Hoosiers Solid Defense Overshadowed by Horrid Offense
/Written by Evan Orris
The Hoosiers defense tried desperately to keep the team in the game and succeeded for the most part as the team’s biggest scoring threat was their own offense in the 34-6 loss to the No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes.
The defense stayed stout after a few early hiccups. To start the game, first-team All-Big Ten running back Tyler Goodson ran for a 56-yard touchdown on the first drive of the game, which was a momentum-shifting play. Eventually, the team allowed a Spencer Petras rushing touchdown inside the red zone after a short drive following a James Evans’ shanked punt. However, they settled in after.
The unit ended the game by allowing just 303 total yards--145 passing and 158 rushing-- just two touchdowns, and two field goals for a total of 20 points. But they faced a downhill battle after quarterback Michael Penix threw three interceptions in the first half---two of which were pick-sixes.
Last season IU was one of the top defensive units in the country, but they lost defensive coordinator Kane Wommack along with safety Jamar Johnson, who was a key contributor for the defense. As Wommack exited, Charlton Warren entered. Warren was hired by Indiana in January after spending two years as the defensive backs coach for Georgia University and despite the early roadblocks, head coach Tom Allen thinks Warren acquitted himself well in his debut.
“I think, first of all, with the negative stuff being thrown in his face right away, I thought he was calm. He kept coaching, kept teaching, didn’t overreact, didn’t get frazzled, wasn’t flustered,” Head coach Tom Allen said. “Obviously solid but I want better.”
Moving forward the one thing Tom Allen wants from his defense is more turnovers. On Saturday, the Hoosiers recovered two fumbles, but they were not the same ball-hawking team that we saw a season ago when they had 17 interceptions. When the offense is struggling, Allen wants to see the defense to become their own offense.
“In games like that when the offense is struggling, I want the defense to take over. And create takeaways, create field position, and maybe we score if we have to. Someone needs to step up when the offense is struggling.” Allen said.
Next week the Hoosiers defense will look to do just that against the Idaho Vandals, however, they might be without safety Devon “Monster” Matthews. The safety left the game in the second quarter and did not return. It would be a big blow to the defense.