Halftime Thoughts: Indiana 21, Illinois 14
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Assistant Editor
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Here are some thoughts at halftime of the Hoosiers’ game against Illinois, with Indiana leading 21-14:
Runners a big part of the action. Tailback Tevin Coleman, who has been one of the team’s top performers, broke off a 64-yard touchdown run on Indiana’s second snap of the game on what was one of the big plays of the half. There was a missed contain by Illinois Leo Tim Kynard, but it was also just blazing speed by Coleman –using fine blocks by pulling guard Jacob Bailey and slot receiver Shane Wynn — to bring it in. But Josh Ferguson’s 21-yard scoring run on the next series evened things in the running back duel. It was Ferguson’s team-leading eighth touchdown of the season.
Quarterback play solid early. The Hoosiers had some inconsistencies up front, and success on the ground allowed the team to be as balanced as it has in a while, but Nate Sudfeld got the start and responded well. His receivers, in particular Cody Latimer, have been giving Illinois a hard time. Sudfeld is 15-of-19 for 139 yards and a touchdown pass. The Hoosiers’ best matchup has been getting Illinois in the nickel and targeting freshman fill-in corner Darius Mosely. The only drive the Hoosiers really weren’t able to sustain was not the fault of Sudfeld, as third-string back D’Angelo Roberts lost a fumble on the fifth play. That has been the only turnover of the game.
Highlight catch by Wynn. The Hoosiers are a different team when Wynn makes big plays downfield. Wynn made a spectacular diving catch in front of Illinois safety Zane Petty for a gain of 27 yards in the second quarter. The pass was initially ruled incomplete. On review, officials determined Wynn somehow managed to tap his right foot inbounds before landing on the white turf.
Defense hanging in. The Hoosiers’ defense is hanging in, with a stuff on fourth-and-3 at their own 40 a key play in the second quarter. The Hoosiers have won some critical situations and freshmen defenders Clyde Newton and Darius Latham (first-quarter sack) have had their moments. It helped that Illinois kicker Taylor Zalewski was wide right on a 41-yard field goal try with 80 seconds left in the half. Indiana opponents have converted only five field goals in 12 attempts this season.
Back injury for Rahrig. Solid center Collin Rahrig injured his back and the team started Wes Rogers in his place. Illinois lost starting left tackle Simon Cvijanovic in the first quarter, and without him, the team turned to Patrick Flavin.
Follow Chris Goff on Twitter: chrisgoff_ISL.
