In a game that started slowly, Indiana shutout Western Kentucky yesterday, winning 38-0. After a scoreless first quarter, the Hoosiers scored 14 in the 2nd quarter, and then 17 in the 3rd to pull away. This was the final tune-up before diving into Big Ten play next weekend, and the defense continued to shine.
Offense
The Indiana offense did not look like they were in sync to start out the game, as they did not score in the first quarter. Credit some of that to Western Kentucky, who intentionally played slow and allowed IU just 1 drive in the first. The Hoosiers missed a field goal with 3:59 remaining in the quarter. Head coach Curt Cignetti said in his postgame that “Western Kentucky played well early, and we squandered a few opportunities, mainly offensively.” That quote sums up the story of the first half, as Josh Hoover missed a few key throws on third and fourth down situations, to stall out drives for the Hoosiers.
Turbo Richard ran the ball for 15 times and 149 yards on the day, and the rushing attack as a whole averaged 5.68 yards per attempt, even with the sack yardage factored into that equation. Charlie Becker added to his excellent start, tallying 5 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown, including a 79 yard strike from Josh Hoover in the third quarter.
The pressure got to Josh Hoover today. Not just from Western Kentucky, although they did record their first two sacks of the year yesterday, but rather from the Indiana fans. After an overthrow to Charlie Becker early in the game, the crowd audibly groaned, and again did the same thing after a fourth down pass was behind Nick Marsh.
The level of competition that IU has faced this year means the fanbase expects Indiana to score every possession and force a three and out every drive. The lofty expectations do create animosity when the offense does sputter or the defense misses a tackle. Expectations at the QB position are high after Mendoza’s campaign last year, and Hoover is going to have to increase his consistency moving forward to meet those expectations.
Defense
The defense is rounding into form, even without Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt who were ineligible as their temporary restraining order (TRO) expired. A second straight shutout is about as good as it gets from a defense, and they will be look to carry this momentum into a short week against Northwestern on Friday night.
Isaiah Jones had an interception, and Rolijah Hardy led the team with 9 tackles. If this duo can continue to play at the level they have to start the season, they will be the best linebacking core in college football.
Injury Report
Kicker Nico Radicic did not play once again this week. This is his second week in a row he has missed the game, and it has cost the Hoosiers both times. Backup kicker Paddy McAteer missed an extra point against Howard, and a field goal this week. The loss of Radicic has certainly been felt.
A.J. Harris did not play again this week either, but Jamari Sharpe did return to action. Sharpe had 5 tackles, including a TFL, and a pass breakup in his first action since the first half against North Texas in week 1. Getting back ½ of the two starting cornerbacks is a good sign of things to come, and hopefully Harris can return next week to solidify the other half of that duo.
Punt Returns
Charlie Becker returned punts for the first time this season after Tyler Morris muffed two of them last week against Howard. However it is a way to be more versatile at that position. Cignetti said, “You’ll see Tyler back there again. We just thought we’d give him a break. We don’t want that to get in his head.” Putting Becker back there was more of a precaution than a demotion it seems for Tyler Morris.