Game Wrap and Reaction: Indiana 31 FIU 7
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Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
Opponent: FIU Golden Panthers
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Why They Played:
The Hoosiers and Golden Panthers played this game as a make up for a postponed game in 2017.
What The Game Meant:
The Hoosiers kicked off the Curt Cignetti era on Saturday with a comfortable 31-7 win over Florida International. It is the first time since 2007 that an IU coach has started their tenure with a win.
Top Offensive Performers:
Indiana Running Game- IU’s running game dominated an opponent that should have dominated. The offensive line got a great push and opened up holes for multiple running backs who were patient and explosive. IU ran for 234 yards and three scores and had nine runs of 10 yards or longer.
Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana- The IU quarterback was solid and steady in his first start with the Hoosiers. He completed 15-of-24 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. He took care of the ball, showed poise in the pocket and found the open man.
Top Defensive Performers:
Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana- Fisher was all over the field for the Hoosiers and led the team with 12 tackles. He had two early tackles for loss that set the tone.
Jailin Walker, LB, Indiana- Walker was equally as impressive at the other linebacker spot. He was extremely quick to the ball and made eight tackles.
Dwight Nunoo, LB, FIU- The FIU backer had seven total tackles including two for a loss, doing his best to keep FIU in the game.
Special Teams Performance:
IU had a solid day on special teams as the picture of who is doing what unfolded. Place kicker Nico Radicic hit all four extra points and his second career field goal. Kickoff specialist Derek McCormick put all six of his kickoffs for touchbacks. Punter James Evans only punted three times. He had two great ones and one that he’d want back. On the day he averaged 43 yards a punt.
There was not much in terms of the run game, but Solomon Van Horse had a nice 25-yard return and Myles Price looks like he will be solid at punt returner, but he rarely got the chance to return a punt on Saturday.
Key Stat(s):
5.9 to 1.8
The Hoosiers ran for 5.9 yards a carry compared to FIU’s 1.8. It allowed IU to control the game basically from the onset.
Turning Point:
There really was not one singular moment that turned the game, but the IU defense set the tone with holding FIU to 27 yards on their first three drives as the Hoosier built a 21-0 lead.
I Knew it Was Over When…
FIU’s first two drives of the second half resulted in punts.
Players of the Game:
Indiana Running Backs- The trio of Elijah Green, Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton wore down the FIU defense and helped IU control the game all day long. The three backs combined for three touchdowns and 224 yards. Kaelon Black only had one carry for seven yards.
What I take away From the Game:
This was a really solid start to the Curt Cignetti Era in Bloomington. The offense in the first half did whatever it wanted and set the tone by running the ball down FIU’s throat. Kurtus Rourke looked really good throwing the ball and commanding the offense. Receiver Myles Price had a nice day and Miles Cross had the play of the afternoon on a leaping one-handed grab in traffic for a first down. Zach Horton showed the weapon he could be at tight end as well.
The defense was attacking and aggressive, outside of the final drive of the first half for FIU. IU has two really good linebackers in Aiden Fisher and Jailin Walker. Isaiah Jones played well off the bench as well. The defensive line got a good push and created havoc in the backfield. IU’s secondary mostly shutdown the FIU passing game and picked off one pass. The entire defense tackled well, which is impressive given that IU did not tackle much or at all this fall camp.
There is room for improvement, especially with how the second half went. IU became sloppy on offense with dropped passes and penalties. Coach Cignetti was visibly distraught on the sideline late in the game as IU did not live up to the standards he is setting for the team. While the offensive line was great in the run game, they struggled in pass protection.
What’s Next
The Hoosiers will look to go 2-0 as they host Western Illinois on Friday night at 7pm. The Leathernecks (0-1) lost to Northern Illinois 58-15 on Saturday afternoon.