Keys to a Much Needed Hoosier Win Over Maryland
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Image: Zach Greene, Hoosier Huddle
Written by: @zachegreene
Points-wise, the Hoosiers are coming off their worst loss of the season as they took a beating to the fifth team in the nation, the Ohio State Buckeyes, 54-7. The Buckeyes started hot and did not take their foot off the gas pedal, putting the Hoosiers away in the first half scoring 44 points. The Hoosier’s only touchdown came to their first drive when the Hoosiers went 15 plays 75 yards for the score. The loss drops the Hoosiers to 2-5 on the season and 0-4 in the Big Ten. Their losses have come against AP Top 10 teams and more than likely two College Football Playoff Teams. The season will be about building some confidence for newcomers and getting some experience from here on out. That said, let’s dive into five keys for the Hoosiers to pull off an upset victory against the Maryland Terps on Saturday.
1. Ease the Emotions for Freshman QB McCulley
If Freshman Quarterback and local product Donaven McCulley get the start against Maryland on Saturday, Offensive Coordinator Nick Sheridan needs to draw a straightforward game plan for the Laurence North High School product. Transitioning to the college game is not easy. Everything speeds up, and everyone gets better. McCulley will be amped to get the first start of his career at his hometown school, but it will be interesting to see how he handles his emotions. This season has not gone as expected. McCulley was not expected to see any action. The injury news for fans has been a lot, and I’m sure it will be harder on McCulley. In conclusion, McCulley is a four-star local product who will be excited to get the first start of his career. But it will be up to him and his offensive coordinator to develop a solid game plan to compartmentalize his emotions.
2. Run to Play action
It will be crucial for the Hoosiers to gain momentum on the ground. So far, the Hoosiers have not done an excellent job of running the ball. The fault can not all be put on starting RB Steven Carr. The offense line has failed to block, and they just look out of sorts. Don’t be surprised if we see new guys on the offensive line as the season goes on. If the Hoosiers can average a fair 4 yards per carry, it should get the freshman quarterback and his team in third in shorts, making it easier on the young 18-year-old.
3. Create Havoc->Interceptions
Maryland, starting QB Taila Tagovailoa, is a dual-threat guy who the Hoosiers saw last season. In the Hoosiers win last year, the Hoosiers were able to create a lot of havoc, causing three interceptions off Tagovailoa. Suppose the Hoosiers want to replicate that this upcoming Saturday. It will all start with the defense line. Maryland’s offensive line has been okay at times on the season, with their leader Jaelyn Duncan looking to take his talents to the next level. The terps are just playing for a bowl berth, and they can not afford another loss. Overall, if the Hoosiers can force a couple of turnovers on Saturday, they should be able to compete in the ball game.
4. Start Strong
The Hoosiers have had a miserable start to their games, especially against Iowa and Ohio State. If the Hoosiers can start with all cylinders firing, they will have an excellent chance to win on Saturday. It will be up to the players if they are motivated to succeed, and it will be easy to tell if they are. Expect to see many screens and accessible outside passes to get QB McCulley comfortable and adapted to the game. From there, the Hoosiers can take some shots.
5. Win on Special Teams
When Indiana has won this season, it has been because they have done well on special teams. The terps come into this gaem as a 4 point favort and expect to come down to a field goal or a touchdown game. IU kicker Charles Cambell has been one of the best in the nation percentage-wise since taking over the starting job last season. If he can lock in on Saturday, the Hoosiers have a shot at coming out with a walk-off win.