The No. 23 Hoosiers looked a lot better in Saturday’s 56-9 win over Kennesaw State. IU fixed many of the issues that appeared in last week’s edition of Stock Up/Stock Down, but had some new concerns pop up. Let’s check the portfolio.
Stock Up
Indiana’s Red Zone Offense
After being uncharacteristically terrible in the red zone in week one, IU rebounded to go a perfect 7-of-7 with seven touchdowns from the red zone. The play calling was a little more exotic and IU got many different looks on tape for opponents to prepare for.
Creating Havoc on Defense
The Hoosiers did not do a great job creating havoc plays (sacks, tackles for loss, turnovers) against Old Dominion in week one. That changed against Kennesaw State as they racked up 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, two turnovers and a pass break up. IU’s best players had to play better and they did. Makial Kamara had 2 tackles for loss and Kellan Wyatt added 2.5 tackles for loss.
Punt Return/Block Unit
This unit is really, really good and while Jonathan Brady is the face of the group, they are more than just an exciting returner. Brady did have a 30-yard return yesterday and Clay Conner blocked a punt. IU has four blocked punts (should be five) in 14 games under Curt Cignetti and special teams coordinator Grant Cain. Being elite in this area of the game gives IU a chance to flip the field and steal or build momentum.
Stock Down
Big Pass Defense
IU allowed 17 yards per completion yesterday and Kennesaw State could have had more big pass plays if not for poor throws from the backup quarterback. Too many receivers got open down field against a unit that was supposed to be one of the team’s best. It is fixable and having a quarterback switch in the middle of the game can take some adjusting to, but it was a little concerning to see.
On a side note, Wednesday is a big day for the Hoosiers as they should learn the fate of Louis Moore’s case against the NCAA. If that goes poorly, IU could be in trouble at safety as Byron Baldwin has yet to play and Bryson Bonds was lost for the year with a knee injury.
Non-Conference Attendance
There has been a lot of talk about IU’s weak non-conference scheduling. It’s fair and understandable (IU is probably not 2-0 if they didn’t schedule this way). However, the lack of enthusiasm has shown with two poorly attended games where the weather has been nearly perfect. Coming off a CFP appearance, there is no reason Purdue should have had nearly 17,000 more fans in attendance through the first two games.
The students have shown up and they are bought in. The usual 30,000 IU fans who show up every week are great, but the fringe fans just have no desire to see these games. Whether it’s because of price, opponent or a lackluster first game, fans just haven’t taken the leap like people thought they would. Friday night’s game against Indiana State may have the worst attendance of the year, but IU has sold out the Illinois game and are rolling towards sell outs in the other Big Ten games.
Field Goal Unit
What is going on with the field goal unit? Is there no trust in Nico Radicic? Did the delay of game penalty really earn a “benching” of sorts? Does IU have a kicker who can hit from 45-yards out? It is really tough to go into Big Ten play with no real answers here.
Officiating
I am not here to just complain about bad calls, those happen. It happened in game one, it happened yesterday and I am sure it will happen again. But can we fix the replay process? Three times play was stopped multiple minutes to check a spot where the call was upheld. Go to the NFL model or give a time limit. These are killing the flow of the game.
Hold
Drops
This could be a stock down, but I’ll give it another week before moving it up or down into another category. Indiana dropped four more passes on Saturday, which would have led to scores or big plays. Maybe they are still getting used to Mendoza’s throws, maybe it’s a concentration issue. The drops can’t continue if IU wants to get back to the College Football Playoff.
Expectations
The hot takes surrounding every play, whether good or bad, swing wildly on each snap. An incomplete pass and the team stinks. A long touchdown play and the team is unstoppable and going all the way. While this win calms some nerves, it does not change the expectations.