Indiana Blog

February 3, 2011

Hoosiers hope to finish recruiting season on strong note
By Jeff Curts

New Indiana football coach Kevin Wilson and his staff are putting the finishing touches on his first class, in anticipation of Wednesday’s national letter of intent signing day.  Thus far, IU has received 20 oral commitments, including a handful over the weekend.

Wilson and company have worked the South hard, picking up pledges from three Florida linemen (offensive lineman Gregory Lewis, and defensive tackles Adarius Rayner & Bobby Richardson), in addition to speedy defensive back Michael Hunter from Monroe, Louisiana.

The Hoosiers have stocked up on both interior lineman and linebackers, with more than half of their early commitments dedicated to those positions.  Under Wilson, Indiana hopes to become a more physical and better running squad, especially early on as they break in an inexperienced quarterback.

IU is still in the mix for a handful of prospects, but initial reviews are that this class is already one of the higher rated groups headed to Bloomington in recent memory.  The Hoosiers collected an assortment of skill position pledges, headlined by in-state commits quarterback Tre Roberson, running back D’Angelo Roberts, and tight end Jake Reed. Other players to watch in the coming seasons include a pair of defenders, linebacker Kyle Kennedy and defensive back Nick Stoner.

One unfortunate byproduct of the coaching change from Bill Lynch to Wilson occurred last week when talented Michigan athlete Raymon Taylor, a four start recruit, reneged on his oral pledge to play for his home state Wolverines. 

Additionally, the unpleasant recruiting practice of taking scholarships off the table to free up additional slots impacted IU, with three players who had committed to Lynch basically being told to look elsewhere.

December 20, 2010

Hoosiers “Settle” in Hiring of Wilson
By Jeff Curts

Seeking to elevate their football program from obscurity to relevance, Indiana University athletic director Fred Glass whiffed on his first major hire, the naming of former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Wilson, who has never been a head coach, replaces the fired Bill Lynch.

Whether Glass was awestruck by Wilson’s coordinating the offense for a big-time BCS program like Oklahoma or he couldn’t get a sniff from a head coach at a lower-level Division I program is a question that remains  unanswered.  While Wilson has done a good job directing the Sooners high-powered offense, defense is the problem at IU.  Did Glass conduct his due diligence and try to make contact with “elite” head coaches such as TCU’s Gary Patterson, Boise State’s Chris Peterson, or Jim Harbaugh of Stanford? If he couldn’t get them, what about San Diego State’s (and former Ball State head man) Brady Hoke, Tulsa’s Todd Graham,  Temple’s Al Golden (hired recently at Miami), Navy’s Ken Niumatalolo,  South Florida’s Skip Holtz, or even former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach?  All have resumes that demonstrate the ability to build struggling programs. 

Wilson’s lack of head coaching experience and defensive expertise loom large as the IU football program begins yet another rebuilding program.  Until the Hoosiers  can either recruit bigger, faster athletes or scheme effectively on the defensive side of the ball, chances are Wilson will endure the same fate as his predecessors.  Indiana can hang offensively with a handful of talented playmakers, but the Hoosiers stop attack is woefully short on talent. 

As the Big Ten welcomes football powerhouse Nebraska to the conference and splits into two lamely labeled divisions (Leaders and Legends?), Indiana risks a fall further into football irrelevance.  IU needed a statement hire, a proven head coach who saw the challenges/risks/potential in Bloomington.  Instead, they got another nice guy who can coach offense.   It must be ground hog day again.

November 30, 2010

After Lynch dismissal, who’s next to lead Indiana Football?
By Jeff Curts

While hardly surprising, the swiftness in which Indiana University athletic director Fred Glass fired head football coach Bill Lynch raised eyebrows across the Hoosier state.  After all, Glass, the first year ad, had been among Lynch’s most ardent supporters.  But, after examining a program that has won three Big Ten conference games in three years, Glass knew what had to be done.

Lynch leaves Bloomington much the way he came in. A good, honest man with a creative offensive mind, Lynch perhaps was too loyal to his coaching staff and either unable or unwilling to develop a running game that could have taken pressure off a woeful defensive unit.  Mistakes and poor special teams play also doomed Indiana throughout his tenure. 

Glass himself has taken on the challenge of finding the next head coach, although he’ll likely heed the advice and counsel of several  colleagues and Indiana supporters.  As the rumor mill heats up, look for a small group of three-five serious candidates to emerge, including former Ball State and current San Diego State head man Brady Hoke, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun, Temple’s Al Golden, and Navy’s coach Ken Niumatalolo.  Hoosier fans may prefer a bigger name, but in the college athletic game of supply and demand, it’s hard to see where the IU job will be highly coveted.  Facilities and administration commitment have improved, but unless Indiana is willing to throw huge money around, high profile candidates will be hard to attract.

No timetable has been named for a successor, but the hunch is IU would like to nail down a selection prior to the first bowl game kicking off in a couple of weeks.

November 29, 2010

Hoosiers Take Back Bucket With Overtime Win
By Jeff Curts

Mitch Ewald’s two field goals, a 26 yarder late in regulation and a 31 yard field goal in overtime, culminated a Indiana comeback  from 14 points down and lifted the Hoosiers to a wild 34-31 victory over Purdue in the 86th rendition of the Old Oaken Bucket game in West Lafayette.  It was the venerable series between the two intra-state rivals to be decided in an extra session.

The win provided a silver lining to what has otherwise been a disappointing season for IU,  but couldn’t save embattled Hoosiers coach Bill Lynch’s job.    He was fired Sunday afternoon afternoon by athletic director Fred Glass after going 19-30 , the Hoosiers third straight losing season. Indiana finishes 5-7 overall, but in last place in the Big Ten at 1-7. 

As has been the case for much of the season, Indiana was led by senior quarterback Ben Chappell and playmaking receivers Tandon Doss and Demarlo Belcher.   Chappell ended his IU career in fine fashion, breaking the Hoosiers single-season record for yards passing. Chappell finished with 3,295. Kellen Lewis set the previous mark (3,043) in 2007.  For the game, Chappell wasn’t bad either.  He completed 31 of 50 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns, all to Doss.  The junior wideout, who may be contemplating a jump to the NFL, stood out again, hauling in eight catches for 64 yards.  Fellow split end Demarlo Belcher chipped in with eight grabs as well, a few of them spectacular catches that kept drives alive.  Not to be outdone, senior wide receiver Terrance Turner collected ten receptions for an even 100 yards in his last game, although Turner had two costly fumbles.

While the focus was on offense, a defensive play saved the game.  Junior linebacker Jeff Thomas, one of the few IU bright spots defensively throughout the 2010 season, stepped in front of a Purdue receiver to  intercept the Boilermakers’ Rob Henry on the initial overtime possession. 

Indiana’s 16 seniors earned the first victory over Purdue in West Lafayette since 1996.  It was a sweet end to an otherwise sour campaign.  With Lynch’s quick dismissal, the search is on in Bloomington for a proven winner who can advance the program.

November 22, 2010

Late Mistakes Doom IU’s Upset Bid
By Jeff Curts

A blocked punt and an interception led to two Penn State touchdowns that helped the Nittany Lions break open a tied game and cruise past Indiana 41-24 in a Hoosiers “home” game played at Fed Ex Field in Washington D.C.  The loss keeps IU winless in the Big Ten, drops them to 4-7 overall, and douses any faint hopes of a bowl bid.  Penn State improves to 7-4 overall, 4-3 overall. 

After falling behind 14-0, Indiana’s offense finally woke up.  Behind the play of wide receiver Tandon Doss and senior quarterback Ben Chappell, the Hoosiers bounced back to tie the game at 17 and 24 all.  Doss turned in a standout performance, rushing for 63 yards on six carries and catching seven passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.  Chappell threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns on 22 of 41 passes, but tossed two interceptions, the second one a costly pick that ruined any IU hopes and led to the final Penn State score.

The game turned at 24 when Penn State’s James Van Fleet blocked and returned a Chris Hagerup punt 20 yards for the go ahead touchown.  It was the kind of mistake that has continually plagued the Hoosiers in some close games this year.  Indiana’s inability to contain Penn State’s passing game also contributed to the loss.  Nittany Lions quarterback Matt McGloin shredded IU’s defense, throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns.

Curiously, the “home” game for the Hoosiers favored Penn State heavily, with a majority of the crowd backing the Nittany Lions.  Penn State actively recruits the fertile Maryland/Virginia/suburban DC area, which makes one wonder why Indiana athletic director Fred Glass would put the Hoosiers at such a competitive disadvantage.

Mercifully, Indiana’s season comes to a close next Saturday with the annual Old Oaken Bucket contest at Purdue. 

November 15, 2010

Hoosiers Embarrassed At Wisconsin
By Jeff Curts

Wisconsin scored on every possession in a 83-20 rout over the hapless Indiana University football team Saturday afternoon in Madison, Wisconsin.  The 83 points rank as the highest scoring total by a team in a Big Ten conference game since Ohio State's 83-21 victory over Iowa in 1950.

The sixth ranked Badgers ran at will against a beleaguered Indiana defense.  Wisconsin running backs Monte Ball and James White rushed for 167 and 144 yards respectively as the Badgers broke the game wide open with a flurry of 28 second quarter points that gave them a 38-10 lead at the half.  From there, the rout was on, and IU had no answers for either the Wisconsin ground attack or Badgers QB Scott Tolzien’s arm.  Tolzien tossed three touchdown passes.  The Badgers improved to 9-1 overall, 5-1 in the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, the Hoosiers lost starting quarterback Ben Chappell early in the second quarter due to an apparent hip injury.  Chappell exited with the game tied at ten, but backup Edwin Wright-Baker lost a fumble that Wisconsin recovered and later converted into a touchdown to make it 17-10, and the Badgers never looked back.
The lone “bright” spot, if there is one in a 63 point loss, was provided by redshirt freshman running back Nick Turner, who broke off a 67 yard in the first quarter en route to a 102 yard day on 11 carries.

Indiana drops to 4-6 overall, 0-6 in conference play.  IU head coach Bill Lynch’s seat is getting hotter with each loss, and the fiasco in Madison won’t help his cause.  The Hoosiers travel to Washington DC for a “home” game, thanks IU athletic director Fred Glass, against Penn State, and then conclude the season in West Lafayette with Purdue.
 

November 8, 2010

Hoosier Heartbreak:  IU Drops 18-13 Decision to Iowa
By Jeff Curts

Indiana junior wide receiver Demarlo Belcher is one of the top players on the team and leads the Hoosiers in receptions with 65 this season.  Unfortunately, he dropped what would have been a go ahead touchdown reception in the closing seconds of another disappointing loss, this one a 18-13 heartbreaker to fifteenth ranked Iowa before a crowd of over 42,000 in the Hoosiers final home game in Bloomington.

The loss keeps IU winless in the Big Ten at 0-5 and drops their overall record below .500 at 4-5.  Iowa improves to 7-2 overall, 4-1 in conference play.

Indiana’s defense was stout all afternoon against a potent Hawkeyes offense until the end.  Nursing a 13-12 lead, the Hoosiers had Iowa pinned back at their own 12 yard line.  However, Hawkeyes quarterback Ricky Stanzi made short work of the Hoosiers defense,  marching Iowa 88 yards in three plays, the final one being a 52 yard strike to wide open Marvin McNutt that gave the Hawkeyes the eventual game-winning score.  Stanzi completed 22 of 33 passes for 290 yards  with one interception to go along with the big touchdown pass.

IU’s Ben Chappell drove the Hoosiers to the Iowa 18, but couldn’t convert on the fourth down throw to Belcher, sending Indiana to their third straight loss, and their tenth straight in Big Ten play.   On the bright side, Chappell etched his name in the Indiana football history books, breaking the record for career completions.  He finished 27 of 46 for 222 yards and a  pick.  Chappell also scored Indiana’s lone touchdown on a one yard plunge.

Where the Hoosiers go from here is anybody’s guess.  They need two wins in their last three Big Ten games in order to become bowl eligible…a huge task for a team that lacks a running game and can’t execute in key moments.  The schedule doesn’t do  IU any favors either.  The Hoosiers travel to Wisconsin next week , then thanks to athletic director Fred Glass, play Penn State in Washington D.C in a neutral contest, before closing the season at Purdue.

With the rumors of head coach Bill Lynch’s demise picking up steam, the remaining month of the season should provide some answers to the direction of Indiana’s football future.
 

November 1, 2010

IU Offense Sputters in Loss to Wildcats
By Jeff Curts

Indiana University’s early-season offensive firepower has been reduced to an occasional spark during the bulk of the Big Ten conference season.  That was no more evident after watching a disappointing 20-17 home loss to Northwestern on a sunny, crisp Saturday afternoon before an announced crowd of nearly 38,000 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.  The Hoosiers remain winless in conference play at 0-4, and their break even mark of 4-4 leaves their hopes for bowl eligibility in serious jeopardy.

Hoosiers senior quarterback Ben Chappell, who had enjoyed record-setting numbers during IU’s non-conference play, struggled through an erratic passing day, misfiring on several throws to open receivers, compounding Indiana’s ability to convert deep in Northwestern territory.  Chappell’s stats appear decent, as he completed 30 of 54 passes for 308 yards, an interception and a last-minute touchdown throw to wideout Duwyce Wilson that gave IU a brief glimmer of hope before a botched onside kick nailed the coffin on the Hoosiers.  But, it was the throws Chappell missed that will leave Indiana fans frutstrated.

Conversely, the Wildcats trigger man, fleet-footed Dan Persa, used his mobility to escape trouble and completed several huge third down conversions.  Persa threw two touchdowns and completed 18 of 28 passes for 212 yards.  Northwestern enjoyed solid contributions from halfback Mike Trumpy, who rushed for 110 yards, and kicker Stefan Demos, who kicked a key 45 yard field goal to give the Wildcats the winning points and kept IU in check with his deep kickoffs on a gusty day in southern Indiana.  Northwestern improved to 6-2 on the season, 2-2 in the Big Ten.  The Wildcats became bowl eligible with the victory.

Defensively, the Hoosiers have shown improvement with linebacker Jeff Thomas, cornerback Greg Heban and defensive end Darius Johnson having played well in the defeat.  But, with an offense that can’t run the ball, Indiana will be hard-pressed to rack up two more wins with games remaining against Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Purdue.
 

October 24, 2010

Hoosiers Fall Flat in 43-13 Loss to Illinois
By Jeff Curts

Five Indiana turnovers, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns, doomed the Hoosiers and contributed to a 43-13 runaway Illinois victory at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois Saturday afternoon.  The loss keeps the Hoosiers winless in Big Ten play at 0-3, and drops their overall record to 4-3.  The Illini improved to 4-3 overall, but even in conference play at 2-2.

IU proved to be perfect homecoming guests as the Hoosiers served up three Ben Chappell interceptions in falling behind 27-10 at the half.  The lone bright spot was a first quarter Chappell to tight end Ted Bolser 22 yard touchdown pass  that gave Indiana their only lead, a short-lived one at that, at 7-3.  Chapell’s final stats were decent, 26 of 48 for 279 yards, but the senior quarterback seemed uncharacteristically out of synch and made several poor decisions.  IU moved the ball, and enjoyed a statistical advantage, but couldn’t overcome the mistakes. 

In addition to the interceptions, Hoosier punter Chris Hagerup had two punts blocked, including one for a safety.  It was another poor outing for the Indiana kick coverage as well,  with Illini returners consistently giving their team good field position. 

Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase wasn’t flashly, throwing for only 123 yards on 13 of 21 passes, but he tossed two touchdown passes against a game, but overmatched Indiana defense.  IU has found the going much tougher in Big Ten play; the Hoosiers soft non-conference schedule appears to have been little more than window dressing for a perennially challenged  attack unit.

With their post-season bowl hopes fading fast, the Hoosiers will try to regroup when they entertain Northwestern next Saturday in Bloomington.  If IU loses that game, one can expect the “fire Bill Lynch” websites to begin popping up in earnest, and Hoosier fans to turn their attention to basketball.

October 18, 2010

Hoosiers Escape With Homecoming Win
By Jeff Curts

Indiana survived a late touchdown and an onside kick to pull out a 36-34 homecoming win over a scrappy Arkansas State team Saturday afternoon  at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.  The victory improves the Hoosiers to 4-2, with all four wins being of the non-conference variety.  Arkansas State slips to 2-5.

IU looked lethargic from the outset, falling behind 7-0 and then 14-6 before an sun-splashed announced crowd of over 40,000.  Hoosiers quarterback Ben Chappell though found his rhythm, and a seven yard dart to wideout Tandon Doss closed the halftime gap to 14-12.

Indiana came out strong in the second half, with Chappell connecting on three touchdown throws to wide receiver Terrance Turner, tight end Max Dedmond, and wideout Demarlo Belcher respectively.  Turner’s grab was a leaping catch with a defender in tow. Chappell finished the day with 382 yards passing on 26 completions in 42 attempts.  Both Doss and Belcher hauled in over 100 yards receiving, and, as an added boost, running back Trey Burgess, filling in for injured Darius Willis, carried for 102 yards in 19 carries.

But, as has been the case this season, the pitfalls of the defense and special teams had IU on the ropes.  Poor tackling on both units and the inability to prevent big plays almost cost the Hoosiers an embarrassing loss.

Indiana will seek their first Big Ten win when they make the short trip to Champaign to face Illinois next Saturday.  The contest could determine whether the Hoosiers will have a post-season date.

October 10, 2010

Buckeyes Roll Hoosiers 38-10
By Jeff Curts

A physical, athletic, and attacking Ohio State defense demonstrated why the Buckeyes were the second ranked team in the nation, methodically dismantling an Indiana offense that had piled up both yardage and points  during a 38-10 drubbing of the Hoosiers at the Horseshow in Columbus Saturday afternoon. Ohio State,  likely to inherit the number one spot in the rankings following Alabama’s loss to South Carolina, improves to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten conference play, while IU drops to 3-2 on the year, 0-2 in the conference.

Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor carved up Indiana’s  defense for 334 yards and three touchdowns. The Hoosiers were unable to generate any pass rush, and Pryor made them pair early and often.  Ohio State raced out to a 31-0 halftime lead, while dominating both sides of the ball.  IU quarterback Ben Chappell was hurried often, never able to get in a rhythm, and finished 16 of 26 for only 106 yards.  Chappell also threw two interceptions.   He wasn’t helped much by a Hoosier offense that missed starting offensive tackle James Brewer and oft-injured running back Darius Willis.

IU’s only scores came late in the second half, well after the game had been decided.  Mitch Ewald kicked a 36 yard field goal, and freshman running back Antonio Banks carried it in from the one to  make the final score a bit more palatable.

Indiana will attempt to regroup in a curiously scheduled non-conference homecoming game against Arkansas State next Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

October 4, 2010

Potent Indiana Offense Doomed by Porous Defense
By Jeff Curts

While sensational Michigan quarterback Dennard Robinson made Memorial Stadium in Bloomington his neighborhood Saturday afternoon with a "Heisman like" performance, a brilliant Indiana offensive effort went for naught as the Hoosiers gave up big play after big play en route to a 42-35 loss to the Wolverines in the Big Ten conference opener for both schools.
 
While IU senior quarterback Ben Chappell set career highs for passing, completing 45 of 64 passes for 480 yards and three touchdowns, it was Michigan's Robinson who stole the show.  "Shoelace" weaved his way through the Indiana defense like hot butter, rushing for 217 yards and two touchdowns, including a 72 scamper, while also managing to throw for 277 yards and three scores.
 
Michigan answered every IU score, never trailing after an early 7-0 deficit.  An Indiana defense that struggled against Towson and Akron came apart at the seams against the Maize and Blue.  IU missed tackles, took poor angles, and were ineffective in coverage, surrending a handful of big plays.
 
The game wasted not only Chappell's standout performance, but also a record setting day for wideout Tandon Doss, who caught 15 passes for 221 yards.  Hoosier tailback Darius Willis scored three touchdowns as well, two rushing and one receiving, including one that eventually tied the game at 35 all with 1:15 remaining.
 
However, the defense couldn't stop Robinson  and the Hoosiers lost for the 17th straight time to Michigan.  Now 3-1, IU has little time for reflection, with a road date at second ranked Ohio State up next Saturday in Columbus.

September 26, 2010

Hoosiers Offense Overpowers Akron
By Jeff Curts

Behind the arm of Ben Chappell and the legs of Darius Willis, the Indiana University football team raced to an early 28-13 lead, and then cruised past the Akron Zips 35-20 before a crowd of more than 42,000 fans at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington Saturday evening.  IU improves to 3-0 on the year;  Akron remained winless.

A week after being named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, Chappell followed with another impressive performance.  The senior QB completed 23 of 33 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns, a career high.  Chappell’s targets included tight ends Ted Bolser and Max Dedmond, each of whom caught touchdown passes, along with senior wide receiver Terrance Turner, who hauled in six catches for 121 yards.

Darius Willis find enough creases in the Akron defense to carve out a hard-earned  87 yards on 19 carries,  enabling the Hoosiers to maintain a solid edge in time of possession.

The defense was shaky though.  Already absent senior captain Tyler Replogle, who missed the game due to concussion symptoms, the IU stop attack was leaky.  Poor tackling and secondary lapses helped Akron move the ball, although the Zips shot themselves in the foot with miscues inside the red zone. 

The Hoosiers take a major step up in class next week, facing the 21st ranked Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten opener at “the Rock”.  Indiana will need a more focused defensive effort to contain Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson.  The Hoosiers will try to avenge a bitter defeat in Ann Arbor last season.  Indiana blew a big lead late, then suffered  through a tough officiating call that cemented the Wolverines come from behind victory.  IU hasn’t beaten Michigan since 1987.

September 17, 2010

After Hiatus, Hoosiers Return to Action
By Jeff Curts

 
After an unusual 16 day break following their season opener, the Indiana University football team will finally return to action with a late Saturday afternoon road matchup at Western Kentucky. IU began their 2010 campaign with a 51-17 drubbing of  Towson, a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division IAA) school.
 
Hopefully, the Hoosiers have used the break to clear up some defensive breakdowns that allowed big yardage.  As is typical in most opening contests, the tackling needs improvement.  In fairness, IU’s defense is young and features a host of new starters, especially in the defensive backfield. 
 
In Western Kentucky, Indiana will face an opponent that is still in its infancy as a Division IA program and struggling to find its niche.  The Hilltoppers, under first-year coach Willie Taggart, a former WKU quarterbacking legend, are 0-2 after opening the season with tough road losses to Nebraska (49-10) and at Kentucky (63-28).                             .
IU will counter a loud and partisan crowd in Bowling Green with a offense triggered by steady senior quarterback Ben Chappell.  Chappell will receive a boost with the expected return of wideout Tandon Doss, who sat out the opener with an injury.  Expect Doss, Demario Belcher, and sophomore tailback Darius Willis to exploit the Western Kentucky stop attack with their speed and athletic ability.
 
Western Kentucky will pose an interesting challenge to the Indiana defense.  Junior running back Bobby Rainey has rambled for 155 and 184 yards rushing in the young season, including a 59 yard scamper last week in Lexington.  He ranks fourth in the nation in rushing, an area IU has struggled in in recent years.  Freshman returner Willie McNeal must be contained on special teams.   McNeal ripped off a 90 yard touchdown return last week.
 
On paper, this should be a game where Indiana controls the line of scrimmage and maintains ball control and good field position.  However, IU is young on defense and could find itself in a shootout if the  Hoosier defense gives up big plays.

September 3, 2010

Hoosiers Throttle Towson 51-17
By Jeff Curts

The new scoreboard at Memorial Stadium got quite a workout Thursday night as Indiana opened their 2010 season with a 51-17 drubbing of undermanned Towson before over 35,000 thousand fans in Bloomington.  Quarterback Ben Chappell threw for two touchdowns and running back Darius Willis rushed for 102 yards and two scores as IU jumped out to a 17-0 lead and were in control most of the contest.

The opener provided the kind of offensive fireworks expected, as Chappell spread the ball around to a bevy of receivers.  He completed 16 of 23 passes for 182 yards.  With injured wideout Tandon Doss watching from the sidelines, Damario Belcher picked up the slack, hauling in seven receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. 

Meanwhile, sophomore Willis flashed the kind of performance that excites Hoosier fans.  His vision, instincts, strength, and quickness to the hole were evident .  If he can remain healthy, Willis will be the Hoosiers top back since the days of Levron Williams.

Defensively, Indiana remains a major work in progress.  The Hoosiers stop attack allowed several big plays and their tackling was poor.  An inexperienced unit to begin with, IU was fortunate to have played a lower-level Football Subdivision opponent.  The Hoosiers did pick off three Towson passes, one returned for a touchdown by converted wide receiver turned defensive back Matt Ernest, which helped the cause.

Now with 16 days before their next game at Western Kentucky, Indiana head coach Bill Lynch will likely concentrate on adjustments to the Hoosiers new base 3-4 defense in preparation for Big Ten conference play.
 

August 22, 2010

Indiana's Biggest Recruit
By Jeff Curts

With less than two weeks before college football's regular season kicks off, players around the country will soon be reporting for preseason camp.  While many fans and alumni look forward to the influx of new talent, the Indiana University football team's biggest recruit, one of the largest in the nation, won't be a player but a piece of equipment....a new state-of-the-art scoreboard.

In making the announcement last week, IU athletic officials noted that the digital unit will feature "cutting edge" technology and enhance the fans experience at Memorial Stadium.  The addition makes Indiana's display one of the top ten in the country, and aids the Hoosiers' cause in college football's "arms race".  It will be installed in time for this fall's September 2nd opener.

"This incredible scoreboard will be another new `wow' factor for Memorial Stadium and our football fans, reflecting a continuing investment in, and commitment to, our football program," commented Indiana athletic director Fred Glass. "Football games this fall at IU will be the best of both worlds: all the hoopla of live big-time football with the luxury of a gigantic flat screen, as if you were watching in your living room."

The scoreboard, measuring 36-foot high by 91-foot wide, will feature a high definition video screen with wide-angle visibility and unparalleled image clarity. It can operate as an independent display showing "wall to wall" video or other images or be divided into multiple zones (windows) to show a wide variety of statistics, information, graphics, animations and live and recorded video in  HD content. 

The new unit is 325 percent larger than the video screen within the old scoreboard that was installed in 1999.  In addition, IU football fans will also hear all the hard-hitting action with a  custom audio system offering a powerful  experience with sound projection and speech intelligibility. Unlike its predecessor, which was designed to amplify only speech, the new audio system is designed to reproduce high-fidelity speech, music and other audio.

The Big Ten's second-largest scoreboard will also serve as a new revenue source for IU Athletics, and its integrated video and audio systems are being provided by Daktronics, Inc.

The total price for the scoreboard package is $3,000,000. The scoreboard purchase is being funded through the IU Department of Athletics budget.

August 19, 2010

Indiana Returns Several Starters…Is That Good?
By Jeff Curts

Indiana University football coach Bill Lynch faces a pivotal 2010 season.  He has 13 returning starters (9 offense, 4 defense), but time will tell if that’s an asset.  The Hoosiers, 4-8 overall and  1-7 in the Big Ten,  are seeking a return to a bowl following two consecutive losing seasons.

Indiana should have plenty of offensive firepower, with senior quarterback Ben Chappell directing the attack and throwing to a bevy of talented pass catchers. Chappell is experienced and has a good arm.  He needs to improve his decision-making and pocket awareness.  While not a rushing threat, Chappell can be effective rolling out of the pocket, but has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long and take sacks.  

Redshirt sophomore tailback Darius Willis will look to build on a solid freshman campaign and exudes talent, if he can stay healthy.  Willis is quick, instinctive, and possesses game breaking speed.   A handful of candidates will challenge for playing time.  

Receiver is, arguably, the Hoosiers strength.  Tandon Doss and Damario Belcher headline an athletic, playmaking unit that will keep opposing defenses on edge. Both Doss and Belcher are “All Big Ten” caliber, with lanky frames, deep speed, and solid hands.

One of the keys to IU’s fortunes will be the play of the offensive line.  The Hoosiers will have to replace tackle Rodger Saffold, a second round pick of the St. Louis Rams.  Indiana’s run game has suffered recently, a result of inconsistent play upfront and the lack of a top-notch back.  Right tackle James Brewer and right guard Cody Faulkner provide bulk and experience on that side of the line.

Defensively, IU has to replace starting ends Jamie Kirlew, a Denver Broncos draftee, and Greg Middleton, who underachieved following his freshman season when he led the nation in sacks.  The Hoosiers lost a number of other solid defenders as well, including linebackers Matt Mayberry and Will Patterson. 

Returning defensive tackle Larry Black played well last year and will anchor the Indiana d-line with fellow tackle Adam Replogle. Deonte Mack will try to pick up the pass rush slack at DE for the departed Kirlew and Middleton.  Tyler Replogle, Adam’s brother, started at linebacker in ’09 and will add experience to that unit.  Junior college transfer Jeff Thomas will be asked to step in at MLB.

IU’s losses in the secondary may be more difficult to fill.  The Hoosiers gave up several big plays last year and the lack of proven experience doesn’t bode well.  Indiana will count on Adrian Burks, Chris Adkins, and converted WR Mitchell Evans to steady the unit. 

Special teams also took a hit with the graduation of punt returner Ray Fisher and inconsistent place-kicking.   Nick Freeland struggled both on PAT’s and field goals.  He’ll be pushed by Mitch Ewald. 

Overall, Indiana has the talent to be explosive offensively, but defense will tell the story.  The Hoosiers stop patrol has been leaky the past two seasons, and with seven starters missing from last year’s unit, the forecast is not promising for improvement.
IU will need key contributions from key returnees like Larry Black and the Replogle brothers to stay afloat in an evenly balanced Big Ten.  Coach Bill Lynch can only hope that his rebuilding process starts to pay dividends.  Otherwise, he’ll be feeling the heat from the Indiana faithful.

October 1, 2009

The Hoosiers welcome the Buckeyes to Memorial Stadium on Saturday night in what some thought certain to be a blow out when looking at the schedule prior to the season.  Not that it couldn't go that way, but Ohio St. and the rest of the Big 10 took note when Indiana almost pulled off the upset as a 21 point underdog last Saturday at the Big House.  Indiana outgained Michigan by close to 100 yards, but this Saturday will be a bigger challenge when facing the vaunted Buckeye defense that has pitched two straight shutouts.

What has to happen for Indiana to pull off the upset on Saturday night?  Well, a total Ohio St. meltdown and lack of focus would help, but here are some things to looks for:

1.)  Can Indiana stop Terrelle Pryor and the Ohio St. rushing attack?  Tough to say, Indiana held Michigan to a season low 149 rushing yards but what makes Pryor different is his size and not only do you have to catch him, but you have to bring him down too.  Jamie Kirlew and Greg Middleton have the speed and closing ability to chip at Pryor before he gets to the next level and Indiana proved that with the emergence of the Reologle brothers (Adam and Tyler), they are tough to run on up the middle as the early big plays in Michigan's running game went to the left side.  Look for Ohio St. to try and run to that side early.  If Indiana, who has statistically the 2nd best running defense in the Big 10, can hold Ohio St. to about the same amount of rushing yards as Michigan (around 150), they will have a chance to be in this game with some breaks on turnovers and field position.

2.)  What is the key matchup for Indiana?  It is Indiana's offensive line vs. Ohio St.'s defensive line that headlines a squad forcing 2.2 turnovers a game and shutting out Toledo and what was thought to be a potent Illinois offense coming into the season.  The thing Indiana has that Toledo and Illinois don't is a vertical passing game and big play ability with the pass.  Ben Chappel played perhaps his best game in a Hoosier uniform vs. Illinois because the line kept him clean almost all day.  He is getting time to set up and use his strong arm to hit passes on crossing routes, to the sidelines and deep.  Can the line continue its play vs a unit as strong as Ohio St's d-line?  That is the question, how good can the Indiana o-line be?  This unit is starting to get it and this game will be a definite measuring stick.

3.)  How does Indiana respond to a gut-wrenching loss to Michigan?  Coach Bill Lynch said the team was quiet the whole way back to Bloomington and the players continuously say they are moving on to Ohio St. and preparing to win.  The other school of thought is that Indiana Football has never handled success well as was well stated by Dan Dakick on his radio show in Indianapolis Wed Sep 30th.  Hopefully they weren't getting too many pats on the back this week and want some revenge for a perceived hosing by the officials.  Tough one to call, we'll know early I have a feeling.

4.)  Special teams.  Something being overlooked a little is the terrible field position Indiana gave up on their 8 kickoffs in the game.  Average starting field position was close to the 40, you can't beat Ohio St. giving them short fields to work with on offense.  Also, Nick Freeland was 4-5 on FG's, but the 4 made were short and he has had trouble with long range field goals.  Indiana needs to be better on special teams against OSU than it was against Michigan.

Indiana's key injury right now is Donnell Jones at starting cornerback.  He re-tweaked a hamstring that kept him out the first 2 games and sat out practice on Tuesday.  Richard Council has been a good 3rd corener, but isn't on the same level as Jones, Ohio St. will look to challenge Council.  Since being back he has been a key on defense along with Indiana's other corner, Ray Fisher.  Both guys have kept the sidelines tight and very few passes have gone long down the sideline or for big passing plays on the outside.  Indiana is weakest right now on passing defense down the middle of the field when one of the safeties are left alone in man coverage.  That is where Ohio St. should attack in the passing game.  The question is, can Pryor beat you passing down the middle of the field, so far that has not been proven to be the case.  Pryor has struggled and there is some kind of disconnect it seems with their offense at times.

I like Indiana to make it exciting for a while, but in the end I would expect a 31-17 type of game, Ohio St. by 14 or so, but I give Indiana a chance to keep it close if they get some breaks and establish some offensive momentum going downfield.  Indiana has some great young players, but in the end Ohio St.'s size and defensive speed can overwhelm.