Indiana University Athletics
Johns: Michigan Presents All Kinds of Challenges
11/18/2016 11:46:00 AM | Football
By: Ben Segelbaum
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana football team embarks on their second straight matchup with a top 10 team as it faces No. 3 Michigan on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN. Hoosiers offensive coordinator Kevin Johns spoke with the media about the team's progression and the challenges the Wolverines present.
The progression starts at the quarterback position and as redshirt junior quarterback Richard Lagow has steadily grown as a player this season, his coaches are taking notice.
"We thought Rich played really well (against Penn State) and we thought that he practiced really well during the week," Johns said. "If you ask a lot of our players, they will say that he was as decisive throwing firm balls as we've seen in a long time. On Saturday, typically if you practice well within the week, you'll play with more confidence. I really think he's taken his game to a new level."
Giving up only 2,447 yards and 12 offensive touchdowns in 10 games, the No. 1 ranked total defense will present quite the challenge for the Hoosiers.
"Michigan is very stout," Johns said. "They're big upfront, they're strong guys, they're going to play challenge press-man all over the field for four quarters. Everything in the passing game will be challenged and difficult in a competitive place. They run very well. They are a really disciplined defense, and I think they're very well-coached. That's why they are one of the best teams in the country right now, so it'll be a tremendous challenge."
If the Hoosiers are to stop Michigan's challenging defense, they must go through Jabrill Peppers.
"You never really know where he's going to line up or where they're going to put him," Johns said. "He can create problems and he's a great player. I know they use him on offense, as well as in the return game. He's a special player for our league and for their team, and I know our guys are excited about the challenge."
The challenges for the Hoosiers don't stop with who they face on the defensive side of the ball, come Saturday, IU will be surrounded by over 100,000 fans inside Michigan Stadium. The job for Johns this week was keeping his offense's focus away from the crowd and on the player in front of them.
"We need to just focus on them and go as hard as we can one play at a time and do that as many plays as we have to," Johns said. "We have to not get caught up in everything else that's around you, the weather and the stadium. Just go play ball."
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