Sheridan and Hoosiers used the Bye Week to Evaluate the Offense

Written by Matt Smith

Indiana is coming off of a bye week after a crushing loss at Penn State the week before in a game that the Hoosiers’ offense struggled mightily in. In a season that has gotten off to a shaky start on the offensive side of the ball, the bye week could not have come at a better time.

The Hoosiers coaches took the bye week as a time to reevaluate their offense and figure out what was working and what wasn’t working.

“We took a very thorough evaluation of where we are at, and where we have fallen short both as coaches and players,” offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said during his Monday press conference. “We try to modify and adjust, you’re not reinventing what you’ve done but certainly modifying what you’ve done.”

Quarterback Michael Penix went down with a shoulder injury during the Penn State game putting in Jack Tuttle. Tuttle will most likely receive the start in the upcoming weekend against Michigan State at home.

When a new quarterback gets entered into the system, an offensive scheme will change because each player has different strengths and weaknesses. However, the Hoosiers are prepared for that, Sheridan said each quarterback likes certain concepts better and those conversations are had throughout the season.

For Tuttle, his game is very different from Penix, but the Hoosiers are used to his game as Tuttle got many starts last season because of Penix's knee injury. Tuttle is spoken very highly of by all of his coaches.

“Jack’s preparation, his work ethic is as good as I have been around,” Sheridan said. “He has the physical ability and tools to be a successful quarterback in our conference. It gives you confidence as a coach.”

Another big struggle for the Hoosiers has been the disappointing play by the offensive line. Penix has not had much time to throw the ball and the run game has been very inconsistent.

“There are a lot of quality players in that room that can play better,” Sheridan said. “That’s my job to make sure that we are allowing for that whether it be the schemes, teaching or preparation throughout the week. There is a lot more than they are capable of.”

To continue, the running back room looks completely different than it did at the beginning of the season. Stephen Carr will continue to be the starting back, but after that it will be running back by committee. 

Sheridan is very excited for different players to get a chance to play no matter what position it is at and with a banged up Indiana team, many players will get a chance to play.