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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