Just Enough

Indiana is 2-0.  It has not been pretty, they could very easily be 1-1 or 0-2 but they are 2-0.  IU was able to survive a desperate hook and ladder play from the Western Michigan Broncos to hang on for a 23-19 win.  I thought the Hoosiers played better in week two than they did in week one.  The running game was improved, the defense played well and they did not have any turnovers.  There is plenty to improve and they have their first game on the road this week but I think Saturday's game was a step forward.  

The Running Game

Darius Willis did not play because of an ankle injury so we continue to wait for him to see

 significant action.  The running game did not suffer in his absence though.  Demetrius McCray ran for 134 yards (career high) on 17 carries, Mitchell Evans had 35 yards on six carries.  Overall, Indiana ran for 187 yards on 33 carries.  That includes the 17-yard loss they took on the intentional safety late in the game.  So, the Hoosiers would have run for over 200 yards as a team.  This was a very good performance for the pistol offense and the IU running game.  I loved the unveiling of the "Wild Mitch" offense.  Mitchell Evans is a very nice change of pace for this offense.  There is low risk involved and Evans is a good athlete that you want to get the ball to.  

Wide Receivers

The Indiana wide receivers, particularly Tandon Doss, looked good again.  This is not a two or three game coincidence.  The Hoosiers have a very talented group of wideouts that will perform well all season.  Tandon Doss had six catches for 85 yards.  The sophomore from Ben Davis continues to do a great job after the catch and he is becoming Chappell's favorite target.  

Offensive Line is Up and Down

Justin Pagan returned at guard which clearly helped the Hoosiers O-line.  Indiana did not give up any sacks and the line really blew up some holes on the WMU front to allow for some big running plays.  Everything was not all roses for the big fellas.  They had way too many penalties again.  A couple of false starts and some illegal procedure or formation penalties marred what was an otherwise great day for the offensive line.  

Defense Comes Up Big

For the second straight week, the defense had a good day that was almost wasted.  The opposing offense was marching down the field and ready to score the go-ahead touchdown.  Out of nowhere, the defense makes a play, forces a turnover and the Hoosiers survive.  This week, Greg Middleton knocked the ball loose and Justin Carrington picked it up inside the ten and the Hoosiers escaped.  I thought Middleton and Kirlew were great all game long.  Ray Fisher was really good and he seems like he loves to play defense.  Indiana limited Brandon West's big plays and they did a nice job on Tim Hiller.  Western Michigan was held to 288 yards, far below what I expected IU to give up.  The negative was the four penalties on the final drive that escorted Western Michigan into the red zone.  

Second Half No-Show

For the second straight week, Indiana's offense looked great in the first half and failed to score a touchdown in the second half.  If IU wants to win against quality opponents, they are going to have to produce in both halves. 

Penalties

IU had 13 penalties.  That is way too many for a squad that will be equal or inferior to every

 one of their opponents.  They cannot afford to give up free yardage to anyone.  The penalties will kill a drive and help keep an opponents drive alive.  IU almost cost themselves a victory on Saturday.  Bill Lynch said the penalties were on him and they would be corrected before next week's game at Akron.  He said we could "judge him next week on the penalties."  Okay, I will.  I thought they had a whole offseason to work on discipline and playing smart but if he needs another week to do it, fine.  I will be watching the penalties very closely on the road next week.  

Indiana has not looked real good so far this season but they are 2-0.  If they can find a way to win on the road next week, they could set themselves up for a decent season.  The Big Ten has looked incredibly weak in the first two weeks of the season.  Wisconsin stinks, Northwestern isn't very good, Minnesota is vulnerable, Iowa and Illinois were inept in week one, Michigan State just lost to a MAC team.  There are a few wins out there if IU can play well enough to seize them.  Tomorrow, I will wrap up week two of the college football season.  Until then, stay vigilant and God Bless America.