I have been keeping an eye on the forecast as well. I don't know how it fluctuates compared to the midwest when things seemingly change by the hour.
Gut instinct says that a slick track could help IU deal with Oregon's speed.
@hoosierdaddy When you're playing on a slick track as @thehoosierhuddle called it due to rain, does the defense have to play more zone/consersative as to not overrun the play and risk losing footing and missing a tackle? Does that make sense? From what I recall playing soccer on slick fields I usually played more conservative if I worried about slipping especially against faster players. Does that make sense from a football perspective? Not sure if any of you guys played football and could respond.
@eppy99 We never played on turf, we had a mud pit that was lit on fire to dry off the year after I graduated so I am not sure. It used to be whoever had the longer cleats in those games won. I do not know if that holds up on turf.
Usually the offense has the advantage because they know what they are doing and where they are going and the defense is reacting. However, a slick ball hurts the offense and if the wind is strong, that too can have a negative effect on the offense.
I doubt Oregon is going to change up their defense that much no matter what. Lanning has run variations of "Mint" defenses since he was the DC at UGA, its a 4-2-5 base that can flip into a 3-3-5. On paper, our offense is a mismatch for them - as RPOs and outside runs are effective against 4-2-5 defenses and if they go 3-3-5 we can throw it to the flat like we did against Illinois for chunk plays. The only issue is that 4-2-5s are great to blitz out of, and we have yet to prove we can respond when similarly talented teams bring the heat
We should have different type shoes available, if we don't. To test each field and wear the ones with the best grip. At least one alternate, that maybe is best for wet turf or whatever is most likely.
One of those old sports stories anthology books had a story about a football team, chicago or somewhere wintry, where the field froze so solid the players of both sides were slipping around badly wearing spikes. So the coach sent someone over to the local sporting goods store to buy sneakers for his team. And the story was they dominated the second half and won.
I can't fathom that IU is #7 and if they win this weekend should and will be argued as the best team in the nation. What a time to be alive.
In Oregon we get a lot of different "kinds of rain", sort of like in Alaska I think they have 26 different kinds of snow. I'd expect "rain showers" during the game Saturday. Certainly, not a "down pour" or anything that will significantly impact the playability at Autzen. It will likely be the kind of weather where you want to have a jacket to put on while it rains for 10 minutes. It certainly won't be heavy rain. That's my opinion...Yes, out of curiousity this morning I checked the early forecast for Eugene. As of now they're forecasting A high of 59 with showers in the afternoon. Based on stats for rushing and rushing defense both teams aren't far apart from eachother. Seems like many games this will be decided at the line of scrimmage.
Agree it could be a slop fest. Might have to bet the under on the 55.5 number.
Anyone with a better analysis? I'm curious to here some "expert" opinions.
Oh "And it NEVER rains at Autzen" "Google it"
@goducks349 are you going to the game and/or have you been to that stadium for games? Would love to hear about your experiences there.
@goducks349 Thanks for the update and joining us! I am looking forward to my trip. I am staying until Wednesday so I hope the weather moves out
@eppy99 I'm not going to the game, I use to have season tickets, but I'm an old guy and I like to see Autzen filled with lots of younger lungs. I'm 78 and I'll be watching from the comfort of my living room in Eugene. Well the showers are suppose to end Sunday, of course that's always a moving target. Are you familiar with Oregon at all?
Fifth Street Market, local wineries, Oregon athletic facilities, the Mckenzie River, the Oregon coast, all are within easy reach. Do you have particular interest? Restaurant? etc that you'd like to know about?
@thehoosierhuddle Sometimes the weather on the coast is beautiful this time of year. Of course, a hike in the mountains, checking out the rivers all are beautiful. This is a gorgous part of the country.
@goducks349 I’m not going either. I’ve only been to PNW once during a summer vacation and had an amazing time. I eventually plan to hit Oregon too.
I traveled this country for business for around 30+ years and found great people and places everywhere I went, but my heart is in the PNW it's really amazing if you love the outdoors.@goducks349 I’m not going either. I’ve only been to PNW once during a summer vacation and had an amazing time. I eventually plan to hit Oregon too.