Defense Led the Way for IU's Dramatic Season Opening Way

Written by: @zachegreene

The defense led the way to the Hoosier's first win of the season under the lights on Friday thanks to a big performance by team captain linebacker Cam Jones.

“This team’s been through so much. They’ve continued to fight. Battle and battle and battle and they did it tonight.  I couldn’t be more proud of these guys. It’s a huge win for us. I know how much this meant to this team and this is a big deal. We got to get a whole lot better but we fought a way to win.”

Head coach Tom Allen was very enthusiastic about how his program showed grit and fight during the game. He was proud of his young men and counted on Senior linebacker Cam Jones to lead his defense. During the 4th quarter, Allen led a team huddle and following the speech he singled out Cam Jones to speak to the team.

“At the end of the third quarter, Cam Jones spoke to the team. I spoke to them first and then I tagged the team to him who finished it off. The message was to find a way to finish and win this game. Who made a play on the goal line Cam Jones? Those are special things.”

Cam Jones showed tremendous leadership during the win. He is spoken highly by his teammates and DJ Matthews called him “the last of dying breed”. NFL scouts had their eye on Jones during Friday’s game. 

Jones tallied 12 tackles and one sack while being banged up with an injury suffered during the 3rd quarter. We should get an update on him tomorrow morning but there’s little doubt as to who the leader of this defense unit will be taking the void after the departure of Micah McFadden. 

Going forward Jones will be counted on and he will ask more from his unit. Furthermore, Senior Taiwan Mullen did not have his best game and cost the Hoosiers and 3rd down stop to set the Illini at the 2-yard line due to a pass inference call but Cam Jones and the defensive unit stepped up and picked up Mullen with a huge goal line stop.

Tom Allen had talked about accountability during fall camp, and he must be proud of his men for holding each other more accountable. Going forward Friday’s game will bring momentum and confidence to this football program which desperately needed this win.