Still Fighting – IU Defense Faces Big Ohio State Test
11/11/2022 10:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - There's no quit. Chad Wilt is adamant about that. Indiana's defense continues to push for a winning edge, keeps working toward difference-making play.
Saturday's trip to No. 2 Ohio State (9-0) is the next chance to show it.
"Our guys continue to fight," the Hoosier defensive coordinator says. "You can't let circumstances dictate your performance. We have to be at our best."
That best starts with what Wilt calls the program's DNA.
"It's takeaways, tackling, and effort. Whether it's play No. 1 or play No. 90, do not let circumstances dictate our behavior."
In the end, it comes down to this -- make the makeable defensive play. It sounds simple. It is not.
Multiple times, the Hoosiers have been in position to make a tackle, intercept a pass, or force a fumble. All too often, it hasn't happened.
"Guys are in position to make plays," Wilt says. That those plays haven't been made, he adds, "begins with us as coaches, holding guys accountable. We have to look at what we're teaching, how we're teaching. How do we drill this differently to get the point across? When we are there, we have to make those plays."
Wilt says 16 missed tackles against Penn State led to 150 Nittany Lions yards.
"We have to get that fixed," Wilt says.
The Hoosiers have worked on closing better in space and improving footwork.
"We've had space, level, and tracking issues," Wilt says. "We have guys dropping their heads while tackling. You can't hit what you can't see."
It would help if standout linebacker Cam Jones was back. He's missed the last month with a foot injury.
"Cam Jones is doing a great job of rehab," Wilt says. "It's week to week. We're looking forward to getting him back as soon as possible."
Head coach Tom Allen says he won't rush Jones back.
"I always care more about his personal health and future. We know he has a bright future ahead of him at the next level. We want to make sure we can help him with that."
Ohio State leads the nation in scoring, at 45.8 points behind Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud at quarterback. He completes 67.9 percent of his passes for 2,453 yards, 29 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
His top receiving targets are Marvin Harrison Jr. (53 catches, 824 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Emeka Egbuka (49, 794, seven). The leading running backs are Miyan Williams (636 yards, 12 touchdowns) and TreVeyon Henderson (552 and six).
"They have got a bunch of playmakers at every layer, even on the offensive line," Wilt says. "The quarterback is outstanding. He deserves all the accolades and credit he gets. The receiver room is as deep as any in college football. The running backs are extremely talented. They have a lot of good tight ends."
Having said that, Wilt adds, "We have to focus on us. What do we do from a schematic standpoint and a fundamental standpoint? You look at who is getting the ball, how are they delivering the ball, where are they getting those guys in space.
"They love to get playmakers in space. We have to put ourselves in position to play and shoot the shots. You don't want to be hesitant and sit on your heels against this team. Be aggressive and attack. Shoot your shots. Leave no bullets in the chambers."
Offensively, getting running back Josh Henderson more touches is a priority. He has rushed for 286 yards and three touchdowns. He's caught 18 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. He leads IU in yards per catch (12.9) and yards per carry (4.5) among the three primary running backs (Shaun Shivers and Jaylin Lucas are the others).
"We have to continue to find more ways to get him the ball," offensive coordinator Walt Bell says. "Josh is a complete back. He can do multiple things well. He has great running and receiving ability. A guy like that, you have to get him the ball more to help this team be successful."
Adds Allen: "We have to continue to find ways to get him more involved. He has turned out to be a complete back. That was one of his strengths coming into the season, and that continues to be true."
Connor Bazelak is back at starting quarterback after missing the Penn State game.
"He's healthier and back to more like we expect him to be in terms of the velocity of the ball," Allen says.
The priority is making good decisions, not turning it over and being successful in early downs, he adds.
"Our offense has to do a great job of taking advantage of opportunities when they come. We have to move the ball and stay on the field."
As far as quarterback Jack Tuttle, who was knocked out of Saturday's game, Allen says he has a shoulder injury and is out for the regular season.
Saturday's trip to No. 2 Ohio State (9-0) is the next chance to show it.
"Our guys continue to fight," the Hoosier defensive coordinator says. "You can't let circumstances dictate your performance. We have to be at our best."
That best starts with what Wilt calls the program's DNA.
"It's takeaways, tackling, and effort. Whether it's play No. 1 or play No. 90, do not let circumstances dictate our behavior."
In the end, it comes down to this -- make the makeable defensive play. It sounds simple. It is not.
Multiple times, the Hoosiers have been in position to make a tackle, intercept a pass, or force a fumble. All too often, it hasn't happened.
"Guys are in position to make plays," Wilt says. That those plays haven't been made, he adds, "begins with us as coaches, holding guys accountable. We have to look at what we're teaching, how we're teaching. How do we drill this differently to get the point across? When we are there, we have to make those plays."
Wilt says 16 missed tackles against Penn State led to 150 Nittany Lions yards.
"We have to get that fixed," Wilt says.
The Hoosiers have worked on closing better in space and improving footwork.
"We've had space, level, and tracking issues," Wilt says. "We have guys dropping their heads while tackling. You can't hit what you can't see."
It would help if standout linebacker Cam Jones was back. He's missed the last month with a foot injury.
"Cam Jones is doing a great job of rehab," Wilt says. "It's week to week. We're looking forward to getting him back as soon as possible."
Head coach Tom Allen says he won't rush Jones back.
"I always care more about his personal health and future. We know he has a bright future ahead of him at the next level. We want to make sure we can help him with that."
Ohio State leads the nation in scoring, at 45.8 points behind Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud at quarterback. He completes 67.9 percent of his passes for 2,453 yards, 29 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
His top receiving targets are Marvin Harrison Jr. (53 catches, 824 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Emeka Egbuka (49, 794, seven). The leading running backs are Miyan Williams (636 yards, 12 touchdowns) and TreVeyon Henderson (552 and six).
"They have got a bunch of playmakers at every layer, even on the offensive line," Wilt says. "The quarterback is outstanding. He deserves all the accolades and credit he gets. The receiver room is as deep as any in college football. The running backs are extremely talented. They have a lot of good tight ends."
Having said that, Wilt adds, "We have to focus on us. What do we do from a schematic standpoint and a fundamental standpoint? You look at who is getting the ball, how are they delivering the ball, where are they getting those guys in space.
"They love to get playmakers in space. We have to put ourselves in position to play and shoot the shots. You don't want to be hesitant and sit on your heels against this team. Be aggressive and attack. Shoot your shots. Leave no bullets in the chambers."
Offensively, getting running back Josh Henderson more touches is a priority. He has rushed for 286 yards and three touchdowns. He's caught 18 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. He leads IU in yards per catch (12.9) and yards per carry (4.5) among the three primary running backs (Shaun Shivers and Jaylin Lucas are the others).
"We have to continue to find more ways to get him the ball," offensive coordinator Walt Bell says. "Josh is a complete back. He can do multiple things well. He has great running and receiving ability. A guy like that, you have to get him the ball more to help this team be successful."
Adds Allen: "We have to continue to find ways to get him more involved. He has turned out to be a complete back. That was one of his strengths coming into the season, and that continues to be true."
Connor Bazelak is back at starting quarterback after missing the Penn State game.
"He's healthier and back to more like we expect him to be in terms of the velocity of the ball," Allen says.
The priority is making good decisions, not turning it over and being successful in early downs, he adds.
"Our offense has to do a great job of taking advantage of opportunities when they come. We have to move the ball and stay on the field."
As far as quarterback Jack Tuttle, who was knocked out of Saturday's game, Allen says he has a shoulder injury and is out for the regular season.
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