The Indiana Hoosiers disappointing season got that much worse Monday when the school announced that quarterback Nate Sudfeld will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a left shoulder injury during Saturday’s 45-29 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
In the first half, Sudfeld was driven down hard onto his non-throwing shoulder and was unable to finish the game. His injury will require season-ending surgery, but should not affect his long-term career.
Sudfield, in his first season as the team’s full time starter, completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 1,151, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Last season, the junior quarterback split time with transfer Tre Roberson and threw for 2,523 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Chris Covington came on in relief for Sudfield and completed a measly three passes on 12 attempts, passing for 17 yards and two costly interceptions.
The true freshman will make his first career start against a rather unfriendly opponent when No. 8 Michigan State travels to Bloomington for the school’s Homecoming matchup. The Hoosiers have struggled to a 3-3 record including two key Big Ten losses (Iowa and Maryland).
With the exception of the Spartans, Indiana does have a rather friendly upcoming schedule that includes only one other game against a ranked opponent and a weak Big Ten slate. If the Hoosiers hope to become bowl-eligible they must improve with Covington under center, and need wins against struggling powerhouses Michigan and Penn State and in-state rival Purdue.
Coach Kevin Wilson will most likely lean on do-it-all tailback Tevin Coleman who is quietly having a stellar year, with 1060 yards on 120 attempts and 11 touchdowns.
*Section Photo credit to Michael Hickey, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to L.G. Patterson, Associated Press
