Notebook: Richard Lagow Won't Play it Safe
11/7/2017 4:52:00 PM | Football
By: Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana's lack of quarterback depth has Richard Lagow pushing prudence over caution.
In other words, he won't play scared, but he also won't get reckless when the Hoosiers (3-6) play at Illinois (2-7) on Saturday.
"I've got to play my game no matter what," he said, "but at times I should be smart."
Lagow, who started the first five games, is healthy. Peyton Ramsey's status remains uncertain with an injury. The only other quarterback on the roster ready for action is true freshman Nick Tronti. Coaches want to redshirt Tronti, but might be forced to play him if Ramsey misses a second straight game and if Lagow gets hurt.
In other words, good health is a Lagow priority.
"(During Saturday's loss to Wisconsin), "there was a time I could have slid instead of taking a hit," Lagow said. "I have never been a slider, but that was something I should have done with the team's best interests in mind. So maybe a little bit (play cautious), but you can't think about it when playing."
As far as Tronti, Lagow said, "There is no difference in the way we approach him. We all critique each other and talk to each other like we are the starter.
"Nick has been with the offense more than the scout team (in practice). He's been awesome, learning quick, learning from his mistakes and having fun."
COBBS AS QB?
If a quarterback emergency arises, could veteran receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. fill in?
It depends on who you talk to.
"Yeah, I think so," Cobbs said with a smile. "I'm like (former NFL player) Michael Vick back in the day. If it ever comes time, lace me up and put me back there."
Then again, maybe not, Lagow said.
"No. There's not a chance in the world."
As for Cobbs comparing himself to the left-handed-throwing Vick, Lagow said, "(Cobbs) is a righty, so right off the bat that's a bad comparison. There are a lot of things wrong with that."
In the end, Cobbs agreed.
"Hopefully not (play quarterback). It would be a bad problem. I'll stick to catching passes."
NEED A SWEEP
Indiana's prospects for a third straight bowl appearance for just the second time in program history -- IU did it from 1986-88 – come down to winning its final three games. That would give the Hoosiers a 6-6 record and make them bowl eligible.
The last time the Hoosiers won at least three straight Big Ten games in a single season was in 1993, when it won four straight en route to an 8-4 record.
"It's almost like high school postseason," kicker Griffin Oakes said. "You lose and you go home.
"You always want to finish as best as you can. I want one more chance with the guys. If we can do everything in our power to get these three wins and go somewhere, that would be a dream come true. Urgency is at an all-time high."
LAGOW AND THE JOURNEY
BTN's The Journey will feature a Tuesday night story on Lagow and his high school friend, Kara O'Neal, who is battling acute myeloid leukemia.
They have exchanged photos and letters in recent years to encourage each other. Lagow wrote her name on the towel he wore during last year's Foster Farms Bowl
"It first started (with BTN) at (July's) Big Ten media day (in Chicago)," Lagow said. "I talked to them about it. It progressed from there. Last week was the first time I'd spoken to them about it since media day.
"It's great to get Kara out there and let people hear about her story, what she's been through and bring more attention to AML. Show support for Leukemia awareness."
IRON MEN
Senior linebacker Tegray Scales played all 80 defensive snaps, as did fellow linebacker Chris Covington, during last Saturday's loss to No. 4 Wisconsin.
That's 20 more than coach Tom Allen would have preferred.
"I was going with the flow and we started off fast," Scales said. "Things were going smooth. We were about to start rotating our backers, and then (Wisconsin) scored a couple of touchdowns, so I had to stay in and dig out for my team.
"During the game, it was not really that bad. After the game, the effects on your body, you feel it. After we lift, you get over it and get used to it."
BRING ON ONE-ON-ONE
Illinois plays a lot of man-to-man pass coverage. No one will be happier to see it than Lagow and Cobbs.
The 6-4 Cobbs has feasted on man coverage, and just about every coverage, while totaling 59 catches for 662 yards and six touchdowns.
"Any time that we can get him matched up one-on-one, we want to take advantage of that," Lagow said. "Knowing he'll have those opportunities, I'm excited about.
"He wants the ball. He always wants the ball. It doesn't matter if it's man to man or zone. He's a competitor."
Cobbs isn't shy about expressing his get-me-the-ball preference.
"He'll let me know," Lagow said with a laugh. "He'll let the whole team know."
PRACTICE MOMENTUM
IU had a strong Tuesday practice in preparation for Illinois, fifth-year senior safety Chase Dutra said. That included the scout team.
"Most people don't realize that the scout team is a huge part of the week to being prepared. They gave great looks. They helped us understand what we'll see."
That will include an Illinois offense that features two quarterbacks – Cam Thomas and Jeff George Jr.
Thomas, a true freshman, started in last Saturday's loss to Purdue and played most of the game. He was 10-for-20 for 159 yards.
George, who had previously started and rotated with Thomas, is the leading passer with 1,012 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Receiver Ricky Smalling has 24 catches for 415 yards and two touchdowns.
"They have a good running game with one quarterback (Thomas) and a good passing game with the other (George)," Dutra said. "They have good running backs and their receiving corps is pretty solid."
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana's lack of quarterback depth has Richard Lagow pushing prudence over caution.
In other words, he won't play scared, but he also won't get reckless when the Hoosiers (3-6) play at Illinois (2-7) on Saturday.
"I've got to play my game no matter what," he said, "but at times I should be smart."
Lagow, who started the first five games, is healthy. Peyton Ramsey's status remains uncertain with an injury. The only other quarterback on the roster ready for action is true freshman Nick Tronti. Coaches want to redshirt Tronti, but might be forced to play him if Ramsey misses a second straight game and if Lagow gets hurt.
In other words, good health is a Lagow priority.
"(During Saturday's loss to Wisconsin), "there was a time I could have slid instead of taking a hit," Lagow said. "I have never been a slider, but that was something I should have done with the team's best interests in mind. So maybe a little bit (play cautious), but you can't think about it when playing."
As far as Tronti, Lagow said, "There is no difference in the way we approach him. We all critique each other and talk to each other like we are the starter.
"Nick has been with the offense more than the scout team (in practice). He's been awesome, learning quick, learning from his mistakes and having fun."
COBBS AS QB?
If a quarterback emergency arises, could veteran receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. fill in?
It depends on who you talk to.
"Yeah, I think so," Cobbs said with a smile. "I'm like (former NFL player) Michael Vick back in the day. If it ever comes time, lace me up and put me back there."
Then again, maybe not, Lagow said.
"No. There's not a chance in the world."
As for Cobbs comparing himself to the left-handed-throwing Vick, Lagow said, "(Cobbs) is a righty, so right off the bat that's a bad comparison. There are a lot of things wrong with that."
In the end, Cobbs agreed.
"Hopefully not (play quarterback). It would be a bad problem. I'll stick to catching passes."
NEED A SWEEP
Indiana's prospects for a third straight bowl appearance for just the second time in program history -- IU did it from 1986-88 – come down to winning its final three games. That would give the Hoosiers a 6-6 record and make them bowl eligible.
The last time the Hoosiers won at least three straight Big Ten games in a single season was in 1993, when it won four straight en route to an 8-4 record.
"It's almost like high school postseason," kicker Griffin Oakes said. "You lose and you go home.
"You always want to finish as best as you can. I want one more chance with the guys. If we can do everything in our power to get these three wins and go somewhere, that would be a dream come true. Urgency is at an all-time high."
LAGOW AND THE JOURNEY
BTN's The Journey will feature a Tuesday night story on Lagow and his high school friend, Kara O'Neal, who is battling acute myeloid leukemia.
They have exchanged photos and letters in recent years to encourage each other. Lagow wrote her name on the towel he wore during last year's Foster Farms Bowl
"It first started (with BTN) at (July's) Big Ten media day (in Chicago)," Lagow said. "I talked to them about it. It progressed from there. Last week was the first time I'd spoken to them about it since media day.
"It's great to get Kara out there and let people hear about her story, what she's been through and bring more attention to AML. Show support for Leukemia awareness."
IRON MEN
Senior linebacker Tegray Scales played all 80 defensive snaps, as did fellow linebacker Chris Covington, during last Saturday's loss to No. 4 Wisconsin.
That's 20 more than coach Tom Allen would have preferred.
"I was going with the flow and we started off fast," Scales said. "Things were going smooth. We were about to start rotating our backers, and then (Wisconsin) scored a couple of touchdowns, so I had to stay in and dig out for my team.
"During the game, it was not really that bad. After the game, the effects on your body, you feel it. After we lift, you get over it and get used to it."
BRING ON ONE-ON-ONE
Illinois plays a lot of man-to-man pass coverage. No one will be happier to see it than Lagow and Cobbs.
The 6-4 Cobbs has feasted on man coverage, and just about every coverage, while totaling 59 catches for 662 yards and six touchdowns.
"Any time that we can get him matched up one-on-one, we want to take advantage of that," Lagow said. "Knowing he'll have those opportunities, I'm excited about.
"He wants the ball. He always wants the ball. It doesn't matter if it's man to man or zone. He's a competitor."
Cobbs isn't shy about expressing his get-me-the-ball preference.
"He'll let me know," Lagow said with a laugh. "He'll let the whole team know."
PRACTICE MOMENTUM
IU had a strong Tuesday practice in preparation for Illinois, fifth-year senior safety Chase Dutra said. That included the scout team.
"Most people don't realize that the scout team is a huge part of the week to being prepared. They gave great looks. They helped us understand what we'll see."
That will include an Illinois offense that features two quarterbacks – Cam Thomas and Jeff George Jr.
Thomas, a true freshman, started in last Saturday's loss to Purdue and played most of the game. He was 10-for-20 for 159 yards.
George, who had previously started and rotated with Thomas, is the leading passer with 1,012 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Receiver Ricky Smalling has 24 catches for 415 yards and two touchdowns.
"They have a good running game with one quarterback (Thomas) and a good passing game with the other (George)," Dutra said. "They have good running backs and their receiving corps is pretty solid."
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
S
/ Football
K
/ Football
LB
/ FootballFB: Omar Cooper - ISU Postgame Press Conference (09/12/25))
Friday, September 12
FB: Fernando Mendoza - ISU Postgame Press Conference (09/12/25)
Friday, September 12
FB: Week 3 (Indiana State) - Curt Cignetti Postgame Press Conference
Friday, September 12
FB: Inside IU Football with Curt Cignetti - Week 3 (Indiana State)
Wednesday, September 10