It is mind-boggling how very few weaknesses our team has:
We run the ball. We pass the ball well. We stuff the run and our secondary is extremely sound in coverage. We don’t turn the ball over or make stupid penalties. And our defense is awesome at ball hawking and forcing turnovers. Our field goal kicker is nearly impeccable. Our pass rush is awesome. Our offensive line is as solid as it gets. Our red zone defense is off the charts good.
The one weakness if I am really searching is our vulnerability to the big play. I am pretty sure our defense has only given up 12 touchdowns all year. And by my count, six of them were via explosive plays (ODU QB x 2, one deep ball from Illinois, one deep ball from Oregon, and one long catch and run each from Maryland and Wisconsin). I think if we can keep Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith from getting behind us, we have an excellent shot at pulling it off on Saturday. Just force them to methodically work their way down the field and we have them where we want them.
Good points. DBs communication will be key to preventing downfield big plays, along with upfront pressure on Sayin.
Smith and Tate’s ability to run wild is the only concern I have for this game
They torched PSU’s secondary. Sharpe is going to need to step up, I have full confidence Ponds will be shut down
We've been burnt all season on the intermediate stuff where guys find the gaps in the zone and sit down for an 8-12 yd catch. Haven't seen enough O$U to know if their guys would be content to take that or if they'll be hell bent on running down the field.
Diligence is the mother of good luck. Plough deep while sluggards sleep and you shall have corn to sell and keep. Work as if you were to live 100 years. Pray as if you were to die tomorrow. All progress springs from work. Work has laid the foundation of every fortune in America. – Benjamin Franklin
POTFB
I believe Jeremiah Smith had 3 receptions for 36 yards last year. No TD's.
@hoosier-nati I'm expecting at least 1 breakaway TD from Smith or Tate, and I think we'll have to sacrifice some man coverage to get pressure on the QB. Michigan didn't pressure Sayin a bit and he picked them apart. To me, pass rush, and the threat of it, is critical.
@hooky I think our defense is set up to allow that. We are confident enough that our ball hawking defense and awesome pressure packages will eventually either turn them over, get them behind the chains or stop them once they get to the red zone. I think I would be fine to allow Ohio State to attack this way.
IU is going to have to get after the QB otherwise he will pick apart the secondary. Michigan got 0 QB pressures last week.
If we don't get pressure on Sayin we are toast. Those receivers are too good and they will pick us apart
The best way to beat them is to keep their offense off the field! Our O needs to control the clock! Anything less than 8 minute drives is a failure unless it’s a TD! We absolutely cannot have any quick 3 and outs and give their offense any breathing room!
@kkott I rewatched the game. Michigan was so out of position so many times. They also tackled poorly. Especially in the second half. I don’t see IU doing that bad. First to 30 will win imho
If I read the hype, watch their (many) star players individually, remember that are the defending national champs, and havent lost since, are 12-0; then I am terrified.
If I remember watching them against Michigan, thinking we would beat this team; I feel good. Sayin wont know what hit him.
Indiana has to play a whale of a game. I think we will. We need a clean game, steady offense, and force a turnover or two. Pressure Sayin, stuff the run too. Finish our drives.
Tough to do all that! But I feel good.
If I read the hype, watch their (many) star players individually, remember that are the defending national champs, and havent lost since, are 12-0; then I am terrified.
If I remember watching them against Michigan, thinking we would beat this team; I feel good. Sayin wont know what hit him.
Indiana has to play a whale of a game. I think we will. We need a clean game, steady offense, and force a turnover or two. Pressure Sayin, stuff the run too. Finish our drives.
Tough to do all that! But I feel good.
We can beat them I think. I don't see any way we beat them twice though. If we lose I'd love nothing more than a rematch in the Natty game.
Biggest things. They go man coverage at a high rate. Sayin is elite against zone. So can IU exploit big gains against their man? Can we disguise enough to get to Sayin? Ohio state is so good they do things we can’t do. They switch between 3-3-5, 4-2-5, 4-3 and everything in between. Doing it at the snap. Mendoza legs will need to be used probably more than any game. IU is elite but Ohio state is literally on another level. Can we beat them? Yes. With mistakes and turnovers. IU does have better special teams. That just might get it for us. Go Hoosiers!!!!
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