Walt Bell and the Hoosier Offense Prepare for Western Kentucky

Written by Matt Smith

It was a tale of two halves for the Hoosier offense this Saturday against Idaho, as the Hoosiers defeated the Vandals 35-22. The Hoosiers put up zero points during the first half of the game, but exploded in the third quarter for 23 unanswered points.

A huge part of the win was quarterback Connor Bazelak turning it around in the second half, and completing throws that were overthrown during the first half. Bazelak transferred from Missouri this offseason and beat out veteran Jack Tuttle for the starting job. 

“I think the biggest thing, especially on game day, whenever he comes off the field, he’s always going to go to the phone,” Walt Bell said during his Monday morning press conference. “No matter what happens, good or bad, he’s the same guy all the time.”

Bell said there are a million different types of leadership, and for Bazelak one of his strengths is that he is even keeled. For Bazelak, nothing rattles him, whether it is good or bad, he always keeps his cool.

Another part of the Hoosier offense that has been successful is the pass protection. Bazelak has been sacked only once during two games this season. 

“Big picture wise I think the quarterback has a lot to do with pass protection than most people do,” Bell said. “However, I think our offensive line has done a tremendous job in pass protection.”

Bell credits the pass protection to both Bazelak and the offensive line, but the o-line still has some work to do because there have been pressures, hurries, and hits that still need to be cleaned up.

In addition, Bell credited Bazelak for his ability to get the ball out of his hand quickly and make decisions in the pocket quickly.

A huge part of the turnaround was DJ Matthews making some tremendous catches in the red zone during the third quarter and making plays on the field as well. 

Bell relates to Matthews a lot on a personal level due to the fact that they both have young children to take care of, while helping the Hoosier offense. Bell said he’s a great dad as well.

The offensive line has come together this season, and quickly became a very close knit group.

“Everything they went through last year put a chip on their shoulder in a good way,” Bell said. “They have a lot of pride in their performance, they have a lot of pride about how they represent their room.”