Hoosiers: What’s Hot and What’s Cold
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Assistant Editor
Each week I’ll run down what’s hot and what’s cold with Indiana football. Here’s my take from Saturday’s 51-3 defeat at Wisconsin:
HOT
Clyde Newton – Freshman outside linebacker makes second consecutive start. Has led the team in tackles each time: nine against Illinois, seven against Wisconsin. Added a sack against the Badgers. Appears a much better option than Flo Hardin, who has played poorly all season from that spot.
Mitch Ewald – Kicker accounts for Indiana’s only score, from 23 yards, and has 34 touchbacks in 65 kickoffs this season. Perfect 9-of-9 on field goals and has made his last 10, tying the second-longest streak in school history.
COLD
Facing Badgers – Indiana loses for a ninth straight time against Wisconsin and falls by a 48-point margin for second consecutive season.
Wes Rogers – Fill-in center is shaky as quarterback Tre Roberson and tailback D’Angelo Roberts bail him out in the first quarter recovering two wayward snaps.
Quarterbacks – Roberson and Nate Sudfeld combine to hit just 12 of 30 throws for a measly 122 yards. Sudfeld’s first-quarter interception was either a bad throw or a miscommunication with receiver Nick Stoner. Coach Kevin Wilson felt wind and rain bothered Indiana’s passing game.
Slow starts – In a continuation of one of the season’s themes, Hoosiers are bad out of the gates. Offense opened with two turnovers and two three-and-outs in its first four possessions. Wisconsin players said the early giveaways zapped Indiana’s spirit and that the defense started gambling like crazy – as it should have – after falling into the early 20-0 deficit.
Bobby Richardson, Nick Mangieri & defensive line– Group does not get off blocks, read gaps or penetrate in a horrible performance. Wisconsin rushes for 554 yards on 50 credited attempts (11.1 avg.) in an effort that reflects poorly on the entire unit.
General defensive competence – Hoosiers gave up seven runs of at least 30 yards despite selling out to stop the run. Wilson is a straight shooter, but has gone soft all season when discussing the defense.
Procedural penalties – The Hoosiers had six penalties over procedure: offsides (Ralph Green), illegal formation (team), offsides (Zack Shaw), false start (Ted Bolser), delay of game (team), false start (Danny Friend).
Follow Chris Goff on Twitter: @chrisgoff_ISL.
