping to do in the game setting on a punt return.

“I’m praying I’ll break one. I’m trying to take one to the crib, I’ve been itching all year.”

OL: Tyler Stephens

Tyler Stephens transferred to Indiana in the offseason after spending four seasons at James Madison University.

Stephens appeared in 36 games at JMU, making 31 starts.

Over the course of his career, Stephens has been flexible with playing different positions on the offensive line. This has been the same situation for Stephens at Indiana, as he’s had to move across the offensive line as a result of Indiana injuries.

Cignetti praised Stephens for his ability to take on a new position on short notice.

“I think he’s done a really nice job both games at left guard… Tyler Stephens has stepped in and he’s done well.”

Indiana’s offensive line is without starters Drew Evans and Nick Kidwell for the remainder of the season. Stephens will continue to step up by filling in as a starting offensive linemen for the remainder of the season.

DL: James Carpenter

James Carpenter has been a strong consistent force on the defensive line all season.

Carpenter transferred to Indiana in the offseason after spending five seasons at James Madison University.

Carpenter, who’s averaging over three total tackles per game, had himself three total tackles, all assisted, last week at Ohio State.

Despite the rough road loss, the experienced linemen spoke on behalf of the defensive line when addressing the group’s mindset.

“For us just turn the page, have a good week of prep, put that behind us and put everything on Purdue.”

Carpenter and the defensive line will look to limit Purdue offensively, as Purdue has been held to just 27 points scored across its last three games.

LB: Jailin Walker

Jailin Walker has continued to rise to the occasion as the season has progressed.

Walker was stellar against Ohio State, totaling eight tackles, four being solo tackles, while also intercepting Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the second quarter.

Walker’s interception came at a great time, as Ohio State had the ball on Indiana’s 11 yard line. The interception ultimately prevented what would’ve most likely had been a scoring drive.

Walker, a senior transfer from James Madison University, has been a solid performer all season long, collecting 67 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble and an interception.

Amongst Indiana defensemen, Walker ranks second in total tackles, coming behind Aiden Fisher, who has 102. 

With an average of over six total tackles per game this season, Walker will be a big defensive stopper come Saturday.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM ET from Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.

SEE ALSO: ‘We’ve got to take care of business’: Indiana football knows what’s at stake in season finale as it looks for bounce back performance

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.