Hoosier Huddle's Spring IUFB Mailbag

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Spring practice begins on March 4th for the Indiana Hoosiers and there have been plenty of chances since the Hoosiers last saw the field at the end of November against Purdue. Here are the answers to the questions we received from fans over the last week. We appreciate everyone who sent in a question.

Coach Tom Allen stated he wanted a dual-threat QB in this offense. Jackson is a Pro Style that can run when he needs to. Is this gonna work or are RPO’S and Read Option's useless now?- From Jason H. via Twitter

The RPO is not going to leave the offense since it mainly involves either handing to the running back or pulling it to throw the ball. IU ran the read option with Connor Bazelak last year and with Nate Sudfeld in the past, both of those quarterbacks were not great runners. I believe that Tayven Jackson will be able to implement both aspects into the offense. Will he be Dexter Williams? No, but there is no reason to not run these concepts.

Given that the OL was the root of all our problems on offense and I know it sometimes takes seasons to right the ship, but do you think Bob Bostad will have an immediate impact on their play this season? - From Mister Knight via Twitter

I thought there was visible improvement for the offensive line over the second half of IU’s season under Rod Carey. It was hard to tell against Ohio State and Penn State, but they played well at Michigan State and looked solid against Purdue.

I have always said that IU has the talent along the line, they just need the right coach. Bob Bostad is highly regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country. IU will now have a full spring practice, a full summer and fall camp to have Bostad implement his teachings. It may be difficult to see an immediate impact since IU opens up with Ohio State, but I think you will see Bostad’s impact early and often this season.

Fair to say we improved on defense? Looks like D-Line saw some upgrades, Casey & Pierre returning and maybe new faces help out the secondary?- From CrazyComments via Twitter

IU’s defense was near the bottom nationally in all major defensive categories, so improvement shouldn’t be too difficult. Bringing in Andre Carter from Western Michigan plus other impact transfers, the defensive line should be better. Linebacker is still a concern with depth, but having Casey back is great. The secondary adds a lot of impact transfers too. Again, there is no place to go but up.

Also, Is the best thing CTA can do for the defense is to slow the offense down? I know they wanted to run uptempo, but why add more plays/possessions to a game when you likely have equal to less talent compared to many of the opponents. Maybe uptempo but sit at the line longer?- From CrazyComments via Twitter

Time of possession and pace on offense was a hot topic last season and I don’t think the offensive philosophy changes all that much. However, there needs to be some variety. If a team goes all uptempo all the time, it is of very little value. IU used their quick tempo offense well at times last year, but yes there were times they needed to slow it down. The issue with sitting at the line for a while is having your linemen in their stance for 20-plus seconds, which could lead to more false starts.

Can you talk about Bob Bostad and what he will bring to the table. Also the potential Matt Guerrieri hire?- From Daddy Hoosier via Twitter

Bostad is an old school offensive line coach. He wants to be tough and coach players to be fundamentally sound. His body of work speaks for itself. I don’t think you will hear an excuse from him if the line does not perform well.

Matt Guerriri will be calling the defense in 2023, which should help things on that side of the ball. IU was most successful with Allen being the CEO of the program and letting Kane Wommack do his thing on defense.

Did we improve with the portal moves or did we get worse?- From Howard S via Twitter

IU brought in a top-10 transfer class, which should help IU improve. There are a couple outgoing transfers that IU probably wants back in Dasan McCullough, Chris Keys and Emery Simmons, but I think IU came out ahead overall. Time will tell though.

With another year under his belt, do you think we could see Donavan McCulley turn into the stud WR that we think he can be? - From Colorado Kruggel

McCulley showed flashes of what he could do at receiver last year. His numbers didn’t blow anyone away, but he came up with some big catches in some big moments. If Indiana can get improved quarterback play he should have a more productive season as well. It’s amazing to think he’s already a junior, so he has to accelerate that development this off season.

Question for both sides of the ball: I’d like to hear your thoughts on which freshman will have an immediate impact on offense, and which freshman will have an immediate impact on defense. - From Colorado Kruggel

If we are counting redshirt freshmen, I will put Omar Cooper on the list for a breakout season on offense. There really aren’t that many instant impact true freshmen on offense. However, if I had to pick one, it may be QB Broc Lowery or TE Sam West. West is an interesting prospect. He was committed to pitch for Alabama, but chose football instead. IU has a need at tight end.

On defense it has to be Amare Ferrell or Jordan Shaw. I know it’s a cop out to pick two, but whatever it’s my article. IU needs playmakers in the secondary. Ferrell is IU’s highest-rated recruit in the 2023 class at safety and Shaw played in the All-American Bowl. While they may not start, they should work their way into the rotation, especially since there are spots available.