Spring Maximized – Hoosiers End with Offense-Over-Defense Showcase
4/12/2019 10:52:00 PM | Football
BY Pete DiPrimio
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – It wasn't about the score.
Well, it was for those who like to eat steak over hot dogs, and you'd better believe Indiana's offense is going to enjoy the beef they earned with Friday night's 48-33 Spring Game victory over the defense.
But this was about far more than food.
It was a chance, in the 65 or so live plays that were run at Memorial Stadium, to display a new offense, a new defense and a new attitude that these Hoosiers are finally ready to deliver the consistent excellence they've previously only shown in inconsistent doses.
"We set out to have fun and improve," quarterback Peyton Ramsey said. "Showcase what the new offense is all about. It was fun getting out there. We only have so many opportunities for a live scrimmage. "
As for the defense, defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald said, "The defense still had some mistakes. That happens with a young defense, but the energy level was amazing out there. We were flying around, creating takeaways. It was a great spring game."
There were three defensive takeaways, three offensive touchdowns and plenty of other big moments in a modified game set up.
"We have a lot of intensity and energy on both sides of the ball," Fitzgerald said. "The offense made a bunch of great plays from Donavan Hale to Ty Fryfogle to all the young guys The running backs were running hard."
The game had an element of mystery due to the unique scoring system and a bit of whimsey (yes, kicker Charles Campbell did make four field goals that counted IN BETWEEN the first and second quarters).
Specifically, the offense could score in the usual way -- touchdowns and field goals. The defense earned two points for a stop, three for a three-and-out, three for a fourth-down stop, three for a missed field goal, five for a takeaway, five for a safety and seven for a defensive touchdown.
"We love it," Fitzgerald said about the scoring system. "It makes it tougher for the defense. The offense has more opportunities to score. It's in our hands to stop them. That's how good defenses become great. We embraced the challenge and tried to win the game."
The 6-foot, 206-pound Fitzgerald seems up for the challenge. He's lost weight and gained speed and strength under the direction of director of athletic performance David Ballou and athletic performance coach Dr. Matt Rhea.
"It's like night and day," Fitzgerald said about his improvement in his 20-yard speed. "Last year I was bigger and thicker, upper and lower body. Coach Ballou and Dr. Rhea developed my body. I slimmed down, but still had muscle. I feel great about it."
Veterans such as receiver Nick Westbrook and running back Stevie Scott didn't play Friday night. They didn't have to. Coach Tom Allen knew what they could do, and he wanted no part of injury risk with them.
Ramsey took advantage of his heavy workload (Jack Tuttle was out with an illness; Michael Penix Jr. was limited to only 7-on-7 action as he continues to recover from knee surgery) to throw for nearly 300 yards.
"Overall, I was pleased with the 15 (practice) opportunities we were given," Allen said. "I think our guys maximized every one of them. It was a good conclusion to a great spring."
As for the game, a 3-3 score at the end of the first quarter suddenly became a 15-3 Offensive edge.
Why?
Because Campbell -- who is in a rigorous competitive with Logan Justus for the starting kicker job -- kicked four field goals during the break.
Ramsey was as accurate as we've come to expect in the first quarter, going 8-for-11 for 79 yards. Defensive back Jamar Johnson had a sack, although it wasn't really a sack because no one was allowed to actually hit Ramsey. Given he was the only healthy quarterback, it seemed a wise decision.
Ramsey's 33-yard pass to Hale set up a 40-yard field goal Justus. Ramsey later had a 39-yard touchdown pass to Fryfogle. Running back Kristian Pechac added a 2-yard touchdown run. Ahrod Lloyd also had a 2-yard TD run.
The defense came up with some big stops. Noah Pierre recovered a Lloyd fumble that was forced by defensive lineman Brandon Wilson. Later, Ramsey hit Marshall for a big gain, but linebacker Robert Tolbert IV forced a fumble and Johnson
recovered. Defensive back A'Shon Riggins added an interception.
There were two 7-on-7 sessions, which gave Ramsey a break and gave Penix a chance to get in some non-contact passing drills.
Overall it was exactly what Allen was looking for.
"It was a good spring game. You never know how things will play out. Guys played hard. I was pleased with the amount of reps we got, about 65 of live go. That's what we need right now.
"We have a lot of young guys out there. You want to keep blocking and tackling and hitting. Execute on both sides of the ball. We wanted to be crisp and sharp.
"Peyton had to take a bunch of reps. We tried to give him a little break and let Mike run the skelly.
"The three takeaways were big. That's our goal for a game. On the other side of the ball, we gave it up, which isn't good. We've done a good job of protecting the ball the entire spring. Our defense is a takeaway-driven team. That's what we emphasize -- attack that ball. That's what the guys did. We have to take care of the ball and keep taking the ball away."
Beyond that, spring award winners were announced at halftime. They were:
Most Improved Offense: Miles Marshall
Most improved Defense: Noah Pierre
Most Outstanding Offense: Donavan Hale
Most Outstanding Defense: Andre Brown.
In the end, Allen returned to his defensive roots, which is what you'd expect from the former defensive coordinator.
"On defense, we kept it simple. We didn't bring a lot of pressure. Just let the guys get their eyes right, set their feet and play football.
"The speed we have, the depth we have. We played a lot of guys and didn't see a big drop-off. That's what we have to have in recruiting. We have to continue developing the guys."
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