Keys to a Hoosier Victory Over the Hilltoppers
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Written by Andrew Walker
The Indiana Hoosiers are officially 2-0. After an interesting first half and subsequent dominant second half, the Hoosiers are moving on to Western Kentucky University in an attempt to start the season 3-0. After scoring 23 straight points in the third quarter of the Idaho game, Indiana is still looking for their identity. Becoming a good football team is about consistency, and Indiana hasn’t quite found theirs yet. Today’ we’ll be taking a look at some keys to victory over WKU.
Ground game has to dominate
Last game against Idaho, Shaun Shivers had 20 carries for 155 yards on the game. Even though Indiana didn’t score at all during the first half, Shivers still had a great game in his second ever appearance for Indiana. This game, he and the other running backs should have just as good of a time rushing the ball. A good day on the ground will do a lot for Indiana’s confidence and composure through a game, as they can control the time of possession better than before.
Pass rush has to continue to be good
Even though the pass rush hasn’t been award winning, there hasn’t been a shortage of QB hurries and sacks in the first two games. WKU QB Austin Reed has been good, but he’s not Bailey Zappe good. He has, however, thrown for 551 yards and seven touchdowns so far, making for an impressive start to the season. The ability for Indiana to get to the QB in this game will be paramount to the success of our defensive pressure. Indiana knows he’s accurate and can put the ball where he needs to, which is why getting to the QB when he’s in the pocket is even more important.
Connor Bazelak needs to improve his consistency
When Bazelak stepped onto the field for the third quarter against Iowa, it seemed like it was going to be more of the same. Overthrown passes, dropped passes, getting sacked. Instead, he played the game of his life. He and Shivers balled out in ways the Hoosier faithful could never have predicted in the first half. When Indiana made their second half debut, Bazelak threw the rock with confidence, poise, and purpose. Interestingly enough, those three buzz words were absent from his first half performance. What Bazelak needs to be able to do, is be more consistent and thoughtful with his performance. He needs to be good all throughout, not great for a quarter. That is how Indiana will beat WKU this coming Saturday.