Third Quarter's a Charm Once Again for Hoosiers

Photo Credit: Cam Koenig HoosierHuddle.com

Written By: Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)

For the third straight week the Hoosiers entered halftime trailing. And for the third straight week they held their opponent scoreless in the third quarter in route to a come-from-behind victory. What is it about this team that they are able to come out from intermission and impose their will on their competition?

Is it the halftime adjustments? Their Swedish Fish halftime snack perhaps? Or is it the team's depth and conditioning just wearing down the opposition? 

"You know, I'd like to tell you something magical," said Kevin Wilson during the post game press conference. "We don't go in there and yell. We tell them to play one play, the next play. I'd like to say we are doing something fancy in practice, we're not."

The Hoosiers outscored the Hilltoppers 21-0 during the third stanza, scoring two touchdowns off of two interceptions, both of which were picked by true freshman safety Jon Crawford.

When it looked as if the scoreless third quarter streak was in jeopardy, Nick Mangieri got his big mitts on the Hilltoppers field goal attempt with just 22 seconds left in the period. 

"I do think we have a strong team," said Wilson. "Physically strong. I think we are mentally getting stronger. I think as the game goes on we gain a little momentum as we play. "

Wilson also mentioned how important it is to keep it simple sometimes and to not over-complicate things. "I think also in this day and age it's very easy as coaches to get in the way, and there's a bunch of clutter. Way too many formations, concepts, blitzes and coverages. And if you are not careful you can get all over the place." 

The Hoosiers were three for three on third down and outgained Western Kentucky 183 to 102 during the period. 

"I'd like to say it's something earth-shattering, but it's not," said Wilson. "Little bit of maturity, an elimination of things at halftime and getting in a good rhythm."

Whatever the Hoosiers are doing at half, it has clearly worked for them thus far.