Three & Out Offense: Week 2 Navy Midshipmen

The Indiana offense will need to cash in on their scoring opportunities if they are to knock off Navy on Saturday in Bloomington.

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@sammyj108) 

Week 2 brings a tough match-up opponent for the Hoosiers as the Navy Midshipmen invade Bloomington on Saturday evening.  Indiana and Navy faced off last year in contest that the Hoosiers dropped 31-30 in heartbreaking fashion.  In order to not repeat the past Indiana must improve in several areas of the game and here are the three most important things that the Hoosiers need from their offense to come out victorious against the Midshipmen.

1. Red Zone Efficiency- In the 2012 loss to Navy, the Hoosiers had six changes inside the Navy 20-yard line and only came away with three touchdowns and three field goals.  While it is nice that the Hoosiers scored 100% of the time, Indiana left a ton of points on the field as they settled for three short kicks.  Coach Wilson has been adamant in pointing out that Navy limits the numbers of possessions the opposing offense will get.  It is vital that the Hoosiers score touchdowns when they get the chance.

2. Limit Turnovers- While this may sound like cookie cutter logic turnovers once again play into the limited amount of possessions the Hoosiers offense will likely have against this Navy defense.  In last season’s loss Indiana threw two killer interceptions.  One that was taken back for a touchdown while the second one ended the game.  In a game where every possession counts the Hoosiers must improve their sloppy three-turnover performance from week one and protect the ball.

3. Quarterback Battle- As we head into week two nothing has been settled as to who the starting quarterback is going to be for the Indiana Hoosiers.  All three of the signal callers saw action in the record setting offensive performance last week.  It looks as if Tre Roberson had the upper hand starting the first game but was pulled after less than a quarter, not because of ineffectiveness, and sophomore Nate Sudfeld put on a beautiful display of passing in throwing for four touchdowns.  Even though Cam Coffman had a less than memorable game he must still be in the mix after starting 10 games in 2012.  While it worked out just dandy against Indiana State, playing three quarterbacks could be hazardous against Navy.  Will Wilson let one guy get into a rhythm or will he pull a quarterback at the first sign of trouble.  This is a must win game at home for the Hoosiers and playing musical chairs with the quarterbacks could prove very dangerous.

The Hoosiers will not be scoring 73 points against Navy due to the nature of the Midshipmen’s offense, however this offense can be just as potent if they can take care of the ball and cash in on their opportunities.  The coaching staff will be satisfied just settling for field goals.  Indiana should have the advantage with having a game under their belt as opposed to Navy who did not play last week.