Halftime Thoughts: Missouri 28, Hoosiers 14
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Correspondent
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — While it’s not quite the shootout many expected, with both defenses making plays, the pace is nonetheless blistering. Indiana’s defense was on the field for an astounding 49 snaps in the first half. 
Overall, the Hoosiers’ performance has not been particularly sharp on either side of the ball. Two Missouri receivers have at least 95 yards. Indiana’s offense has four punts, two interceptions and two touchdowns in eight possessions.
This is the kind of game that makes you think Indiana isn’t quite as good as they looked against Bowling Green and still has a long way to go against teams with Missouri’s speed and athleticism.
A few short points of analysis:
1. Cody Latimer is the primary target as a pass catcher. Latimer’s 77-yard catch-and-run looked like a play that caught Missouri off guard– a short route to the left side that allowed Latimer to run free down the field. It looks like Missouri was more concerned with Kofi Hughes, defending him with preseason All-SEC selection E.J. Gaines.
2. Safety Greg Heban’s third-down interception on the Tigers’ opening drive – which made the Hoosier’s second-half task more possible – showed why he never comes off the field. The way he followed the quarterback’s eyes and then waited in just the right zone was impressive. Marcus Oliver also played well in limited time – his second-down strip of Marcus Lucas on the Tigers’ fifth drive is a big play in this game.
3. The Hoosiers subbed out defensive linemen in groups of four, and results were mixed at the line of scrimmage.
4. Stephen Houston has not carried once as Indiana went pass-heavy: 33 throws to 10 rushes.
5. The Hoosiers finished last season with the fewest forced turnovers in the Big Ten (13) and it’s a new year. Their solid coverage, despite giving James Franklin time in the pocket, allowed them to make plays out in the open. Heban came up with a second interception in addition to Tim Bennett’s recovery of a fumble.
The Hoosiers get the ball to start the second half.
