Media Monday: Kevin Wilson Previews a Trip to Michigan and Wraps Up Penn State

Kevin Wilson spoke about the loss to Penn State and the road trip to the Big House. Image: Cam Koenig HoosierHuddle.com

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson met with media to recap the loss to Penn State and preview a trip to the Big House coming up this week.

Coach Wilson Quotes

For much of the last two seasons the narrative has been how close IU has been against Top-10 opponents. Wilson addressed what was different this time around.

“ I think our kids, we came in yesterday and really I think had a little different point, I think when you look at our team, I think a lot of people, we've been close. Well, this is the first time we've been close to winning games and played bad.

We've been close and played as good as we could. Didn't turn it over and we weren't good enough. We were physically matched up good, and the things that we're close on that need to get out of our football, I think, are correctable. When you're not big enough or fast enough or deep enough or can't kick it -- we've got a great kicker, got him back on point the other day. Need to keep him on point.

We've got to take care of the ball. Five turnovers, went from third in the nation in fewest fumbles after week eight and at week 10 I think we're at 101. So we've dropped I think 98 spots in two weeks. So, again -- and to me it's coaching and that's culture. And we've kind of addressed that again. I think I was ridiculed years ago when Tevin Coleman went to Ann Arbor and fumbled and came out. But our deal is if you fumble you don't play. I don't know what's up with that but that's how we play here. That's our culture, and I take responsibility for those fumbles because I think we've gotten lax with that.”

Mitchell Paige was distraught after the loss on Saturday, essentially putting the loss squarely on his on shoulders. Wilson had this to say about Paige:

“ I said during the game, I said you're acting a bit like Griff (Oakes) here but relax. You're good. You didn't mean to. I think -- we talked with some of our youthfulness about some guys being a little more mature. We talked to seniors about don't squeeze so tight and don't press.

You've gotta do your best, you've gotta do it with focus and have that discipline and confidence. And sometimes, I know he wasn't trying to fumble. But again we did -- when I saw him yesterday he said, he goes to me, walked by grabbed him, we weren't even talking about this, he said, I don't care what you say I lost that game. I said I don't care what you said, I lost that game.

That's me and him going back and forth and neither one would take no to the answer. I can call different plays. When they don't work do something else. We always look at it. You don't make a block, you don't make a throw, you don't make a catch, sometimes they don't work.

Sometimes, I remember I had a kid get hurt. I said, I wish I would have called another play, he wouldn't have got hurt. At the same time, you make decisions, move forward with them. I talked to him, hey, man, the old conversation we have with Griff. Let it go.”

After holding the Big Ten’s leading rusher to just 60 yards Wilson said the defense should be confident.

“And you should have confidence. You should see it. You should feel it. You should believe it. You should see all those tackles for losses. The week before a lot of three-and-outs.”

On Michigan

“
Going to Michigan this week, they're coming off a loss. Talk about playing great all year, 9-1. They'll be three or four or five in the college poll when it comes out, by rankings they're up there, played great.

They're really good in all phases when you watch them. Offensively I think they're running for 230 and passing for 230. And a lot of people talk about balance, you think it's 50/50 or even, but those are pretty stout numbers both directions. They throw it very efficiently. Always have. Their quarterback played very well. Strong tight end, couple tight ends. They play four, five, six of them. But Jake Butt is outstanding. Their fullback plays awesome. Playing shuffle with running backs. Want to watch the young freshmen Chris Evans from Ben Davis, who a lot of you guys know has played -- an outstanding year and dynamic player. Receivers outside have lit it up.

Last year one kid, he had five touchdowns against us and he's back. And the other receiver's playing better than him this year. So again a very complete offense and have played very solid all year.

Defensively, probably playing better on defense than their 11 points a game, giving up. Very attack-oriented. They talk a lot about pressure, but the pressure they put is just how hard they play every play. Whether they're blitzing or not blitzing, whether challenging every throw, a lot of man-to-man coverages, bracket coverages and just a front with -- playing seven, eight, nine, 10 guys, linebackers pinning their ears back getting after you. Kicked it well. Like I said I know they came off Iowa played an outstanding game.”

Quick-Hitters

Players of the Week

Offense-Dan Feeney (OL) and Devine Redding (RB)
Defense- Marcus Oliver (LB) and Tony Fields (Safety)
Special Teams- Chase Dutra (Safety)

Scout Offense- Clyde Newton (RB), Grayson Stover (OL), and Ryan Watercutter (TE)
Scout Defense- Gavin Everett (DL)

Injuries

There are no new injuries to report