Indiana University Athletics
Quoted: Indiana vs. #19 Utah in the Foster Farms Bowl - Part II
12/19/2016 4:49:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana football players met with the media on Monday to discuss the team's upcoming appearance in the Foster Farms Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 28 (8:30 p.m. ET on FOX) against No. 19 Utah.
We compiled five quotes and storylines previewing the upcoming game.
Junior defensive back Tony Fields: "Utah is very athletic. It will be very important to continue watching film and really learn what they do."
When talking to coaches and players about the Utah team, one word seems to be brought up over-and-over again: athletic. The Utes utilized that athleticism early in the season, flying up the polls to a top 10 ranking. Utah has held a spot in the College Football Playoff Rankings each week and finished the year at No. 19.
Redshirt junior quarterback Richard Lagow: "We are focused on us getting back into a good rhythm and we have done a really good job with that in the past couple days of practice."
The biggest question surrounding bowl preparation seems to revolve around the amount of intensity at practice. Indiana took time off following the Old Oaken Bucket win to allow for rest and recovery after a grueling season. The team has recently upped the intensity to ensure a sharp performance in the bowl game.
Sophomore wide receiver Nick Westbrook: "He [Lagow] is locked in at practice. He understands the offense better, he knows where he wants the ball to go. He has matured a lot over the season."
When Lagow has the time to set his feet and throw, the Hoosiers offense can be lethal. Finding an early rhythm in the Foster Farms Bowl can help to settle the quarterback and the rest of the offense. Lagow completed 60 percent of his throws for over 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. Three different receivers had at least 49 receptions for 600 yards. Westbrook was on the receiving end of 49 throws for a team-high 915 yards and five scores.
True freshman husky Marcelino Ball: "Their plan will be to come in and run the ball. They have a great offensive line."
The Utes offense will likely look to establish its ground game early and often. Utah was fourth in the Pac-12 with 210 yards rushing per game. In fact, the Utes gained more first downs rushing than they did through the air this season. A major key to their success, Utah dominated the time of possession stat, chewing up nearly 34 minutes a game, the top mark in the Pac-12.
True freshman offensive lineman Coy Cronk: "Utah is very big and strong up front. They are very fundamentally sound, they play with tight hands and it is going to be a great opportunity for us. Their sack totals this year have been absolutely ridiculous."
Utah was nationally considered one of the top defensive teams in the country. Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham has made his name as a defensive mastermind. The defense has amassed a staggering 40 sacks this season, with 14.5 coming from Hunter Dimick. Utah ranked in the top five of the Pac-12 in points allowed per game, rushing yards allowed, interceptions and sacks.
We compiled five quotes and storylines previewing the upcoming game.
Junior defensive back Tony Fields: "Utah is very athletic. It will be very important to continue watching film and really learn what they do."
When talking to coaches and players about the Utah team, one word seems to be brought up over-and-over again: athletic. The Utes utilized that athleticism early in the season, flying up the polls to a top 10 ranking. Utah has held a spot in the College Football Playoff Rankings each week and finished the year at No. 19.
Redshirt junior quarterback Richard Lagow: "We are focused on us getting back into a good rhythm and we have done a really good job with that in the past couple days of practice."
The biggest question surrounding bowl preparation seems to revolve around the amount of intensity at practice. Indiana took time off following the Old Oaken Bucket win to allow for rest and recovery after a grueling season. The team has recently upped the intensity to ensure a sharp performance in the bowl game.
Sophomore wide receiver Nick Westbrook: "He [Lagow] is locked in at practice. He understands the offense better, he knows where he wants the ball to go. He has matured a lot over the season."
When Lagow has the time to set his feet and throw, the Hoosiers offense can be lethal. Finding an early rhythm in the Foster Farms Bowl can help to settle the quarterback and the rest of the offense. Lagow completed 60 percent of his throws for over 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. Three different receivers had at least 49 receptions for 600 yards. Westbrook was on the receiving end of 49 throws for a team-high 915 yards and five scores.
True freshman husky Marcelino Ball: "Their plan will be to come in and run the ball. They have a great offensive line."
The Utes offense will likely look to establish its ground game early and often. Utah was fourth in the Pac-12 with 210 yards rushing per game. In fact, the Utes gained more first downs rushing than they did through the air this season. A major key to their success, Utah dominated the time of possession stat, chewing up nearly 34 minutes a game, the top mark in the Pac-12.
True freshman offensive lineman Coy Cronk: "Utah is very big and strong up front. They are very fundamentally sound, they play with tight hands and it is going to be a great opportunity for us. Their sack totals this year have been absolutely ridiculous."
Utah was nationally considered one of the top defensive teams in the country. Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham has made his name as a defensive mastermind. The defense has amassed a staggering 40 sacks this season, with 14.5 coming from Hunter Dimick. Utah ranked in the top five of the Pac-12 in points allowed per game, rushing yards allowed, interceptions and sacks.
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
WR
/ FootballFB: Spring Game - Postgame Press Conference
Thursday, April 23
FB: Bray Lynch - Spring Practice No. 11
Tuesday, April 21
FB: Drew Evans - Spring Practice No. 11
Tuesday, April 21
FB: Nico Radicic - Spring Practice No. 11
Tuesday, April 21