What Worked and What Didn't Against Cincinnati

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Image: Zach Greene

Image: Zach Greene

Written by: @Zgreene650

This past Saturday was one of the most anticipated games for the up-and-coming IU football program. While it was not the result that Hoosiers fans wanted, there were many vital positives to take away from the game. To go along with the positives, multiple negatives easily could’ve made the game more interesting down the stretch. That said, let’s start off with some positives from Saturday’s game.  

Positives

  • The Hoosiers came out of the game strong, taking a 14-0 lead backed by a strong defense. Cincinnati’s first three possessions go as follows. Punt, Punt, Interception

  • The pass rush was able to create some “havoc. “Led by Senior Ryder Anderson, who had the Hoosiers lone sack, Ryder created a solid edge, making QB Desmond Ridder jumpy at times.

  • Hoosiers had 376 yards of offense. O-Line did a decent job of creating space for the RB’S averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Florida State transfer D. J. Matthews led the Hoosiers with five receptions for 120 yards. Came up huge when tasked. Third and long conversion.

  • Fans were “BACK” in the sold-out Memorial Stadium. Every seat in the venue was taken. IU Student Section was ready to see this team take the field against an AP Top 10 opponent.

  • Cornerbacks/Secondary were on their A-Game, allowing the longest reception of 28 yards. Tiawan Mullen led cornerbacks with four tackles and played exceptional press defense against a lethal Bearcats offense.

  • Junior kicker Charles Campbell stayed perfect on the season, making a 49-yard field goal. Good to see that he is right where he left off last season

Negatives

  • Momentum Changed When LB Micah McFadden was ejected. At 4:04 left in the Second Quarter, McFadden was ejected for targeting on QB Desmond Ridder. It changed the momentum of the game. After the ejection, Cincinnati’s success rate was 56.%, and 40.9% of their offensive snaps resulted in a first down or touchdown after the ejection. Tom Allen was pissed in his press conference. Stated that there was very little transparency about the call

  • Hoosiers took their Foot off the Gas Pedal. After going up 14-0, the Hoosiers let off steam giving up 17 unanswered to the Bears.

  • Did not do a good job of containing Cincy QB Desmond Ridder. Ridder had ten carries for 45 yards and a touchdown with a long of 26 yards

  • The Offense was predictable on first down. Bearcats were able to guess on first downplays as Hoosiers drives started by handoffs to RB’s. Once the Hoosiers had to take deep shots, the Bearcats were ready.

  • Special Teams was iffy and did a poor job. Gave up a 99-yard kick return touchdown to Tre Tucker after taking a 21-17 lead. Long Snapper Sean Wracher touched the pigskin early when it could’ve been downed inside the 10.

  • IU Quarterback Michael Penix was not able to create the same magic that he was able to last year. 17/40 with 224 yards and two touchdowns. Could not make a big play down the stretch

  • Turnovers! Hard to win football games with four turnovers. Hoosiers had a commented four turnovers. Three interceptions and one fumble. The fumble came at a big-time in the game when the Hoosiers had the chance to take the lead at their three-yard line