Greg Heban needs to lead by example to lead this defense to an improved performance against Bowling Green
Written By Sammy Jacobs (@sammyj108)
Good morning Hoosier Nation! It is game day in Bloomington
as the Bowling Green Falcons invade the Rock to face the Hoosiers. Fall is in the air finally, and the
Hoosiers will try to regroup on defense after a subpar performance against
Navy. All I have to say is thank
goodness Indiana is not facing another triple option team this week. While Bowling Green’s offense has put
up 37.5 points a game, the Hoosiers should not have as much trouble stopping
this more traditional offense.
Let’s take a look at the three keys for success the IU defense, so put
down your brat or beverage for a few minutes and read along.
1. Force a turnover-
Indiana has only forced two turnovers this season, both against Indiana
State. A quick change of
possession and a short field will bolster the Hoosiers’ effort to light up the
scoreboard against a strong Bowling Green defense. Look for one of the veterans to make a big play early to
help set the tone for Indiana.
2. Limit Yardage on
First and Second Downs– Against Navy one of the things that killed the
Hoosier defense was letting Navy get into manageable third downs. The defense let up over six yards per
play. This has to improve if the
Hoosiers are to be successful. If
Indiana can get the Falcons behind the sticks on first and second downs than it
becomes that much easier to stop the offense on third downs. The defensive line and linebackers must
be able to make tackles and wrap up the ball carrier. If this happens the Hoosiers can rack up those Tap Out X’s.
3. Veteran Leadership-
It is time for the seniors on this young defense to step up and set the tone
for the young guys. I’m talking to
you Greg Heban and David Cooper.
The season is on the line with this game and these guys must play with
that urgency. At the conclusion of
the game the season will be at the quarter pole (Yes, it goes by that quickly),
and the Hoosiers need to be 2-1. Heban
and Cooper have been fairly quiet this year in terms of big plays on defense,
but if history shows us anything it is that these two vets will bring
tremendous heart and effort into this match-up.
The bottom line is pretty simple folks. The defense has to just be decent for
Indiana to be successful. The
season is on the line today at the Rock and anything less than a victory over a
MAC school would be disappointing.
They do not have to pitch a shutout; just do not get overpowered by a
lesser team again. Emotions should
be flying high as the Hoosiers will break out the chrome helmets for the first
time, the defense needs to feed off that energy and shut down this offense
early and give Indiana’s offense a chance to get ahead quickly.