Indiana University Athletics
Ask Coach Hep
4/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 18, 2006
Bob Wright
Coach,
With a 12 game season, what is considered a winning season for bowl eligibility, 6 and 6, or 7 and 5? I am figuring on a better record than either one, but it is good to know.
Bob,
Good question! It is going to be decided this spring, but it appears that 6 & 6 will make you bowl eligible. That's why defending the "Rock" with our seven home games is so important. Go Hoosiers!
Coach Hep
Mike Hirschberg
Coach Hep,
One area that IU traditionally struggles with is pass coverage. However, I was impressed with Tracy Porter's play last year, as well as that of Will Meyers and Troy Grosfield. With that being said, do you feel Grosfield will be ready to start again in the fall? Also, do you see any younger players such as Chris Phillips, Austin Thomas, Bruce Hampton or Rayshun Calhoun playing significant minutes? Thanks Coach.
Mike,
Our pass defense and our defense in general have played very well this spring. The offense made some big plays in the spring game on Saturday. It was a combination of excellent execution by the offense on several plays and being out of position by the defense on some others. Troy Grosfield missed the entire spring after knee surgery this winter, and having him back this fall will be important to our secondary. The errors made on Saturday are for the most part correctable so I am encouraged and confident that our pass defense will be better in '06. Thanks for the question.
Coach Hep
Baron Coleman
Great job this year! I am excited about the future, but I have a
question about scheduling. I know it is great to rack up a few wins
before league play begins, but can we expect some big-name games at
home over the next few years? How about some regional games with
other conferences, like Iowa State, Louisville, Cincinnati, Missouri,
Pitt, or Vandy?
I think ticket sales would go up for these types of schools from recognizable conferences, and it would show that IU is ready and willing to play on a big stage.
Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the Rose Bowl soon...
Baron,
Scheduling for football is complicated at best. When the 12th game was made permanent, it was made even more complex. You want a good balance of non-league opponents. We talked with most of the schools you mentioned, but every one is trying to schedule the most attractive home schedule possible while also getting seven games at home. As a result, we are forced to schedule years in advance and that also limits who you can schedule. All schools are in the same boat when it comes to scheduling. We need our program to grow so that we truly have a home field advantage. Thanks for your question.
Coach Hep
David W. Stewart
Coach,
You and your staff are doing a great job and congrats on your first season. The team definitely showed progress! Are we going to attempt more 4th and 1's this year? Or at least keep the other teams guessing? Thanks.
David,
I would prefer we get the first down or touchdown on third down so I don't have to make that many 4th and 1 decisions this year. We will take some "calculated risks" as opposed to gambles. To me there is a big difference. A lot goes into making that 4th and 1 decision, but that's part of what makes our game great. Go Hoosiers!
Coach Hep
Keith Nance
Coach Hoeppner,
Being a high school O-Line coach, replacing graduating lineman is always my top priority and the one that presents the most challenges. Creating a cohesive group and gaining experience (schemes & protections) being the challenge.
Losing many starters from last years team and playing in a conference dominated by line play, how is our progress in filling the holes up front?
Keith,
I agree with you that the most important position on the team is the O-line. That's not taking anything away from any other position, but it's a fact that O-line is the only position that by rule says how many players you have to play. You don't have to have a QB, but you have to have 5 O-linemen to run an offensive play. It is also very demanding both physically and mentally. That's why experience is so important to the O-line. We recruited 7 O-linemen in this years recruiting class and some of them may be in the 2-deep. You'll continue to see us recruit tall athletic linemen. Like every other position on the team, "if you can run then you can play". Go Hoosiers!
Coach Hep
Jason Hankins
Coach Hep,
I have been a football fan all my life. I have played high school football I have a great passion and insight for the sport. I would like to know if you have any advice on how to look into a career of coaching? Should I try to contact my local high school and see if they have any assistant positions available?
Jason,
There is no magic formula to follow to become a football coach. I started out as a high school assistant, but always thought I would be a head coach one day. You don't have to teach in the school system to be part of a high school most staff most places now days, so I would start with your local high school and see if they need another coach. Be prepared to work long hours with little pay to start out. But the reward for being part of influencing a young man's life is priceless. Good luck.
Coach Hep
