Is the Hoosier Defense Ready For the Falcon Fast Offense?

TJ Simmons (2) and Kenny Mullen (22) will try and stop the Falcon Fast offense on Saturday

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers know something about going up-tempo on offense, but will their defense be ready for Falcon Fast? Despite losing their starting quarterback Matt Johnson, the Bowling Green offense is going to push it. The Falcons put up 48 points in a victory over VMI in week two and 31 in a loss to Western Kentucky. Indiana defensive coordinator Brian Knorr is “still preparing for the same plan that they would have if Johnson was in”.

Bowling Green still has a few weapons at their disposal on offense. They return the school’s all-time single season rusher in Travis Greene. Greene ran for over 1,500 yards in BGSU’s championship run in 2013 and is averaging 110 yards per contest this season. The Falcons also welcome a talented newcomer in receiver Roger Lewis who already has 14 catches for 217 yards. Knorr chimed in that “being able to go against our guys throughout preseason certainly has helped” in preparing for the offense Bowling Green coaches have dubbed Falcon Fast.

The Hoosiers will have their work cut out for them on Saturday when they try to win two in a row for the first time since 2012. IU does have some playmakers on defense. Cornerback Tim Bennett can go against the best the nation has to offer, safeties Antonio Allen and Mark Murphy combine to make a very football savvy duo, and the defensive line is bigger and stronger than last year and should create more push up front. This will be a great test to see if the Hoosier defense really has taken a step in the right direction. The Hoosiers have had an extra week to prepare for James Knapke and the Falcons. For IU it is time to go bird hunting.