Five Objectives & Goals for the Hoosiers as They Enter the Final Two Weeks

Image: Ron Johnson USA Today

Written By: Zach Greene

The Hoosiers are yet again in the same position they have been in the past couple of years, out of bowl contention. For the Hoosier Huddle staff, here’s what we’d want to see for the Hoosier program as it comes to another close.

1. Win Both Trophy Games.

It's a reasonable objective for the program as they approach the final two weeks of the season. Inconsistencies on both the offensive and defensive fronts have resulted in several nail-biting games where the Hoosiers fell short of securing a victory. While there are some in the fanbase who want the Hoosiers to lose out to make a decision easier, to us the last two games should have no bearing on what the decision should be. Both of these games have significant meaning to all the programs involved. Purdue is trying to build momentum under a new staff while Michigan State is in transition as well. A win for the Hoosiers in the Bucket and Spittoon games can give Allen or whomever is the coach in 2023 plenty to build on.

2. QB Brendan Sorsby continues to develop and show growth as a quarterback

The Hoosiers have found their quarterback after a long and frustrating search. Brendan Sorsby has started to grow into the quarterback IU hoped he’d be when they recruited him. He is completing 57-percent of his passes and has thrown for 1,164 yards and ten touchdowns to just two interceptions. He is also a threat on the ground with four rushing scores. Furthermore, he displayed ‘Peyton Ramsey-esque’ tenacity and grit, distinguishing himself in the competitive realm of quarterback play.

3. Keep Featuring Young Defense Players (Shaw, Jones, and Ferrell)

Jordan Shaw, Anthony Jones, and Amare Ferrell stand out as promising young defensive players, showcasing considerable growth throughout the season. Hoosier Huddle advocates for an increased presence of these players in defensive play-calling, recognizing their potential and on-field maturity. Despite their youth and relative inexperience, the expectation is that with more opportunities, they will evolve into formidable defensive assets for the Hoosiers.

4. Can Omar Cooper Come Back From Injury?

A highly recruited talent from Indy, Cooper bursted onto the season with touchdown grabs against Rutgers and Penn State. Unfortunately an injury has sidelined him the past couple weeks. Cooper has made 18 catches for 267 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.

5. Who Heads to the Portal

Currently, it's understandable for Hoosier Football fans to ponder whether top-notch players might consider entering the transfer portal. However, the crucial factor lies in whether those who choose to enter the portal will secure equivalent playing time at another power five school. It's inevitable that players will explore the transfer portal, a common occurrence across all schools. For the Hoosiers program, a pivotal focus should be on retaining and solidifying the commitment of those players dedicated to the program for the foreseeable future.