IU Will Raise the Victory Flag Against Louisville If…

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers travel up the road to Indianapolis to take on the Louisville Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday afternoon. IU is 2-0 all-time against the Cardinals, but the two schools haven't met since the mid-1980s. After every victory in football the Hoosiers raise the Victory Flag high above Memorial Stadium, so IU will raise the Victory Flag if…

1. Limit Explosive Plays

The Cardinals led the nation in plays over 70 yards and are in the top-20 for plays over 20 yards. Chunk plays change games in big ways and get the crowd fired up. If the Hoosiers can limit the chunk plays and make Louisville take more plays to score, there is more of a chance of the IU defense making a big play. Louisville quarterback Jack Plummers has thrown three interceptions so far.

2. Maximize Scoring Opportunities

Louisville is going to score points, how many is unknown and IU will have to maximize their scoring opportunities. The Hoosiers are tops in the Big Ten in red zone scoring as they have scored on all five trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line (3 TDs 2 FGs), IU scored on just 73% of their red zone chances in 2022. Settling for field goals may not be in the cards for IU Saturday, but they will need as many points as possible to win on Saturday.

3. Play Clean on Special Teams

Against Ohio State it was blocking in the back and holding penalties that buried the offense deep inside their own territory. While that improved against Indiana State, running into the kicker and kicking the ball out of bounds penalties reared their ugly heads.

Those penalties will not play against Louisville. The Cardinals are a team you can not give extra chances to or set up with free yards. Jeff Brohm loves to take advantage of those mistakes. 

4. Be Ready for Anything

IU fans, coaches and players (maybe some) are very familiar with Jeff Brohm’s style of coaching. He loves to take chances whether it be a fake punt, a flea-flicker or a double reverse. Brohm has an elite feel for the game and play calling on offense. IU’s defense and special teams need to be on high alert for anything.