Three issues I need to see from Indiana

1. What is going to the offense appear to be?

Tom Allen and first-year offensive coordinator Walt Bell have been about as secretive as doable relating to Indiana’s new-look offense this offseason. Bell has traditionally run a fast-paced offense, so it is going to be attention-grabbing if Indiana tries to maintain the Illinois protection on its heels with an uptempo tempo on Friday evening.

We cannot know the staff’s beginning quarterback till both Connor Bazelak or Jack Tuttle trots onto the sphere for the primary possession, however that is solely a small piece to the unknown.

Auburn switch Shaun Shivers figures to take over because the lead operating again for Indiana, bringing physicality and pace that Allen mentioned Indiana hasn’t had prior to now. North Carolina switch Josh Henderson and freshman Jaylin Lucas add depth to the operating backs room, coached by Craig Johnson, who enters his first yr at Indiana.

Hoping much more to not reveal something, Bell mentioned on Monday that Indiana will rotate eight or 9 receivers on Friday evening. D.J. Matthews made explosive performs for Indiana early final season, however he tore his ACL in opposition to Western Kentucky. Donaven McCulley is making the swap to large receiver this season and brings eye-opening athleticism and dimension, however new receivers coach Adam Henry mentioned McCulley nonetheless wants to shine his footwork and route operating. 

The remaining seven receivers that Bell hinted at taking part in Friday evening would possibly embrace North Carolina switch Emery Simmons, junior school switch Cam Camper, Tennessee switch Andison Coby, Javon Swinton, Malachi Holt-Bennett, Omar Cooper Jr. and Jaquez Smith. 

Allen mentioned AJ Barner might find yourself being the most effective tight finish he is had at Indiana, however the remainder of the room has near zero school soccer expertise. Allen first talked about offensive line play when requested about areas of mandatory enchancment on Wednesday, and that group will definitely play a key position in Indiana’s general offensive success.

2. Comprise Illinois’ run recreation

Coming off a 1,000-yard season and third-team All-Huge Ten honors, Illinois operating again Chase Brown’s transition with a brand new quarterback and offensive coordinator appeared seamless in opposition to Wyoming. Brown posted 167 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns final weekend, and Indiana defensive coordinator Chad Wilt mentioned he is within the higher echelon of operating backs within the Huge Ten.

Indiana staff captain and linebacker Cam Jones hasn’t performed Illinois in his first 4 seasons in school, however he observed that Illinois discovered inventive methods to get Brown the ball on Saturday. Jones mentioned defensive communication will probably be key to limiting Brown’s manufacturing, in addition to following Indiana’s ‘Swarm D’ mantra.

“[Brown] is a really explosive participant,” Jones mentioned. “He’s quick out of the backfield, he runs arduous, he breaks quite a lot of tackles … It takes all 11 of us to swarm to the ball.”

Indiana had a middle-of-the-pack run protection within the Huge Ten in 2021, however the Hoosiers will want a robust, collective efficiency to restrict Brown on Friday.

3. Takeaways, takeaways, takeaways

Indiana went from one of many prime turnover-inducing defenses in all of faculty soccer in 2020 to the exact opposite in 2021. After 17 interceptions led to a 6-2 marketing campaign two seasons in the past, simply 5 interceptions contributed the Hoosiers’ 2-10 season in 2021. 

The explanations behind this drop-off are effectively documented, however there are causes to consider Indiana’s turnover manufacturing in 2022 will probably be nearer to its type of play in 2020. All-Huge Ten defensive backs Tiawan Mullen, Jaylin Williams and Devon Matthews all return from an injury-riddled 2021, and led the 2020 group that so usually compelled opposing offenses to show the ball over. Allen can be again to calling defensive performs for the primary time since 2018, a call stemming from frustration final yr.

“That is the world that I actually really feel is my energy as a coach, and I need to ensure that space is correct,” Allen mentioned. If it isn’t getting accomplished the way in which you need it accomplished, then you definately do it your self, as a result of the buck stops with me.”

If the Hoosiers hope to open their season with a win, they’re going to must have the higher hand within the turnover margin.

Associated tales on Indiana soccer: 

• TOM ALLEN PREVIEWS 2022 SEASON: Indiana soccer coach Tom Allen had his weekly present ‘Inside Indiana Soccer’ with Don Fischer at Southern Stone restaurant on Wednesday to preview the 2022 season, which begins on Friday at 8 p.m. ET in opposition to Illinois. CLICK HERE
• INDIANA’S APPROACH TO CHASE BROWN: Illinois operating again Chase Brown posted over 150 yards from scrimmage with three touchdowns in opposition to Wyoming in Week 0 after a 1,000-yard speeding season in 2021. Indiana linebacker and staff captain Cam Jones mentioned all 11 defenders might want to swarm to the ball. CLICK HERE
• BIELEMA TALKS INDIANA MATCHUP: Illinois defeated Wyoming 38-6 in Week 0, and now the Illini will start Huge Ten play on the street at Indiana on Friday evening. Here is what coach Bret Bielema mentioned concerning the Hoosiers. CLICK HERE