COLUMN: Indiana football’s starting quarterback is still a mystery, but is that a problem?

Indiana soccer concluded its second preseason scrimmage Friday afternoon and can finish fall coaching camp on Sunday. Because the depth chart enters its closing phases earlier than the season opener, an important place — beginning quarterback — has but to be decided. 

Indiana head coach Tom Allen spoke to the media Friday, and the quarterback battle was the very first thing addressed. Allen mentioned a choice shall be made within the ‘close to future.’ Nicely, I’d hope so, contemplating Indiana’s first sport towards convention foe Illinois is in lower than two weeks.  

The beginning place has come right down to redshirt senior Jack Tuttle and redshirt junior and College of Missouri switch Connor Bazelak. Tuttle has appeared in 14 video games at Indiana, passing at a 56% clip with 4 touchdowns to his six interceptions. Bazelak received extra reps with the Tigers, taking part in in 24 video games and eclipsing 5,000 yards at a 66.4 completion share, together with 23 touchdowns to his 17 interceptions. 

Whereas the numbers level to Bazelak incomes the beginning function, it seems Allen desires qualities past statistical success. He mentioned there are three issues he’s searching for from the beginning quarterback: command of the offense, safety of the soccer and successful over the locker room. 

I might attempt to break it down from Allen’s key factors, however to be frank, I simply don’t know what to anticipate. In truth, solely the gamers and coaches have an excellent understanding of how the place battle is progressing in the meanwhile. Allen has made it recognized that even when a choice had already been made, he wouldn’t make it public in an effort to forestall Illinois from gaining any scouting benefits. 

Nonetheless, that isn’t fairly the case. He simply admitted the choice continues to be within the air. Is {that a} dangerous signal? I’m going to maintain some hope and say it isn’t an issue, and that as a substitute there are a pair elements delaying this choice. 

The primary is adaptation. Bazelak would’ve been studying a brand new system regardless, however with a brand new offensive coordinator in Walt Bell, Tuttle had some studying to do as properly. It’s exhausting to get an excellent gauge on the expertise stage and the management of the offense in the event that they don’t know the system, so it possible took longer than normal for each quarterbacks to get a grasp of the brand new blueprint, in the event that they even have but. 

The opposite issue is belief. That is a part of the difference ingredient, because the teaching workers must see who they’ll belief throughout the system. This additionally checks out in regard to successful over the locker room, as every man wants to determine belief along with his group. Even Tuttle, who has been right here three seasons already, nonetheless has new teammates becoming a member of this 12 months and would wish to win them over. 

Whereas the timing of the choice isn’t all that necessary, it means so much to an anxious Indiana fanbase that’s hanging on by a thread. After a 2021 season marred by accidents, particularly on the quarterback place, Hoosiers followers are hoping for some stability to steer the offense in comparison with final season’s quarterback carousel. 

I predict that Connor Bazelak will win the beginning function, along with his in-game expertise and gifted arm taking part in a big function. If Allen is true to his phrase, it’ll take 12 days till we see if my prediction comes true.