Last Saturday was tough for Indiana football and Big Ten fans to watch–IU losing to Ball State of the MAC conference. Indiana is determined this year to rebuild both the team and its image.
The Hoosiers host the University of Virginia to Bloomington in what hopefully will be a very competitive game. Historically, Virginia is a strong football program, with plenty of players making an impact in the NFL. The Wahoos brought in Coach Mike London last year to head their program, replacing Al Groh.
Two years ago, Indiana was embarrassed in Charlottesville 47-7. Today will be a different story because so much has changed since then.
Lights on at Memorial Stadium Saturday night for Indiana and Virginia.
First-year IU coach Kevin Wilson is wanting that first win has a head coach. He was very frustrated after last weeks game, calling it a rather boring game where the Hoosiers got beaten up on the line.
It was also Edward Wright-Baker’s first game as a starter and he did impress. He showed his versatility passing the ball and running when necessary. Wright-Baker had very little time in the pocket due to a strong pass rush by Ball State. He seemed confident and comfortable for a guy who had watched from the sidelines for the last two years.
He did say post game that he wanted to make smarter decisions and needed to throw to Damarlo Belcher more often. The one long ball he fired Belcher’s way, went for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Indiana must get more yards on the ground Saturday evening against Virginia. The running game was held to just over 100 yards which is not enough to keep the defense honest.
I was impressed with Mitch Ewald’s leg, booting a career-long 49 yard field goal. A strong, accurate leg is a big advantage, especially for a team that won’t blow anyone out.
Wilson is all about changing the culture at Indiana for the better. Things obviously didn’t go to course last week in front of about 40,000 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium. IU has made a commitment to the football program and also playing better non-conference schools.
And today’s one of those games. Virginia will give Indiana a hard time in all aspects. Will the defensive line put pressure on Virginia, will IU wrap up tackles and will the corners get beat? All fair questions and one’s that will be answered tonight.
I expect a great atmosphere for the first game this fall in Bloomington and a night contest. Winning solves everything. And winning begins today.