Hoosiers Survive Cavaliers for 2-0 Start

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

A continuous and heavy downpour pounded the Hoosier State for the entirety day leading up to the nighttime clash between the 1-0 Virginia Cavaliers and the 1-0 Indiana Hoosiers. The rain did not relent as water soaked players and fans alike inside of Memorial Stadium. The conditions made for an interesting tussle between the two squads and after building a first half lead, the Indiana Hoosiers had to fend off the Virginia Cavaliers until time expired, and then hold on for one more play, to secure the crucial 20-16 victory. Freshman Stevie Scott led the way for the home side, tallying a critical 204 yards with one touchdown on 31 carries. Donavan Hale was the top pass catcher for Indiana, grabbing four balls for 56 yards with a touchdown (his third of the young season).

The Virginia Cavaliers offense got off to a great start as quarterback Bryce Perkins broke free for a 47 yard run that set UVA up in scoring position. Perkins would later find Olamide Zaccheus for a short touchdown reception to give the Cavaliers a 7-0 lead. The Indiana Hoosiers responded well, marching down the field and scoring on a 41-yard run from freshman Stevie Scott to tie the game. The wet conditions played a factor for the first time as Virginia fumbled the ensuing kickoff. Bryant Fitzgerald pounced on the loose ball at the 21 and IU scored two plays later as Peyton Ramsey found Donavan Hale in the end zone for a nine yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked and returned by Virginia for two points to make the score 13-9 in favor of the Hoosiers. The two sides battled the elements and the opposing defenses, trading punts for a few possessions until IU took over at the 26 yard line with 2:28 remaining in the first half. A pass interference penalty advanced the ball 15 yards, Ramsey completed a 34 yard pass to Donavan Hale and then found Nick Westbrook for a 23 yard touchdown to give IU a 20-9 advantage. It was a lightning-quick three-play drive that put the Hoosiers ahead 20-9 at halftime.

The rain kept on coming and Indiana kept on feeding Stevie Scott as the second half got underway. IU got into scoring position and could have really put UVA into a catch-up mode but a 41 yard field goal attempt from Logan Justus was blocked. The Cavaliers went 67 yards for a touchdown as Perkins found Chris Sharp for a 20 yard touchdown to cut the margin to 20-16. Peyton Ramsey threw an interception shortly after that and it appeared the wheels were coming off for Indiana. However, the IU defense stepped up and kept the Cavaliers from scoring, despite the great field position. Indiana continued to milk the clock with lengthy possessions but they continually were bogged down just outside of field goal range. IU opted to pooch punt multiple times, pinning Virginia inside of the ten yard line and playing the field position game. Virginia took over with 3:23 remaining, needing to go 91 yards as they trailed by four points. The Cavaliers converted a couple of third downs and a 4th and four before facing a 4th and five with just over 20 seconds remaining. Perkins was forced to lob the ball into the middle of the field and it was intercepted by Raheem Layne. He ran the clock out but was called for pass interference, leading to one un-timed down from the Indiana 27 yard line. A desperation heave from Bryce Perkins fell harmlessly to the rain-soaked turf and a jubilant Hoosiers squad celebrated the 20-16 victory with the remaining die-hard fans inside of Memorial Stadium.

Indiana outgained the Cavaliers 387-294 and amassed an impressive 237 yards of rushing, including a 5.4 yards per carry average. Stevie Scott was outstanding and the offensive line deserves a lot of credit for their run blocking. While the issues blocking in the kicking game are concerning and the inability of the offense to finish drives is something that absolutely must be fixed, this is a game IU often would have found a way to lose. All offseason, the mantra around the program was "Finish". The Hoosiers were far from perfect but they found a way to survive the pouring rain and the special teams miscues and even a desperation heave with no time left that had IU fans likely convinced there would be a heartbreaking outcome and finished off with a win. The victory was the second in a row for the Hoosiers over the Virginia Cavaliers. More importantly, it moves Indiana to 2-0 on the young 2018 season heading into a matchup with in-state foe Ball State next Saturday.