its that time of year again. I haven’t been on the board much or keeping track of IU due to my new job and I spend more time breaking down NFL film in my free time now. But I’m excited for the IU season, and am going to begin following again. Here are my thoughts and what I’m interested in seeing in game 1. The keys to IU’s success...
1. Has the O-line improved? I think that’s where it will start. They looked bigger and more physical from limited clips I’ve seen, and the limited spring game. The strength and conditioning program seems to be getting these guys on the right track. I’m of the mindset that who you have at running back doesn’t really matter... you have to block for those guys. That’s why CKW teams always had a top notch rusher. No doubt the RB’s were talented, but Redding going for back to back 1,000 yard seasons and a guy like Stephen Houston having success highlight the offensive lines importance. I think that we have unbelievable depth at RB, but depending on how those guys up front block, that’ll make the difference. Has baker improved? Can Cronk stay healthy? Will some young guys we don’t know contribute? Against a team like FIU I’m expecting our offensive line to physically dominate them. If we lose the rushing battle, we will have a long season. If we can win upfront, and physically dominate these guys, it could be a great season.
2. Has the D-line improved? That’s my second question because it all starts up front. Our pass rush will be particularly important due to the young secondary. I want to see Sykes take off this year because I think he’s an NFL talent. To this day, I’ve never seen a better pass rusher in practice than Sykes dating back to his freshman year. So now we need to see that translate to the field and see him remain healthy. He’s caused problems when healthy, but can he take the next step? I think so. Itll also be interesting to see if any of the talented freshman defensive ends can generate a pass rush.
3. The secondary... scares me. I have a feeling that some young guys will get a lot of reps, and Ball is a junior, but still very very young (I think only 19?). It’ll be interesting to see if those guys can minimize mistakes. This goes back to my previous statement about the defensive line because I don’t think that we can afford to blitz a lot this year. With the youth back there, I don’t think those guys can be left on an island in the secondary. We may see more drop 8 coverages this year, and leave the linebackers in to help underneath. Games could be won or lost this year based on the performance of the secondary. I can see a few games coming down to whether or not their was a blown coverage... or if a guy was in the right position and got a pick. I hope that Ball has matured because he can be a special player and his performance will win and lose games. That nickel/hybrid linebacker position is critical, particularly against bigger and more physical tight ends. The linebackers will also play a huge role in coverage. Covington was excellent in coverage last year, so Jones and Walton have to step up. With the young secondary, we will need their help underneath because I believe we will play more zone this year than the past two years. Those guys have to be excellent in coverage.
Those are the three things that I think will determine the success that IU has this season. O-line physicality, The D-line taking their game to the next level and building off of last year, and the secondary minimizing mistakes. If those three things go well IU will be playing in December or January.
1. Has the O-line improved? I think that’s where it will start. They looked bigger and more physical from limited clips I’ve seen, and the limited spring game. The strength and conditioning program seems to be getting these guys on the right track. I’m of the mindset that who you have at running back doesn’t really matter... you have to block for those guys. That’s why CKW teams always had a top notch rusher. No doubt the RB’s were talented, but Redding going for back to back 1,000 yard seasons and a guy like Stephen Houston having success highlight the offensive lines importance. I think that we have unbelievable depth at RB, but depending on how those guys up front block, that’ll make the difference. Has baker improved? Can Cronk stay healthy? Will some young guys we don’t know contribute? Against a team like FIU I’m expecting our offensive line to physically dominate them. If we lose the rushing battle, we will have a long season. If we can win upfront, and physically dominate these guys, it could be a great season.
2. Has the D-line improved? That’s my second question because it all starts up front. Our pass rush will be particularly important due to the young secondary. I want to see Sykes take off this year because I think he’s an NFL talent. To this day, I’ve never seen a better pass rusher in practice than Sykes dating back to his freshman year. So now we need to see that translate to the field and see him remain healthy. He’s caused problems when healthy, but can he take the next step? I think so. Itll also be interesting to see if any of the talented freshman defensive ends can generate a pass rush.
3. The secondary... scares me. I have a feeling that some young guys will get a lot of reps, and Ball is a junior, but still very very young (I think only 19?). It’ll be interesting to see if those guys can minimize mistakes. This goes back to my previous statement about the defensive line because I don’t think that we can afford to blitz a lot this year. With the youth back there, I don’t think those guys can be left on an island in the secondary. We may see more drop 8 coverages this year, and leave the linebackers in to help underneath. Games could be won or lost this year based on the performance of the secondary. I can see a few games coming down to whether or not their was a blown coverage... or if a guy was in the right position and got a pick. I hope that Ball has matured because he can be a special player and his performance will win and lose games. That nickel/hybrid linebacker position is critical, particularly against bigger and more physical tight ends. The linebackers will also play a huge role in coverage. Covington was excellent in coverage last year, so Jones and Walton have to step up. With the young secondary, we will need their help underneath because I believe we will play more zone this year than the past two years. Those guys have to be excellent in coverage.
Those are the three things that I think will determine the success that IU has this season. O-line physicality, The D-line taking their game to the next level and building off of last year, and the secondary minimizing mistakes. If those three things go well IU will be playing in December or January.
