The Hoosiers did just enough to raise the Victory Flag last week in a 27-14 win. This week No. 23 Indiana takes on the Kennesaw State Owls and IU has plenty to prove. IU will raise the Victory Flag this week if…
Be More Efficient in the Red Zone
The major issue for IU in their win over Old Dominion was their lack of success in the red zone, especially right at the goal line. IU had seven trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line (49 potential points) and walked away with two field goals and two touchdowns (20 points). The play calling was stubborn and bland.
The Good news is that Indiana was 7th nationally in red zone scoring percentage in 2024 just north of 92%. They also led the country in red zone touchdowns with 55. They are capable of calling plays to punch it in, but for whatever reason failed to do that last week. IU should get plenty of chances in the red zone again this week. They need to do much better than two touchdowns in seven attempts.
Play to the Standard
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti set the standard of where he wants IU football to play. That standard was not reached last week. There were dropped passes, a fumble and the issues in the red zone. If IU plays to their standards this game will be a blow out.
Best Players Have to Play Better
Indiana’s best players have to play better as well. That seems like a no-brainer key to winning, but it was apparent last week that some of IU’s best players did not play their best game. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt did not get targeted with a pass until the third quarter. Omar Cooper, usually sure-handed, dropped a walk-in touchdown pass. All-American defensive line man Makail Kamara had just one tackle and was largely invisible. IU’s best should put up numbers against Kennesaw State, but big picture-wise IU needs them to show up in big spots.
Start Fast
Some of the Indiana fan base spirals quickly and that’s what happened last week. People were throwing out mentions of the “Akron Game”. IU needs to jump on Kennesaw State early to push self-doubt to the side. While an early touchdown against Kennesaw State won’t clinch a playoff spot, it will allow this fan base to exhale and say ‘Ok, we can still play good football’.