Indiana University Athletics
QUOTED: Indiana vs. Michigan State
9/19/2018 11:28:00 PM | Football
By: Ben Segelbaum
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana football team (3-0) opens Big Ten play against No. 24/23 Michigan State on Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 ET on Big Ten Network.
Each week we will compile five quotes and storylines recapping the previous game and previewing the upcoming one.
"Encouraged by the growth. To be able to conclude our non-conference slate at 3-0 is what your goal is. We took care of business with that. Now we have to move forward into conference play," said head coach Tom Allen.
All is well in Hoosier land through three weeks as IU is 3-0 for the first time since 2015 and 17th time in program history. Now, all the attention turns to an always tough league slate beginning with a ranked Michigan State Spartans team. Last time the Spartans came to Bloomington, they left empty-handed as the Hoosiers celebrated an overtime Old Brass Spittoon victory.
"We wanted to be aggressive up there and take advantage of the opportunity. That
was the first punt the whole game, so it happened a little late, so I was hoping I wouldn't get tight on the sideline. I noticed that he outkicked his coverage a little bit and our coaches always say if they can buy a couple seconds up top and I have to make one guy or the first couple guys miss – and thankfully everything worked out. Then I had that entourage at the end when I got in the end zone," said fifth-year senior return specialist J-Shun Harris II.
One of the feel good stories of the season so far has been the return of J-Shun Harris II, who has suffered three torn ACLs. Harris made his strongest mark on Saturday when took a punt to the house for his third career score, tying the program record. For his efforts, he was recognized by the Big Ten as Special Teams Player of the Week.
"It's been fun to watch those guys run. Up front, we've been watching more film and have new schemes brought by Coach Hiller and Coach DeBord. I think they've been having a great game plan in what we are executing. I think the most important thing is we are more physical at the line of scrimmage than what we were one year ago. We have to continue that going into week four," said junior left tackle Coy Cronk.
Another bright spot for the Hoosiers on Saturday was the performance by true freshman running back Stevie Scott, who ran for 114 yards to increase his season total to 388. Blocking up front for the back from Syracuse is Cronk. Since his arrival, he has made the start in 28 consecutive games. The Hoosiers also didn't allow a sack in last Saturday's win.
"We know defense is a big part of creating momentum in games, field position, all those things, helps to set up your offense. But we're getting there. I just think we have to create a lot of things pressure-wise, which is what we do. We've done it ever since I've been here. We got to continue to do that," said Allen.
On the other side of the ball, the Hoosiers continue to impress. After giving up 28 points in the opener, they have surrendered a total of 26 in the two games since. On Saturday, Indiana's defense allowed 10 points and collected three sacks and one takeaway.
"We are executing more of our plays each week. At FIU, linebackers might not have executed all the way. The next week (against Virginia) they did better and each week the whole defense has been executing and our players have been communicating on the field. What we do a good job of is we play with a lot of effort we play hard, so sometimes if we don't execute our effort picks up pretty consistently," said junior cornerback A'Shon Riggins.
Riggins has been a bright spot on the Hoosier defense since he played in 12 games his freshman year and collected 37 tackles. In three games this season, Riggins has posted six tackles, two in each game. Heading into Big Ten play, the Hamilton, Ohio, aims for his 50th career solo tackle, as he currently sits at 49.
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana football team (3-0) opens Big Ten play against No. 24/23 Michigan State on Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 ET on Big Ten Network.
Each week we will compile five quotes and storylines recapping the previous game and previewing the upcoming one.
"Encouraged by the growth. To be able to conclude our non-conference slate at 3-0 is what your goal is. We took care of business with that. Now we have to move forward into conference play," said head coach Tom Allen.
All is well in Hoosier land through three weeks as IU is 3-0 for the first time since 2015 and 17th time in program history. Now, all the attention turns to an always tough league slate beginning with a ranked Michigan State Spartans team. Last time the Spartans came to Bloomington, they left empty-handed as the Hoosiers celebrated an overtime Old Brass Spittoon victory.
"We wanted to be aggressive up there and take advantage of the opportunity. That
was the first punt the whole game, so it happened a little late, so I was hoping I wouldn't get tight on the sideline. I noticed that he outkicked his coverage a little bit and our coaches always say if they can buy a couple seconds up top and I have to make one guy or the first couple guys miss – and thankfully everything worked out. Then I had that entourage at the end when I got in the end zone," said fifth-year senior return specialist J-Shun Harris II.
One of the feel good stories of the season so far has been the return of J-Shun Harris II, who has suffered three torn ACLs. Harris made his strongest mark on Saturday when took a punt to the house for his third career score, tying the program record. For his efforts, he was recognized by the Big Ten as Special Teams Player of the Week.
"It's been fun to watch those guys run. Up front, we've been watching more film and have new schemes brought by Coach Hiller and Coach DeBord. I think they've been having a great game plan in what we are executing. I think the most important thing is we are more physical at the line of scrimmage than what we were one year ago. We have to continue that going into week four," said junior left tackle Coy Cronk.
Another bright spot for the Hoosiers on Saturday was the performance by true freshman running back Stevie Scott, who ran for 114 yards to increase his season total to 388. Blocking up front for the back from Syracuse is Cronk. Since his arrival, he has made the start in 28 consecutive games. The Hoosiers also didn't allow a sack in last Saturday's win.
"We know defense is a big part of creating momentum in games, field position, all those things, helps to set up your offense. But we're getting there. I just think we have to create a lot of things pressure-wise, which is what we do. We've done it ever since I've been here. We got to continue to do that," said Allen.
On the other side of the ball, the Hoosiers continue to impress. After giving up 28 points in the opener, they have surrendered a total of 26 in the two games since. On Saturday, Indiana's defense allowed 10 points and collected three sacks and one takeaway.
"We are executing more of our plays each week. At FIU, linebackers might not have executed all the way. The next week (against Virginia) they did better and each week the whole defense has been executing and our players have been communicating on the field. What we do a good job of is we play with a lot of effort we play hard, so sometimes if we don't execute our effort picks up pretty consistently," said junior cornerback A'Shon Riggins.
Riggins has been a bright spot on the Hoosier defense since he played in 12 games his freshman year and collected 37 tackles. In three games this season, Riggins has posted six tackles, two in each game. Heading into Big Ten play, the Hamilton, Ohio, aims for his 50th career solo tackle, as he currently sits at 49.
Players Mentioned
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