Game Wrap and Reaction: No.5 Indiana 55 Howard 0

Opponent: Howard Bison

Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN

Why They Played

The Hoosiers and Bison played as a one-off non-conference matchup. 

What The Game Meant

The game will not mean much in terms of resume building, but it was a chance for the Hoosiers to fix some issues from week one and build depth by playing plenty of backups.

Offense

Indiana Running Game

A week after a below-standard performance, the Indiana rushing attack exploded for 296 yards on the ground. Turbo Richard ran for 108 yards and a touchdown while Lee Beebe added 111 yards. Reserves Sean Cuono and Jayreon Campbell also got in on the action, combining for 11 carries and 52 yards. 

Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana

Becker had three catches and three more touchdowns. He showed off his ability to adjust to the ball and make the contested catch as well as his breakaway speed.

Defense

Daniel Ndukwe, DL, Indiana

Ndukwe may be Indiana’s most productive defensive lineman so far this season. He added two more tackles for loss to his ledger on Saturday. He looks like a physically more mature player, ready to have a regular impact for the defense.

Keishawn Calhoun, DL, Indiana

Second-year defensive lineman Keishaun Calhoun had the biggest day of his young career as he made his first two tackles for loss for his career. 

Rolijah Hardy, LB, Indiana

Hardy had the defensive highlight play of the afternoon for the Hoosiers, taking an interception back 21 yards for a touchdown. He finished with five tackles, including one for a loss.

Special Teams Performance

After a hot start in week one, the Hoosiers had unusual struggles on special teams in week two. Regular placekicker Nico Radicic missed the game with an injury that was suffered on Thursday. Paddy McAteer, who is the kickoff specialist, was 7-of-8 on extra points in his place.

The other issue came on punt return, where Tyler Morris muffed two punts (losing one). It was Indiana’s first lost fumble in over a calendar year. It is something to keep an eye on as the schedule ramps up and mistakes like those will be costly. 

Key Stat(s)

12 and 5

Indiana’s defense was back in form as they had 12 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Turning Point

There was no definitive turning point on Saturday. Indiana’s second drive put any concern that IU could not bully their way through the game to rest, On the drive, Indiana ran the ball eight times for 80 yards.

I Knew it Was Over When…

When Josh Hoover found Charlie Becker for a 34-yard touchdown on IU’s first drive to go up 7-0.

What I Took Away From the Game

This is what a game against an overmatched opponent should feel like. While it was nowhere near perfect, Indiana used their talent and size advantage to bully its way to a 55-0 win that had a shortened fourth quarter.

On a day when quarterback Josh Hoover did not look sharp, although he did toss four touchdowns, the Hoosiers used the ground game to chew up yards and clock. Both main running backs went over 100 yards and looked really good doing so. Hoover missed several open receivers with throws that were way off target. It could have been due to a wet ball, but he was not as sharp as his touchdown total would indicate. Hoover was also exposed to several big hits, as Howard was close to having several more late hit calls on Hoover.

It was good to see the defense be disruptive again, but it needs to be done against a better opponent for all the concern to be washed away. It’s a great sign that Indiana has multiple players in the rotation who can be game wreckers on the defensive front.

Freshman linebacker Jacob Savage showed why he was one of the most talked-about first-year players on the roster. He made three total tackles including 1.5 TFLs and a sack.

The secondary was without starters Jamari Sharpe and AJ Harris as the pair sat with injuries. It was expected and gave Ryland Gandy and Jaylen Bell more reps to develop. Carson Williams also got into the game.

Indiana emptied the bench and these reps will pay dividends in the future. That is why a game like this is scheduled. 

What’s Next

IU is 2-0 on the season with plenty to clean up, but the 52-16 margin of victory coupled with the play of Josh Hoover has the runway ready for takeoff. The Hoosiers will take on the Howard Bison next Saturday at 12pm ET in Bloomington.