Hoosier Offense Offers Bright Spots and Concerns
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Written By David Sugarman
The Spring Game came and went. Then it went some more then it ended. A 42-36 win for Team Crimson over Team Cream in overtime, it was full of ups and downs for both teams, but as is the case with both the philosophy remains that it is a glorified scrimmage that you can’t get too high or low about. Stats weren’t even kept and we didn’t go to the effort to keep track too much because that’s not what this game was about. It was about seeing where a team stood still over three months away from opening night kickoff when they take on Ohio State. With multiple key offensive players like Nick Westbrook and Camion Patrick sitting out, it was hardly a true barometer of what IU will be in the fall, but there were some things worth taking note of. Just remember, Ohio State is still three months away. Indiana didn’t do anything tonight to take a lead or put themselves in a hole against the Buckeyes. With that said, let’s take a look at how the offense faired.
The Good
Peyton Ramsey: I’m a strong believer that you never fire someone unless you have a replacement ready. Many people were calling for Richard Lagow’s job next year despite there clearly being nobody else in the quarterback room good enough to be a starter in the Big Ten. Ramsey may not be starting material just yet, but he’s someone to look forward to in the future and if Lagow continues to struggle this season, Ramsey could be a viable replacement. Ramsey led the Crimson team on a pair of touchdown drives early in the game doing it with both his arm and his legs. He finished 11-of-17 of his passes for 99 yards and the two scores. He showed great mobility and presence in the pocket and was able to escape and scramble for solid yardage on several occasions finishing with 10 carries and 49 yards. Ramsey ran for an 11-yard touchdown and then threw a precise 23-yard pass across the middle for a touchdown to Ian Thomas on the next drive. He still has a ways to go, but Ramsey showed promise for the future and gave Richard Lagow a reason to stay on his toes and not get complacent with his job.
Concerns
Richard Lagow: It’s only the Spring Game and we shouldn’t get too down, but Richard Lagow’s up and down performance Thursday night brought back flashbacks of last season. Lagow struggled early in many of the same areas that he did this past season, particularly his accuracy. He did finished 20-of-39 for 199 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Lagow also completed a pass to convert on a two-point conversion. His best pass of the night came on a 24-yard touchdown strike to Simmie Cobbs. Overthrown passes and balls going too wide for receivers were a common theme throughout the night though. There were some balls dropped on him and that is something receivers coach Grant Heard will have to emphasize again in fall camp, but some of the performance brought back bad memories. Lagow threw an interception to Rashard Fant that set up the Crimson team in the red zone as well. There’s still a long summer to be had and there’s been good indications surrounding Lagow’s work ethic and leadership this spring. Let’s be clear here, there is no quarterback controversy in Bloomington and Lagow should benefit a little bit more when he has his full arsenal of weapons and the number one offensive line in front of him.
Everything Else: It might be a broad stroke, but outside of the quarterback position the game was largely unspectacular despite going into overtime. There were a few other bright spots, Simmie Cobbs catching a touchdown pass after missing essentially the entire 2016-17 campaign was encouraging, Alex Rodriguez playing the entire game and telling Coach Allen he was not coming out was somewhat inspiring, and the use of the trio of tight ends (Shaun Bonner, Austin Dorris, and Ian Thomas) was very encouraging as they combined for 7 catches 68 yards and a score. The running back position is banged up right now for the Hoosiers and Rodriguez took advantage of the opportunity and proved the position may have some added depth when the starters get healthy.
There were some drops by the receiving core and a Ricky Brookins fumble in overtime was disheartening after a strong game, but overall there was more good than bad. The Spring Game is not a Fall preview, but rather a look at what the team needs to do before it gets to the Fall. Right now those needs are Richard Lagow’s accuracy, sure-handed receivers and as always seems to be the case in college football, to get healthy.