In Carroo’s first game back from a two-game suspension, he compiled 134 yards and three touchdowns on seven catches as the Scarlet Knights nearly upset the Spartans.
Fant was watching intently because he is expected to match up with the All-Big Ten receiver for much of this Saturday when IU plays Rutgers.
“He will get tested this week,” Knorr said.
The IU defense is no stranger to Carroo.
In the third quarter of the matchup between IU and Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey, last fall, Carroo caught a pass near the sideline that would have accounted for 16 yards.
However, as IU cornerback Tim Bennett leapt toward him from behind, Carroo shook him off, tip-toed along the sideline and stayed in bounds to take the ball an extra 18 yards for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, he also beat then-junior linebacker Zack Shaw and went untouched for a 56-yard touchdown.
Carroo finished with 125 yards and two touchdowns.
IU Coach Kevin Wilson said he remembers Carroo.
“They’re throwing it to maybe one of the better players in not only the conference, but in college football,” he said. “The young man Carroo, a tremendous and very talented receiver. It’s a threat to score every play he’s on the field.”
Knorr said Carroo is skilled in many areas — physicality, route-running, ball skills — and is as talented as any receiver IU will face all year.
While Fant and the other cornerbacks have a big test in front of them, Knorr said he was pleased with what he has seen from Fant lately.
Fant came to IU as one of the higher-rated recruits in the 2013 class.
The athleticism was there, but coaches pushed him to gain weight so he could compete in Big Ten football.
So when Fant was named IU’s co-defensive player of the week for his performance against Penn State, it could be viewed as a sign of progress.
He is the fastest guy on the defense by far, Knorr said, but Knorr said he was primarily impressed with what Fant did physically by bringing down Penn State receivers when they got the ball outside.
“Rashard is a great competitor,” Knorr said.
He leads the team with 11 pass breakups and has 23 solo tackles this season.
Fant will not be the only player covering Carroo, though.
Knorr said he has been happy with freshman cornerback Andre Brown Jr. and many people will be involved in containing Carroo.
“Certainly he is a guy who everyone will have to know where he is,” Knorr said.
In only three games this season, Carroo has 315 yards and six touchdowns. Nearly half of his 14 receptions have ended with six points.
So Saturday, at IU’s homecoming game, Fant will have an opportunity to display any progress he has made.
“I believe he is up to the challenge,” Knorr said.
