Indiana Looks to Slow Down FIU

By: Sam Beishuizen | Twitter
IUHoosiers.com

BLOOMINGTON, ind. - Florida International head coach Ron Turner praised his team's newfound confidence in the preseason.

In his first two seasons at FIU, Turner said his players would hope to win as they combined to go 5-19. He said he sensed a change of mindset in the offseason, saying now that his players believe they can be successful.

Turner's sentiment was vindicated in week one with a 15-14 upset victory against in-state rival Central Florida. But is the win a sign that FIU has turned the corner in Turner's third year with the program?

"It's one game," Turner was quick to tell reporters postgame. "Hopefully it will be, but it's one game. These guys already believe, but it's confirmation of why they believe."

Indiana (1-0) will look to slow down any progress FIU (1-0) has made in the inaugural matchup between the two programs at 8 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Despite Indiana starting the season with a win of its own, head coach Kevin Wilson said the Hoosiers have ground to make up defensively in week two and continue to sharpen up offensively. He said he expects to be challenged on both sides of the ball, pointing out that FIU had three extra days to prepare for Indiana after beginning the season on a Thursday.

"They're building the program," Wilson said. "I expect a great game. I know it's a strong opponent coming in."

FIU ranked among one of the nation's best defensive teams in 2014 and hasn't shown any signs of losing momentum despite a coordinator change in the offseason.

First-year defensive coordinator Ron Cooper inherited nine returning starters from a 2014 team that finished second in the nation in fumble recoveries, 29th in interceptions, fifth in total turnovers and eighth in turnover margin. They also led the country by forcing 10 turnovers in the red zone.

In week one, FIU forced three fumbles in its win against UCF. Meanwhile, Indiana had its first game without a turnover in nearly a year.

"Ball security for Indiana football has always been a big-time thing here," redshirt junior wide receiver Ricky Jones said. "It's one of our goals. We're definitely going to take it a lot more serious this week because they are pretty good at that."

Another potentially pivotal matchup will be Indiana's rushing attack against FIU's rush defense.

The Hoosiers ran the ball 42 times for 246 yards in week one behind the running back duo of junior Jordan Howard and sophomore Devine Redding. They'll look to repeat their success against a run defense that held Central Florida to just 46 yards on 30 carries.

"As a running back, you sort of get excited when you see that," Redding said. "They're a good defense, and we know we're going to have to work for every yard as a team."

Indiana's own defense is looking to capitalize on gains it made in the second half against Southern Illinois. The Hoosiers held the Salukis scoreless in the third quarter, playing the way junior linebacker Clyde Newton said Indiana expects to play.

FIU managed 395 yards of total offense against Central Florida in week one but struggled to capitalize with scores. The Panthers' offense managed better late, outscoring Central Florida 12-0 in the second half.

"We know they've got some play-makers, but really, it's about us this week," Newton said. "We've been coming downhill more trying to hit stuff. Just getting back to Big Ten ball, being a Big Ten defense."

After facing adversity in week one, Newton said he and his defense are excited to get another chance to get back on the field. He and the coaching staff spoke highly of FIU's athleticism and skill across the field.

It was relieving to get the first win out of the way, Redding said, but coaches have already stressed to move on. The season is still just beginning, and Indiana is looking to improve to 2-0.
"We got one," Redding said, "now it's time to get another."

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Players Mentioned

Jordan Howard

Ricky Jones

Clyde Newton

Devine Redding

Indiana University Athletics