I know I said I would have the Mike P'review for this game. I am sorry to say that one wrong button, and three weeks worth of research, notes, and writing disappeared. I don't know where it went, or what I done, but all of it is gone.
Anyway, on to this game. What I do know is both teams run a very high powered offense, with very potent passing games, and OSU can run the ball very well. OSU is weak on defense, especially in the secondary where they give up almost 300 yards and over 2 TD passes per game, allowing an average of just over 12 yards per completion, the passes that James Baily, Ray Fisher and Andrew Means generally get. These three will be key to the Hoosiers passing game, and offensive production, they must not drop balls! The line shouldn't have to much trouble protecting Lewis, but they need to be aggressive as OSU has totaled over 20 team sacks this year.
The OSU running game starts in the trenches. This OSU team has only allowed 11 sacks this season, and only lost a total of 218 yards, thus meaning they protect up front very well. OSU likes the short to mid pass, which means the zone pass coverage will be working hard all night long. There is so much more, but we are less than 2 hours to game time.
Everyone have a great, safe, and Happy New Year!!
An Apology
I just wanted to make a quick post and apologize to all of our readers for the blog being a little slacked on information. Unfortunately this time of year is extremely busy for my office, and my outside projects usually take a back seat. The fortunate thing is I still have some vacation days. I plan on using these days next week, which will put me off work from the 23rd to the 2nd.
Please check back Thursday and Friday of next week. I will have two post coming up, these will be the Mike P'review of the IU-OSU bowl game, and the other will be an update on who has given IU a verbal commitment to play football here in 2008.
Again I want to extend my apologies to our readers, and to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday!
GO HOOSIERS!!!
Please check back Thursday and Friday of next week. I will have two post coming up, these will be the Mike P'review of the IU-OSU bowl game, and the other will be an update on who has given IU a verbal commitment to play football here in 2008.
Again I want to extend my apologies to our readers, and to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday!
GO HOOSIERS!!!
So where will you be?
While Mike P. continues to compile quality reports on OSU and our recruits, I'm ready to party! So, the question I am posing to our readership is: Where will you be for the Bowl Game? I'm aware of a few public options for those of us unable to travel to Arizona this New Year's Eve, such as the tailgate at the AmVets Post 2000 out on Airport Rd., plus the standard bar scene, etc. Given that Fox59 is going to carry the game along with the NFL Network, there should be plenty of options for those of us here in the Hoosier State.
So, where will you be? I haven't decided yet, personally. Part of my decision factor will be how early my mom is willing to take my kids, as I have plans for after the game as well. It may be a game-time decision, influenced by what I hear from you all! So, let me know where the place to be is!
So, where will you be? I haven't decided yet, personally. Part of my decision factor will be how early my mom is willing to take my kids, as I have plans for after the game as well. It may be a game-time decision, influenced by what I hear from you all! So, let me know where the place to be is!
Tempe Bound!
We're official. We are headed to Tempe, Arizona to play in the Insight Bowl on New Years Eve. The game will be broadcast on the NFL Network, which is available on digital cable from Insight and also some dish packages. Of course, Fisch will make the calls on the airwaves as well. For those who can, head to Arizona to ring in the New Year. For those of us who can't, stay with us here at the blog for conversation and celebration!
IU will face Oklahoma State with a 6:00 local time kickoff. We last matched up against OSU in 1930 here at home, resulting in a 7-7 tie. Oklahoma State comes into the matchup with a 6-6 record in the Big 12, beating Florida Atlantic, Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, Nebraska Kansas State, and Baylor.
Mike P- we need the good Mike P'review on OSU! We'll be back soon with our views on the upcoming bowl game!!! Way to go Hoosiers- We're gonna Play 13!
Let's Talk Recruiting
I will be updating this post over the next few weeks with info on potential recruits for the 2008 season.
First up....
Darius Willis, a 3 star running back that is ranked 42nd nationally by Scout.com from Franklin Central in Indianapolis. Willis followed up a 1277 yard, 15 TD junior season by rushing for 1728 yards and 28 TD's during his senior year. Listed at 6' and 200lbs on scout with 4.4 speed, it is reported that he now tips the scales closer to 220lbs and has cut his 40 time to 4.3. I have seen Willis play over the last couple years, he is still raw, but will be a play maker on Saturdays.
You can see him on the last play of this video pushing the Pike Red Devils into the end zone for a TD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYGu2HOQM-A&feature=user
on this video he is running the draw on the first play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFRT9tnnLDM
Next....
Nicholas Perry, a defensive end from Detroit Michigan who has the build and speed to be made into a dominate MLB. At 6'-4" and 225lbs, this kid runs a reported 4.6 40 yard dash, he has recorded more than 26 sacks on the season. While IU has extended and off, he has also received some national attention by gaining offers form Cincinnati, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, USC, and West Virginia. Landing this kid would not only be a huge boost to IU's 2008 recruiting class, but would help at a spot I believe IU will be lacking. I have not seen him play, and could not find any available video on him, but from everything I have read and heard, this kid is a flat out baller.
Another D-Line player....
Steven Barnett, and 6'-2, 265lb defensive tackle from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. This kid is listed at 3 stars (low in my opinion), he attended the Louisville combine between his junior and senior year posting a 4.97 40 yard dash, 25" vertical, along with other very impressive times in the 3 cone drill and short shuttle drill. This is another kid I have seen in person 4 or 5 times over the last couple years, very solid player, and from what I understand a very solid student. As of now he has no offers on the table, but has said publicly "I really hope IU begins to recruit me harder when they receive my transcript and video".
First up....
Darius Willis, a 3 star running back that is ranked 42nd nationally by Scout.com from Franklin Central in Indianapolis. Willis followed up a 1277 yard, 15 TD junior season by rushing for 1728 yards and 28 TD's during his senior year. Listed at 6' and 200lbs on scout with 4.4 speed, it is reported that he now tips the scales closer to 220lbs and has cut his 40 time to 4.3. I have seen Willis play over the last couple years, he is still raw, but will be a play maker on Saturdays.
You can see him on the last play of this video pushing the Pike Red Devils into the end zone for a TD.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYGu2HOQM-A&feature=user
on this video he is running the draw on the first play
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFRT9tnnLDM
Next....
Nicholas Perry, a defensive end from Detroit Michigan who has the build and speed to be made into a dominate MLB. At 6'-4" and 225lbs, this kid runs a reported 4.6 40 yard dash, he has recorded more than 26 sacks on the season. While IU has extended and off, he has also received some national attention by gaining offers form Cincinnati, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, USC, and West Virginia. Landing this kid would not only be a huge boost to IU's 2008 recruiting class, but would help at a spot I believe IU will be lacking. I have not seen him play, and could not find any available video on him, but from everything I have read and heard, this kid is a flat out baller.
Another D-Line player....
Steven Barnett, and 6'-2, 265lb defensive tackle from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. This kid is listed at 3 stars (low in my opinion), he attended the Louisville combine between his junior and senior year posting a 4.97 40 yard dash, 25" vertical, along with other very impressive times in the 3 cone drill and short shuttle drill. This is another kid I have seen in person 4 or 5 times over the last couple years, very solid player, and from what I understand a very solid student. As of now he has no offers on the table, but has said publicly "I really hope IU begins to recruit me harder when they receive my transcript and video".
The Future of this Program
I'll be honest. (What's the point in blogging if you can't be honest in it?) I'm not going to jump on the Lynch bandwagon and be thrilled with the 4-year deal. That being said, I hope that Bill Lynch and his staff can build on the improvements this program saw this season, and really have some great seasons over the next 4 years.
I've said several times, on this and other forums, that a long-term contract would be granted as a result of emotion over a win in the Oaken Bucket game, and that such a decision should not be made based on emotion. My concerns with Lynch were, in fact, based on a lack of emotion. I've never really picked up a fire, a passion, from him. Maybe I've just missed it. Maybe, in the IU post-Knight era, we have a coach who has made it a personal mission to not display strong emotions. I guess that's ok, but I'm a fan of passionate leadership. I like to see it, to feel it. I like it to be tangible. (Maybe it comes down to being a female- who knows! I can see it now, like some cheap personal ad- Single, D-1 Big Ten school seeking man with fire and passion to take us to the end zone and maybe more. Call 555-IUIU.)
Anyway, all that being said, now the decision is made, and I will support this program. I will support Coach Lynch. Because I am a Hoosier Football Fan. I believe in this program. I know we are capable of recruiting solid players, and winning big games, and going to bowls. We have the ability to do all of that, and more. And you know what? Even if we don't, I'll still be a Hoosier Football Fan.
I've lived in Bloomington my entire life. I am biased, and I'm proud to admit it. I love Indiana University athletics. Football, basketball, soccer, swimming, whatever. I'm not personally an athletic person- physically I'm simply unable to do much where sports are concerned- but I've been nursed at the teet of IU Sports, and I love it. I've met teams at the Monroe County Airport in the middle of the night after a tough loss, smiling and clapping and telling them how proud we were of the efforts they made. That's not going to change.
So, we have our leadership in place for this program, let's see what they're going to do. Here in about a week, we'll know what our bowl situation will be. I, like many others, think we're going to Arizona. I like it, although as I mentioned in an earlier post, I think there would be a lot of benefit to us playing in the Motor City. I think from a recruiting standpoint, we'll get more from the Insight Bowl. I think the national viewership will be larger, and we will be better able to demonstrate some of the abilities of our players. (I can only pray that Kellen can hang on to the ball!) We have such a young team overall, potential recruits could literally be looking at teammates, not "former players". I think that that concept could have bearing, so long as we take the field with authority and play some solid ball in whatever bowl we get. A win would obviously be phenomenal, but I'll take some good, solid quality play. All 4 quarters would be great. I've not seen much of that this season, 4 solid quarters of play. I've seen lots of halves, but there's more than that to a game.
We'll just see. In the meantime, congratulations to Coach Bill Lynch, and his staff, and here's to four years of wins, bowls, and BCS bids!
I've said several times, on this and other forums, that a long-term contract would be granted as a result of emotion over a win in the Oaken Bucket game, and that such a decision should not be made based on emotion. My concerns with Lynch were, in fact, based on a lack of emotion. I've never really picked up a fire, a passion, from him. Maybe I've just missed it. Maybe, in the IU post-Knight era, we have a coach who has made it a personal mission to not display strong emotions. I guess that's ok, but I'm a fan of passionate leadership. I like to see it, to feel it. I like it to be tangible. (Maybe it comes down to being a female- who knows! I can see it now, like some cheap personal ad- Single, D-1 Big Ten school seeking man with fire and passion to take us to the end zone and maybe more. Call 555-IUIU.)
Anyway, all that being said, now the decision is made, and I will support this program. I will support Coach Lynch. Because I am a Hoosier Football Fan. I believe in this program. I know we are capable of recruiting solid players, and winning big games, and going to bowls. We have the ability to do all of that, and more. And you know what? Even if we don't, I'll still be a Hoosier Football Fan.
I've lived in Bloomington my entire life. I am biased, and I'm proud to admit it. I love Indiana University athletics. Football, basketball, soccer, swimming, whatever. I'm not personally an athletic person- physically I'm simply unable to do much where sports are concerned- but I've been nursed at the teet of IU Sports, and I love it. I've met teams at the Monroe County Airport in the middle of the night after a tough loss, smiling and clapping and telling them how proud we were of the efforts they made. That's not going to change.
So, we have our leadership in place for this program, let's see what they're going to do. Here in about a week, we'll know what our bowl situation will be. I, like many others, think we're going to Arizona. I like it, although as I mentioned in an earlier post, I think there would be a lot of benefit to us playing in the Motor City. I think from a recruiting standpoint, we'll get more from the Insight Bowl. I think the national viewership will be larger, and we will be better able to demonstrate some of the abilities of our players. (I can only pray that Kellen can hang on to the ball!) We have such a young team overall, potential recruits could literally be looking at teammates, not "former players". I think that that concept could have bearing, so long as we take the field with authority and play some solid ball in whatever bowl we get. A win would obviously be phenomenal, but I'll take some good, solid quality play. All 4 quarters would be great. I've not seen much of that this season, 4 solid quarters of play. I've seen lots of halves, but there's more than that to a game.
We'll just see. In the meantime, congratulations to Coach Bill Lynch, and his staff, and here's to four years of wins, bowls, and BCS bids!
Four Year Deal for Lynch
I am sure all of you have heard by now that Bill Lynch was signed to a four year deal to lead the Hoosiers through the 2011 season. I have stated before I wasn't for Lynch being the future leader of this program, but what is done is done. I will still support the coaching staff and the players as we head into our future.
Time to move forward, the team gets another month of practice to prepare for a Bowl game, and another month to get the young, future players more time to develop. This time is critical for the future of a program, something we have not had for many years, lets hope they can use this to create more momentum for the future.
Congrats Coach Lynch! Go HOOSIERS!
Time to move forward, the team gets another month of practice to prepare for a Bowl game, and another month to get the young, future players more time to develop. This time is critical for the future of a program, something we have not had for many years, lets hope they can use this to create more momentum for the future.
Congrats Coach Lynch! Go HOOSIERS!
Should IU hire Lynch
Ok, this seems to be a hot topic right now. From previous post and emails I have received from people who read this blog, I think I can pose this question to them and get a well thought out answer.
Is Bill Lynch the future for IU? Please respond in a comment, and state your reason as to why you feel the way you do, for or against. I am interested to hear your thoughts on this subject.
Thanks!
Is Bill Lynch the future for IU? Please respond in a comment, and state your reason as to why you feel the way you do, for or against. I am interested to hear your thoughts on this subject.
Thanks!
Bucket Bliss & a Look Back....
I didn’t know what else to call it but bliss on Saturday. IU ends a 5 year losing streak to Purdue, Jane Hoeppner hangs the “I” on the bucket, and the Hoosiers solidified their bowl hopes by going 7-5 on the season. Congratulations to all the players and the coaching staff for reaching Coach Hep’s dream to goal 13!
This was a roller coaster of a regular season ended on a high note. The non-conference schedule done exactly what it was designed to due, give IU four wins, and the ability to become bowl eligible with a sub .500 Big Ten record.
This team had every opportunity to be 10-2 (6-2) for the season, and let key opportunities slip through their hands.
The first debacle was Illinois. While the Illini has had a very good season, IU gave this game away. Four turnovers, three in the red zone, one of those in the end zone, and another that led to an Illini score halted Indiana’s chance of starting this season 4-0, and really putting the nation on notice.
Coming off that defeat the Hoosiers got much needed wins, one on the road at Iowa, the other back home against Minnesota. While the win at Iowa seemed lack luster at that point, Iowa went on the finish the season 6-6 (4-4), which turned it to a quality win.
Then came the three game losing streak. At Michigan State, the defense never got off the bus, giving up 708 all purpose yard and the most points scored by a team against us all year. A disappointing lost, but they were still 5-2 (2-2) with 5 games left on the season.
Next they host Penn State for Homecoming, while a close game against a good team, mistakes cost them this game. Penn State was without their all star running back, and still allowed the Lions to gain 192 yards on the ground, yet we dominated them in the air, but the undoing was once again 4 fumbles, one coming on the final drive of the game, when it appeared the Hoosiers were going to be able to move the ball down field, this game hurt knowing we were going on the road to play a very good Wisconsin team the next week.
Wisconsin was another game where the Hoosiers didn’t get off the bus. Coming into this game the Hoosiers were averaging 35.4 ppg on the season, 22.4 points in Big Ten play, yet the offense managed to only score 3 point. This ended up being the most lopsided loss of the season. Things were now looking bleak after starting 5-1 on the season, the Hoosiers were now at 5-4, and bowl hopes were slipping away.
Ball State was the fourth and last non-conference game, and it could not have come at a better time for the Hoosiers. While the final score shows a 38-20 win, at one point this was a 24-17 game, with Ball State in position to really make this a game. Then two more TD’s, it became a 38-17 game at the start of the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers never looked back, and they became bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.
Back on a high after the Ball State win and needing a 7th win to lock up a bowl bid, IU traveled to Northwestern. A high powered spread offense that was very similar to ours by virtue of both former head coaches working together at Miami of Ohio before moving up to the Big Ten. Every chance to win this game was lost by more turnovers and horrible coaching decisions on the sidelines. A 31-28 loss, 6-5 record, bowl eligible but still on the outside looking in for actually getting a bowl spot, questions about Lynch’s future with this team, and the Bucket game would be the stories at hand the next week.
Oh the Bucket game. A beautiful Saturday afternoon, a packed house, the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Big Ten champion and Rose Bowl team, the original team on hand, including the Head Coach John Pont. The only missing member was Terry Cole who was lost to cancer a few years ago. The defense came to play, the coaches game plan in the first half was great, IU jumped out to a 14-0 lead, and a 17-3 halftime edge.
The Hoosiers got the ball back after half, drove the field and went on to a 24-3 lead. At that point, they were no longer calling plays to win, the game plan was not to lose. A couple turnover along with a non aggressive defensive game plan in the second half allowed Purdue to erase a 21 point deficit, and tie the game 24 all. Then came the Hoosiers final drive, moving the ball well, getting down field, and then the drive stalled on the 32 yard line, setting up Austin Star for a career long (tie) field goal attempt from 49 yards out. Coming into that kick, the Hoosier crowd stood silent, the flags on the stadium fell straight down, no wind to fight the kick, no wind to help the kick. A perfect snap, the kick was up, and it sailed through, Hoosiers lead with 30 seconds left on the clock. A deep kick and the return shut down at the 30 yard line. Some extra activity after the tackle resulted in a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty against the Boilers, 1st and 10 from their own 15 with 15 seconds left. The first play was a 13 yard completion up to the PU 28, the next an incomplete pass, the final play was a pass to Greg Orton, which fittingly ended with a Purdue fumble and Leslie Majors recovering. Final score, 27-24, the Ol Oaken Bucket resides in Bloomington, the fans rush the field, and a glance at the play clock shows it stopped at 13. A fitting end and tribute to Coach Hep!
On December 2nd, IU will learn their Bowl fate. As of now it appears they will be heading to Tempe Arizona to play in the Insight Bowl. That’s right, the Hoosiers are bowl bound for the first time since 1993, and Hep’s goal to play 13 has been reached.
One more game, one more chance, one more day to dream awaits the Hoosier nation!
Go Hoosiers! You have made us proud.
This was a roller coaster of a regular season ended on a high note. The non-conference schedule done exactly what it was designed to due, give IU four wins, and the ability to become bowl eligible with a sub .500 Big Ten record.
This team had every opportunity to be 10-2 (6-2) for the season, and let key opportunities slip through their hands.
The first debacle was Illinois. While the Illini has had a very good season, IU gave this game away. Four turnovers, three in the red zone, one of those in the end zone, and another that led to an Illini score halted Indiana’s chance of starting this season 4-0, and really putting the nation on notice.
Coming off that defeat the Hoosiers got much needed wins, one on the road at Iowa, the other back home against Minnesota. While the win at Iowa seemed lack luster at that point, Iowa went on the finish the season 6-6 (4-4), which turned it to a quality win.
Then came the three game losing streak. At Michigan State, the defense never got off the bus, giving up 708 all purpose yard and the most points scored by a team against us all year. A disappointing lost, but they were still 5-2 (2-2) with 5 games left on the season.
Next they host Penn State for Homecoming, while a close game against a good team, mistakes cost them this game. Penn State was without their all star running back, and still allowed the Lions to gain 192 yards on the ground, yet we dominated them in the air, but the undoing was once again 4 fumbles, one coming on the final drive of the game, when it appeared the Hoosiers were going to be able to move the ball down field, this game hurt knowing we were going on the road to play a very good Wisconsin team the next week.
Wisconsin was another game where the Hoosiers didn’t get off the bus. Coming into this game the Hoosiers were averaging 35.4 ppg on the season, 22.4 points in Big Ten play, yet the offense managed to only score 3 point. This ended up being the most lopsided loss of the season. Things were now looking bleak after starting 5-1 on the season, the Hoosiers were now at 5-4, and bowl hopes were slipping away.
Ball State was the fourth and last non-conference game, and it could not have come at a better time for the Hoosiers. While the final score shows a 38-20 win, at one point this was a 24-17 game, with Ball State in position to really make this a game. Then two more TD’s, it became a 38-17 game at the start of the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers never looked back, and they became bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.
Back on a high after the Ball State win and needing a 7th win to lock up a bowl bid, IU traveled to Northwestern. A high powered spread offense that was very similar to ours by virtue of both former head coaches working together at Miami of Ohio before moving up to the Big Ten. Every chance to win this game was lost by more turnovers and horrible coaching decisions on the sidelines. A 31-28 loss, 6-5 record, bowl eligible but still on the outside looking in for actually getting a bowl spot, questions about Lynch’s future with this team, and the Bucket game would be the stories at hand the next week.
Oh the Bucket game. A beautiful Saturday afternoon, a packed house, the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Big Ten champion and Rose Bowl team, the original team on hand, including the Head Coach John Pont. The only missing member was Terry Cole who was lost to cancer a few years ago. The defense came to play, the coaches game plan in the first half was great, IU jumped out to a 14-0 lead, and a 17-3 halftime edge.
The Hoosiers got the ball back after half, drove the field and went on to a 24-3 lead. At that point, they were no longer calling plays to win, the game plan was not to lose. A couple turnover along with a non aggressive defensive game plan in the second half allowed Purdue to erase a 21 point deficit, and tie the game 24 all. Then came the Hoosiers final drive, moving the ball well, getting down field, and then the drive stalled on the 32 yard line, setting up Austin Star for a career long (tie) field goal attempt from 49 yards out. Coming into that kick, the Hoosier crowd stood silent, the flags on the stadium fell straight down, no wind to fight the kick, no wind to help the kick. A perfect snap, the kick was up, and it sailed through, Hoosiers lead with 30 seconds left on the clock. A deep kick and the return shut down at the 30 yard line. Some extra activity after the tackle resulted in a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty against the Boilers, 1st and 10 from their own 15 with 15 seconds left. The first play was a 13 yard completion up to the PU 28, the next an incomplete pass, the final play was a pass to Greg Orton, which fittingly ended with a Purdue fumble and Leslie Majors recovering. Final score, 27-24, the Ol Oaken Bucket resides in Bloomington, the fans rush the field, and a glance at the play clock shows it stopped at 13. A fitting end and tribute to Coach Hep!
On December 2nd, IU will learn their Bowl fate. As of now it appears they will be heading to Tempe Arizona to play in the Insight Bowl. That’s right, the Hoosiers are bowl bound for the first time since 1993, and Hep’s goal to play 13 has been reached.
One more game, one more chance, one more day to dream awaits the Hoosier nation!
Go Hoosiers! You have made us proud.
Bowl Bound!
I don't have the energy left in me to post much more than that right now, but congrats to our Hoosiers who pulled out tonight!! Way to go, and tonight, my thoughts are with Terry and Jane Hoeppner. Here's to Playing 13 for our coach!
Coaches - Who would you like to see?
Ok, I am reaching out to our readers, who do you want to see lead the Hoosiers football team in the future. Leave a comment with a coach you feel will fit here, and we will research them, and see if they would be a feasible prospect.
Lets here them....
Lets here them....
Leadership Woes, and Bucket=Bowl
Saturday’s loss to Northwestern was hard to swallow. Turnovers again played a major role, but one key turnover became a momentum-breaker for us, swinging the game into Northwestern’s hands.
Kellen Lewis went down about half way into the second quarter, and was replaced by red-shirt freshman, and Bloomington native, Ben Chappell. At the time, we were up 14-3, and a quick handoff seemed the most sensible plan. I’m not sure if offensive coordinator Matt Canada, or head coach Bill Lynch, was the one who thought otherwise, but someone did, and barely warmed up, they had this young man try to throw out to Hardy. Only, he missed. NW picked it off, and ran untouched into the end zone, bringing the score to 14-10 and changing the mood.
This was clearly not the only error. I know you’ll all be stunned to hear that Lewis fumbled the football in this game, although on his behalf, I contend that it was NOT a fumble at the end of the game. There were some stupid penalties- Tracy Porter hits a guy who called a fair catch, we were offsides a time or two, just little things that add up in a big way, especially when you realize how close we were to winning this game.
The biggest issue was the coaching. Again. I have been disappointed time in and time out (or lack thereof, per my earlier postings) by the play calling and overall lack of strong leadership for this squad. We have a talented group of players who are so misguided, they are unable to convert the talent into solid games and wins.
I don’t know if perhaps Lynch and his crew are afraid to push these kids, who obviously suffered emotionally from the loss of coach Hep, but given what I’ve heard him say in post-game interviews and talk shows, Lynch doesn’t have the fire and drive that this team needs in it’s leadership. That’s not to say he’s not capable of being a good coach, but I don’t think he can be a head coach. Not at this level. These kids need strength and fire to push them in the right direction. We need someone who will push Lewis to help avoid the fumbles. Ride Porter so he’s not so soft defensively. Teach these guys to work as a strong cohesive unit. I just don’t see that happening under Lynch’s tutelage.
Mike P. and I had a conversation on Friday regarding Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, and his potential release from UT. The Vols are historically a strong team, and a big part of that has lain in the hands of their leadership. I’d love to think we could have that here, but money would be an issue. Unless he takes the same approach as Terry Hoeppner did, coming here because THIS was where he WANTED to be, I just don’t see that in IU’s future.
I want this team to win. I want them to Play 13 this season. I want that not only because it was Coach Hep’s dream, but because these kids deserve it. These kids play hard- yes, they make mistakes, but all teams will when not properly guided. I want this because I’ve been following Hoosier football my entire life, and I know that time and again, we get the short end of the football stick because we’re IU, and we play basketball here, not football. That’s BS, and we all know it. I think we can do both, and do them well. With the right leadership.
So now, we fight for the Bucket, and a Bowl. It’s going to be a big weekend at the Rock. We’ll see you there.
Kellen Lewis went down about half way into the second quarter, and was replaced by red-shirt freshman, and Bloomington native, Ben Chappell. At the time, we were up 14-3, and a quick handoff seemed the most sensible plan. I’m not sure if offensive coordinator Matt Canada, or head coach Bill Lynch, was the one who thought otherwise, but someone did, and barely warmed up, they had this young man try to throw out to Hardy. Only, he missed. NW picked it off, and ran untouched into the end zone, bringing the score to 14-10 and changing the mood.
This was clearly not the only error. I know you’ll all be stunned to hear that Lewis fumbled the football in this game, although on his behalf, I contend that it was NOT a fumble at the end of the game. There were some stupid penalties- Tracy Porter hits a guy who called a fair catch, we were offsides a time or two, just little things that add up in a big way, especially when you realize how close we were to winning this game.
The biggest issue was the coaching. Again. I have been disappointed time in and time out (or lack thereof, per my earlier postings) by the play calling and overall lack of strong leadership for this squad. We have a talented group of players who are so misguided, they are unable to convert the talent into solid games and wins.
I don’t know if perhaps Lynch and his crew are afraid to push these kids, who obviously suffered emotionally from the loss of coach Hep, but given what I’ve heard him say in post-game interviews and talk shows, Lynch doesn’t have the fire and drive that this team needs in it’s leadership. That’s not to say he’s not capable of being a good coach, but I don’t think he can be a head coach. Not at this level. These kids need strength and fire to push them in the right direction. We need someone who will push Lewis to help avoid the fumbles. Ride Porter so he’s not so soft defensively. Teach these guys to work as a strong cohesive unit. I just don’t see that happening under Lynch’s tutelage.
Mike P. and I had a conversation on Friday regarding Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, and his potential release from UT. The Vols are historically a strong team, and a big part of that has lain in the hands of their leadership. I’d love to think we could have that here, but money would be an issue. Unless he takes the same approach as Terry Hoeppner did, coming here because THIS was where he WANTED to be, I just don’t see that in IU’s future.
I want this team to win. I want them to Play 13 this season. I want that not only because it was Coach Hep’s dream, but because these kids deserve it. These kids play hard- yes, they make mistakes, but all teams will when not properly guided. I want this because I’ve been following Hoosier football my entire life, and I know that time and again, we get the short end of the football stick because we’re IU, and we play basketball here, not football. That’s BS, and we all know it. I think we can do both, and do them well. With the right leadership.
So now, we fight for the Bucket, and a Bowl. It’s going to be a big weekend at the Rock. We’ll see you there.
Northwestern Mistakes and Future Coaching....
Yesterday I sat and watched in amazement as the IU coaching staff continued to put the boys in bad situations that eventually cost them another ball game. There were key plays that didn’t help. The first was the pick 6 thrown by Ben Chappell. Chappell made a young mistake, he stared down Hardy from the time he came under center, allowing the linebacker to gamble and it paid of big for Northwestern. Chappell did make a mistake, but I will not, and can not blame him for the stupidity that came from the sidelines. He is a red shirt freshman, has had very limited game time this year, and most of that has been handing the ball to a running back to run out the clock. At the point that Chappell entered the game, IU was facing a 3rd & 6, with a 14-3 lead. Not a knock on Chappell, but at that point you hand the ball to Payton, if they don’t get the first down, you punt the ball away and ask your defense to make a play.
Except for that one play, IU done most everything right in the 1st half, the running game was working. They had a 4 point lead at half, and got the ball back after half. To start the half, they were flat, the play calling went conservative and nothing was working. They fought back from behind, and took the lead again at 28-24 with just over 3 minutes left. This is where the coaches proved how inept they are. All season long IU has played the 4-3 defense, for those of you that are not familiar with the 4-3, it is a basic staple of football. It uses 4 down lineman (2 ends, 2 tackles), 3 line backers, 2 corners, and 2 safeties. Were the ineptitude shows is the cover 2 set the run out of the 4-3, were your pass coverage is in a zone. This will line up the safeties to protect against the deep ball, but leaves guys open underneath.
On the last drive by Northwestern, IU went to the cover 2, and allowed them to march down the field again. This was the whole game, but early they would man up (every DB plays a certain man) when they reached the red zone. For some reason, known only to the IU coaching staff, they played a cover 2 on 3rd and goal from the 3. This allowed the slot receiver to run a 4 yard hitch and catch a TD pass with no coverage close. This TD ended up being the deciding score after Kellen Lewis yet again fumbled away the football as the offense was driving and just short of field goal range.
This was our game to win. They lost it on crucial mistakes, mostly made on the sidelines. There is no excuse for the play calling, no excuse for not protecting the ball. This is all on the coaching staff, all on Bill Lynch.
The future of this program depends on the future coaching staff. Bill Lynch has not done enough to be retained as the head coach of this program, so options have got to be discussed about the future coaching. Coach Hep was a steal for this University, but you’re not going to find the caliper of coach he was for $500,000.00 a year. They are going to have to look at ¾ to a million a year for a top coach, and one might be available.
Big Ten Bowl Predictions
I went through, decided what I believe each team will do to end the season, and where everyone will end up. This is what I got so far....
- Ohio State: 12-0 (8-0) Allstate BCS National Championship Game
- Michigan: 9-3 (7-1) Capitol One Bowl (Big Ten #2)
- Illinois: 8-4 (5-3) Outback Bowl (Big Ten #3)
- Penn State: 9-3 (5-3) Valero Alamo Bowl (Big Ten #4/5)
- Wisconsin: 8-4 (4-4) Champs Sports Bowl (Big Ten #4/5)
- INDIANA: 8-4 (4-4) Insight Bowl (Big Ten #6)
- Purdue: 8-4 (4-4) Motor City Bowl (Big Ten #7)
- Iowa: 7-5 (4-4) At Large Bid; the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl or the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl by virtue of the Pac 10 will not get enough teams bowl eligible.
- Michigan State: 6-6 (2-6) Possible At Large but doubtful.
- Northwestern: 5-7 (2-6) Close, but still not bowl eligible.
- Minnesota: 1-9 (0-8) <--- Enough Said!
As it stands now, the Big Ten will send 8 of 11 teams to a bowl this year, with the possibility of a 9th if Michigan State does get their 6th win and an at large bid.
Come on folks, drop us a line, give us your thoughts, we know you read us, now share your thoughts through a comment.
Bowl Options and Opposition
So, we’ve done it. We’re Bowl Eligible. This is, of course, huge for Hoosier fans, especially the Hoeppner family who were on hand to celebrate with the team after our victory over Ball State. This has been a major focus. Mike mentioned already that we probably are going to need 7 wins on the regular season to truly end up “Playing 13”, which is this season’s ultimate goal. I believe we can win out the season, giving us 8 wins, but let’s look at our bowl options now.
My heart is pulling us north to Detroit for the Motor City Bowl on December 26th. I like this one for a couple of reasons- one, it’s proximity to the area, hopefully resulting in a strong showing of fan support (other options are Fl, Az, and Tx!), the other is the competition we’re likely to face.
It should take a soul about 6 hours (per Google Maps. I drive faster than they do.) to get from Bloomington to Detroit. Downside is it’s the day after Christmas, but kick-off isn’t until 7:30 pm, so you could still head north by mid-morning and realistically make the trip comfortably. Note to fans- prepare to spend the night! A number of hotels are listed on the bowl website at www.MotorCityBowl.com, and it looks like the rates are pretty reasonable. You do not want to try to drive home- you want to get to stay and celebrate with your fellow fans. Trust me on this.
Now, the competition. The Motor City Bowl pits us against the Mid-America Conference. These are teams like Central Michigan and Ball State. Call me a weenie, I want us to go in and win, and I have a stronger confidence with us against a MAC team than, for example, an SEC team. Obviously, I’d love to see us kick the crap out of, say, LSU, in the Outback Bowl, but I’m a bit more of a realist than that. Not just yet. Give us another year or two!
This is NOT to discredit the teams of the MAC. These kids are fighters, scrappers. They are used to being underrated, and come out with a fire, especially in a situation where they have a national audience. (ESPN carries the Motor City Bowl.) But, we’ve spent the entire season proving that we’re fighters, too. I have every anticipation that we will have the opportunity to be in the national spotlight, and come out on top.
The MAC’s current standings make it difficult to identify who we could go up against at this point. They will hold their championship game on Dec. 1, identifying the team that’s coming our way. (Mental note- pay attention to the MAC! www.MAC-Sports.com)
So, let’s look at the next 2 weeks for our Hoosiers. Northwestern, as Mike mentioned in an earlier post, is fighting for their chance to be bowl eligible. Don’t forget, we also have to play this game in their house. They beat us the last time we played, in 2004, in a huge double overtime game. This is going to be a very driven team, and will be tougher to beat than we may initially anticipate. If we continue to turn over the ball as we have the last few weeks, we WILL lose this game. Protect our QB, protect the ball, stop their passing game, and we can tie this up here and now. Note that NW is 10th in the nation with their passing game, averaging over 300 passing yards per game. (Just ahead of own 13th ranked air offense. I’d love to see some strong defensive plays – picks and sacks would make Megan a happy girl!)
Then we work to bring home the Bucket. This game is always a challenge for us, strictly as a function of the emotion and passion a good rivalry game brings. I want to see how their weekend goes with Michigan State, and get through our own battle with Northwestern before I even begin to evaluate the Bucket game, but I want the Bucket game more than pretty well anything. Defeating Purdue will rank right up there with playing 13 for me. It’s “The Other School”, for crying out loud!
At any rate, that’s probably good for now, but I’d be interested in hearing from some of you as to your thoughts on A) Which Bowl and B) Who we’ll face! Comment us and we’ll take a look at your insights!
My heart is pulling us north to Detroit for the Motor City Bowl on December 26th. I like this one for a couple of reasons- one, it’s proximity to the area, hopefully resulting in a strong showing of fan support (other options are Fl, Az, and Tx!), the other is the competition we’re likely to face.
It should take a soul about 6 hours (per Google Maps. I drive faster than they do.) to get from Bloomington to Detroit. Downside is it’s the day after Christmas, but kick-off isn’t until 7:30 pm, so you could still head north by mid-morning and realistically make the trip comfortably. Note to fans- prepare to spend the night! A number of hotels are listed on the bowl website at www.MotorCityBowl.com, and it looks like the rates are pretty reasonable. You do not want to try to drive home- you want to get to stay and celebrate with your fellow fans. Trust me on this.
Now, the competition. The Motor City Bowl pits us against the Mid-America Conference. These are teams like Central Michigan and Ball State. Call me a weenie, I want us to go in and win, and I have a stronger confidence with us against a MAC team than, for example, an SEC team. Obviously, I’d love to see us kick the crap out of, say, LSU, in the Outback Bowl, but I’m a bit more of a realist than that. Not just yet. Give us another year or two!
This is NOT to discredit the teams of the MAC. These kids are fighters, scrappers. They are used to being underrated, and come out with a fire, especially in a situation where they have a national audience. (ESPN carries the Motor City Bowl.) But, we’ve spent the entire season proving that we’re fighters, too. I have every anticipation that we will have the opportunity to be in the national spotlight, and come out on top.
The MAC’s current standings make it difficult to identify who we could go up against at this point. They will hold their championship game on Dec. 1, identifying the team that’s coming our way. (Mental note- pay attention to the MAC! www.MAC-Sports.com)
So, let’s look at the next 2 weeks for our Hoosiers. Northwestern, as Mike mentioned in an earlier post, is fighting for their chance to be bowl eligible. Don’t forget, we also have to play this game in their house. They beat us the last time we played, in 2004, in a huge double overtime game. This is going to be a very driven team, and will be tougher to beat than we may initially anticipate. If we continue to turn over the ball as we have the last few weeks, we WILL lose this game. Protect our QB, protect the ball, stop their passing game, and we can tie this up here and now. Note that NW is 10th in the nation with their passing game, averaging over 300 passing yards per game. (Just ahead of own 13th ranked air offense. I’d love to see some strong defensive plays – picks and sacks would make Megan a happy girl!)
Then we work to bring home the Bucket. This game is always a challenge for us, strictly as a function of the emotion and passion a good rivalry game brings. I want to see how their weekend goes with Michigan State, and get through our own battle with Northwestern before I even begin to evaluate the Bucket game, but I want the Bucket game more than pretty well anything. Defeating Purdue will rank right up there with playing 13 for me. It’s “The Other School”, for crying out loud!
At any rate, that’s probably good for now, but I’d be interested in hearing from some of you as to your thoughts on A) Which Bowl and B) Who we’ll face! Comment us and we’ll take a look at your insights!
Sometimes it sucks to be right.
The week before the IU-Illinois game, HT intern Zak put a question on the Hoosier Scoop blog, the question was what is more important, the IU-Illinois game, or the recruiting visit of Tyler Zeller. There was some banter back and forth between me and another poster, I myself was saying that the IU football game was more important, for the team, the fans, and for IU athletics as a whole. My position is no one recruit is going to determin the future of IU basketball, but a conference win can effect bowl seeding and recruiting. I also made the statment that come November when Zeller commits to UNC, and not IU that the game would definetly have carried more weight. As we sit now, 6-4, and needing a 7th win to ensure us a bowl game, letting the Illini game slip away shows just how important that game was to the overall season.
I am posting this because today Tyler Zeller did announce he would play at UNC. While it would have been nice to have him, it just proves my point that the support needs to be for the student athletes who are already here, that bleed cream and crimson, and battle it out for the glory of ol' IU!
There are less than two weeks till Purdue. The final conference game, the hated in-state rival, and the battle for the Ol' Oaken Bucket! I know there are plenty of tickets left, lets pack the stands at the Rock, my gut says not only will IU be playing for bragging rights, the bucket, but also for win number 8 and a spot in one of the better bowls the Big Ten has contracts with!
LETS GO HOOSIERS!
I am posting this because today Tyler Zeller did announce he would play at UNC. While it would have been nice to have him, it just proves my point that the support needs to be for the student athletes who are already here, that bleed cream and crimson, and battle it out for the glory of ol' IU!
There are less than two weeks till Purdue. The final conference game, the hated in-state rival, and the battle for the Ol' Oaken Bucket! I know there are plenty of tickets left, lets pack the stands at the Rock, my gut says not only will IU be playing for bragging rights, the bucket, but also for win number 8 and a spot in one of the better bowls the Big Ten has contracts with!
LETS GO HOOSIERS!
A bowling we can go........
We have done it. For the first time since 1994, IU has won 6 games, they are bowl eligible, and just that much closer to Hep's dream to play 13. The Big Ten has 7 automatic bowl bids, if the season ended today, we would be number 7. There is two more weeks left, two more games, at least one needs to be a win. There are 3 teams right now at 5-5, those are Iowa, Northwestern, and Michigan State.
Iowa should be 7-5 in two weeks, with Minnesota and Central Michigan being their final two games. If IU finishes 7-5, and Iowa finishes 7-5, Iowa will have 1 more conference win than us, so we would have to hope for an at large bid.
Northwestern, our next opponent, is also 5-5 and looking for that 6th win, they don't have an easy road to hold, ending their season with the Illini after play us. The could get to 7-5, but I am thinking the will end up 5-7, 6-6 if they beat Illinois.
Michigan State is also 5-5, they have Purdue and Penn State in the next two weeks, I would bet they end up 6-6. If we both end 7-5, we have the same conference record, and Michigan State would probably get the nod since they beat us.
A win next week at Northwestern takes them out of the equation for one of the 7 automatic, and would all but guarantee at least an at large bid.
I am not worried about an at large, after we de-claw the Wildcats, and drop the sledge hammer down on Purdue, we will be 8-4 (4-4) and going to a Big Ten contract bowl!
Iowa should be 7-5 in two weeks, with Minnesota and Central Michigan being their final two games. If IU finishes 7-5, and Iowa finishes 7-5, Iowa will have 1 more conference win than us, so we would have to hope for an at large bid.
Northwestern, our next opponent, is also 5-5 and looking for that 6th win, they don't have an easy road to hold, ending their season with the Illini after play us. The could get to 7-5, but I am thinking the will end up 5-7, 6-6 if they beat Illinois.
Michigan State is also 5-5, they have Purdue and Penn State in the next two weeks, I would bet they end up 6-6. If we both end 7-5, we have the same conference record, and Michigan State would probably get the nod since they beat us.
A win next week at Northwestern takes them out of the equation for one of the 7 automatic, and would all but guarantee at least an at large bid.
I am not worried about an at large, after we de-claw the Wildcats, and drop the sledge hammer down on Purdue, we will be 8-4 (4-4) and going to a Big Ten contract bowl!
I'd like to steal Mike's last entry title...
Turnovers may well be the death of this program. I applauded the youth and future of this team just a couple weeks ago, but I believe that the youth in the program also leads to a great number of the turnovers we've had. We MUST protect our quarterback, and our QB MUST protect the ball. Occasional turnovers are expected, but we've gotten incredibly sloppy in the last few games. Is it overconfidence? I doubt it. However, I truly believe that if we don't fix this issue, we're going nowhere.
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers, TURNOVERS!!!!!
Sometimes it is all how the ball bounces, and in football, that bounce is usually not a good one for the offense. IU came out and played Penn State well, James Hardy was a beast on the field Catching 14 passes for 142 yards and 2 TD’s. Kellen Lewis showed off his arm, and his ability to run when he scrambled 56 yards for a TD that made it a 5 point game. Add on a TD pass to Thigpen (notice it was a PASS not a run), and a field goal by Austin Star, and you just rapped up Indiana’s scoring.
The story of this game was protection. Protection for Lewis and protection of the football. 3 fumbles, a muffed punt, and 5 sacks later, it was clear there was not much protection on the field. There are things a young QB needs to learn, one is seeing his coverage, and looking for the blitz. Penn State had a linebacker who appeared to spy on Kellen all day long, trying to take away the play with his feet. Kellen did see this, and more than once, he hesitated to run and take the yardage. What he did not see was the weak side blitz, either from an outside linebacker, or the safety coming up. This has been an issue for him this year, and is something that has to be fixed.
One thing Megan took exception to that I don’t agree with her on is clock management. After Penn State went up 20-14, we got the ball back with 3 timeouts and 33 seconds left in the half. Penn State was in what appeared to be a prevent defense to guard from us going deep. To start the drive, IU tried a sweep with Thigpen. He gained 2 yards and got out of bounds. The next play appeared to be a half back delay, Penn State linebackers were not fooled, and stuffed that play before it got started, resulting in a 4 yard loss.
At this point there are two options, call a time out, and see if you can move the ball deep, or let the clock run out and head to the locker room to regroup. Considering you have just ran two plays for a net of -2 yards, the PSU defense is fired up, and the line looked deflated, Lynch done the right thing and let the clock run out. I agree with this, as a coach. You are on your heals, and don’t want to take the chance of giving them another shot at getting easy points, or worse, getting a player (Lewis) hurt going for a low percentage play. It is better to rest, lick your wounds, get them bandaged, and come back out fighting, then to allow those wounds to become deeper, and for infection to set in.
I honestly feel as though we out played Penn State. A five point loss after 4 turnovers, and 3 of those leading to scores for PSU, this was a game that could have been won by IU. The sun will shine on a dog’s ass every so often, and on Saturday that dog was Penn State.
As I tell my kids, win or lose, that game is over, time to prepare for the next team. Bring on the badgers, those slow little ground animals can’t soar with our high flying eagles!!
Go Hoosiers!
The story of this game was protection. Protection for Lewis and protection of the football. 3 fumbles, a muffed punt, and 5 sacks later, it was clear there was not much protection on the field. There are things a young QB needs to learn, one is seeing his coverage, and looking for the blitz. Penn State had a linebacker who appeared to spy on Kellen all day long, trying to take away the play with his feet. Kellen did see this, and more than once, he hesitated to run and take the yardage. What he did not see was the weak side blitz, either from an outside linebacker, or the safety coming up. This has been an issue for him this year, and is something that has to be fixed.
One thing Megan took exception to that I don’t agree with her on is clock management. After Penn State went up 20-14, we got the ball back with 3 timeouts and 33 seconds left in the half. Penn State was in what appeared to be a prevent defense to guard from us going deep. To start the drive, IU tried a sweep with Thigpen. He gained 2 yards and got out of bounds. The next play appeared to be a half back delay, Penn State linebackers were not fooled, and stuffed that play before it got started, resulting in a 4 yard loss.
At this point there are two options, call a time out, and see if you can move the ball deep, or let the clock run out and head to the locker room to regroup. Considering you have just ran two plays for a net of -2 yards, the PSU defense is fired up, and the line looked deflated, Lynch done the right thing and let the clock run out. I agree with this, as a coach. You are on your heals, and don’t want to take the chance of giving them another shot at getting easy points, or worse, getting a player (Lewis) hurt going for a low percentage play. It is better to rest, lick your wounds, get them bandaged, and come back out fighting, then to allow those wounds to become deeper, and for infection to set in.
I honestly feel as though we out played Penn State. A five point loss after 4 turnovers, and 3 of those leading to scores for PSU, this was a game that could have been won by IU. The sun will shine on a dog’s ass every so often, and on Saturday that dog was Penn State.
As I tell my kids, win or lose, that game is over, time to prepare for the next team. Bring on the badgers, those slow little ground animals can’t soar with our high flying eagles!!
Go Hoosiers!
Penn State is Over, Bring on Wisconsin!
I will undoubtedly take some heat for this, but I don’t normally end up attending the IU home games. It’s not for lack of desire, or support for my team, but a function of my budget allowances. We have 3 young kids, and between tickets, drinks, parking, and childcare, it’s just not financially feasible for us most years. This year was ALMOST the exception when the season package for $199 was presented, but my husband had been laid off since April, and finances were again an issue. So, I know it’s just excuses, but I hadn’t yet been to a game this season.
My very employed, childless brother, however, was able to pick up tickets this season. He’s so employed, he had to work Saturday, as did his buddy that he bought the tickets with. So, I got them! (And my mom watched the kids! Yay!)
I mentioned last week that I also don’t have the Big Ten Network, so I’ve not SEEN our Hoosiers in action much. I rely a lot on what I hear, my personal knowledge of the game, and video clips afterwards to help me in my analysis. So, this was a big opportunity for me. I could focus on the areas I wanted to see, not what the TV let me see, and I could actually see, as opposed to just go with what Don tells me. And honestly, we looked pretty good. Yes, we fumbled the ball a few times, and muffed some kick/punt receptions. We could have played better, smarter ball in some aspects. Overall, I continue to feel that we are a strong, competitive team with a great opportunity to not only be bowl eligible, but to continue to build this program.
My first concern was clock management. This is an issue that I’ve wondered about listening to games, and now have seen firsthand. I think we could have gone into halftime in a better position if we had utilized our timeouts (we finished the half without using a single TO.) and continued to try to move the ball.
Tracy Porter, if you would spend a little more time defending the man across the line of scrimmage and a little less trying to intercept a pass, we would be hammered on those short sideline plays a whole lot less. Those 9 or 10 yard gains might only be a few yards, and you might even pick it off if you are close to the receiver.
Our O-line failed to protect Kellen Lewis, but Kellen, be the man who makes a run for it! You have the speed and ability; there were some good holes that if you stopped looking downfield for the man who wasn’t going to get open, and just ran for it, you had a first down easy. There were even a few firsts that were negated when you threw the incomplete after crossing the line! Sometimes, it won’t be the huge yardage play. That’s ok, a few yards is better than none at all, or 12 backwards.
I maintain my stance, however, that we are a good football team. Some of these mistakes are a combination of young players and “new” coaches. I realize that this coaching staff has been with these guys for a while, but the roles are different this year, and that takes some adaptation. Time, maturity and experience can make this squad a great football team. I firmly believe that. Lets go kick a little badger ass!
My very employed, childless brother, however, was able to pick up tickets this season. He’s so employed, he had to work Saturday, as did his buddy that he bought the tickets with. So, I got them! (And my mom watched the kids! Yay!)
I mentioned last week that I also don’t have the Big Ten Network, so I’ve not SEEN our Hoosiers in action much. I rely a lot on what I hear, my personal knowledge of the game, and video clips afterwards to help me in my analysis. So, this was a big opportunity for me. I could focus on the areas I wanted to see, not what the TV let me see, and I could actually see, as opposed to just go with what Don tells me. And honestly, we looked pretty good. Yes, we fumbled the ball a few times, and muffed some kick/punt receptions. We could have played better, smarter ball in some aspects. Overall, I continue to feel that we are a strong, competitive team with a great opportunity to not only be bowl eligible, but to continue to build this program.
My first concern was clock management. This is an issue that I’ve wondered about listening to games, and now have seen firsthand. I think we could have gone into halftime in a better position if we had utilized our timeouts (we finished the half without using a single TO.) and continued to try to move the ball.
Tracy Porter, if you would spend a little more time defending the man across the line of scrimmage and a little less trying to intercept a pass, we would be hammered on those short sideline plays a whole lot less. Those 9 or 10 yard gains might only be a few yards, and you might even pick it off if you are close to the receiver.
Our O-line failed to protect Kellen Lewis, but Kellen, be the man who makes a run for it! You have the speed and ability; there were some good holes that if you stopped looking downfield for the man who wasn’t going to get open, and just ran for it, you had a first down easy. There were even a few firsts that were negated when you threw the incomplete after crossing the line! Sometimes, it won’t be the huge yardage play. That’s ok, a few yards is better than none at all, or 12 backwards.
I maintain my stance, however, that we are a good football team. Some of these mistakes are a combination of young players and “new” coaches. I realize that this coaching staff has been with these guys for a while, but the roles are different this year, and that takes some adaptation. Time, maturity and experience can make this squad a great football team. I firmly believe that. Lets go kick a little badger ass!
Sorry Folks
I wanted to come on here and tell the readers of this blog I am sorry. I never got the time to write a preview to the PSU game, and I have not had time to write a review of that game. I have been swamped at work the last couple weeks, and I am preparing the youth team I coach to try and make a championship run. We have made it to the semi-finals, and play this Thursday for a chance to play for the championship, which will be played at The Rock!
I will try to get some stuff up later this week.
I will try to get some stuff up later this week.
MSU & PSU Thoughts
What a difference one week made.
Looking forward to the IU-PSU game coming up for homecoming weekend in Bloomington, I have to first reflect on the Michigan State fiasco. I am truly at a loss for the performance that I seen Saturday night by this team.
The offense did not produce, though it is hard to fault the offense for not getting going when they only got to run 14 plays in the first half, putting up 13 points in those 14 plays.
The defense play was just not there, rather it was a lack of focus on part of the players, or just poor choices on who to play where, and it was despicable to watch. We were toasted for 460 all purpose yards by 2 players.
There however were some bright spots.
Lewis breaking a 59 yard run for a TD for the first play, the return team continually put us in good field position, even though they fumbled one away. Austin Star now has the record for consecutive field goals, and Austin Thomas was credited for 22 tackles. Nick Polk forced a fumble in which Porter mad a scoop and score, and James Hardy extended his streak of consecutive games with at least 1 TD catch to 8, and giving him 9 on the season. Despite the amount of yardage that was gave up, the defensive line played well, not many runs went up the middle, and the increased the season sack total by 3 for a grand total of 32. Remember, the goal for the SEASON was 30.
We are far from done this season. These guys have to step up and play their game, keep loose and level headed, and not allow them to get rattled. PSU comes to town Saturday, after an impressive win over Wisconsin. They are going to be confident, and looking pass the Hoosiers, thinking they will move from 10-0 to 11-0 all time against us. Big mistake PSU, the IU Believe Train is fueled and you’re nothing more than a penny on the tracks as we get to 6-2 and get ready to go bowling!
The Mike P'review will be up by noon tomorrow.
GO HOOSIERS!!!
EDIT: I must apologize to the readers. Due to circumstance at work, I have not been able to complete my preview of the Penn State game. I will try to finish it this evening after practice, and post it late tonight. Thanks.
Looking forward to the IU-PSU game coming up for homecoming weekend in Bloomington, I have to first reflect on the Michigan State fiasco. I am truly at a loss for the performance that I seen Saturday night by this team.
The offense did not produce, though it is hard to fault the offense for not getting going when they only got to run 14 plays in the first half, putting up 13 points in those 14 plays.
The defense play was just not there, rather it was a lack of focus on part of the players, or just poor choices on who to play where, and it was despicable to watch. We were toasted for 460 all purpose yards by 2 players.
There however were some bright spots.
Lewis breaking a 59 yard run for a TD for the first play, the return team continually put us in good field position, even though they fumbled one away. Austin Star now has the record for consecutive field goals, and Austin Thomas was credited for 22 tackles. Nick Polk forced a fumble in which Porter mad a scoop and score, and James Hardy extended his streak of consecutive games with at least 1 TD catch to 8, and giving him 9 on the season. Despite the amount of yardage that was gave up, the defensive line played well, not many runs went up the middle, and the increased the season sack total by 3 for a grand total of 32. Remember, the goal for the SEASON was 30.
We are far from done this season. These guys have to step up and play their game, keep loose and level headed, and not allow them to get rattled. PSU comes to town Saturday, after an impressive win over Wisconsin. They are going to be confident, and looking pass the Hoosiers, thinking they will move from 10-0 to 11-0 all time against us. Big mistake PSU, the IU Believe Train is fueled and you’re nothing more than a penny on the tracks as we get to 6-2 and get ready to go bowling!
The Mike P'review will be up by noon tomorrow.
GO HOOSIERS!!!
EDIT: I must apologize to the readers. Due to circumstance at work, I have not been able to complete my preview of the Penn State game. I will try to finish it this evening after practice, and post it late tonight. Thanks.
From the listeners perspective
I listened to the “game” Saturday while watching a couple other events on TV, as I am not a Dish subscriber and thereby not privy to the Big Ten Network. I don’t want to spend a lot of time rehashing that which was truly painful, but I did want to focus on a couple of positive things that happened. (I have 5 pages of not quite play-by-play notes that I took, I’m not going to post those, but I will hit some assorted "highlights"!) I also will make mention of a few other not so positives that my review of my notes reveals to me.
Our first possession occurred at the same time LSU and Kentucky were entering their first overtime period tied up at 27 all. The IU possession resulted in Kellen Lewis running it 59 yards for a touchdown. I had hope. And then, we kicked.
Here’s where my “negative” comes in. Our special teams simply could not stop them after a kick. Their starting field position was strong on basically every single possession they had. Ringer and Thomas were the major players here, giving the MSU offense great starting field position that was just one more powerful advantage over us. They took those strong starting field positions and were able to consistently convert them into points. James Bailey had a huge kick return late in the first quarter, running it back to the MSU 27, and was then further assisted by a late hit penalty on Michigan State, giving us half the distance to the goal- we started a drive at the 13, and had to kick a field goal. Lewis was sacked on the 2nd down play, we took a delay of game penalty, and the 3rd down yielded no open receivers. That series, which started out so strongly, was a real blow to our morale, and I believe we never really were able to recover mentally.
The Austin’s had some really positive moments in this game- shall we call them the silver linings? Austin Starr broke Pete Stoyanovich’s existing school record for consecutive field goals with 3:42 remaining in the first half after kicking the 11th straight. Austin Thomas had clones with him on the field, having been credited for 22 tackles in the game, 14 of them solo. Additionally, Lewis connected with James Hardy for a 51 yard gain (which led to Starr’s record-breaking kick), and Tracy Porter managed to snatch up a fumble and run it back 74 yards for a touchdown (Nick Polk credited with causing the fumble).
We knew going into this game that Ringer and Thomas were going to be tough to contain. Caulcrick was also deeply involved and between the three of them, we just had no answers. That’s ok. I still believe that we’ve come a long way, and that despite the strength of MSU, we had some really good plays, unfortunately, just not enough of them. Focus Points? We converted very few 3rd downs, I hate delay of game penalties, and we need to work on some blocking and tackling in general. Bring on Penn State.
Our first possession occurred at the same time LSU and Kentucky were entering their first overtime period tied up at 27 all. The IU possession resulted in Kellen Lewis running it 59 yards for a touchdown. I had hope. And then, we kicked.
Here’s where my “negative” comes in. Our special teams simply could not stop them after a kick. Their starting field position was strong on basically every single possession they had. Ringer and Thomas were the major players here, giving the MSU offense great starting field position that was just one more powerful advantage over us. They took those strong starting field positions and were able to consistently convert them into points. James Bailey had a huge kick return late in the first quarter, running it back to the MSU 27, and was then further assisted by a late hit penalty on Michigan State, giving us half the distance to the goal- we started a drive at the 13, and had to kick a field goal. Lewis was sacked on the 2nd down play, we took a delay of game penalty, and the 3rd down yielded no open receivers. That series, which started out so strongly, was a real blow to our morale, and I believe we never really were able to recover mentally.
The Austin’s had some really positive moments in this game- shall we call them the silver linings? Austin Starr broke Pete Stoyanovich’s existing school record for consecutive field goals with 3:42 remaining in the first half after kicking the 11th straight. Austin Thomas had clones with him on the field, having been credited for 22 tackles in the game, 14 of them solo. Additionally, Lewis connected with James Hardy for a 51 yard gain (which led to Starr’s record-breaking kick), and Tracy Porter managed to snatch up a fumble and run it back 74 yards for a touchdown (Nick Polk credited with causing the fumble).
We knew going into this game that Ringer and Thomas were going to be tough to contain. Caulcrick was also deeply involved and between the three of them, we just had no answers. That’s ok. I still believe that we’ve come a long way, and that despite the strength of MSU, we had some really good plays, unfortunately, just not enough of them. Focus Points? We converted very few 3rd downs, I hate delay of game penalties, and we need to work on some blocking and tackling in general. Bring on Penn State.
Would people be interested in...
A web-based call in show? Call in, chat room, live audio feeds, etc? I've not even run this past Mike P., but I wanted to throw it out there! Could even then have podcasts of the show available for you to catch, or rehash later?
Let me know!
Let me know!
Polls, confidence and continuity.
It’s been great to get a little feedback from some of our readers. First, let me say that hopefully Anonymous will not be “hunted” in the great state of Michigan while wearing red. However, Mike and I would be happy to attend services, providing that they do not interfere with any of this weekend’s sporting events.
Tim, opinions are one thing I have, bias being another! I’ve spent the better part of this collegiate season laughing my @$$ off every time another ranked team goes down. (Caught the end of the FSU-Wake game last night. Love that!!) And it gave me some thought for what I can throw out here for us to chew on.
We are currently 29th in the AP poll. Now, it’s not top 25, but let’s review. Preseason top ten was as follows:
Now, they rank these teams based on a lot of things, but a big part of it is the prior season’s final games, and let’s face it. Teams are not going to start out the next year at the same level they finished the previous. They may be better, or worse, but practices and scrimmages are not the same as the real deal, and that being said, preseason rankings, or even rankings in the first week or two means next to nothing to me.
Of those teams listed in that preseason top ten, here’s the rundown now. Only 2 have improved their rankings – LSU has moved to #1 and Oklahoma has gone from 8 to 6.
Preseason Week 6
Tim, opinions are one thing I have, bias being another! I’ve spent the better part of this collegiate season laughing my @$$ off every time another ranked team goes down. (Caught the end of the FSU-Wake game last night. Love that!!) And it gave me some thought for what I can throw out here for us to chew on.
We are currently 29th in the AP poll. Now, it’s not top 25, but let’s review. Preseason top ten was as follows:
- USC
- LSU
- W. Va.
- Texas
- Michigan
- Fla
- Wisc.
- Ok
- Va. Tech
- Louisville
Now, they rank these teams based on a lot of things, but a big part of it is the prior season’s final games, and let’s face it. Teams are not going to start out the next year at the same level they finished the previous. They may be better, or worse, but practices and scrimmages are not the same as the real deal, and that being said, preseason rankings, or even rankings in the first week or two means next to nothing to me.
Of those teams listed in that preseason top ten, here’s the rundown now. Only 2 have improved their rankings – LSU has moved to #1 and Oklahoma has gone from 8 to 6.
Preseason Week 6
- USC 10th
- LSU 1st
- W. Va. 8th
- Texas 23rd
- Michigan 30th
- Fla 13th
- Wisc. 19th
- Ok 6th
- Va. Tech 12th
- Louisville Fell completely off the polls in Week 4.
Only 3 are still top ten. So, what the heck is my point? Beyond the obvious cliché of “That’s why they play the game” it tells me that we’ve EARNED our ranking. It’s not top 10, or even top 25 YET. But this team, that no one really wanted to give any credit to at all, has been successful beyond anything imagined by the talking heads in the sports world. (Except Mark Schlabach, who predicted back in August that we’d be 6-1 going into the homecoming game vs Penn St. next week! Of course, he also thought Michigan would be undefeated until they meet Wisconsin in November, but we can’t all be right all the time!)
So, here’s the bias slant. We’re good. We’re definitively better than we’ve been given credit for. We’ve won big games, and we’re getting votes. We have a great scheduling advantage this year in that we don’t face Ohio State or Michigan, but truthfully, the fan in me wants us to. I think we could beat Michigan, and we’d likely give Ohio State a run for their money. But, this season has the potential to do 2 things- be a HUGE confidence booster for the group of kids that are here and have lost their leader, allowing them to play in a bowl game and just know that they are a good solidly developing football team; and improve our recruitment potential so we continue to build the quality program that Coach Hep dreamed of. I’m pumped because this is a young team, and I love that the expectations of all the others are so low. It DRIVES these guys. We’re building what we’re doing on a Sophomore QB who is being supported by players such as Hardy (JR), Payton (SO), and Thigpen (JR), plus defensive powers like Middleton (SO), Patterson (SO) and Porter (the ONLY SR in this list.) These are kids who are coming back, and have the opportunity to do even more next season. We’ll see what the doubters say then. Just so long as they don’t try to rank us to high in the preseason!
Confidence breeds apathy. Ask Michigan.
I just wanted to add something to the end of Megan's post for all the Hoosier Fans reading this blog, your INDIANA HOOSIERS are ranked higher in both the AP Top 25 and the USA Today polls than Michigan is in FOOTBALL!!! - Mike P
Feedback wanted
So far we are getting plenty of views, but not much in the way of comments or feedback.
This is a blog for IU Football fans, done by IU Football fans. Your feedback and comments are important to let us know what it is you want to see on the blog.
Please share your ideas, and we will try our best to accommodate them.
Thanks,
Mike P.
This is a blog for IU Football fans, done by IU Football fans. Your feedback and comments are important to let us know what it is you want to see on the blog.
Please share your ideas, and we will try our best to accommodate them.
Thanks,
Mike P.
In a totally chick move..
For my first official post, I'd like to congratulate coach Bill Lynch, and assistant coach Billy Lynch on the birth of Max Lynch, Bill's 5th grandchild and Billy's 2nd child! (How girlie is that!?)
Ok, kids, here's the deal. Yes, I'm a sports fan, but I think Mike has probably overstated my abilities a bit. I'm here mostly to act as Official Spell Checker! That being said, I hope to still be able to provide some additional insight and a new perspective to our games.
Outside of that, I hope to make some really cool graphics that with luck, we won't be sued for!
Go HOOSIERS!
Ok, kids, here's the deal. Yes, I'm a sports fan, but I think Mike has probably overstated my abilities a bit. I'm here mostly to act as Official Spell Checker! That being said, I hope to still be able to provide some additional insight and a new perspective to our games.
Outside of that, I hope to make some really cool graphics that with luck, we won't be sued for!
Go HOOSIERS!
Welcome Megan M.
I would like to welcome a new poster to the blog, Megan M.
Megan is an avid sports fan, is very knowledgeable, and will add a female perspective to this blog. Guys, don't let the fact that Megan is a woman fool you, she has more sports knowledge than most guys I know.
Megan is the person who created the Play 13 picture used here. I will be asking her to create more artwork for the blog in the future.
Megan is an avid sports fan, is very knowledgeable, and will add a female perspective to this blog. Guys, don't let the fact that Megan is a woman fool you, she has more sports knowledge than most guys I know.
Megan is the person who created the Play 13 picture used here. I will be asking her to create more artwork for the blog in the future.
The Mike P'review of IU-MSU
It is time for my weekly "Mike P’review" of the upcoming IU game. This week’s game is against the Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans started of the season on a roll, winning their first 4 games by a combined 131-62. They have now lost two straight. The first game was expected, on the road to a Big Ten power house that is Wisconsin. There is not many would have gave MSU a chance in that game. So it is not that MSU lost, but how they lost that is important. In the 4th quarter they had just scored 10 unanswered points to tie the game at 34 all. Wisconsin then went on a 10 play, 64 yard drive that used up 5:53 seconds before kicking the game winning field goal. This is not a melt down like they had last year when they allowed Notre Dame to come from behind and win, but this maybe the beginning of the 3rd straight year they have imploded, when you couple the Wisconsin loss and them losing to Northwestern in OT this past Saturday.
Let’s take a look at how IU will match up with MSU this weekend.
Defense:
IU is looking at a team who likes to run the ball, and from the stats so far this season, they do it very well, rushing for 1331 yards and 15 TD’s on the season. They are coming in to this game averaging 221.8 yards per game on the ground, this MSU team has only fumbled 5 times this season, and has lost 3 of those. The passing game is something to pay attention to also, gaining 230 yards per game and 11 TD’s in the air while only being picked of 3 times in 6 games. This could be a day for the IU d-line to tee of on a QB, with MSU giving up 14 sacks this season. Tracy Porter needs to man up on Devin Thomas and limit his production. Thomas is their top receiver and has an average of 21.7 yards per catch. The key though will be the linebacker’s ability to pick up the screen. Javon Ringer is 2nd on the team with 20 catches out of the back field for 213 yards, while gaining 752 yards on the ground.
Offense:
So far this year MSU has shown that you can’t run very well on them. They have only allowed 114.7 yards rushing per game. So what does this mean for IU? It means they go to the air. They are giving up 242 yards per game in passing. I think the high powered IU offense can give MSU fits and really exploit them, allowing the rushing game to open up, especially if Bryan Payton gets the carries. The offensive line will have to be ready this week. MSU is a threat to sack the QB, having done it 24 times already this season. The pressure will be on Kellen Lewis this week. Lewis will have to make things happen with his feet, scrambling to buy some time, and using the QB draw to his advantage, something they seem to have got away from the last few weeks. I am giving the receivers a break for some of the drops on Saturday due to the extreme heat, but this week they have to make the completions and limit the amount of drops. If they can do that, and protect the ball, it is a very real possibility IU comes back for Homecoming with a 6-1 record and already bowl eligible.
GO HOOSIERS!
Let’s take a look at how IU will match up with MSU this weekend.
Defense:
IU is looking at a team who likes to run the ball, and from the stats so far this season, they do it very well, rushing for 1331 yards and 15 TD’s on the season. They are coming in to this game averaging 221.8 yards per game on the ground, this MSU team has only fumbled 5 times this season, and has lost 3 of those. The passing game is something to pay attention to also, gaining 230 yards per game and 11 TD’s in the air while only being picked of 3 times in 6 games. This could be a day for the IU d-line to tee of on a QB, with MSU giving up 14 sacks this season. Tracy Porter needs to man up on Devin Thomas and limit his production. Thomas is their top receiver and has an average of 21.7 yards per catch. The key though will be the linebacker’s ability to pick up the screen. Javon Ringer is 2nd on the team with 20 catches out of the back field for 213 yards, while gaining 752 yards on the ground.
Offense:
So far this year MSU has shown that you can’t run very well on them. They have only allowed 114.7 yards rushing per game. So what does this mean for IU? It means they go to the air. They are giving up 242 yards per game in passing. I think the high powered IU offense can give MSU fits and really exploit them, allowing the rushing game to open up, especially if Bryan Payton gets the carries. The offensive line will have to be ready this week. MSU is a threat to sack the QB, having done it 24 times already this season. The pressure will be on Kellen Lewis this week. Lewis will have to make things happen with his feet, scrambling to buy some time, and using the QB draw to his advantage, something they seem to have got away from the last few weeks. I am giving the receivers a break for some of the drops on Saturday due to the extreme heat, but this week they have to make the completions and limit the amount of drops. If they can do that, and protect the ball, it is a very real possibility IU comes back for Homecoming with a 6-1 record and already bowl eligible.
GO HOOSIERS!
Others Receiving Votes
Let me start this by saying I am one of those who don't put much stock in what it means to be ranked, after all, being ranked in the top 25 doesn't guarantee that you will win, just ask USC. I do realize the potential impact on future recruits, the higher you are ranked, and the longer you stay ranked, the more looks you will get.
When I looked at the rankings the Monday following the Iowa game, I noticed that IU had received 1 vote in the USA today poll. Ok, 1 vote is not much to brag about, Coach Lynch does get to fill out a bracket after all.
This past Saturday, IU handled there business against another Big Ten opponent and sent Minnesota packing. A good solid win for the program, though it was an expected win for most, and should not have made people take notice. Oh, but they did take notice of this win.
If you look at the ESPN.com rankings page you can see for yourself just how much notice the voters took. In the AP Top 25 (press), IU received 40 votes, which is good enough to make them the 29th ranked team in the nation. In the USA Today poll (coaches), they gathered 30 votes, putting them at 33rd in that poll. This is very respectable for a team that the “experts” picked to be at the bottom of the Big Ten this year.
Even college football fans have taken notice of IU and the way they are playing. The ESPNU Top 25 is a fan poll, voted on by people like you and me. This poll does not list how many votes each team received. IU did not crack the top 25, but they are one of 5 listed in the “Others Receiving Votes” category at the bottom.
It is still a little early to rejoice too much, but it is nice to finally have Indiana Football making enough noise that the rest of the country has been forced to pay attention and take notice. Good job Hoosiers!
When I looked at the rankings the Monday following the Iowa game, I noticed that IU had received 1 vote in the USA today poll. Ok, 1 vote is not much to brag about, Coach Lynch does get to fill out a bracket after all.
This past Saturday, IU handled there business against another Big Ten opponent and sent Minnesota packing. A good solid win for the program, though it was an expected win for most, and should not have made people take notice. Oh, but they did take notice of this win.
If you look at the ESPN.com rankings page you can see for yourself just how much notice the voters took. In the AP Top 25 (press), IU received 40 votes, which is good enough to make them the 29th ranked team in the nation. In the USA Today poll (coaches), they gathered 30 votes, putting them at 33rd in that poll. This is very respectable for a team that the “experts” picked to be at the bottom of the Big Ten this year.
Even college football fans have taken notice of IU and the way they are playing. The ESPNU Top 25 is a fan poll, voted on by people like you and me. This poll does not list how many votes each team received. IU did not crack the top 25, but they are one of 5 listed in the “Others Receiving Votes” category at the bottom.
It is still a little early to rejoice too much, but it is nice to finally have Indiana Football making enough noise that the rest of the country has been forced to pay attention and take notice. Good job Hoosiers!
IU Beats Minnesota 40-20
What a great day for IU football!! Despite unseasonably warm weather, there was a good (though small) crowd on hand as the Hoosiers took to the ground and ran right past the Gophers to go 5-1 at the half way point of the season. The running game came to life today on the legs of 3rd string back Bryan Payton. I have been saying on the Hoosier Scoop since the ISU game that Payton should be the starting running back. After gaining 90 yards and 3 TDs on the ground, there is now no argument to keep giving the nod to Marcus Thigpen.
Kellen Lewis was just, well, he was just Kellen Lewis. Every game there is without a doubt that you will be in awe of his abilities to make something big when there is nothing there. He had a another great performance putting up 310 yards of total offense (235 passing, 75 rushing) and accounting for 1 TD pass. The Hoosiers scored on their first 8 drives until the first punt with under 13 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Austin Star was perfect, 4-4 on field goals and 4-4 on extra points.
The defense played solid today, I really expected them to create more turnovers as Minnesota has done a poor job protecting the ball this year. The defensive line played well, racking up two sacks against a team that had only gave up 3 in 5 previous games. There were two interceptions on the day, an incredible catch by Leslie Majors on his back, and the other by Will Patterson. I am split on which one was better, though I think my nod will go to Patterson. Right before that play, Patterson was bent over, out of gas, motioning for a replacement from the sidelines. Relief was not sent in, so he done the next best thing, he baited Webber into a pass that he stepped in front of and almost took to the house for 6 points. His rest was short, but well earned from that play.
Kellen Lewis was just, well, he was just Kellen Lewis. Every game there is without a doubt that you will be in awe of his abilities to make something big when there is nothing there. He had a another great performance putting up 310 yards of total offense (235 passing, 75 rushing) and accounting for 1 TD pass. The Hoosiers scored on their first 8 drives until the first punt with under 13 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Austin Star was perfect, 4-4 on field goals and 4-4 on extra points.
The defense played solid today, I really expected them to create more turnovers as Minnesota has done a poor job protecting the ball this year. The defensive line played well, racking up two sacks against a team that had only gave up 3 in 5 previous games. There were two interceptions on the day, an incredible catch by Leslie Majors on his back, and the other by Will Patterson. I am split on which one was better, though I think my nod will go to Patterson. Right before that play, Patterson was bent over, out of gas, motioning for a replacement from the sidelines. Relief was not sent in, so he done the next best thing, he baited Webber into a pass that he stepped in front of and almost took to the house for 6 points. His rest was short, but well earned from that play.
Rock the Rock
I am reaching out to the IU brethren for the game tomorrow against the Gophers. I would love to see a sell out, and not an Ohio State game sell out where the IU fans are out numbered even when at home. I don’t see the Rock selling out this week, but I believe we can get 40,000 plus there to root on the team. I will give you my Top 5 reasons to Rock the Rock this week.
5. There is more to football than the tail gate party.
4. For the glory of ol’ IU
3. Who knows what magic Kellen Lewis will use this week?
2. Crowds help win ball games
And my number one reason to be there:
1. Coach Hep would want you there!
This week’s game marks the half way point in the season. With this win, they will be one game away from being bowl eligible. There is about 16,000 seats left for the band wagon jumpers, get on now while you still can!
GO HOOSIERS!
5. There is more to football than the tail gate party.
4. For the glory of ol’ IU
3. Who knows what magic Kellen Lewis will use this week?
2. Crowds help win ball games
And my number one reason to be there:
1. Coach Hep would want you there!
This week’s game marks the half way point in the season. With this win, they will be one game away from being bowl eligible. There is about 16,000 seats left for the band wagon jumpers, get on now while you still can!
GO HOOSIERS!
The Mike P'review of IU vs. Minnesota
This can be viewed as well on The Hoosier Scoop or by clicking here.
After a tough loss to a much-improved Illinois team, the Hoosiers went on the road and got a much need win at Iowa. That game is over and done, time for the Golden Gophers to come to town. Minnesota is coming in 1-4, but don’t let that fool you. Ohio State is the only team that has not had their hands full with them. The Hoosiers have to come out with the mind set that Minnesota can beat them; not thinking this is already a win. We all remember what happened last year at the Metrodome.
Defense: This is a game that will really test the secondary, and how they can play against a high-powered pass offense. Webber has been efficient this year, completing almost sixty percent of his passes and gaining just shy of 1,300 yards. They also spread the ball around to different receivers. So far this Minnesota has used eleven receivers, nine of those eleven have six or more catches. Decker and Wheelwright have been the two main receivers, with thirty six and twenty two catches respectively. However, IU can’t stretch the secondary out and not protect against the run. This is a team that is averaging 192.8 yards per game on the run, and almost five yards per carry. They are doing all of this behind a line that has only allowed Webber to be sacked three times. The good thing for the IU defense is that Minnesota does not protect the ball. They have fumbled the ball twelve times, lost eight of those, all while throwing 10 picks. This should be a game to rack up the takeaway stats.
Offense: This could be where it gets really interesting. With all the positives that Minnesota does on offense, it is their defense that hurts them, and will allow IU to really be able to rack up the yards. The defense IU gets this week appears to have more holes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. They are allowing almost 37 points per game so far, with all opponents having scored over thirty. I know I have said that the line, Lewis, and the receivers are important in every game. This game should allow some IU records to fall for the passing game. The Minnesota secondary has issues, they have allowed 1840 yards and sixteen TD’s on the season so far, and only picked off the opposing team three times. They have only forced five fumbles, and recovered three. IU should be able to protect the ball easily this week.
This game will depend a lot on the Hoosiers mind set and the play calls. The secondary of Minnesota is weak, Coach Lynch has got to attack them and let the offense really open up the deep ball. If IU can come out early and get a couple big plays and easy scores, it should open up the running game, and give them the ability to control the clock. Last year Minnesota embarrassed this team, and for all intent and purpose ended any chance IU had to make a bowl game. This year is payback.
IU wins big on Saturday, 42-17.
I hope this provokes some good conversation on the game, whether you agree with me or not. I want to hear what you have to say.
After a tough loss to a much-improved Illinois team, the Hoosiers went on the road and got a much need win at Iowa. That game is over and done, time for the Golden Gophers to come to town. Minnesota is coming in 1-4, but don’t let that fool you. Ohio State is the only team that has not had their hands full with them. The Hoosiers have to come out with the mind set that Minnesota can beat them; not thinking this is already a win. We all remember what happened last year at the Metrodome.
Defense: This is a game that will really test the secondary, and how they can play against a high-powered pass offense. Webber has been efficient this year, completing almost sixty percent of his passes and gaining just shy of 1,300 yards. They also spread the ball around to different receivers. So far this Minnesota has used eleven receivers, nine of those eleven have six or more catches. Decker and Wheelwright have been the two main receivers, with thirty six and twenty two catches respectively. However, IU can’t stretch the secondary out and not protect against the run. This is a team that is averaging 192.8 yards per game on the run, and almost five yards per carry. They are doing all of this behind a line that has only allowed Webber to be sacked three times. The good thing for the IU defense is that Minnesota does not protect the ball. They have fumbled the ball twelve times, lost eight of those, all while throwing 10 picks. This should be a game to rack up the takeaway stats.
Offense: This could be where it gets really interesting. With all the positives that Minnesota does on offense, it is their defense that hurts them, and will allow IU to really be able to rack up the yards. The defense IU gets this week appears to have more holes than a wheel of Swiss cheese. They are allowing almost 37 points per game so far, with all opponents having scored over thirty. I know I have said that the line, Lewis, and the receivers are important in every game. This game should allow some IU records to fall for the passing game. The Minnesota secondary has issues, they have allowed 1840 yards and sixteen TD’s on the season so far, and only picked off the opposing team three times. They have only forced five fumbles, and recovered three. IU should be able to protect the ball easily this week.
This game will depend a lot on the Hoosiers mind set and the play calls. The secondary of Minnesota is weak, Coach Lynch has got to attack them and let the offense really open up the deep ball. If IU can come out early and get a couple big plays and easy scores, it should open up the running game, and give them the ability to control the clock. Last year Minnesota embarrassed this team, and for all intent and purpose ended any chance IU had to make a bowl game. This year is payback.
IU wins big on Saturday, 42-17.
I hope this provokes some good conversation on the game, whether you agree with me or not. I want to hear what you have to say.
Coming Soon
This blog will be a place for IU fans to discuss IU Football in a civil manner. I will delete any post I deem offensive, and will notify that person as to why the post was deleted.
IU Basketball fans are welcome, but this WILL NOT become a basketball blog, that I will make sure of. Check back later for new postings.
Colors will be updated before the weekend is over.
IU Basketball fans are welcome, but this WILL NOT become a basketball blog, that I will make sure of. Check back later for new postings.
Colors will be updated before the weekend is over.
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