Offense Prepared to Go Week One Against Illinois

Written by Matt Smith

Offensive coordinator Walt Bell had his first Monday morning press conference with the Hoosiers. Indiana is officially in game week mode as they’ll go against Illinois Friday night at home and everyone will have their first look at the new Hoosier offense.

According to Bell, the offense had a great spring and summer which led to a great fall camp. However, he said there are always growing pains when it comes to a new offensive system. 

“We feel like we’re very prepared, and we’re ready to go play,” Bell said.

Now the Hoosiers look to Illinois who already played their first game last weekend.

Bell said that Illini has a great edge defense, they’re going to make Indiana play C-gap to C-gap and won’t give up any free plays on the perimeter of the field. The back of the defense does a great job of disguising and letting the game come to them. 

“I think they play with great confidence, I think they play really hard,” Bell said. “From a fundamental standpoint, they do a great job of being really violent inside hand players.”

A big position that is in question going into the season is the wide receivers. Bell said that the Hoosiers plan to play eight or nine of their players at the position. 

“All of those guys have earned a right to get onto the field,” Bell said. “Within the scheme they all have individual skills that fit well in certain roles and certain parts.”

Bell plans for many different faces to be on the field at that position. One name that stuck out during practice was Emery Simmons who developed a lot during his time in spring ball.

Going forward during the season, Bell likes having a deeper rotation rather than narrowing it down to 3 or 4 players. However, he wants to make sure that the best players are getting enough playing time in order to develop.

Another key player to keep an eye on is tight end AJ Barner.

“He’s passionate about football, he’s passionate about winning,” Bell said. “When I say winning, I don’t necessarily mean the end product, he’s very passionate about the work required to win a football game.”

One thing Bell did not mention was the quarterback position, which fans and the media anxiously await to see who will get the start Friday night.