Indiana University Athletics
Kevin Wilson: Ball State Preview
9/8/2016 10:57:00 AM | Football
How has the team adjusted, with an extra two days for preparation, as they ready for Ball State?
WILSON: The only adjustment we had was that it gave us time from our late travel to have a recovery day for some rest, nutrition and reflection. We've had time to get ready for Ball State, who played very well in their opener. The great deal with Thursday games is that you get a good chance to evaluate yourself and you have plenty of time to put the next game plan together. We're playing a team that played well, and a team with a lot of new staff, so you have to be ready for a lot of new things. I'm sure they haven't shown a lot of stuff yet.
After studying the film, specifically with what quarterback Richard Lagow was able to accomplish, how do you take that momentum from last week and build it into this weekend at Ball State?
WILSON: He's been pretty solid since he's been here. He was really good in preseason and had a good first game. He's got a lot to clean up, as do our other quarterbacks. We keep talking about how that position has to be a good position for us, so we're working a lot. There are guys doing some extra footwork and fundamental stuff as we speak. We've got to keep developing the deal. Richard has some good players around him, so we'll rely on some veterans on the line and in the run game, but he has to continue to grow because he needs to make plays for us to win, including this week.
After looking at what Ball State was able to do to Georgia State last week, particularly on the ground, have you guided your defense toward playing against what they bring offensively?
WILSON: Ball State has a really good running attack. Their quarterback, Riley Neal, can run around and make plays on his feet and throw really well. He's a kid that we recruited, so we know him well and he's a heck of a player. Their best receiver didn't play in the first half, so their passing game will come with his return. Coach Neu's background, coming from the Saints with Coach Payton, reflects that the combination of running and passing is what makes a good team. They ran it well, and it's good that they've got that. I know they'll want to run on us, but they'll also be able to make plays with a veteran quarterback and the return of their receivers. They play balanced football, and it's going to be a challenge for us.
It's the home opener this weekend, which will be the first chance for many fans to come out and see this edition of the Indiana Hoosiers. What's your message for the fans to come out to the home opener for an in-state game against Ball State?
WILSON: We had a great, great crowd down at FIU. When that game started, we had a lot more crimson sitting in the stands than FIU fans. So I really appreciate our Florida folks and the people who traveled down on their Labor Day weekend, along with our families and parents. It was awesome. There's a chance for some weather, but I don't think it'll be bad weather; it's that time of year where you can get some pop-ups. I hope the fans will stay with this team and have a lot of energy in the first half and at the finish. We talk about our team finishing, we want our fans to come in and finish the game with the team because it's going to be a great year.
