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KelleyHoosh

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Everything posted by KelleyHoosh

  1. Yes, Indiana is 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Sure, running back Jordan Howard is the nation’s leading rusher. Just last year, Indiana played Ohio State competitively without quarterback Nate Sudfeld who is now healthy. By all accounts, this should be IU’s most successful football season in decades. But they still aren’t respected for this game to receive national hype. The defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Indiana Hoosiers on Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m. ET The game will be televised on ABC, but nobody seems to be giving Indiana much of a shot.   Yes, Indiana is 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Sure, running back Jordan Howard is the nation’s leading rusher. Just last year, Indiana played Ohio State competitively without quarterback Nate Sudfeld who is now healthy. By all accounts, this should be IU’s most successful football season in decades. But they still aren’t respected for this game to receive national hype.   Ohio State is clearly the more talented team, but the game is played on the field, on Saturdays- not on paper. The magnitude of this game can not be overstated for the Indiana football program.   “This is what you tell players you’re coming to school for,” said linebackers coach William Inge. “You’re going to play against very good competition in the Big Ten East and here we are with an opportunity to do just that.”   The team has been doing everything it can to rise to the occasion. Inge suggested that the linebacker corps works extremely hard both in the film room and on the practice field.   “We (the linebackers and running backs) go against each other in practice, so we try to see who has the best group,” Inge said. “We challenge our players to be competitively great during the week so when the weekend comes you can show it against your opponent.”   On Saturday the defense will face one of the nation’s best backs, Ezekiel Elliott. Inge believes that facing Howard in practice makes the defense prepared for the task. Inge also suggested that the team cannot over pursue or Elliott will reverse the field for big plays.   Inge added that Elliott, “gets downfield with his pads, so you have to bring it when you come to him because if not you can be facing borderline embarrassment.”   This season the defense has had its share of embarrassments causing the team to be lucky to come away with victories. Some of that is due to youth while some is likely due to communication. Inge spoke very highly of T.J. Simmons’ ability to correct those issues.   “He is one of those guys that is quietly impacting the game of football because hes not a big talker,” Inge said. “He is an action player.”   According to Inge, Simmons excels at holding teammates accountable, especially in the film room. In fact, Simmons appears to be a student of the game to the point that he puts countless hours into analyzing game tapes.   “There were times when we would come through the facility and you’d look to the meeting room and there was a little light on,” Inge said. “He was in there watching film.”   While his diligence is helping Simmons “get an edge week in and week out,” according to Inge, it is Marcus Oliver who leads the team in tackles.   “We’ve been pleased with Marcus and just like TJ he is a preparation player,” Inge went on. “He does just what you want him to do and he can do some things that cannot be coached.”   While the linebackers are expected to make plays and drive the defense, the battle in the trenches will be just as important come gameday. Defensive line coach Larry McDaniel’s group has struggled getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks this year.   “Depending on the team these guys are getting the ball out in under three seconds so its hard to generate a pass rush,” McDaniel said. “Right or wrong, defensive lines are measured by how many sacks they generate.”   To remedy this, the defensive line prides itself on getting their hands up and trying to bat down passes.   McDaniel says setting a favorable tone early will be hugely beneficial for the team.   “If you can do some positive things early it makes the flow of the game that much better,” McDaniel said. “Football is such an up and down sport, it lets you whether some storms better.”   While the team believes they can win the game, everyone knows it will not be easy.   “They’re a good football team, they’re well coached and have a lot of skill; we just have to make sure that we play our football game” Inge said. “They’re going to be physical, they’re going to get to the point of attack very fast, they’re very skilled at every position and we just have to keep the pin focused on us.”   As for the defense, McDaniel believes their game will be about successfully rushing the quarterback.   “This being the first Big Ten game, it is a big emphasis to get after the quarterback,” McDaniel said. “We expect that in true passing situations they will rush the quarterback.”   If the team can successfully pressure opposing quarterbacks, some pressure may be taken off of the young Indiana secondary.   Critics doubt the legitimacy of this undefeated Indiana football team. Some fans even do. But if the defense can carry over the momentum from their Wake Forest performance and the offense operates as it normally does, the Hoosiers just may have a chance at shocking the world. After all, Ohio State isn’t an NFL team. They just nicked out a win against Northern Illinois 20-13. [url=https://btownbanners.com/page/index.html/_/football/news-notes/defense-preparing-for-defending-national-champs-r225]Click here to view the article[/url]
  2. Yeah, I think Dakich's thing has potential. But I haven't heard anyone really talking about it/advertising it. I don't think he's reached out to SAB, who I think would really be the force behind making it a success. I was confident earlier in the week, but whenever a game nears I always feel we will lose. Not just IU, any team I cheer for. If we dominate TOP, anything can happen. Gotta play to our strengths and that's Howard/redding and the O-line
  3. Ha whoops. It's actually going to be embarrassing. I also think while Dakich's thing is an okay idea the execution is going to be pretty cringey and it'll be an all around embarrassing day for the football program. But that's for another thread I guess! Thanks for the info DJ. Super appreciated
  4. KelleyHoosh

    Darius Latham suspended indefinitely

    No reason given for the suspension yet. It's indefinite so I'm guessing it's fairly serious, however this is also his second offense this season. Funny, he was just recently praised for his maturity by coaches. Second suspension of the season doesn't seem to gel with that. Right before the #1 team in the country comes, you do something to get yourself in trouble? A leader/valuable player can't do that... Especially as a junior
  5. If ESPN is sending cameras I imagine we will get some sort of air time but I really don't know much about this type of thing. Now I have to figure out I how I get on this show. Anybody have Dakich's cell? Ha
  6. [attachment=2683:ImageUploadedByBtownBanners1443563355.015072.jpg]
  7. I haven't really heard any excitement around this on campus. At least I haven't seen too much promo/people talking about it. Seems like a nice idea though
  8. KelleyHoosh

    IU vs that school in ohio...

    It's kind of disheartening that we have to bank on two major upsets to get them here. I think the whole iufb4gameday hashtag shows IU has a lot of potential in football from a fan support standpoint
  9. KelleyHoosh

    (2016) SG Rawle Alkins to Arizona

    [attachment=2661:ImageUploadedByBtownBanners1443015823.640266.jpg] Updated list
  10. By now, IU fans know a bit about Jordan Howard- mostly that he is a hard runner who started his career at University of Alabama Birmingham and currently leads the NCAA in rushing with 507 yards through three games. What fans may not know is how exactly he became a Hoosier. When the news that UAB’s football program would be shut down broke, college coaches across the country carefully examined their roster for potential transfers. Howard, having been productive to the tune of over 2000 yards, stood out statistically. Once Indiana running backs coach Deland McCullough saw tape of Howard, he knew he wanted him. “I was out recruiting at the time in Baltimore and called back here (to Bloomington),” McCullough said. “I told everyone, ‘I don’t want to make my next trip, I want to wait for his release.’” Howard’s release came shortly thereafter and McCullough started recruiting him hard, building relationships with both Jordan and his mother. He built familiarity by taking three visits to Howard’s residence. The coach then began to sell his track record which is highlighted by Atlanta Falcons rookie starter Tevin Coleman. “He saw what I did with Tevin and how he was developed,” McCullough said. “He was comfortable that the situation here was one that could help him get to where he wants to be.” With his rate of production, its safe to say Howard figures to be a promising NFL prospect. At times he has grown frustrated by his lack of game breaking runs, which McCullough says is something they are working on. “We are continuing to work on his knee drive and having him run with higher knees which is something he has to make an effort to do,” McCullough said. “I just want him to play ball and those opportunities will come, but as far as fine tuning his game we are working on that.” Indiana is trying to forge a reputation as “running back U” under McCullough, who humbly deflects praise to his players. “I’ve never doubted myself… I’m confident that I’m able to identify great guys and getting them to buy in to our process,” McCullough stated. “I take my personality and try to inject it in them.” Initially, McCullough said that Howard saw that personality manifested in fellow back Devine Redding. “When Jordan got here, Devine was ‘that guy’, as far as how he worked.” Now, Howard has learned the work ethic of IU running backs that McCullough attributes not only to his teaching but also from Coleman embodying those lessons. “Its not all business, we have a great time in our room,” McCullough said while chuckling. “But when we are on the field we know we have to prove ourselves every time we are out there.” The entire Hoosier team has a lot to prove on Sept. 26 when it heads to North Carolina to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. After a hot 3-0 start, fans are wondering if the team will fizzle like in years past or if this is finally the year IU makes its way to the post season. An undefeated non-conference start would go a long way in proving this year’s team as a legitimate threat to go bowling. If the team is to be successful, they will need production similar to what Howard has already provided. Howard however, cannot singlehandedly propel his team to victory. Defensive line coach Larry McDaniel knows this and has been preparing his unit for something they have not yet seen this season: a dual threat quarterback. McCullough says the gameplan heading into the fourth game of the season will be different than it has been to this point. “It changes you from a defensive mentality because now you have to account for another player making it 11 on 11,” McCullough said. “We have to coordinate our pass rush so that we don’t break containment.” Keeping the opposing quarterback in check will go a long way in helping the Hoosiers to a victory. That task is easier said than done, and may prove overwhelming for a team whose total defense is rated 121 out of 127 division one teams. McDaniel says the team has a lot to prepare for as Wake Forest presents a very multi-dimensional attack. There has been a noticeable improvement against the run since the first week of the season- an improvement that has boosted the Hoosiers to the 65th best devision one rush defense. McDaniel attributes this largely to the pressure the defensive threat has brought onto opposing offensive lines. “We’ve had a more vertical attack up the field,” McDaniel said. “Now we are doing everything on their side of the line of scrimmage and being aggressive.” To this point of the season, the IU defense has struggled. If they can exhibit the type of aggression McDaniel expects, they have a chance to make a statement before heading into Big 10 play. If Howard and McDaniel have anything to say about it, Indiana will host Ohio State in a battle of conference leaders on October 3rd. Fans have already taken notice of this possibility and the movement for College Gameday to come to Bloomington has taken the Twittersphere by storm via the #iufb4gameday hashtag. NOTES Marqui Hawkins has started a hybrid role, crosstraining at WR and RB… Jacob Robinson continues to stand out in practice because of his motor.
  11. So, what exactly makes the Hilltoppers such a threat? Well, one of the biggest reasons is the mismatch their sixth year quarterback, Brandon Doughty presents against a young IU secondary. Coaches Brandon Shelby and Noah Joseph believe that their players will be up to the task with proper preparation. “We have to get better taking what we do Monday through Friday and applying it on Saturday,” Shelby said, “Their quarterback is very good… knows how to throw the ball and get away from pressure, if we let him sit back there all day its going to be a long day,” he finished. Shelby later said that on tape Doughty compares to Andrew Luck because their adjustments are like clockwork. Joseph echoed those thoughts on Doughty, but thinks IU has a distinct advantage when it comes to preparing for a player of his abilities. “What helps us is crossover stuff,” Joseph said before continuing, “we do a lot of crossover work, 1v1 against Nate Sudfeld who can spin the ball pretty well too.” Joseph thinks going against a player like Sudfeld has helped his younger players develop, but they are realizing that they must work on their own to succeed. “The young guys have done okay and they have a lot of talent, we have seen inconsistency,” Joseph said, “They have to work on their own and do a lot more than what you’re doing just with coaches.” Some points that Shelby thinks the secondary has to improve upon are having their eyes in the right spot and playing faster. The coaches have been giving players looks similar to what they anticipate they will see in games, but Shelby highlighted that the intensity can’t be replicated in practice, so mistakes will be made. “Them playing hard alleviates mistakes.” Shelby said, adding that on the play against Florida International that Jameel Cook returned an interception for a touchdown, Cook was supposed to blitz and thus never should’ve been in that position. “That’s one of those times where you say, ‘great play, now don’t do it again!’” Shelby said. Though inconsistencies are bound to happen, especially in a young secondary, the Hoosiers believe that it is something they will grow through. Indiana fans saw a perfect example when the team played Florida International. Cook gave up a touchdown when running a cover 2 defense, then later secured the game for the Hoosiers. The veteran leader of the secondary, Rashard Fant, stressed the importance of rebounding from mistakes. “You have to put it out of your mind,” Fant said, “even when you give up a touchdown, you have to keep playing and move on because if you think about it you are burnable and they will attack you,” he finished. Fant believes the work ethic of the secondary will lead to improvement, saying that he watches a lot of tape not only of himself but Vernon Hargreaves of Florida, Jalen Ramsey of Florida State as well as Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman. “I watched some film and there were definitely a few missed opportunities where I could’ve helped the team even more,” Fant said, “my spot is not guaranteed and each day I have to prove my worth and show I can do my job,” he added. Shelby and Joseph have come together in the secondary and instilled that attitude in their players. Each player knows that there are no guarantees and that is why they have all stated that they must work hard to play. On having two coaches lead the secondary, Joseph said he thinks it has made players more accountable. “It is not a whole lot different than last year,” Joseph said. “We are able to be a lot harder on the guys as far as their discipline because if both coaches are picking on you its probably you needing to play better not us being picky.'' Shelby believes the attitude of the players helps them hold themselves accountable. “This group is probably the best I’ve been with since I’ve been here,” Shelby said. "They’re very prideful and don’t want to let anyone down.' Fant anticipates his team to hang tough with the Hilltoppers. “I expect them to be really good but I also expect us to come out ready to play,” Fant said. "We have to read our keys and be patient… they will throw a lot of shots and have good receivers.'' If everyone does as Fant said, fans can expect a close one in Bloomington when the Hoosiers take on the Hilltoppers. This game could be the best way to truly evaluate if this is the year the Hoosiers will go bowling. NOTES: Shelby said “Tyler Green is getting better, he came in and wasn’t quite ready, but he’s faster. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up helping this year.” Shelby also said Fant didn’t practice too much going into FIU game but did walk throughs and had a lot of mental reps.
  12. Indiana’s coaches know to have a successful season their defense cannot have a repeat performance of the 48-47 outing against football championship subdivision opponent Southern Illinois- a game that saw the Salukis tally 659 total yards. Obviously we need to be much better,” said defensive coordinator Brian Knorr. “It is unacceptable to give up that many points.” Knorr said the Hoosiers didn’t get off the field the way they needed to. "I'm really disappointed with the drives at the end of both halves,” Knorr said. "We have to prepare Tuesday and Wednesday like it is Saturday.” Pinpointing the exact cause of the Hoosiers’ struggles is difficult, but Knorr mused it could be a combination of youth and miscommunication. He was also quick to state unequivocally that the nine suspended players, many of whom are cornerstones in the Indiana defensive scheme, was no excuse for the poor showing. “We will be excited to get some of those young men back but by no means was that a huge part,'' Knorr said. "We had our guys out there and had to play better. It took us a little time to be able to identify what they were doing, tell our guys, and make adjustments. We didn’t communicate and that’s what we are trying to fix this week. We have to simplify it for the younger guys and be more disciplined in man coverage.” Of the 659 yards of offense, 411 came through the air, an aerial assault that lasted essentially all game sans a few possessions in the third quarter. The Hoosiers could have had a better defensive outing had they logged more than a single sack, registered by senior leader DL Nick Mangieri. Simply put, IU’s defense left a lot to be desired. “I think everybody is embarrassed by our performance,” Knorr said. “By no stretch of the imagination is that how we wanted to start our season defensively, and we will look for a much better performance this Saturday.” One area that the Hoosiers have little reason to be embarrassed is on the opposite side of the ball. IU’s offense looked every bit as potent as it the hype built it up to be, and they produced when it mattered most. “We were put in a situation where we had to score a bunch and it was good that we did,” said IU offensive coordinator Kevin Johns. "We responded in the third and fourth quarters and made some big plays. I imagine we will find ourselves in those competitive spots where we have to score to win.” You have to score to win the game, and Johns feels his offense is equipped to handle that. “We expect to score every time we have the ball,” he said, “It's our goal to be the number one offense in this league and to do that we need to score a lot.” Some of the individuals giving Johns confidence include Nate Sudfeld, Jordan Howard and Ricky Jones. Jones noted that as a senior Sudfeld has been carrying himself differently. “We think he’s the best in the league,” Johns said. "He does a great job explaining what he sees and wants.” One of Sudfeld’s most important targets, Jones, is finally primed to break out now that he has overcome injuries. Johns expects Jones to be productive this season. “He’s worked hard and the game has slowed down for him, now he is ready to go make some plays,'' Johns said.” Also making plays this year is Howard, the transfer from UAB. It was noted that Howard is normally fairly quiet, but Johns mentioned that quiet is far from the adjective he would use to describe Howard during games. “When the lights come on he is like a different person,” Johns said, praising Howard’s work ethic and intensity. The coaches know that steps must be taken this week against Florida International if this season is going to be a success. It is also important in sports to have a short memory, and Knorr thinks that his defense must apply that this week. “You can’t worry about what happened Saturday, you have to go the next play and the next game,'' Knorr said.
  13. Indiana had an underwhelming start to Kevin Wilson’s fifth season as head coach. It started before the game even began when the Hoosiers announced just prior to kickoff that they had suspended nine players for the game citing they had not lived up to their responsibilities to the program. Six of the players were on the defensive side of the ball including starters DT Darius Latham and LB Tegray Scales. It continued when the defense looked lost against Football Championship Subdivision opponent Southern Illinois. The Salukis led the Hoosiers 32-21 at the half and it looked as if the Hoosiers would suffer an embarrassing defeat until they scored 17 unanswered points on their way to a 48-47 victory. After the game, BtownBanners got the chance to speak with Nate Sudfeld, Ricky Jones, Marcus Oliver and Jordan Howard who all shined in the come-from-behind victory. While fans are feeling disheartened after a game they feel should have never been so close, the players and coaches are happy with the outcome. “Fortunate to win but at the same time I think I told the team afterwards I was kind of concerned, like don’t take victory for granted,'' Wilson said. "For what you did and the circumstances you were in, and to make some plays at the end, to get the victory is encouraging.” IU was able to avoid the loss thanks to settling down in the second half. Wilson stressed the need to slow down. “It (halftime) was kind of frantic,'' Wilson said. "Before we went out I just stopped everybody. As a matter of fact I had a strength coach give them a win-one-for-the-Gupper speech, and I just said, let me say something real quick: Would you just slow down, play one play, take a deep breath, can’t change what happened and what are you doing next.” While Indiana is satisfied with avoiding the loss, everyone was in agreement that steps to improve must be made. “You make your most improvement from game one to game two, there are no negatives if you learn,'' Sudfeld said. "I think we will improve very much.'' Oliver added that the defense will improve too. “We just need to do our jobs better and more consistently,'' he said. "We are playing physically and have to keep that up.” Wilson elaborated on what he thinks the defense must do to improve on a performance that allowed 659 offensive yards. “We didn’t get stops,” Wilson said, “if we can eliminate those big plays, I think you’ll see a much better defensive performance. Now we have to really start progressing.” While the overall Indiana effort left a bit to be desired, one of the bright spots was the play of Howard and Jones. Howard carried the ball 20 times for 145 yards and three touchdowns. Howard thanked his new program and said he felt it was important for him to have a game like he had today to repay the team for taking him on board. “We got out to a fast start and I got into a rhythm,'' said Howard, a junior tailback who rushed for nearly 1,600 yards at UAB last season. "I have great chemistry with the team. The offensive line got a great push and the wide receivers had solid downfield blocks.” Jones feels his performance has been a long time coming. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, since my freshman year,'' said Jones, a redshirt junior. "I feel like I had an opportunity and capitalized on it.” Jones did capitalize on it, to the tune of six catches for 186 yards, including one reception for 71 yards, and a touchdown. Coming into this season, Jones had a total of three catches in his Indiana career. The team is confident that improvements will be made thanks to the great bond the team shares. “It should speak for itself how tight we are and how we hold each other accountable,'' Oliver said "Since I’ve been here I feel like this is the closest we have ever been as a team. You want to be here. We are always around each other. It’s a family for real.” Wilson has taken notice of how close the team has become as well. “We got a tight knit group here and they’re going to take care of business,'' Wilson said "I have a lot of respect for the way they handle their business and I believe in them greatly.” Adding Nate Sudfeld back to the offense has made a difference for the team in terms of on field chemistry. “I feel like Sudfeld was hitting all his targets today,'' Jones said. "He played really well today. I feel like everyone touched the ball today.'' Sudfeld feels he gained some confidence for himself after today’s win. “That was a good football team and they gave us their best shot,'' said the senior quarterback from Modesto, Calif. "It felt good to get that hit right off the bat. But the body felt really good, I didn’t feel very rusty and I felt like I was really in the flow of the game.” The senior has settled into his role as a leader on the team and thanks to his experience can give input. Wilson said he admired how demanding Sudfeld was on the sidelines. “I know what I like a lot more now and I was not afraid to tell the coaches what routes I wanted to get out there,'' Sudfeld said. "I have a great working relationship with coach Wilson and coach Johns. The pass protection was also unbelievable, I didn’t really get sacked all game.” While Sudfeld has found comfort in his role, Oliver felt a sense of urgency during Saturday's game. “My thought process out there was, they’re not going to get this, we aren’t going to lose,'' Oliver said. "We can’t go out there doubting ourselves.” The Hoosiers are confident in themselves, and that is necessary for them to succeed moving forward. Confidence, however, will be hard to come by among a fan base that saw an average FCS school dominate in the trenches. It is critical that Indiana prepares for its next game against Florida International and has a better showing, or the 2015 season could prove to be a long one for the IU faithful.
  14. KelleyHoosh

    IU vs SIU Game Day thread

    What an unlucky bounce
  15. KelleyHoosh

    IU vs SIU Game Day thread

    No Dutra today either, not suspended though. Presumably injured
  16. KelleyHoosh

    IU vs SIU Game Day thread

    Redding puts 6 on the board
  17. KelleyHoosh

    IU vs SIU Game Day thread

    Lucky to come away from that without giving up any points
  18. KelleyHoosh

    IU vs SIU Game Day thread

    Delay of game to start... okay
  19. KelleyHoosh

    IU vs SIU Game Day thread

    Per an IU Athletics Statement:   Tyler Burgett, Will Dawkins, Tim Gardner, Greg Gooch, Ralph Green III, Darius Latham, Alex Rodriguez and Tegray Scales will not play today.   "They have not lived up to their responsibilities to the program"
  20. KelleyHoosh

    Emmitt Holt dismissed from team

    Emmitt thanked IU on his Instagram. Hoetzel commented "on to better things" (paraphrasing) lol
  21. KelleyHoosh

    Hoosiers Ready For Football

    During the last availability before the first game of the season, BtownBanners was able to talk to tight ends coach James Patton, defensive line coach Larry McDaniel, wide receiver Simmie Cobbs, and defensive lineman Nick Mangieri. The resounding sentiment from everyone was that the Hoosiers are ready for football. “Potential just means we haven’t done anything yet…” stated Patton, who heads a unit that looks to be deep and versatile this season. That unit also appears to be the most tightly-knit according to quarterback Nate Sudfeld and head coach Kevin Wilson. Patton is looking for that potential, particularly from senior Anthony Corsaro, to turn into production with help from Sudfeld. “He (Anthony) is invested in the program,'' Patton said. "His time is running out so he brings great enthusiasm to the table, good energy to the group. He had a really good camp.” Other tight ends Patton spoke highly of include Michael Cooper, Danny Friend, and Jordan Fuchs. Of particular note, Patton said Fuchs has made great strides from year one to year two. “Jordan in year two is more of a polished player,'' Patton said. "He was an athletic pass catcher his first year and has transformed himself into an inline blocker or backside cut off guy. He has developed more of a physical presence which comes with weight, strength and mindset. Patton is hopeful his guys can “make it happen” so that they can shine this year. The addition of a healthy Sudfeld back from his shoulder injury gives Patton confidence. “He’s made good throws to them and then they’ve went and made good plays,'' Patton said. "I hope he has confidence in them, but I think they’ve given it to him. I think he is pretty comfortable.” While the entire team can feel better now that Sudfeld has recovered, nobody can be more relieved than the Indiana receiving corps. Looking to capitalize on his new role is Cobbs, who many think will have a big role this season. “I learned a lot from game experience and older guys about what I need to bring to the table and what to expect,” Cobbs said before adding, “I need to bring focus and energy, be smart and listen to what coaches and my quarterback tells me.” Sudfeld’s presence has helped Cobbs bring the intensity he needs to be “the number one guy on the outside.” “It's his last year so he is more focused, getting on guys more and more,'' Cobbs said. "He wants everyone to play at that high level.” Cobbs went on to say that he feels the connection he has made with Sudfeld this summer is strong and that the two have connected a lot. If that proves true, the Hoosiers will enjoy chemistry in the passing game that they lacked in the second half of last year. On the other side of the ball, McDaniel is hoping to see intensity as well. “Saturday we will be looking for their competitive nature,'' he said. "Are they getting after it? I’ll be able to correct mistakes in the film room. I want to see guys flying around, leaving their feet, batting down balls and punishing ball carriers. I’m looking for their best effort.” McDaniel believes at its core football is about blocking and tackling. For his defense to be successful, they know they have to get off blocks and wreak havoc. Mangieri echoed that sentiment, saying the key for him against Southern Illinois is playing his game. “I’m going to want to be quicker than they are, get off the ball and be quick and physical,” Mangieri said. While that is no easy task, McDaniel has had the defense working towards improvement all offseason. “We’ve gotten lighter and quicker, emphasizing foot speed,” McDaniel said, noting that Darius Latham in particular should benefit from this work. “The ability to get off blocks and our reactions have improved a lot. It should translate on the field, especially for a guy like Darius, his game should open up now. He is an extremely big man and can be extremely nimble on the field.” Mangieri added that as far as Southern Illinois goes, the Hoosiers feel they are prepared. “We’ve watched film on them so we have an idea of what to expect, who will step up and what they like to do,” he said. For months Indiana football has been working on quietly improving. When Southern Illinois comes to Bloomington, the Hoosiers will get the chance to show everyone how much that hard work has paid off. Saturday will be the start of perhaps Kevin Wilson’s most crucial season at Indiana, and across the board the team sounds ready to step up to the challenge.
  22. KelleyHoosh

    (2016) C Thon Maker

    Which Notre Dame site? The Irish are my secret love...
  23. KelleyHoosh

    Emmitt Holt dismissed from team

    Apparently a second IU basketball freshman was at the scene of the citation according to mike miller
  24. KelleyHoosh

    Emmitt Holt dismissed from team

    I have mixed feelings on this. I understand it's been a trend and so to right that wrong you want to come down hard. But I feel like to this point all it does is leave everyone with negative feelings. Giving him a 10 game suspension tells the players and the public that IU is serious about discipline. Kicking him out after a second (extremely minor) offense seems like a raw deal for Emmitt personally and does a disservice to our team. What does this say for recruiting? I think you have to exercise context clues and treat every situation differently. The crean that forgives his players would be rewarded by a guy like Holt, not so much a guy like Hanner. If nothing else, hopefully this is the wake up call the team needs and they spend their free time getting better. Or you know, at a minimum, avoiding cops
  25. KelleyHoosh

    (2018) SG Austin Boucher

    Thats not the way we talk about other members on this board
×