Disappointing Defense Leads to the Demise of Indiana’s Bowl Hopes

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

On the road with their postseason hopes on the line, the Indiana offense came to play. The Hoosiers left Champaign after their highest scoring output of the year and career-best performances from both Brendan Sorsby and Donaven McCulley.

Despite this, the Hoosiers left with an overtime loss, as the Hoosier defense did not get the memo.

“Really disappointed in our defense, just a poor performance today,” said Tom Allen after the game.

The defense put together one of the worst performances of the last seven seasons during the Tom Allen era, a surprise for a team that has typically been able to hang its hat on that side of the field. The Hoosiers started the season with a  Illinois recorded 662 yards of total offense, capped off with a walk-off touchdown in overtime to win it, 48-45.

“Defense has got to step up and do their jobs. Call it what it is: defense let its team down today. That’s the bottom line, period.”

The result was especially surprising when you consider the Illini were forced to start backup quarterback and transfer from Ball State, John Paddock. Paddock had thrown just 26 passes this season; he proceeded to go off for a video game-like box score of 24-of-36 for 507 yards and 4 touchdowns.

“We watched film on the one that ended up playing,” Allen said, referencing the uncertainty between whether Paddock or Luke Altmeyer would be the QB1. “Obviously, didn’t know (Paddock) was going to play. Watched film from where he came from and felt good about that part of it. But we just couldn’t get pressure on him.”

The Hoosiers finished with just one sack on the day, leaving their secondary to do much of the work. They were unable to hold up.

“Shocked, in the first half especially, just blown coverages,” Allen continued. “Just really shocked, to be honest with you. Very frustrated. No excuses for it. Just really disappointed.”

The overtime loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Hoosiers in overtime games.