Indiana's Secondary Needs to Create More 'Defining' Plays in 2020

Jamar Johnson (22) picks off a pass in the end zone Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers secondary returns young, experienced talent in 2020 and the expectations for the unit are sky high. The Hoosiers went through some growing pains in the secondary in 2019 as they ranked 10th in the Big Ten in yards per game allowed (213.7). So Indiana has still has work to do on a unit that returns Tiawan Mullen, Reese Taylor, Raheem Layne and Jaylin Williams among others. The Hoosiers need to find more defining plays in the secondary.

“We need to do a better job of, when we have an opportunity to get an interception, make that defining play, to make it,” cornerbacks coach Brandon Shelby said. “I even go back to that Purdue game. Tiawan Mullen had a really good game, but he also missed a lot of open field tackles. I think that when it’s third and whatever, and they throw a ball out to the flat and he's in great position, we need to make that tackle. Or when the ball hits our hands, to make a big-time interception. We need game-changing plays. I think that's the next thing that we need to take that next step of being in the upper echelon of the league week in and week out. Those are things that I'm just pushing those guys to do.”

The Hoosiers ranked 12th in the conference in interceptions, with seven, including two that were returned for touchdowns. IU had a total of 50 passes defensed, which is a combination of passes broken up and interceptions. IU will want to pump both of those numbers up in 2020. Wisconsin led all Big Ten teams with 78 passes defensed and was third in the conference with 12 interceptions.

The Hoosier defense was more adapt at recovering fumbles as they tied for fourth in the conference with 10 fumble recoveries on 13 forced fumbles. The Hoosiers finished with 17 total takeaways, also good for 10th in the conference.

Incoming safeties coach Jason Jones agreed that creating more defining plays will take the secondary to the next level.

Even though the Hoosiers spring practice was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic Jones said, “we had opportunity where we got hands on some on some balls this spring, and we didn't, we didn't quite come down with the with the interception, but in coaching what you emphasize is what you get. So, we were emphasizing a make the interception when you have a chance.”

Game changing plays have been one of the missing ingredients when the Hoosiers have failed to close out close games. While, opportunities for these game changing plays cannot be predicted to an exact time, when the opportunity does present itself, the Hoosier secondary must seize it.