SB Nation - Ray Fisher

Hoosiers Headlines for November 20, 2009: Bucket game and Ole Miss coverage.

John M (The Crimson Quarry) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:31:43 -0000

More photos » by Ricardo Arduengo - AP

about 1 month ago: Indiana's Jordan Hulls, right, drives against Ole Miss' Terrico White during the first half of their college basketball game of the Puerto Rico Tip-off tournament in San Juan, Thursday, Nov.19, 2009. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)

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Oaken Bucket brings out eye-for-eye intensity (The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN)
"Both teams are 4-7, but have come at it in different ways. The Boilers have won three of their last five games. The Hoosiers have won one of their last eight."
Injury sidelines Indiana's Fisher (Evansville Courier & Press)
"Another Senior Day football game is about to escape Ray Fisher. The Indiana University cornerback missed his entire senior season of high school football because he tore an anterior cruciate ligament during preseason workouts. Now another knee injury is going to keep Fisher from playing in Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. CST showdown with rival Purdue in Bloomington."
Out-of-state players take to IU-Purdue rivalry (Indiana Daily Student)
Out-of-state players take to IU-Purdue rivalry
Bucket game means something, even when it means nothing (Indiana Daily Student)
Hoosiers lose first as Rebels roll late (The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
IU loses 89-71 to Ole Miss (Indiana Daily Student)

Hoosiers still learning (Evansville Courier & Press)

Ole Miss runs past Hoosiers 89-71 behind Holloway’s 26(The Courier-Journal)

Turnovers, pour foul shooting sink Hoosiers in Puerto Rico (Inside the Hall)

Big Ten picks: Week 12 (ESPN)

Ole Miss runs over IU (The Hoosier Scoop)

Keeping the Bucket where it belongs

BoilerTMill — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:13:12 -0000

62-10

That is all we keep hearing all week. Indiana is attempting to use it as a rallying cry. Crimson Quarry called it the worst loss in the history of Indiana's football program. Mike Carmin talks about how Indiana players remember it by putting it up in their lockers. I find it interesting that they remember a game they were not at, as Indiana certainly did not show up last year. There would have been more honor in a forfeit.

Really, that is what it boils down to. Indiana should be embarrassed by last year's "effort." They didn't even try to defend the Bucket, and we took it back by force. They now get another shot to play for only pride against us. I agree that this Hoosier team is much better than last year's edition, but 62-10 still looms from the last time we saw these teams play.

It is still our Bucket. Come and get it.

A common sight

2008 Record: 3-9, 1-7 Big Ten

2009 Record: 4-7, 1-6 Big Ten

Bowl Result: none

Blog Representation: Crimson Quarry

Series with Purdue: Purdue leads 69-36-6 (Purdue leads Old Oaken Bucket portion 55-26-3)

Last Purdue win: 11/22/2008 at Purdue 62-10

Last Indiana win: 11/17/2007 at Indiana 27-24

Indiana offense:

Indiana wanted to establish a downhill running game with its new pistol offense, but instead has developed a pretty good passing attack. Our pass defense has been hit or miss at times this year, the same as our run defense. Let's hope we don't see a repeat of our last visit to Bloomington where the Hoosiers had a terrible running game, but we let Marcus Thigpen run draw after draw like we had never seen the play before.

The offense centers around quarterback Ben Chappell. He has completed 635 of his passes for 2,675 yards and 15 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He really should have 16 touchdowns after that horrible call in the Iowa game, but we won't get into that. Chappell has also rushed for two scores, but he has not been the runner that Joey Elliott has been with -23 yards rushing. Indiana's offense prides itself on taking care of the ball, but interceptions have been a problem of late with 6 in the last three games.

Chappell does a good job of spreading the ball around to some talented receivers. Tandon Doss is deserving of some all Big Ten recognition with 73 catches for 911 yards and five scores. Doss is only a sophomore, and he does have 92 yards rushing and another score. This is from the Wildcat formation I believe, which I still don't understand why it is so hard to stop when you're basically screaming the guy won't pass. Damarlo Belcher (57-706-4) is another quality receiver we will face. Tarrance Turner (42-413-1), Mitchell Evans (23-254-2), and Max Dedmond (17-132-1) will also likely get in on the action. Indiana is at its best when they can spread the field and get everyone involved.

The running game is not very strong, but has the potential for a big day if we let them. Darius Willis has rushed for just 465 yards and six scores, but he is a big play threat. He had 153 yards and two scores at Michigan and also cracked the century mark against Northwestern. He left the Wisconsin game with an injury, however, and did not play at Penn State last week. Demetrius McCray (290-1) is second on the team in rushing, but he has done little since a 134 yard day against Western Michigan in game 2. Indiana went primarily with Bryan Payton (148-1) last week against Penn State, but their running game should be severely lacking if Willis does not play.

Indiana's offensive line has been strong all year in pass protection, giving up just 13 sacks. Part of that is the design of the offense, which prefers quick passes much like Toledo used in the opener. Coach Terry Hoeppner made recruiting solid linemen a priority in his short time in Bloomington. It is paying off. Rodger Saffold and Pete Saxon are the senior anchors of the line at tackle and guard respectively. James Brewer is a big junior tackle at 6'8" 331lbs. Center Will matte may be the weak link. He is the smallest player on the line at 6'2" 285 lbs. He is also only a redshirt freshman. Expect Mike Neal and Kawann Short to try and take advantage of this up the middle. Saxon and sophomore guard Justin Pagan will be there to help out.

Indiana defense:

I am not worried about moving the ball on Indiana's defense. I am worried about keeping it against a defense that has produced 29 turnover in 11 games. Ball security has not been our strong suit all year. We cannot afford to hand over defensive touchdowns like we did against Oregon and Michigan State.

Linebacker Matt Mayberry leads that turnover parade with a team high 99 tackles, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. He is a well-rounded linebacker with 3.5 sacks as well. The 5^th year senior will definitely want to have a huge impact in his final collegiate game, as he will very likely be playing on Sundays next year. Will Patterson and Tyler Replogle are second and third in tackles with 63 and 75, respectively. This is a veteran linebacking group that has done very well all year long.

Senior safety Austin Thomas leads the Hoosiers with four interceptions and is fourth on the team with 62 tackles. We must be aware of his presence over the middle, as he has 115 return yards on picks. He is joined in the secondary by safety Nick Polk, as well as corners Donnell Jones and Adrian Burks. Indiana has been hurt with some injuries in its secondary. The highly touted Jeremy Finch has been limited all year long. Projected starter Chris Adkins has missed five games. Wide receiver turned corner Ray Fisher has also been out recently.

There should be room to run on Indiana because the defensive line is great at getting to the quarterback, but struggles to stop the run. Indiana gives up 162 yards rushing per game, so Ralph Bolden should have room to run. Edns Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton are dangerous pass rushers that we must contain on the edge. Middleton has not played to his All-American form of 2007, but the dude was still an All-American at one time. Kirlew leads the team with 5.5 sacks. While Middleton and Kirlew are experienced seniors, Larry Black Jr. and Adam Replogle (Tyler's brother) are freshmen defensive tackles. We simply must attack them.

Indiana Special Teams:

If there is a great equalizer in this game it is our crappy special teams coverage against their excellent returners. Coverage killed us last week. It may not get better as Doss is a speedy returner with Fisher averages 37 yards per kick return with two scores. McCray is also very capable of returning kicks. Doss and Fisher are also very good at returning punts, while Indiana's coverage units are a little shoddy themselves. The Hoosiers have given up a punt return for a score.

Nick Freeland is a bit of a liability at kicker, making just 14 of 23 attempts on the season with a long of only 38. it will be a difference from last week, when Michigan State made two very big 52-yard field goals. Chris Hagerup is an excellent punter averaging almost 41 yards per kick.

Intangibles:

Again, 62-10.

Indiana can use that for as much motivation as they want, but Purdue has players that remember it too. Purdue has to be confident that its defense did what it wanted to, when it wanted to against Indiana last year. Three of the ten points only came about from a big Marcus Thigpen return. The rest was against the second string long after the game was decided. Offensively our weapons have changed, but aside from the turnover issues I think we are a better offensive team this year. We have more balance in the running game and the pass. We have to be confident that this Indiana team is not drastically different from the one we thrashed last season.

That said, the Hoosiers are much better than last year, and honestly are in the same position we are. They have only four wins, but they have to be thinking that at least three more got away. Both teams have only themselves to blame for this game not meaning more, with Indiana having a valid beef against Big Ten officials for losses at Iowa and Michigan.

Even though we have dominated the rivalry over the past decade the games in Bloomington have been much closer affairs. Both of Indiana's wins have come there, while the 1999 and 2003 games were close ones. Indiana has expanded its student section for this game, and they have been drawing better crowds this season. This won't be your typical apathetic crowd in Bloomington, but it won't be the raucous atmosphere of two years ago.

As I said yesterday, the winner of this game will likely be the 2010 "Big Ten team that will surprise" when the next season's predictions come out. For Purdue, a 4-4 Big Ten record after the disastrous start would be huge. We also want to prove that even though we are rebuilding, we are still decidedly better than Indiana. For Indiana, getting the Bucket would be a huge confidence boost for a program always in need of one. If they get it, something may be brewing in Bloomington for the future.

I will be heading down to Bloomington for this one. It will make my 10^th straight Bucket game attended. I am concerned that we will lose if "bad Purdue" shows up, but I am still buoyed by the confidence of 62-10. I hope are players are as well.

Keys to the Game for Purdue:

Play infinitely better against the run than the 2007 game
Avoid turnovers
Establish Ralph Bolden and Jaycen Taylor early
Remember that you are Purdue and you dominate this rivalry
Weather the early Indiana storm as they always start well
Dare Indiana to run the football

BSD Staff Predictions: Indiana

Kevin HD — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:00:37 -0000

Mike Says...

I must admit I was more concerned with getting my basketball previews together than I was with researching and previewing Indiana. But I have watched a few Hoosier games this year, and though there's temptation to write this game off, there is plenty to worry about.

Indiana's wide receivers Tandon Doss and Demarlo Belcher scare the crap out of me. They were absolute freaks against Iowa, and both guys rank in the top ten in the conference in receiving yards. They're tall, and I can already see them giving our corners and safeties a tough time.

I've also noticed the Hoosiers are a team that starts fast and jumps out to a quick lead. By contrast, Penn State is a team that starts slow and takes a quarter or two to really get going. So there's potential here for this one to look pretty scary in the early going.

But thankfully, they're Indiana, and eventually their Hoosierness catches up to them. This is a team that blew a late fourth quarter lead against Michigan. They blew a 25 point lead against Northwestern. And of course we're all familiar with how a 14 point lead against Iowa turned into an 18 point loss for them.

It's been a long time since we've seen Penn State have to fight back in a furious comeback effort. I'm going to say this is that week. Look for Indiana to strike quick and jump out to a 10 or 14 point lead as the Penn State offense bumbles and stumbles all over itself. About midway through the second quarter I'll predict Indiana gets a favorable call from the officials, and for a moment it will look like the entire season is lost. Say goodbye to the casual Penn State fan as they get up and start to leave the stadium. But the bad call will spark the Nittany Lions to life. The seniors will realize they don't want to go out like this. The defense will get angry. Daryll Clark and the offense will get focused. And we'll see a furious Penn State comeback in the second half to overcome a double digit deficit. I'll make a crazy prediction and say we'll be watching this game on the Big Ten Network as one of their Big Ten's Greatest Games series ten years from now.

Penn State 27, Indiana 24

RUTS Says...

What adjective do you assign a team who is 1-5 in the conference but was absolutely in every one of those games, other than a clinical beating by the likely conference champion? What's the backhanded compliment for this? Frisky?

Things that scare me about Indiana -- They protect their quarterback and Penn State's defensive ends were practically invisible last week against a suspect Ohio State offensive line. Ben Chappell is capable of occasional flashes of greatness. They're totally due for a big win. Penn State sleepwalked against them for 30 minutes last year after the Iowa game, and that was a Penn State team with a Rose Bowl bid still on the line. Tandon Doss.

Things that don't scare me no sir not a little bit -- Well, Indiana's defense really sucks. Super awesome kick returner Ray Fisher just had knee surgery. Their kicker appears to be the functional equivalent of Collin Wagner (okay from short range, nothing special). Lost by 40 points to Al Groh. Can't run the ball worth a damn. They're Indiana.

Vegas has this as a 25 point game. Twenty-five points! This one gets puckerish when Penn State and a dull crowd can't catch a fire early.

Penn State 34, Indiana 20

Kevin Says...

Against my better judgment I started defending the Vegas line for this game - it's hated by Indiana fans, Penn State fans, and just about everyone else who's watched football the season - but they don't exactly throw darts to come up with this stuff.

I was all ready to predict more of the same crap we saw in last year's Indiana game. A slow start after last week's loss seems likely, as does mediocre offense, and of course that "hey let's put 14 guys in the box against Penn State and see what happens" defense. Our response to that defense against inferior teams has usually been ignorance and 1.8 ypc in the first half.

But screw it. Penn State has a horrible line, and Ohio State and Iowa are probably the #1 and #2 worst teams to have to play against because of that. Indiana is not #3 on that list. They rank 9th in the league in sacks, dead last in passing percentage allowed (64.6) and 106th nationally in quarterback rating allowed (146.4!). Part of that might be on the secondary, but it starts up front.

People bring up Indiana's near misses against Michigan, Northwestern and Wisconsin, but Penn State is built a lot more like Ohio State and Iowa. When time expired, both of those teams had beaten Indiana badly. (Sure that Iowa game was insane, but the Hawkeyes outgained the Hoosiers by 180 yards and had 8 more first downs.)

Point is: we're set up to cover. So why not?

Penn State 45, Indiana 17

Hoosier Headlines for November 11, 2009: signing day.

John M (The Crimson Quarry) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:47:38 -0000

More photos » by Carolyn Kaster - AP

That Ben Mitchell is a hell of a QB, I tell ya. Hard to believe one guy can do all that.

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Oladipo looking forward to future in Bloomington (Inside the Hall)
Williams won’t sign with Hoosiers (The Hoosier Scoop)
David Williams, class of 2010 2-star recruit, decommits (Indiana Daily Student )
Williams was an odd commit anyway, and he claims he will tell the whole story sometime soon.
For many players, it's a waiting game (The Courier-Journal)
"UK, now coached by John Calipari, and Indiana University are expected to sign just one player on the opening day of the signing period, and the University of Louisville is without a commitment for the class. All three schools are still in the hunt for several top prospects, but nearly all of those players are not planning to sign early."
Hoosiers add Fisher to losses in secondary (The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Ray Fisher missed last week’s loss to Wisconsin and is listed on IU’s injury report as out for Saturday’s game at Penn State. Coach Bill Lynch said it’s unlikely the senior will return for the Nov. 21 finale at home against Purdue. It was the latest blow to a secondary that’s been bit with injuries throughout much of the Big Ten schedule.

In the huddle: IU (The Indianapolis Star)

Playing hard key for coach (The Times Leader)
"Bill Lynch’s team had its opportunities to stay on the radar this season. The 4-6 Hoosiers have held leads against Michigan, Northwestern and Iowa before falling apart in the second half and losing each game. Last week, they played Wisconsin close for the entire game, losing 31-28."

Paterno’s understanding of IU sorta sketchy (The Hoosier Scoop)
And that's the way it was...and we liked it!

Game 9: Indiana at Iowa preview.

John M (The Crimson Quarry) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:17:11 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Neibergall - AP

2 months ago: Iowa's Tony Moeaki (81) runs for a 34-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of this NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Iowa Hawkeyes

2009 record: 8-0 (4-0)

2008 record: 9-4 (5-3) (beat South Carolina in Outback Bowl)

2008 Sagarin: 22

2009 Sagarin: 4

Coach: Kirk Ferentz (11th season, 78-53)

Series: Iowa leads 39-27-4

TV: noon, ESPN

Blog: Black Heart Gold Pants

Tomorrow, IU plays its highest-ranked opponent of the season so far, the #7 Iowa Hawkeyes. While the post-Mallory era has been difficult for IU, the Hoosiers' performances against the Hawkeyes have been respectable. Since Cam Cameron became IU's coach in 1997, IU is 5-5 against Iowa. Iowa is the only team Big Ten team aghainst whom IU has a .500 or better record in that period. Since 1997, only Illinois (the Hoosiers are now 6-7 against Illinois since 1997) has lost more games to IU than Iowa has. Another fun fact for Iowa fans: Since Mallory was fired, IU has won only five Big Ten road games, and Iowa is the only multiple victim (1999, 2007).

Of course, three of those wins came when Iowa was transitioning from Hayden Fry, whose last season was 1998, to Kirk Ferentz. IU won three in a row from 1998 to 2000. The most recent two wins game in 2006, a memorable comeback upset of the then 15th-ranked Hawkeyes, and in 2007, a really strange game that IU won 38-21 and is most famous for an odd completed-pass-fumble recovery that culminated in Kellen Lewis's backflip into the endzone. To remember happier days, enjoy this video from IU's 2006 win over Iowa (couldn't find any 2007 footage):

Of course, the 2009 Hawkeyes seem likely to present a more significant challenge than either of the Iowa teams that IU has recently defeated. The Hawkeyes have played a bunch of close games, both against respectable opponents (Michigan, Michigan State) and not (Northern Iowa, Arkansas State). Still, the Hawkeyes overall resume is very good, thanks to a home win against better-than-usual Arizona, a road win against Penn State, and a win at Wisconsin. It's reasonable to wonder if Iowa is living on luck, but the Hawkeyes are undefeated against a top 15 schedule. No other team in the country can say that.

How are they doing it? Well, for one (here's the Hawkeyes' NCAA resume), with really freaking pedestrian offensive numbers. Iowa is only #87 in total offense, 91 in rushing offense, 60 in passing offense, and 69 in pass efficiency. The Hawkeye defense has been outstanding. Iowa is allowing only 296 yards per game, and only 14.75 points per game, both stats good enough for top 20 rankings. The Hawkeyes are #5 in pass efficiency defense and, perhaps most key to the team's success are a whopping 1.38 turnovers per game in the black for the season, good enough for #6 in the nation.

The Iowa offense is led by Ricky Stanzi, quickly becoming a cult hero in Iowa even though, as BHGP notes in its previews, his numbers look Ben Chappell look like a star. Stanzi completes only 57 percent of his passes and has 12TDs to 8 INTs. Still, he may well start in the BCS title game, so he's got that going for him. Iowa's leading rusher, Adam Robinson, is now out for the season with an injury, and true freshman Brandon Wegher will be the starter from this point forward. Wegher has been solid, but of course has never been placed in this position before. Iowa's receiving yards have been widely distributed this year, with Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Trey Stoss, Marvin McNutt, and Tony Moeaki all between 373 and 250 receiving yards. Of course, the Hawkeye defense has led the way.

In any event, while this is an uphill battle for IU, given Iowa's less than overwhelming offensive numbers, injury troubles, and defensive focus might make it a low-scoring game in which a key turnover or special teams play (hear that, Ray Fisher) might make a difference. On the other hand, the last time I thought that, Virginia scored 47 on us, and Iowa is much, much better than Virginia. This IU team is impossible to predict, so who knows what will happen?

Northwestern 29, Indiana 28: trying to stomach a gut-punch of a loss.

John M (The Crimson Quarry) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:32:03 -0000

More photos » by Jim Prisching - AP

Is that Bill Lynch's grave these guys are dancing on?

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It's been 48 hours. I am feeling much better physically, thanks for asking, but I can't quite stomach the idea of watching that 3.5 hour file sitting on my DVR. On one hand, I feel as if I need to watch it. This game will, unfortunately, probably be the defining moment of the 2009 season and the Lynch era, and it seems as if I should have it in my memory bank. On the other hand, my time is valuable, and am I going to spend it watching IU celebrate with a 28-3 lead knowing how it is going to turn out? Still, here are the stats, and I'll take what I can from that for now.

The game started well, of course. Darius Willis broke a 70 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. Northwestern went three and out. After the two traded punts, IU took advantage of a Ray Fisher punt return deep into NU territory to score the rarest of the rare, a red zone touchdown. NU punted again, and IU took a 21-0 lead with a 76 yard drive culminating with another Darius Willis touchdown. NU drove for a field goal, and Ray Fisher returned the kickoff for a touchdown and a 28-3 lead. That was the high water mark, at the 7:32 mark. At that point, IU led big, of course, and had a yardage advantage of 195-106 (even with one of IU's TD's scored on a kickoff return and another after a 28 yard drive). After that, the wheels fell off, of course. NU scored two touchdowns to close the lead to 28-17 at the half. Following the Fisher kick return, IU gained only 110 yards to 368 by Northwestern.

The drives in the second half that seem to be causing the most consternation are two drives in which IU went for it on 4th down. Late in the third quarter, with IU still leading 28-19 (a blocked punt led to an IU safety in the third), IU went for it on fourth and goal from the one. A field goal would have pushed the lead to 12. The other was in the fourth quarter, when IU went for it on 4th and 3 from the 33. Frankly, having not yet watched the game, I tend to think the latter was more defensible than the former. In the first instance, it probably made more sense, after having given up 16 unanswered points, to extend the lead a bit. As for the second, I think the decision makes more sense. IU was on the 33, probably outside Nick Freeland's reasonable range, and IU's punting game hasn't been a precision unit. A punt, given IU's lack of precision in that game, probably wouldn't have netted more than 13 yards. Even a single first down would have allowed IU to run a couple of minutes off the clock and perhaps position Freeland for a more makeable field goal. A touchdown would have all but sealed the victory. So, based on nothing more than the stats, I have to defend one of Lynch's two decisions (although I can't comment on the play calls, of course). Finally, given what I said about Freeland's reasonable range, what made more sense: a 59-yard field goal attempt on the last play of the game, or a Hail Mary?

Well, now I have read the box score. Maybe I can force myself to watch the game and gain some more insight on the above. For the big picture, of course, this is a devastating loss for Bill Lynch and for IU's bowl hopes. IU likely will be an underdog in all four of its remaining games. The Purdue game should be competitive, the Wisconsin game would be a significant upset, and an upset at either Iowa or Penn State would be IU's most shocking upset in decades. I had hoped to spend the next couple of weeks checking out the competition for bowl bids. Instead, we probably will be discussing Lynch's future and even possible candidates for the coaching job. Such is life. More as the week continues.

Hey Hoosiers, How's That Queso Smell? Northwestern Claws Out a Win Against Indiana, 29-28

hmlee — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:54:32 -0000

More photos » by Jim Prisching - AP

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Well, if anything confirmed that Indiana is going to be enjoying the Queso Bowl during December, today was probably it. Leading 28-3 in the 2nd quarter, the Indiana Hoosiers somehow managed to let the Northwestern Wildcats wake up and steal this game right out from under them. Indiana currently sits at four wins and with games against Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Purdue finishing out their schedule, six wins and bowl eligibility is going to be very hard to come by.

Northwestern, of course, isn't in much better shape. They need one more win from the group of Penn State, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Given Illinois' horrid play this season, and the stellar play of those other three teams, it's easy to say why today's victory against Indiana was so crucial for Northwestern. If Northwestern can beat Illinois (or, shockingly, upset one of the stronger teams) they can get their six wins and won't be staying home this December.

Of course, a trip to Detroit isn't exactly what I had in mind at the start of this season. 2009 has been quite the dismal and disappointing year for this Wildcat fan. I've been taking a break from my Northwestern writing recently, having focused on Wisconsin and the general Big 10. This was partly due to the fact that I was actually in the Dairy State for the past few Saturdays (and, as such, couldn't see the Wildcats), but the mediocre play of Northwestern also had something to do with it. It gets hard writing about losses, after all.

Indeed, during the first quarter and a half of this game I was attempting to come up with a way to write about another heartbreaking loss at Ryan Field without sounding completely fatalistic. But, thank goodness, that will not be necessary as today I get to write about a vintage Cardiac Cats come from behind win - and I am happy!

This game really did not start out well for Northwestern. A few days ago, we linked to an article on ESPN about the team that got away from the Big 10 - the former founding member - The University of Chicago. Today, it really looked as though my undergrad alma mater Maroons had decided to come up north and take the field in place of the Wildcats. For those who don't know, The University of Chicago is a Division III team.

Yeah, that's how bad it was...

The Rivalry has been featured on CBS Sports! Check out our CBS articles on the Big 10 conference and OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor...

Graham takes a look at the top 11 plays of this season in the Big 10...

A quick summation of the hell that was the start of this game, and my thoughts:

- First play from scrimmage, Indiana has the ball:

Darius Willus rush for 70 yards for a touchdown.

Uh-oh... well... okay, I mean, maybe the Wildcats just had a long night.

- 7-0 Indiana, Northwestern's first series of the day:

Mike Kafka pass incomplete, Kafka pass complete to Arby Fields, Kafka pass incomplete, Stefan Demos punt.

So maybe both the offense AND defense had late nights. It's okay. Just a 3 and out. No need to worry yet...

- Halfway through the 1st quarter:

Ray Fisher punt return for 35 yards to Northwestern 28, rush for no gain, Ben Chappell complete pass to Troy Wagner for 13 yards, Northwestern 5 yard penalty, Mitchell Evans 3 yard rush, Tandon Doss 5 yard rush, Mitchell Evans 1 yard rush, Ben Chappell rush for 1 yard for a touchdown.

Okay, can somebody, anybody, PLEASE MAKE A TACKLE? IS IT THAT HARD? REALLY? HOW MUCH TEQUILA DID YOU GUYS DRINK LAST NIGHT?

- Start of 2nd Quarter, 14-0 Indiana, Indiana at the NU 37:

Chappell pass complete to Tandon Doss for 6 yards, Chappell pass complete to Damarlo Belcher for 19 yards, Chappell pass complete to Wagner for 10 yards, Darius Willis rush for 3 yards for a touchdown.

Sigh... I just... yeah... sigh...

- Demos kicks a 28 yard field goal, 21-3 Indiana...:

Stefan Demos kickoff for 63 yards returned by Ray Fisher 93 yards for a touchdown

Oh good god. Why did I get up today? Why?

At this point, Indiana was up 28-3 and it was looking like it might be a good day to go do some laundry during the 2nd half. I held on, however, partly because of irrational hope and partly because I really did not want to start working on my Crim Law outline.

Somehow, though, in the end of the second quarter, Kafka and the combined forces of Andrew Brewer, Zeke Markshausen, Sidney Stewart, and Drake Dunsmore managed to remember how to play football and scored two touchdowns to make it to halftime, trailing by only 11 points.

So, you might ask, if this was a win, when do I get to the part about the winning? Patience. I'll get there. We just have to slog through the rest of this nightmare first.

Very little happened in the third quarter, with the exception of an interception by Mike Kafka, a blocked Indiana punt which turned into a Northwestern safety, and another Kafka interception.

The second interception thrown by Kafka came at midfield and resulted in Indiana having the ball at the Northwestern 23, leading at this point 28-17. Most of the momentum up until this interception had been in Northwestern's favor, but I felt completely deflated after watching Indiana's Austin Thomas haul in the Kafka pass that looked as though it had almost been thrown right to him. Fortunately, I soon regained a certain measure of confidence.

This is because Indiana is bad. Hilariously bad. I mean it. Really, really bad.

Somehow Indiana managed to screw up a 1st and goal at the Northwestern 7. They rushed the ball to the 2 yard line, before getting pushed back by the defense to the 5 yard line. At 3rd and goal on the five, they completed a pass just short of the end zone, leaving them with 4th and goal at the 1 yard line.

Okay, pop-quiz time. You're Bill Lynch, head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, and it's 4th and goal. You're leading by 11 points and your team is at the one yard line. What DO you do?

A.) Send the field goal unit out onto the field and take the three easy points for a two touchdown lead.

B.) Aggressively go for the touchdown by pounding the ball up the middle with your biggest back.

C.) Put the ball in the hands of your quarterback Ben Chappell (who had three TDs against Illinois) and trust him to complete a pass.

D.) Line up your team in the Wildcat formation with Mitchell Evans under center and attempt to sneakify the ball into the end zone.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner! Those of you who guessed D, congrats, you understand the bizarre psychology of the Indiana coach. The rest of you, see me after class.

Seriously, though, what on earth was Bill Lynch thinking? You're one yard away from a TD that would put you up by 18 points and instead of just conventionally attempting to get into the end zone, you run a Wildcat play for a two yard loss?? My god. Look, I know some other Big 10 coaches have had touchdown success with trick plays this year (Brett Bielema, I'm looking at you) but usually a trick play only works if the defense doesn't see it coming. Not, you know, if they see you're lining up in the Wildcat formation which you've already used at least twice in the game before and know exactly who the ball is going to and when.

The 4th quarter of this game did not end the insanity. The Wildcats were still deep in their own territory after getting the ball on downs from Indiana's failed TD attempt. After marching to midfield, Kafka managed to complete a long pass to Andrew Brewer who chugged his way with an Indiana defender hanging off his helmet for a total of 51 yards and a TD. It was almost as though Brewer felt that if he didn't get that ball into the end zone right then and there, Kafka was likely to deposit it back into an Indiana defender's hands, keeping Northwestern off the board yet again. That touchdown put the Wildcats within two points, down 28-26.

So this must be the point where the drama stops and the winning starts, right? Right?

Well... no, not really.

The defense managed to step up and hold Indiana in their own territory to force a punt. Kafka and the offense back and then he, after only one play, threw yet another interception. Whoops. There goes that comeback drive.

Fortunately the defense didn't seem to resent being hauled back onto the field quicker than they could down a cup of Gatorade and was able to, once again, keep Indiana off the board, despite allowing Indiana to make it all the way to the Northwestern 33 yard line. This was aided by yet another Bizarre Bill decision to throw the ball on 4th and 3 instead of running it or going for the long field goal, thus turning the ball over on downs again when the pass fell incomplete.

At this point, it seemed that the Northwestern coaching staff wised up and realized that they could not trust Kafka to abstain from being intercepted during a crucial drive. So, they put the ball in the hands of Scott Concannon who somehow managed to carve up the stout until then run defense of Indiana. Concannon has missed much of this season due to a concussion, so it was nice to see him get into this game and make an impact on the ground. When the coaches did let Kafka have the ball, they forced him to throw only very short passes or keep it to himself and scramble for downs. Probably a good idea, at this point.

Northwestern made it all the way to the Indiana 2 yard line before failing to score a TD. Stefan Demos kicked a 19 yard field goal to put the 'Cats up by 1 point with under 30 seconds left. I can't lie, at this point I was very, very nervous. I really had hoped for the TD to give the 'Cats some breathing room and I was not at all confident that the defense could keep Indiana out of field goal range.

Luckily, Northwestern was aided by the fact that Indiana was out of timeouts. Yes, that's right, Bill Lynch had somehow managed to use all of Indiana's second half timeouts before the 4th quarter was even halfway over. I don't think I've ever seen poorer clock management on the part of a Big 10 coach, except for maybe Brett Bielema's MSU shenanigans from seasons past.

This turned out to be a difference maker because Indiana simply lacked enough time to run all but one pass play. They were forced to attempt a 59 yard field goal on 2nd down which, while kicked quite far, fell short of the goal posts and ran out the final seconds on the clock, preserving the Northwestern one point lead.

This game really reminded me of the game against Purdue, and it's not just because both teams are from Indiana. Northwestern won today as much because of their own play as because of mistakes and poor play on the part of the opposing team. Against Purdue, it was a large number of turnovers that made the difference, and today it was poor clock management and play calling decisions that doomed Indiana. Now I don't mean to disparage the excellent second half play of this team - the defense really stepped up and players Nate Williams, Ben Johnson, Quentin Davie, and Brian Peters showed what this defense is capable of. But... the reality is that you can't depend on the other team to make mistakes and give you the game on a silver platter. Letting yourself get into a 28-3 hole and then expecting to win is crazy. Lord help us if we actually do make it to a bowl and play like this.

Despite all the disappointments this season has held, I am happy for the win today and am looking forward to the last few games. Perhaps six wins and a bowl await, and then, while I will be considerably let down, I will at least know that we are better than Illinois, which is what really matters, right?

So, until next week...

Go U! NU!

Hoosier Headlines for October 22, 2009: Northwestern game approaches.

John M (The Crimson Quarry) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:42:59 -0000

More photos » by TONY DING - AP

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North Side product beginning to prosper (The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
"Belcher turned a short pass from quarterback Ben Chappell into a 29-yard touchdown, juking Hicks near the 15-yard line. Belcher shook one way and then went the other, causing Hicks to fall on his face."
Focusing on the present is key to Indiana's future (The News-Sentinel - Fort Wayne IN)
"The temptation is there for the Indiana Hoosiers. How could it not be? They have their bowl aspirations. They understand the stakes. Win at Northwestern (4-3) on Saturday and they’re one victory away from bowl eligibility, two from bowl certainty. Lose and, given the upcoming three-game swing of Iowa (7-0), Wisconsin (5-2) and Penn State (6-1), misery seems likely."
IU's evolving offense pays out (Indiana Daily Student )
"As the Hoosiers continue their march through the Big Ten season and toward a possible bowl game, the element of surprise has played a crushing role. In their near victory at Michigan, IU opened the rushing playbook, sending men in motion and confusing the defense on the way to a 197-yard, three-touchdown domination on the ground. And against Illinois on Saturday, the pistol formation – the basis of the team’s offense in the first half of the season – virtually vanished. "
IU defender Mayberry has big role, little fanfare as middle linebacker, team’s top tackler (The Courier-Journal)
"Mention the defense and someone will usually think of sack specialists Greg Middleton or Jammie Kirlew. Press a little further and you may hear Ray Fisher's name in the secondary. But Mayberry is the glue holding the defense together. "

Chappell uses smarts under center (South Bend Tribune)
"The steady junior quarterback almost seemed embarrassed this week to talk about being honored as the Big Ten’s co-offensive player of the week following his career-high 333-yard, three-touchdown performance last week against Illinois."

Pritchard bruises way to better play (The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
"The sophomore’s game is also developing thanks to more competition at practice. Last year, the 6-foot-9 Pritchard was one of three players – Tijon Jobe and Kyle Tabor the others – on the team listed at 6-8 or taller. The Hoosiers added four more to the roster with freshmen."

Dana O'Neil: Indiana's fresh faces offer hope (ESPN)
Yet knowing what he knew firsthand -- just how far Indiana had fallen and just how much work it would take to rebuild it -- Hulls didn't hesitate when it came time to choose a college. He asked for some candy-striped pants.

Second-half outlook: Indiana - Big Ten (ESPN)

Lynch: Northwestern’s efficiency a concern (The Hoosier Scoop)

Misfiring On All Cylinders: Great Spartan Offense, Northwestern Dominance, Michigan Brilliance

grahamfiller10 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:24:34 -0000

I got a call from a friend right before Miami's big game against Florida State. He wanted to know my prediction, which I so quickly gave to him: Florida State 34, Miami (FL) 14. "An easy game to predict," said I while rambling about the improved Seminoles and the fact that Miami hasn't had an effective throwing quarterback since Ken Dorsey in 2002. Obviously I knew very little. Jacory Harris threw for 400 yards and my buddy hasn't let that horrendous prediction go.

My sad sack picking probably means nothing in the scheme of things. I'm not a Vegas oddsmaker and I don't run a 1-800-Pick Em! business. I write on this blog because I can deconstruct Big Ten football happenings in a semi-entertaining and informative way.

However.

I was wrong. About everything.

Tearing on Minnesota for unimpressive playcalling, claiming their lack of run game would doom them? Wrong.

Building up Cousins, calling him the 2nd best QB in the conference and confidently predicting his laser arm would be the difference at Camp Randall? Nope.

Giving Indiana no credit, barely analyzing the matchup and picking Indiana to lose by three touchdowns even though this was an obvious trap game? Not happening.

So I apologize. Don't listen to my predictions. But one thing I can do? Take notes! See below for quick thoughts on the Big Ten's first three games.

Michigan v Indiana

Michigan ran the ball so effectively early, but seemed to go away from the run as the game progressed. This was odd coming from Rodriguez, but the snap problems and Indiana's toughness contributed mightily.

Kirlew, Repogle, Middleton, and the rest of Indiana's defense line put up one hell of a fight against Michigan. Just a hell of a game in Ann Arbor.

Indiana's wide receivers are big men. Belcher, Doss, Turner...The size advantage showed against the small Michigan corners. A catch on a simple crossing route would inevitably be stretched out for a couple more YAC every time.

All 180 pounds of Tate Forcier loves jumping into the endzone. Oh and Law Buck kind of looks like Forcier. Trust me. It's uncanny.

Much respect to Indiana for sticking to the run. Less respect to the out of position Michigan defense for seemingly playing the game on skates.

Carlos Brown got caught by Ray Fisher at the tail end of his long TD run. Carlos Brown has track star speed, 10.3 100 speed, but apparently Fisher has some wheels too.

Wisconsin v Michigan State

Scott Tolzien is so much more competent than Evridge-Sherer and is the unquestioned leader of the Badger offense. The blocking has been solid all year and Bielema has opened up the offense much more than Alvarez ever allowed.

Michigan State at 1-3 is the biggest surprise in this years Big Ten and the secondary should be eviscerated accordingly by The Only Colors. Even Greg Jones got burnt by Garrett Graham.

Minnesota v NW

Whoops! Guess Mini could run the ball, riding Duane Bennett for a game altering 86 yards.

Kafka's statistics are gaudy, but the points aren't following suit.

Minnesota looked in-sync in every facet of the game, smashing the middle of the Wildcat defense while pressuring Kafka effectively and forcing a game clinching fumble.

Corey Wooten was faster and more active than I've seen this year, but the lingering effects of last years injury has slowed him.

IU football by the numbers after three weeks.

John M (The Crimson Quarry) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:06:43 -0000

The NCAA is much-maligned for good reason, but the organization does produce a nice all-in-one stat page that provide and instant look at the results, the upcoming schedule, and where IU stands in the team and individual rankings to date. Also, Maize n Brew has a nice look at the numbers of all Big Ten schools, including IU. How does IU measure up?

The Hoosiers are a middling #60, out of 120 I-A teams, in total offense. The Hoosiers have rebounded nicely from a horrid rushing attack in the Eastern Kentucky game to rank #65 in rushing offense and rank #53 in passing offense. On defense, the Hoosiers' pass efficiency defense is a bit of a concern (#83), but IU ranks #15 nationally in rushing defense, allowing only 76 yards per game. Also, IU is back in 2007 form with an average of 3 sacks per game, good enough for #17 nationally. The Hoosiers rank #33 in scoring defense. Also, IU has allowed only one sack in the first three games, a positive sign for this experienced offensive line.

On special teams, the red flag is net punting: #118 out of 120 teams. Thanks to Ray Fisher's touchdown, IU ranks #19 in kickoff return average.

How are the individuals? Tandon Doss ranks #30 nationally with 90 receiving yards per game and #13 nationally with 7 catches per games. Jammie Kirlew's 2.5 sacks are good enough for #36 nationally.

Perhaps the most important statistic is Sagarin's schedule strength rating: 138. IU has not accumulated these stats against a tough schedule. It gets much tougher on Saturday. More about Michigan tomorrow.