Allen Hopes a Change of Energy and Practice Habits Sparks Stalled Offense

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle0

Under Construction.

That’s what Indiana’s offense has been for most of the 2023 season and as all of Hoosier Nation is familiar with construction there are setbacks, delays and changes.

The Indiana offense was being built in the offseason under Walt Bell, but hit a snag and eventually ended after a 44-17 loss to Maryland. In comes the new boss Rod Carey to try and speed up the reconstruction of the Hoosier offense.

Carey has grown familiar with the offensive scheme and personnel after taking over as the offensive line coach last season. Now he is calling the plays in hopes to jump start a stalled out Hoosier unit.

“Obviously, we made a change for a reason and trying to create some change on the field, did some things different in our schedule in how we practice, and he’s been a big part of that. So, just like what I see so far, but all that matters is how you play on game day.” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said.

The hope is that the energy surrounding the offense changes as the Hoosier staff has changed how they practiced.

“I’m just trying to create some change to create a different outcome for our guys. A lot of it is just the quality of those reps, the intensity of those reps when you go against each other.” Allen explained.

According to Allen Carey has adjusted well to his new role and has built a rapport with the players, especially the quarterbacks.

“Rod was around them in meetings to that type of situation, didn’t coach them on the field in that role, but already knew them. I sat in all those meetings with week with the quarterbacks and last week as well when we practiced those first couple of days.” Allen said.

College football is a results driven business and none of this means much if Carey and Allen cannot fix the potholes that plagued the program recently. Those results may not be what people want against Michigan, however it is a great test to see what IU can do against one of the nation’s best defenses.

How long Indiana’s offense will be under construction will hinge on what the Hoosiers do the next week against Rutgers.