Three & Out Offense: Week 2 Navy Midshipmen

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@sammyj108) 

Week 2 brings a tough match-up opponent for the Hoosiers as
the Navy Midshipmen invade Bloomington on Saturday evening.  Indiana and Navy faced off last year in
contest that the Hoosiers dropped 31-30 in heartbreaking fashion.  In order to not repeat the past Indiana
must improve in several areas of the game and here are the three most important
things that the Hoosiers need from their offense to come out victorious against
the Midshipmen.

1. Red Zone Efficiency- In the 2012 loss to Navy, the
Hoosiers had six changes inside the Navy 20-yard line and only came away with
three touchdowns and three field goals. 
While it is nice that the Hoosiers scored 100% of the time, Indiana left
a ton of points on the field as they settled for three short kicks.  Coach Wilson has been adamant in
pointing out that Navy limits the numbers of possessions the opposing offense
will get.  It is vital that the
Hoosiers score touchdowns when they get the chance.

2. Limit Turnovers- While this may sound like cookie cutter
logic turnovers once again play into the limited amount of possessions the
Hoosiers offense will likely have against this Navy defense.  In last season’s loss Indiana threw two
killer interceptions.  One that was
taken back for a touchdown while the second one ended the game.  In a game where every possession counts
the Hoosiers must improve their sloppy three-turnover performance from week one
and protect the ball.

3. Quarterback Battle- As we head into week two nothing has
been settled as to who the starting quarterback is going to be for the Indiana
Hoosiers.  All three of the signal
callers saw action in the record setting offensive performance last week.  It looks as if Tre Roberson had the
upper hand starting the first game but was pulled after less than a quarter,
not because of ineffectiveness, and sophomore Nate Sudfeld put on a beautiful
display of passing in throwing for four touchdowns.  Even though Cam Coffman had a less than memorable game he
must still be in the mix after starting 10 games in 2012.  While it worked out just dandy against
Indiana State, playing three quarterbacks could be hazardous against Navy.  Will Wilson let one guy get into a
rhythm or will he pull a quarterback at the first sign of trouble.  This is a must win game at home for the
Hoosiers and playing musical chairs with the quarterbacks could prove very
dangerous.

The Hoosiers will not be scoring 73 points against Navy due
to the nature of the Midshipmen’s offense, however this offense can be just as
potent if they can take care of the ball and cash in on their
opportunities.  The coaching staff
will be satisfied just settling for field goals.  Indiana should have the advantage with having a game under
their belt as opposed to Navy who did not play last week.