Keys to a Successful 2019 Season Kickoff Against the Cardinals

Written by Amanda Pavelka (@AmandaPavelka3)

Going into Saturday’s season-opener against Ball State, the Indiana football squad holds the biggest opportunity to prove themselves and pocket a lopsided first win. What the Hoosiers accomplish at Lucas Oil Stadium in terms of scoring, shuffling through the depth chart will set the tone for their 2019 football season. 

Confidence, confidence, confidence

In unfamiliar territory, Mike Penix will start at quarterback for the first time. He has not played in a game since October of last year, so shaking off the first-time-starter feeling will be important for success as the head of the offense. A healthy amount of throwing is to be expected, and against an undersized Ball State defense, there’s a problem if the Hoosiers are not successful in that. If there are hiccups, they need to be against Ball State though.

Take Ball State’s weak defense to the bank

There’s no sugar-coating it— Ball State’s defense is lacking. Not only is their defensive line terribly undersized, but their 3-4 system seems to be ineffective as the Cardinals were out scored by an average of 25-36 in their 2018 conference games.They have another year of experience under their belt, sure, but running backs Stevie Scott, Cole Gest, and Ronnie Walker do too and will be key in a successful victory against Ball State.

Lock the game away and don’t let up

Numbers matter against Ball State, and Indiana should not settle for any less than a blowout. Against the Cardinals in the 2018 season, the Hoosiers went into halftime up 24-3. They had a rather unproductive second half, allowing a Ball State touchdown and only scoring 14 points to pocket a 38-10 win. Letting up in the second half will not be an option if the Hoosiers want to be successful against conference opponents, so it should not be an option against Ball State on Saturday. 

It is not only victory that will make Indiana’s first matchup successful. There should be no reason most of the Hoosier bench does not get a chance to prove themselves and get some experience in one of Indiana’s easiest matchups.