Hoosier Tailgate Pregame Show: Indiana Hits the Road to Face Rutgers
Indiana football hits the road tonight for its first road test of the 2026 season as the Hoosiers travel to Piscataway to face Rutgers at SHI Stadium.
Before kickoff, join Coach Griff for the Hoosier Tailgate Pregame Show as we break down the matchups, personnel and game-day decisions that could determine whether Indiana returns home 5–0.
[HOOSIER TAILGATE PREGAME SHOW VIDEO EMBED HERE]
Next Man Up — For Real
Indiana enters tonight undefeated, but this isn’t simply about the Hoosiers’ record or where the two teams sit on paper.
The biggest storyline begins in the Indiana backfield.
With the Hoosiers dealing with injuries at running back, tonight could provide the first real test of Indiana’s “next man up” philosophy. How Mike Shanahan adjusts the offense—and whether quarterback Josh Hoover becomes a larger part of the running game—will be something to watch from the opening possession.
Indiana also needs a more complete performance after an uneven 29–23 victory over Northwestern.
Defensively, the Hoosiers will have two Rutgers playmakers at the top of their scouting report: running back Antwan Raymond and 6-foot-6 wide receiver KJ Duff.
Raymond presents a challenge for an Indiana defensive front that has been outstanding against the run, while Duff will test a Hoosier secondary looking to eliminate the communication problems and explosive plays that surfaced against Northwestern.
Coach Griff’s Three Keys to Victory
1. Own First Down
Stay ahead of the chains offensively and force Rutgers behind the chains defensively.
2. No Explosive Plays
Make Rutgers earn its yards. Don’t allow Duff or Raymond to change the game with one play.
3. Value the Football
Josh Hoover has protected the football exceptionally well. Keep doing it—and give the Indiana defense opportunities to create takeaways of its own.
The Hoosiers don’t simply need to win tonight. They have an opportunity to put together the kind of complete performance Curt Cignetti has been demanding from his team.
Offense. Defense. Kicking game. Beginning to end.
Join Coach Griff before kickoff for the complete breakdown on the Hoosier Tailgate Pregame Show.
Fast. Physical. Relentless.
