Analysis of Indiana State Game

Man, what a great night. The kids did a great job under extreme emotions in the first half. They came out and did pretty well, then the coaches did very well to settle them down at the half. I think just about everyone on the active roster that wasn't hurt or going to redshirt played. I know the 4th string OL got in at the end, which hasn't happened in decades at IU. It was great to see IU come out and just thump a team, and do it by being very vanilla. Not sure they ran more than 5 different run plays, and they ran the same pass routes over and over with much success. While there is not alot to take from games like this, there are some encouraging signs.

First off the things I liked.

1. The fans and the students were great. I was told that 38K was there. The 34K being given out doesn't include the 4,000 free tickets given out to students. The students really got into the game, and man, what a difference that has been from years past. A 55 to 7 thumpin will bring them back for the next game as well!

2. Hardy is special, we all knew that, but I really paid close attention to him when he was in there, and I saw a lot of changes in him. Much more dedicated at carrying out blocks and fakes. He ran very good routes. Screwed up getting the celebration penalty that led to poor tackling that cost IU a shut out, but the No Fun NCAA takes this WAY to far, so James did well. IU could have just lobbed the ball to Hardy every stinkin time and scored, but it was good that they tried to do other thngs and establish the run some.

3. James Bailey and Ray Fisher did very well as 2nd and 3rd options. Also Terrance Turner got a couple of balls.

4. Thought the DL, DEs, and LBs showed their aggressive style and depth by rotating in a lot. IU will get burnt some, but you will never be able to accuse IU of not hawking the ball. Lots of bodies in the 2nd half, and better push up front. Lots and lots of people saw action and contributed. Good to see Isaac Price get a TFL, Marando and Zementis with sacks. Marando is an animal. He just never stops.

5. Tyler Replogle and Mitch Evans. The only 2 freshman to play, and each showed some pretty encouraging signs of being very good for IU in the future. Tyler is a beast. Man he's an animal, just never stops. Mitch was in on 2 or 3 solo tackles. Good form and lays the lumber when he hits you. He could be starting by the end of the season, seriously.

6. Thought the DBs did pretty well, especially Polk. He came all the way across the field and one play and just blew it up. Nice to have that ball hawking FS that we've lacked for a long time. He's only going to get better as well.

7. Both Austin Starr and Mike Hines did very well tonight. Neither position is going to be a problem for IU this season.

Now, some things that IU needs to work on:

1. IMO, Marcus Thigpen isn't the answer for IU at RB. He's a kick returner, 3rd down back only. Can't expect him to run up the middle. IF IU is going to run up the middle then bring in someone else to do that. I know we were vanilla tonight in the run game, but I thought the first team OL struggled big time with ISU's run D. ISU stacked the box 8 deep and they are faster, but OL has to give a little better effort here. Thought they came out in the 2nd half and did a lot better with Sears and Payton back there. I love Thigpen in his explosiveness, but asking him to run draws isn't the things to do.

2. Thought Kellen played decent, but he'll need to do a better job the next game against a better opponet. His passing was a little off tonight, and I just didn't see the creativeness that I saw last season.

3. The BTN. Now I didn't see the broadcast, but let me tell you , the BTN did no favors to IU by staring the game a 0h dark thirty, then the TV timeouts were excruisatingly too long. I'm glad more people got to see the game than normally would, but this network won't last long in my opinion. I did get to hear Beno Cook on ESPN radio before the game, and let me tell you, what he was said about what the Big Ten is trying to do is dead on accurate. Until the Conference refuses to give ABC and ESPN the big games, the BTN will NEVER be anything to write home about, and he said Delany doesn't have the balls to do that, because then the Big Ten would be left out in the cold altogether.

4. Fumbles are always an issue your first game, so we have to limit those more.

Overall, a very good game for IU. For once they came out and thumped someone they should thump. A lot tougher opponet next week, but a very winnable game. I will be looking for a much improved run game (hopefully McCray will be back). No major injuries came from the game, except that Kleinsmith either had a hammy issue. Not sure if he pulled it or it cramped up on that INT return.

Also, my condolences to Indiana State fans. You are in for another LONG season. This will be Mr. West's last season no doubt about it.

Also, Tony West will play at the next level, probably at Kick Returner/3rd down back. While not as fast as Thigpen, he's just as elusive.

And finally, another coach that will be gone at the end of the season will be Lloyd Carr. Your fate is sealed Lloyd, no matter what you do from here on out this season.