Hoosiers Expect Luke Haggard and David Ellis Back But Still Dealing with Injuries

Written by Matt Smith

Following last week’s loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Hoosiers had a lot to focus on during the week leading up to what hopefully will be a tune up game against Idaho. However, IU is entering the game with some key injuries to watch.

Head coach Tom Allen met with the media Thursday one final time before the Hoosiers’ home opener against Idaho, and discussed the team's many different injuries.

Safety Devon Matthews is out again this week, but is expected to make a full recovery according to Allen. In addition, Jaylin Williams is another defensive back that is doubtful to play Saturday night against Idaho. 

On the offensive side of the ball, the line struggled mightily against Iowa’s front seven. Allen said that he was putting major focus on the offensive line during the preparation for the upcoming game against the Vandals.

One of the key pieces of that offensive line is back this week in Luke Haggard.

“He's back and is good. He's had a really good week as well and he will be a part of those five guys we will see on offense on game day,” Allen said. “Bottom line is, it's trying to get our best five guys on the field and unfortunately for last week the group that is going to be taking the field on Saturday is the ones who we were going to take on the field against Iowa until Luke got injured in practice. He's healthy, back now, and we've got other guys back as well that are going to be competing to play and will play in the game on Saturday.”

The Hoosiers will also have running back and kick returner David Ellis back for the game on Saturday after missing the opening game against Iowa.

Allen was also happy with how the Hoosiers practiced this week following a crushing loss to the Hawkeyes.

“It was crisp and sharp, I do feel like that. I think it was good. I think it got better every day during the week. It wasn't that we practiced poorly last week either, but at the same time, that preparation didn't show up on game day which is what really matters,” Allen said “The key for us now is to transfer what we're doing in practice so that it shows up on Saturday. That's what I expect, and we've had a good week of doing that.”

As far as the upcoming game against Idaho, Allen said, the Vandals do a lot on the offensive side of the ball, they score a lot of points and have some very talented skill players as well. 

“Just conceptually, the whole [Petrino] family, they have a great understanding of offensive play and how to score points and how to put you in conflict defensively,” Allen said. “They play multiple quarterbacks and create different things there and they all have different skill sets. They are just tough. I'm telling you. The toughness of their team shows up on film on both sides of the ball. The core of their defense, the front seven, is very physical and very talented.”

Allen and the Hoosiers will look to bounce back from a tough loss last week against Iowa and get a win in front of the fans for the first time in almost two years.