Keys to Victory Against FIU

Written by: Lydia Knoll (@lydknollFB)

As Indiana approaches their season opener this Thursday in Miami against Florida International University, there’s no doubt both teams remember last year's clash. Although Indiana came out on top, FIU lead the entire game up until midway through the third quarter. The game ended 36-22. In order for Indiana to pull out a victory again this year, there are some key factors Indiana should look to implement.

1. Shut Down Anthony Wint

Anthony Wint, 6-0 and 224-pound linebacker for Florida International led FIU in tackles last year with a total of 88 tackles, 41 solo. His career high in tackles came at Memorial Stadium against Indiana last season when he had a total of 13 tackles. Wint returns this season, looking to repeat last year’s performance. Indiana will have to intentionally keep their eye out for Wint to prevent him from having as much success as he did the last time he faced the Hoosiers.

2. Hold the (Offensive) Line

Not only does Anthony Wint need to stay on his side of the line of scrimmage, but it will be crucial for all of Indiana’s offensive line to hold back FIU. Last year’s quarterback, Nate Sudfeld, had a game total of 234 passing yards, over 60 yards less than his average yards per game (297.8), and threw one interception. With the Hoosier’s addition of a new quarterback, it’s going to be even more important that the line is doing their job to allow the rest of the offensive to complete plays. The game is going to be a test of transfer Richard Lagow’s true FBS capability. It’s a major adjustment for the whole team. Thankfully, the line has some significant returners this season, as well as a strong incoming freshman. Dan Feeney, All-American guard, will be returning with the Hoosiers this season alongside Jacob Bailey, Wes Martin, Dimitric Camiel, Brandon Knight, and Wes Rogers. Freshman Coy Cronk may see playing time at tomorrow’s game as well. The returning experience should help the Hoosiers against FIU's rebuilt defensive line and linebacker Anthony Wint.

3. Pressure McGough, Limit Thomas Owens

The entire Indiana defense last season can point fingers at each other for the three touchdowns scored by passes from FIU quarterback, Alex McGough, to wide receiver, Thomas Owens. Owens ended the game with a total of nine receptions and 166 yards. The defensive line returns virtually no starters from last season's team.  However, the secondary is just as important in covering the passing game. The Hoosier secondary is deep this year, returning the Big Ten's top freshman safety, Jonathon Crawford. Other returning players we’ll see in the secondary are Rashard Fant, Chase Dutra, and Andre Brown Jr. In addition to the returners, the Hoosiers have added transfer, Jayme Thompson, to their secondary lineup. Thompson was ranked the second top junior college safety in the nation. He's dealt with a turf toe injury so it's unclear how much he'll play on Thursday night but this secondary is going to be responsible for stopping Owens before he runs all over them.

4. Come Out Strong, Finish Strong

Possibly the biggest fault in the game last year was Indiana’s energy in the first half. FIU came out strong with a 21-yard pass from McGough to Owens in the first quarter and a 75-yard pass to Owens in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Indiana relied on kicker, Griffin Oakes, to put them on the board with two field goal kicks in the second quarter. FIU led the game all the way into the last 6 minutes of the third quarter. Finally, Indiana was able to complete a pass from Sudfeld to Mitchell Paige to take the lead. At the very end, Jameel Cook Jr. intercepted a pass from McGough and returned it for a 96-yard touchdown to secure the Hoosier victory. As Indiana looks to the game tomorrow, they need to prepare to start out strong and get on the board early. Although Oakes is a reliable kicker, the game should not be placed in his hands so early on. 

No team should be underestimated. The Hoosiers should be looking to step into Miami with the same mindset they stepped into last year’s Ohio State game with. This sort of drive and determination from the get-go will be the key to secure a season opener win and start with a 1-0 record.