Keys to a Hoosier Win Over the Vandals

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Written by Andrew Walker

After a disappointing week one loss against Iowa, 34-6, Indiana will be looking for a classic “get right” game when the Idaho Vandals come into Bloomington on Saturday. Indiana is looking for their first win of the season over a Big Sky conference FCS program. The difference between a stout Iowa team and Idaho should give the Hoosier players confidence heading into Saturday. Today, we’re looking at a few keys to the game for Indiana. 

1. Win and Look Good Doing it

I know what you’re thinking. That’s obviously how you win a game in which the score is kept, therefore deciding the outcome of said game. But for Indiana, scoring touchdowns is going to be key. Last weekend, Indiana didn’t have one touchdown. All six of their points came off of field goals. Barring any discussion about whether or not starting QB Mike Penix had a bad game or not on Saturday, touchdowns have to be scored. For this upcoming game, the ground attack has to get into the endzone until Penix has his yips worked out. 

2. Be Aggressive on Defense to Create Takeaways

Even with two impressive forced fumbles by Cam Jones and Raheem Layne, Indiana’s defensive prowess wasn’t quite at the level it was this past season. I wrote about this in last week’s keys to the game article, that tackling and overall defensive pressure might be a bit lapse in the first game. This upcoming game against Idaho needs to be the turning point in the season for IU. A “get right” game is exactly what Indiana needs to set their defense on the right path for the rest of the season. 

3. Take advantage and Take Over

Even though I’ve been saying that this game should be a relative cakewalk in terms of overall opponent skill, it’s never a given until the clock reaches 0. If Indiana does, in fact, find themselves up 42-3 after the half, stay on the gas. The Hoosiers played too poorly last week for there to be any lapse in performance, even up a good amount. Indiana has to get used to playing their best football for the entirety of the game.