Being ‘Brilliant at the Basics’ Key for the Hoosiers Defense Against Nebraska

Written by Matt Smith

The Indiana defensive unit prepares for another road test at Nebraska after a disappointing performance against Cincinnati this weekend. The defense gave up 38 points to the Bearcats who were throwing the ball all over the field.

During the first half the Bearcats scored 38 points and put the game out of reach for the Hoosiers failed comeback attempt in the second half. However, the defense did adjust in the second half and only allowed one score.

“A lot of it goes back to being brilliant as the basics,” Chad Wilt said. “Get yourself settled in, the game plan is the game plan we have to go execute. They got their eyes right, they got their feet back.”

Another key for the Hoosiers is trying to become more unpredictable on their defensive play calling. The Bearcats were able to win the “cat and mouse,” game with their coaching. 

Lance Bryant was able to come up with some big plays for the Hoosiers on the defensive side of the ball and be a small bright spot moving forward.

“As I hear the other guys on staff talk about how he has continued to progress year to year,” Wilt said. 

Wilt compared Bryant to a Bruce Lee with repetition in practicing their craft over and over again and began to improve drastically. 

The linebacker core has been one of the strongest groups on the entire team with different players stepping up during different games.

“I think what we really continue to stress, the play doesn’t care who makes the play,” Wilt said. “We see that continuing to grow, we see that continuing to develop, guys trusting the system, guys trusting each other.”

Throughout the entire press conference, Wilt stressed being brilliant at the basics. He said when it is one player's turn to make the play, go make the play.

Dasan McCullough didn’t see as much playing time on Saturday, which Wilt said is something that he is going to keep in house. However, it wasn’t something McCullough did or did not do. 

McCullough will be ready and 100% for Nebraska.

The Hoosiers will look to get back to the basics during the week and show up ready to go for a must win game in Lincoln.