Five Take Aways From Indiana's 23-22 Loss in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
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Indiana’s Nick Westbrook watches as the Hoosiers last ditch effort falls short Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle
Written by Andrew Walker
The Indiana Hoosiers have lost to the Tennessee Volunteers, 23-22. This pushes Indiana’s overall bowl record to 3-9, losing five straight. Both teams played hard all night, but Tennessee played a little harder. That’s all there is to it. Whether it be luck, bad fortune, or flat out play calling or game managing error, Indiana just couldn’t get it done. The nine-win mark, last achieved in the glorious 1967 season, will have to wait to be matched or surpassed. Let’s take a look at five takeaways from Indiana’s bowl game loss to Tennessee.
1. Special Teams Miscues made the defeat easier
Logan Justus has been a staple of Indiana’s special teams for the last two season. He was 14/14 on field goals over the season’s first 11 games. However, it has been a nightmare final two games to close out the 2019 season. Justus missed three field goals at Purdue and in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl he banged the most important extra point of the season off the upright and knuckle balled a 52-yard field goal that would have given Indiana a late lead. It’s not all his fault, but I’m not going to hold back in saying he made the loss more accessible.
Justus was not the only culprit on special teams to burn the Hoosiers. After Tennessee cut the Indiana lead to 22-16 with a little over four minutes left, the Volunteers recovered an on-sides kick and scored three plays later to take a 23-22 lead. The issue here is that the Hoosiers did not put the hands team out to try and recover it. Indiana head coach Tom Allen said it was the possibility of the kick was discussed, however the hands team remained on the sideline. It was inexcusable and falls on the lap of Special Teams Coordinator William Inge. A recovery on that play likely means an Indiana win.
2. Peyton Ramsey played his heart out
Ramsey’s 2019 season has been one of ups, downs, and everything in between. The absolute toughness and grit that he played with and carried with him off the field as well made him a force of nature. Ramsey’s efforts tonight didn’t exactly start so well, but as he got settled into the game, he held the contest by the throat. Whether it be finding holes in the line to run for a first down, or exposing the middle of the field to a deep check down route he seemed to favor tonight, Ramsey made the field his own. It just wasn’t enough. The young QB finished 20/34 with zero touchdowns and one INT.
3. Tennessee's defense is nothing to sneeze at
I know the warnings I heard before the game. I didn’t listen. The Vols’ defensive line and pass rush were downright deadly. Our offensive line, by no means a consistently bad one, got demolished tonight. The only way the offense could run was through either Ramsey scrambling, or getting the ball out fast. There was no other options. The run game didn’t work too well either, except for Ramsey making the most of what he was given. Four sacks for 26 yards will completely break an offensive line mentally, after breaking them physically.
4. Indiana’s secondary made plays when they needed to
I know the Hoosiers didn’t win on their secondary, or at all. But I’m giving credit where credit is due. Zero passing touchdowns for the Volunteers at the hands of Tiawan Mullen and company is a great achievement. Tennessee isn’t the greatest passing team of all time, but they’re no slouch. The Hoosier secondary played well in the red zone, but they couldn’t contain any rushing threat if the line couldn’t contain it first. There were rough spots all over the field today, for both teams, but the Indiana secondary can’t be overlooked.
5. Indiana receiving didn’t show up at all
Peyton Hendershot is one of the toughest dudes I’ve ever seen. After visibly hurting his shoulder severely three times, he was still present to finish the game. He led the Hoosiers in receiving yards with only 67. That’s how ineffective the passing game was tonight. Star wide receiver Whop Philyor only had one reception for one yard. How and why is a great talent like Philyor only allowed one touch the entire night? I realize the pass rush was overwhelming and they were playing Philyor close for 60 minutes, but great wide outs get free and make more than one catch.