Calm and Collected Connor Bazelak Ignites IU's Offense at the Right Time

Written by Matt Smith

Connor Bazelak trotted out for the first time as Indiana quarterback as Illinois opened up the season Friday night. The Indiana offense has yet another new play caller as new offensive coordinator Walt Bell made his Hoosiers debut.

Head coach Tom Allen decided not to tell the media following fall camp who the starting quarterback was between Bazelak and veteran Hoosier Jack Tuttle. This was to try and get a leg up on Illinois. 

Bazelak impressed throughout the first half with a beautiful 52 yard pass early in the second quarter to DJ Matthews Jr.  

Indiana failed to win a game against a power 5 opponent last season, but opened up the season with a chance to change the script early. 

“This team has character, toughness, and grit,” Allen said. “And it's going to get a whole lot better.”

Bazelak finished the game with 330 passing yards with a 54% completion percentage. He threw for one touchdown as well as one interception.

The Indiana offense was rolling in the first half with 4 drives ending in points. However, the Hoosiers couldn’t finish drives and ended up settling for three field goals by Charles Campbell.

During the first half of the game, the wide receivers for Indiana looked very impressive. A name to look out for during the rest of the season is Cam Camper. Camper had 94 yards during the first half.

Camper also had a costly turnover towards the end of the fourth quarter that gave the ball back to Illinois. 

Indiana’s offense went stagnant during the second half and wasn’t able to get much done. Illinois’ defense was able to figure out the Hoosier passing attack and get past the much improved Indiana offensive line.

To continue, the Indiana offensive line was able to create a decent pocket for Bazelak, and he wasn’t rushed much. However, the Illini defense was able to get to Bazelak during the second half and make him uncomfortable.

“The offensive line did amazing all night,” Bazelak said.

However, Bazelak closed the game with an extremely clutch 2 minute drill. He went 7 for 9 with 70 yards to lead the Hoosiers into the redzone.

Bazelak kept his cool throughout the entire drive and was able to lead the Hoosiers down the field.

“I’m trying to keep everyone calm. We didn’t have to do anything special,” Bazelak said. “When you get in a rhythm things start to roll.”

To end the drive, Shaun Shivers rushed for a one yard touchdown. Shivers rushed for 28 yards. 

Matthews finished with 107 yards and a touchdown while Camper finished with 156 yards.

The Hoosiers ended up winning the game 23-20 in an instant classic to open up the season on a good note.

“I wasn’t there last season, but these guys have a bad taste in their mouth from last year, and I really wanted to change that,” Bazelak said.