Indiana University Athletics
Monday Morning QB
4/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 17, 2006
Veteran Indiana radio play-by-play voice Don Fischer says that spring football proves the adage that there are two sides to every story.
"The (April 15) spring game again pointed out that the strength of this football team is its wide receiver corps," Fischer said. "They go at least six to eight players deep. It also says something about the quarterbacks. Blake Powers and Kellen Lewis each had good springs, and Kellen Lewis just makes plays. He made some mistakes, but he has elusiveness and mobility that you just can't teach."
While the Indiana defense was impressive in the first two scrimmages of the spring, the offense was most productive in the Cream and Crimson game. Thus, Fischer points to the other side of the tale.
"At times, the defense was dominant this spring, so it is concerting in intrasquad games if one side proves stronger," Fischer said. "It usually means that there are things to worry about on the other side."
While Fischer has been impressed with the Hoosiers this spring, he has an even greater appreciation for the impact that the coaching staff has made.
"Whenever you are building a program, there are always question marks," Fischer said. "Does the offensive line help establish a consistent running game? Is there enough quality depth at linebacker? While this coaching staff is extremely competitive, it also builds a positive frame of mind and positive attitudes. That is what coaches need to do. Build the thinking process that they're going to get the job done. Whatever seems to be a weakness does not immediately come through when you're talking to this coaching staff, Coach (Bill) Mallory's staff had the same approach, and when you're building a program, that is the only approach to take."
Indiana coach Terry Hoeppner has often distinguished his football team and his football program. The team involves the players and coaches on the field, but the program includes everyone - players, coaches, staff, alumni, students and fans. In 2005, the Indiana football program enjoyed a 39 percent increase in game attendance and 110 percent increase in student ticket sales. Sales for the 2006 season are already off to a great start, and both Hoeppner and Fischer believe that IU is just scratching the surface of what it can do.
"Any time you have seven home games, there is always a chance to go 7-0," Fischer said of the Hoosiers' 2006 home ledger. "Home field advantage can be huge, and if fans approach it the same way that the players and coaches do, Memorial Stadium can be one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten.
"The fans are a factor. We saw a major turnaround last season, and if it continues, Indiana is on its way to a special home field advantage."
