Under DiNardo, Indiana has become a bit dangerous, forcing fumbles on defense, and pulling off big plays on offense. Here's the Purple Reign Pregame Intel report...
On the season so far, they're 2-3 [0-2] but...
As NU coach Randy Walker has warned, this could be a dangerous team. Statistical leaders: Courtney Roby is fifth in the Big Ten in receiving yards (88.4) and fifth in receptions per game (5.20). BenJarvus Green-Ellis [IU Photo right] is fifth in the league, averaging 81.2 rushing yards per game. Over on defense:
Courtney Roby is fifth in the Big Ten in receiving yards (88.4) and fifth in receptions per game (5.20). BenJarvus Green-Ellis [IU Photo right] is fifth in the league, averaging 81.2 rushing yards per game.
Junior linebacker Kyle Killion [IU Photo left] is second in the Big Ten Conference in tackles per game, averaging 10.8. He is also second in the conference with 8.5 tackles for loss. Killion ranks in the top five, fourth overall, in sacks with three. Senior safety Herana-Daze Jones and junior linebacker Paul Szczesny rank ninth and 11tth in the Big Ten in tackles per game with 8.6 and 8.4, respectively. Sophomore defensive end Kenny Kendal, senior defensive end Victor Adeyanju and Jones are tied for the Big Ten lead with a pair of forced fumbles.
Are you worried yet? There's also the coach - Gerry DiNardo He's been either part of, or the catalyst for 3 turn-arounds in college football - he was an assistant on the Colorado national champion team, then rebuilt Vanderbilt and then LSU. He's apparently on track at Indiana. For what its worth, this is the first season in his tenure where the Hoosiers actually have 85 scholarship players on the team. Indiana features a pro style offense and a tough "bend don't break" defense, but that defense is dead last in the Big 10 in yards allowed per game [456.2]. They also seem to fall apart in the 2nd half - their opponents have outscored IU 68-22 after halftime. The Hoosiers report to be more worried about NU's short passing game - they almost put down the rushing game, something that might not impress Noah Herron. So what do the Cats have to do? Continue to spread the field with those crossing routes. The O-Line has to Bulldoze the middle again. Let Herron [and Terrell Jordan] run wild Really outplay Indiana in the 2nd half. Shut down the Hoosier running game and put great coverage on Roby. Hold on to the Football! The key for the Cat's offense just might be how hard the Hoosiers bite on the bubble screen - if they do, the game could turn out to be big for Herron and the other backs. Maybe we won't see 7 or 8 guys in the box for a change. The Game is not on TV - It starts at 11 AM [Wildcat Time] and will be on WGN [and WNUR]. We'll be chatting at the same spot
We'll be chatting at the same spot
