Keys to a Hoosier Victory Over Idaho Saturday Night

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Andrew Walker

The Indiana Hoosiers are officially 1-0. Squeaking out a 23-20 win over Big Ten opponent Illinois last Friday was the perfect tone setter for the rest of the season. Were there times when Indiana wasn’t playing their best football? Sure. Just ask the 70 or so total yards in the entire second half until the game winning drive. Nonetheless, the Hoosiers are 1-0 heading into a night game in Memorial Stadium against Idaho. Let’s take a look at a few keys to victory for Indiana.

Don’t underestimate Idaho at all. 

Idaho was supposed to get destroyed by Washington State this past weekend. There’s no doubt about that. The spread was Idaho +28.5. I can’t think of a better read on that spread than an expectation for Idaho to get demolished. The Vandals got to a 10-0 lead early in the game, but ultimately lost 24-17. Far from a 28.5 point underdog. Idaho is +31.5 according to USA Today Sports. Indiana cannot let themselves see that number and hear the guarantees of the media that Indiana will win. The Hoosiers just need to play sound football and not have the idea that the win is already sealed.

Connor Bazelak needs to be more consistent. 

Sure, Bazelak orchestrated a two-minute drill drive to seal the win for Indiana when it counted, but through the entire night he was quite inconsistent. Some overthrown balls and missed connections hindered his performance through the middle part of the game and was part of the reason the game was so close. Bazelak needs more time and more confidence with his receivers so that his inconsistency isn’t an issue again. Look for more sound offensive line play in this game, possibly giving the talented Missouri transfer some more time in the pocket to make plays.

Indiana needs to take advantage of holes in Idaho’s faulty run defense. 

Last week against Washington State, Idaho gave up 5.7 yards per carry on the ground. The Cougars were able to get their ground attack going and getting guys in space pretty easily, and Indiana should be able to do the same. Shaun Shivers will have a bounce back week if he can get into space against Idaho’s inconsistent front seven. Look for a lot of play action into check down passes as well, in an attempt to take advantage of the Vandals’ secondary. Last season, Stephen Carr was able to dice the Idaho defense for 118 yards and one TD. This year, it should be even easier.