Five Indiana football players to watch in homecoming game against Nebraska

#16 Indiana football is back in action after a much needed by week. Indiana will host Nebraska on Saturday in a sold out game at Memorial Stadium.

The 6-0 Indiana Hoosiers were selected to be the host of Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff television broadcast, creating what should be an incredible game day atmosphere.

Indiana football hasn’t hosted Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff since October 8, 2022, when Indiana hosted Michigan, dropping the game 31-10.

Here are five players to keep an eye on in Saturday afternoons highly anticipated Big Ten matchup:

Justice Ellison: RB

Justice Ellison has been one of the biggest threats on Indiana’s offense, averaging over 10 carries per game through the first six weeks.

Ellison’s explosiveness has been impactful since week one for Indiana, totaling 64 carries for 409 rushing yards, finding the end zone six times off of rushing attempts.

Ellison is on pace for a career season, having played four seasons at Wake Forest prior to transferring to Indiana. His career high in rushing yards came in 2022, totaling 707 rushing yards, while his career high in touchdowns was seven in 2021.

When looking ahead at Indiana’s homecoming game against Nebraska, Ellison previewed what the running back room needs to do in order to succeed.

“Mainly putting the ball where it needs to be and allowing your talent and your technique to be able to take over.”

With Ellison currently riding a five game streak of finding the end zone, there’s a good chance Ellison adds another game to the streak with the way he’s been playing as of lately.

Elijah Sarratt: WR

Elijah Sarratt has put on a show in the last two conference games for Indiana, totaling 14 catches for 263 receiving yards and a touchdown against Maryland and Northwestern.

Indiana football quarterback Kurtis Rourke has shown that he feels extremely comfortable throwing the ball to Sarratt, throwing him several successful long passes against Northwestern.

Following the victory at Northwestern, Sarratt spoke on his special relationship on the field with Rourke.

“I try to be where he wants me to be at the perfect time. O-lines gonna get blocking for him and he’s putting the ball right where I want it.”

Sarratt’s success on the field has caught the attention of the nation, being added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, putting him in the running for the award of the nations best catch passer.

Sarratt has 29 catches on the season for 513 receiving yards, averaging 17.7 yards per reception. He’s found the endzone twice this year, once against Maryland and once against Western Illinois.

Mikail Kamara: Defensive Lineman

Mikail Kamara has been a huge force on the defensive line for Indiana football all season long. This was displayed two weeks ago at Northwestern, as Kamara had himself three tackles and a sack. 

The strong performance brings Kamara’s season stats up to 20 total tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and once fumble recovery.

Kamara spoke on how beneficial the bye week was for Indiana as a team, explaining the idea of getting a week’s rest before diving into the remaining stretch of conference play.

“It’s kind of perfect. Kind of let your body reset. Usually when you get your body to reset, you probably play even better, so that’s what I’m excited for.”

Kamara was a big time player on James Madison University’s defensive line last season, translating perfectly to Indiana’s program. Expect Kamara to make several big defensive stops on Saturday.

Jailin Walker: Linebacker

Jailin Walker has quickly emerged as one of the top defensemen for Indiana. 

Walker looked fantastic in Indiana’s first two conference games against UCLA and Maryland, recording 15 total tackles, and half a sack.

Walker’s presence was missed last week at Northwestern after he sat out for most of the game due to injury.

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti spoke on Walker’s availability ahead of the Nebraska game.

“J Walk is a guy you never count out and I expect him to be full speed on Saturday.”

With Walker drawn up to play at his normal rate, I fully anticipate him to play like his normal self, bringing a huge defensive stopper for Indiana.

Nicolas Radicic: Place Kicker

Nebraska is a difficult opponent for Indiana football. If there is any opportunity to put three points on the board on fourth down, head coach Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan will have full confidence in sending place kicker Nicolas Radicic out for a field goal.

Radicic has been perfect all season long, kicking 4 for 4 on field goal attempts and 39 for 39 on extra point attempts, totaling 51 points.

Radicic’s excellence is something I feel hasn’t been talked about enough. A big reason for this is because a lot of Radicic’s usage has been when Indiana has led in the game. Indiana is yet to be down points in any game thus far.

With the game projected to be a close matchup, Radicic could certainly show off his leg strength from distance on Saturday.

Indiana will definitely be put to a true test Saturday. Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM EST from Bloomington, Indiana, live on Big Noon Kickoff.

SEE ALSO: Indiana football running backs ready to stay ‘consistent’ by ‘running and winning as a collective’ as they face first major test against stout Nebraska defense

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