Five Things the Hoosiers Need to Do to Make Noise as Big Ten Play Starts

The Hoosiers have a chance to make some noise in 2018 Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Hoosiers enter Big Ten play with a 3-0 record and have a chance to make some noise in the conference. While the path to 3-0 has had its bumps and may not always have been a thing of beauty, the Hoosiers did what they needed to do. A young defense has grown up quickly and the offense is humming along well. Here are five things that the Hoosiers need to get done in order to have a top-half finish in the Big Ten.  

1. Continue to Create Takeaways 

The Hoosiers have taken the ball away from opponents five times, well ahead of the pace in 2018. The Hoosiers are plus-two in turnover margin and has really helped a young defense grow in to their own. As IU gets into conference play forcing takeaways and protecting the ball on offense will be key as to how far this team can go in 2018. If they continue the pace they are on the defense will finish with 20 takeaways. Tom Allen has a goal of three takeaways per game for his defense, that’d mean 36 takeaways.

2. Stop the Run

In order to win Big Ten games, the Hoosiers will have to stop the run. So far this season the Hoosiers haven’t done that as well as Tom Allen and company has wanted. Currently the Hoosiers rank 95th in rush defense and have been gashed early in games, especially on first downs. The defense is young and has improved every week and will only get better as the season goes along. If the Hoosiers can play their way into a top-50 ranking in rush defense, they will be a tough out the rest of the way.

3. More Explosion Plays 

Indiana has been better in this department thus far in 2018, but the Hoosiers need to produe more explosion plays. The Hoosiers rank 88th nationally in plays of 10 or more yards, 100th in plays over 20 yards and 83rd in plays over 30 yards. It is really difficult to consistently put together 10-play drives in conference play. If Indiana wants to become more efficient on offense, the big play must become an option.

4. Beat the Matchup Opponents

The Hoosiers have done a good job so far of beating the teams they’re supposed to beat. That is the logical next step in the progression of the program. Win the games you’re supposed to and spring an upset or two. IU’s games against Rutgers, Maryland, Minnesota and Purdue are all games that IU has a good chance at winning. If the Hoosiers can take care of business in these four games and possibly spring an upset they could push for a top half finish in the East. 

5. Be Aggressive

Tom Allen’s squad needs to be aggressive. They are in a spot to take some chances on both offense or defense. An aggressive mindset will help with big plays. While it may backfire a couple of times, the reward outweighs the risk.