Indiana's Defense Cages the Panthers, IU Wins Opener 34-13

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers (1-0) defense, under new coordinator Tom Allen, generated buzz and "won the offseason" but many were still skeptical about whether or not this year would be any different for the long-beleaguered unit. It was only one week but there will be a few less doubters after a strong opening week performance that helped secure a 34-13 victory over Florida International (0-1) Thursday night in hot and humid Miami, Florida.

IU's offense got off to a very shaky start, struggling to finish drives despite moving the ball decently well. Thankfully, the defense kept the Hoosiers in the game and the offense, led by new starting quarterback Richard Lagow, found its footing just in time, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to turn a 13-12 deficit into a 27-13 lead. Tegray Scales intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, the second such play of the game for the defense, to cap off the scoring and cement the 34-13 win. Running back Devine Redding led a balanced running game for the Hoosiers, carrying the ball 23 times for 142 yards (an average of 6.2 yards per carry). In total, the Hoosiers pounded the ball for 249 yards on 52 carries. Richard Lagow showed some early nerves and struggled to get into a rhythm but he made a number of nice plays in the fourth quarter and finished 18-27 for 240 yards and a touchdown plus one rushing touchdown. 

Florida International got the scoring underway with a 28-yard field goal from Austin Taylor. IU's Joseph Gedeon landed his first collegiate punt at the one-yard line and the Panthers were called for a holding penalty inside of their own end zone, resulting in a safety for the Hoosiers. Griffin Oakes connected on a 21-yard field goal to put the Hoosiers ahead 5-3. IU's first touchdown of the season came from teh defense as Rashard Fant intercepted an errant throw from FIU quarterback Alex McGough and returned it for a touchdown to give IU a 12-3 lead. Florida International connected on a long pass play to freshman Stanley Thomas and Alex Gardner punched it in from one-yard out to make the score 12-10 at halftime. Florida International took the lead very late in the third quarter 13-12 on a 29-yard field goal by Austin Taylor and it appeared the IU offense might not have any answers in the Florida heat. However, Richard Lagow led a lightning quick five play, 73 yard drive that ended in a gorgeous 21-yard strike on a wheel route by Danny Friend. The Hoosiers added a two-point conversion on a reverse run by Ricky Jones to lead 20-13. FIU was forced to punt after a critical dropped pass near midfield and the Hoosiers again marched down the field for a score, going nine plays for 80 yards as Lagow scampered in for a touchdown and the 27-13 lead. Tegray Scales' pick six and another interception, this one by Ben Bach, finished off the Panthers and gave the Hoosiers an impressive opening night win. 

IU outgained FIU 489-331, had ten more first downs and the defense was able to force three interceptions by Alex McGough. The defensive line pressured McGough all night and he struggled to a 23/46 performance. Despite suspensions to starters on both sides of the ball, oppressively humid conditions (which sure drained FIU's players more than it did IU's as the Panthers required numerous injury timeouts) and a slow start from the offense, the Indiana Hoosiers finished with a flourish and will bring a 1-0 record home from Miami. The Hoosiers take on Ball State in their home opener next Saturday at 3:30.