Keys to Beating Bowling Green

The Navy game was horrendous. The defense did not play disciplined, the offensive didn't capitalize on opportunities when they needed to, and the coaches, by Doug Mallory's own admission, didn't make the adjustments they needed to throughout the game (see last last week's "Keys to Knockin' off Navy" article).

On to this week. The Hoosiers now face a Bowling Green team that has already beaten two teams that each won 11 games a year ago. The Falcons have been playing excellent football, which has them knocking on the door of the top 25 (they received seven AP votes this week). They also have no problem playing on the road. They have won their last four road games by a combined score of 115-46. Things aren't getting any easier for the Hoosiers, but the importance of this game cannot be understated as far as their bowl hopes are concerned. Here is what Indiana will have to do this week if they want to avoid starting the season 1-2.

#1 - Play Defense



The Bowling Green offense has executed a 2:1 run-to-pass ratio this year, but expect to see more of run-heavy approach Saturday. Head Coach Dave Clawson spent the majority of his press conference this week praising the Indiana offense, and he knows the best way to beat a good offense is to keep them on the bench. Therefore, ball control figures to be a major focus for the Falcons as they seek to limit Indiana's opportunities.

If the Hoosier defense is unable to stop the run and again is unable to force a punt, Clawson will have no issue accomplishing his goal. 

The Falcon's offense, led by quarterback Matt Wilson, is already averaging 37.5 points per game, and their star running back is averaging nearly 5 yards per carry. That spells disaster for the Big Ten's worst rushing defense. If Indiana can't stop the run, the Falcons will control the time of possession, and this game will be a hard one to watch. 



On the bright side, Bowling Green is only converting on 36% of their third downs. If the Indiana defense can at least keep pace with the defensive units of Kent State and Tulane, the offense should get their opportunities. One would like to believe the Hoosier defense is capable of anything a MAC or Conference USA team is but...



#2 - Start Fast



Last week's game against Navy made it crystal clear that Indiana cannot get itself into a hole early in the game as long as their defense is struggling. Coach Wilson alluded to the need to start fast earlier this week, so expect the Hoosiers to come out firing like a cornered Tony Montana (“say hello to my spread offense”). The Falcon's aforementioned strategy of running the ball to keep it out of the Hoosier's hands will be much less effective if Indiana can force them to play from behind. Forcing the Falcons to vary from their game plan could also go a long way in aiding the defensive effort.



However, putting up points is not going to be as easy as it was in the first two contests. The Hoosiers may currently have the nation's #4 scoring offense, but the Falcons boast the nations #29 ranked scoring defense. This game has the makings of great offensive-defensive battle, but Hoosier fans have to hope that doesn't come to fruition. We saw last week what happens if the offense isn't able to score at will.



#3 - Run the Ball Effectively



As bad as the IU defense appears to be, history dictates that Indiana's ability to run the football will ultimately decide this contest. Until last week's Kent State game, Bowling Green had held their opponents to under 100 yards rushing in every one of their wins over the past two years. In fact, Kent State rushed for 113 yards in the first half and trailed only 24-22. However, in the second half, the Golden Flashes were held to just 22 yards rushing. The score of that second half was 17-0 in favor of the Falcons, clearly illustrating the correlation between Bowling Green's ability to stop the run and their ultimate success.

Although the Indiana offensive line has not allowed a sack this year, they will have to go a step further this week and open up holes for the running backs. It may seem over simplistic, but if either Tevin Coleman or Stephen Houston is able to have a big game, the Hoosiers should be able to handle the Falcons.



#4 - Get the Ball to the Playmakers



As important as the rushing game will be, Indiana also must find a way to get it's playmakers the rock. Coach Wilson and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell both spoke specifically about the need to get top receiver Cody Latimer more involved with the offense:


We do need to find different ways to get [Latimer] the ball - at the same time, playing within our system and not trying to force the issue. He's going to make plays this season.

-Offensive Coordinator Seth Littrell

This may seem like an obvious point, but the Bowling Green defense was ranked 13th in the country last year in passing yards allowed. From that same defense, nine starters, including their entire defensive backfield, have returned. This isn't your average MAC defense; its a top notch unit that will challenge the Indiana receivers and quarterbacks to play to their highest potential.



#5 - Win Battles in the Red Zone



Nate Sudfeld's interception in the red zone last week proved disastrous as the Hoosiers went on to lose by a touchdown. While the Hoosier offense currently has a red zone efficiency rating of 83%, they will endeavor to improve that number against a Falcon defense that currently ranks second in the country in red zone defense. Bowling Green’s defense has only allowed points on two of their opponent’s five trips inside the 20-yard line.

Bowling Green’s offensive numbers inside the red zone are equally impressive. The Falcons are one of the few teams remaining in college football that are able to claim a 100% red zone efficiency rating, scoring every time they get the ball deep into their opponents territory. That’s more bad news for a Hoosier defense that is already allowing opponents to score on 90% of their red zone trips.

The red zone will be a battlefield this week, and the team that is most successful, both offensively and defensively, will hold a large advantage in the contest.

Not the cheeriest of previews I know.

Make no mistake, this Bowling Green team poses some colossal challenges for Indiana. However, if this preview has you feeling more depressed than excited about this week’s game, let this true, undaunted fan cheer you up.

GO HOOSIERS.