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.