Indiana University Athletics
Kevin Wilson: Michigan State Preview
9/29/2016 3:44:00 PM | Football
How has the team responded from Wake Forest in preparation for the Big Ten opener against Michigan State?
"It is going to be a great challenge. We saw some things [from the Wake Forest game] that were correctable by error, but we also saw some times that we need to play harder and more physical to run the ball and stop the run. We have a great challenge in Michigan State, but we have had a good week."
Coach Allen talked about the importance of a pass rush, was that an emphasis this week in practice?
"That has always been the case. We have not been that good at it. If we pressure, we have had cover issues. If we stay in our four-man pressures, sometimes we are getting thick and it is guys making one-on-one plays. That is nothing new. You always have to protect your quarterback, attack their quarterback, run the ball, stop the run, take care of the ball and kick the ball well. That is the formula that wins no matter the offensive or defensive scheme.
"Michigan State is going to be a difficult challenge. They have a lot of formations, they have a lot of skillsets, they are going to run it to stay on schedule and they have a fifth-year quarterback who I know will bounce back. Our defense has been better, but we have a long way to go. We have had a good week of practice, but it will be a tough challenge for these guys. I am looking forward to seeing how the guys play this week."
How have you seen Richard Lagow bounce back from a tough game last weekend?
"Again, we have addressed those issues that were just as much ours (the coaching staff). We talked about his ability to stay calm when things were going good. We talked about his body language and ability at halftime and on the sideline to help lead us. It is kind of tough when you are not performing well and in a funk, but most of the performance was not directly him, it was execution or play calling. I think he understands that. I think our coaches, as well as the offense, know we need to play better."
