I will admit once again to have no clue. I don't know what to expect from IU nor the Bucks. I'm conditioned to Rex Kern, Archie Griffin, John Brockington, Keith Byers, Randy Gradishar and everyone since kicking IU in the gut. But I also know that this is a more talented group of Hoosiers. I also know that human beings are fallible and coach and play bad games. The games are played on the field. Not on this chat page. In recent seasons IU has benefitted by often being the game BEFORE Michigan or after another key game. They caught the Bucks "down". This is the first conference game. I expect them to be ready tomorrow.
Latham's absence is a tough deal for IU's defensive line and defense. The homer in me says: "Next man up." Well, IU isn't so deep that Latham can be easily replaced. But stranger things have happened. I expect Rayner and Green to start with Mangieri and Shaw. McRay III will get a chance to see Ezeklel Elliott close up to be sure.
Footballs take strange bounces. Gusts of wind kick up at times both inopportune and opportune.
I have the utmost respect for Urban and his team. OSU is terrific in all aspects. To be in the game and have a chance IU has to do certain things.
1. IU cannot get murdered in the kicking game. Blocked punts, punt returns just can't happen like they have in many of the last few games.
2. Short field turnovers can't happen.
3. IU needs to win the turnover battle.
4. Not let OSU run it down their throats.
On defense OSU really flows laterally. In the past IU has spread OSU out. This Bucks team can run and I don't see bubble screens working. I can see more bunch TE formations and some play action and crossing patterns with Nate on boot action and rolling away from pressure. When IU bunches, I really see OSU attacking the LOS. That opens things up intermediately for the pass.
For 4 yrs people have screamed that IU can't play "fast" and protect the defense. Well, they are using the running game and taking more time effectively.
I suspect a couple of "timely" runs by Nate to take the pressure off Howard.
Can Jones and Cobbs get free from press coverage? We'll find out.
As I said in an earlier post response. America and a lot of recruits will be watching. Coach Wilson has been preaching "playing the next play / with getting better" all yr. Can IU win? Of course. But I'm a longitudinal thinker. If IU can create a better image and chance fans and recruits perceptions with a valiant defeat. I'm ok with that. I'd like to do it with a win. But... I just want them to play well and show everyone this isn't "the same ol IU".
Latham's absence is a tough deal for IU's defensive line and defense. The homer in me says: "Next man up." Well, IU isn't so deep that Latham can be easily replaced. But stranger things have happened. I expect Rayner and Green to start with Mangieri and Shaw. McRay III will get a chance to see Ezeklel Elliott close up to be sure.
Footballs take strange bounces. Gusts of wind kick up at times both inopportune and opportune.
I have the utmost respect for Urban and his team. OSU is terrific in all aspects. To be in the game and have a chance IU has to do certain things.
1. IU cannot get murdered in the kicking game. Blocked punts, punt returns just can't happen like they have in many of the last few games.
2. Short field turnovers can't happen.
3. IU needs to win the turnover battle.
4. Not let OSU run it down their throats.
On defense OSU really flows laterally. In the past IU has spread OSU out. This Bucks team can run and I don't see bubble screens working. I can see more bunch TE formations and some play action and crossing patterns with Nate on boot action and rolling away from pressure. When IU bunches, I really see OSU attacking the LOS. That opens things up intermediately for the pass.
For 4 yrs people have screamed that IU can't play "fast" and protect the defense. Well, they are using the running game and taking more time effectively.
I suspect a couple of "timely" runs by Nate to take the pressure off Howard.
Can Jones and Cobbs get free from press coverage? We'll find out.
As I said in an earlier post response. America and a lot of recruits will be watching. Coach Wilson has been preaching "playing the next play / with getting better" all yr. Can IU win? Of course. But I'm a longitudinal thinker. If IU can create a better image and chance fans and recruits perceptions with a valiant defeat. I'm ok with that. I'd like to do it with a win. But... I just want them to play well and show everyone this isn't "the same ol IU".
