Indiana Wants to Make Riley Leonard 'Pay the Toll' Every Time He Runs the Ball

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines admitted on Monday that IU can’t stop the run if Notre Dame decides to run quarterback Riley Leonard, but there will be a price to pay.

“You can't stop the run if they're going to run the quarterback. I mean, you'd have to over commit so aggressively to stopping the run that you would put other parts of the defense in peril. It's not necessarily about stopping the run. It's making the quarterback pay a toll every time he decides he doesn't want to run it. If that's 20 times, then that's 20 hits for the good guys.” Haines said at Monday’s press conference.

Leonard is a threat to run and averages 10.3 rushing attempts per game. He is the Irish’s second leading rusher with 721 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“He can run some, and he probably will,” Haines said of Leonard. “He'll get a couple yards, but he'll also get a couple hits from the Hoosiers.”

Notre Dame’s rushing attack averages 224 yards per game and has accounted for 40 touchdowns. Indiana is well aware of how dangerous it can be, especially running back Jerimiyah Love. However, Notre Dame can do more than just run the ball.

“These guys are balanced. I think they do a healthy job of self-scouting. They have a counterpunch to anything they throw at you. Yeah, just a good clean offense. Then guys, at the end of the day, if you're willing to run your quarterback down Main Street, that is unique. Some coaches don't want to do that. You could lose them. You could get hit. So that presents its issues.” Haines said.

Indiana does not have many toll roads, but on Saturday night Bryant Haines’ defense will try and make the road to New Orleans an expensive trip for Riley Leonard and the Irish.