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Last year Indiana made the Pinstripe Bowl with a 6-7 record and lost it in heartbreaking fashion to Duke 44-41 in overtime on missed a field goal. Usually when a team puts up 41 points, a win is more likely than a loss. Through all of last season the fewest amount of points the Hoosiers scored in a game was seven – their next lowest outing was 26, and every other game played that year they scored even more. So how did they only finish with a 6-7 record? Defensive weakness and inconsistency.
Sep 10, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Rashard Fant (16) attempts to cover a pass heading towards Ball State Cardinals wide receiver KeVonn Mabon (16) during the second half of the game at Memorial Stadium. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ball State Cardinals 30 to 20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the offense averaging 36.5 points per game, the defense gave up 37.6. It looks as if improvements have been made this season as the Hoosiers only allowed 13 points against Florida International, and 20 against Ball State.
In the Ball State game, the Hoosiers shutout the Cardinals in the first half, forcing two turnovers and keeping their offensive possessions short. In the second half, however, IU gave up 20 points. Although being up 30-0 halfway through the third quarter it’s not wise to take the foot off the gas, especially in college when most teams have an “it’s not over till it’s over” attitude.
The good thing to take away from the 20 point second half is that they had that leeway because the offensive firepower still seems to be intact for the Hoosiers- scoring 34 and 30 through the first two games. So if IU can keep up the consistency of their defense that they’ve had through the first six quarters of this year than they can be a force to be reckoned with and could be one of the unexpected teams to challenge for the Big Ten title.
IU gets the opportunity to play Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State this year and all three are in the AP top 25. A win against either of these teams along with consistent play could get IU in the conversation for the top 25 and help their chances to reach another bowl game of a higher prestige. Buckle up Hoosier fans, this football season is not going to be one to disappoint.
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