A lot has been said and mentioned about the lack of sacks in the first 3 games. OK, I'd love to have averaged 6 or so. But much of it is all about FIRST down.
In the past two games the Hoosiers have faced QB's who tended to utilize the short passing game. Playing from the shotgun or pistol, the qb takes the quick snap and makes a quick read and gets the ball off within 3 seconds of the snap. Tough to sack the QB in that time frame. They got close from time to time, but no sack.
Sacks and interceptions tend to happen in longer yardage situations. The play takes longer to develop. The throw is longer, and there's more time for the line to break down. Same with the interception. The quick comeback, check down, sideline or bubble passes not only get off quicker, but are safer passes in general.
Interceptions on those plays are rarer unless the qb is confused or simply makes a bad throw that deflects or misses entirely.
So it's important for IU to defend well on first down. Getting the offense behind the chains is key as it forces riskier passes later in the series. More of a gamble ensues, and gives the defense more of a chance to get the sack or int.
In the past two games the Hoosiers have faced QB's who tended to utilize the short passing game. Playing from the shotgun or pistol, the qb takes the quick snap and makes a quick read and gets the ball off within 3 seconds of the snap. Tough to sack the QB in that time frame. They got close from time to time, but no sack.
Sacks and interceptions tend to happen in longer yardage situations. The play takes longer to develop. The throw is longer, and there's more time for the line to break down. Same with the interception. The quick comeback, check down, sideline or bubble passes not only get off quicker, but are safer passes in general.
Interceptions on those plays are rarer unless the qb is confused or simply makes a bad throw that deflects or misses entirely.
So it's important for IU to defend well on first down. Getting the offense behind the chains is key as it forces riskier passes later in the series. More of a gamble ensues, and gives the defense more of a chance to get the sack or int.
