In a low-scoring affair, Indiana competed with Penn State throughout in the teams’ conference opener. The game was exciting in the first and fourth quarters — and I’m sure if you ask IU, they’d love to toss out their ineffective middle two quarters.
The Hoosiers fall to 0-15 all-time against Penn State who won thanks to 16 straight points and an Indiana offense that failed to move the ball.
Edward Wright-Baker had started IU’s first four games, but was unable to practice all last week with an ankle injuries, opening the door for Dusty Kiel to get his first ever start. They were also without freshman tailback D’Angelo Roberts who had a minor concussion.
Kiel and the offense got the ball to start the game and it took a series for him to get it rolling but IU just scored three points in the first half as Mitch Ewald booted his third 49-yard field goal of his career.
Due to poor protection, receivers running inside of the first down markers, and the inability to run, the Hoosiers were stagnant until four minutes left in the game. And just by a minute or so, it was too late.
After their initial field goal, Indiana’s next 11 possessions ended with all punts except for a fumble and a pick. Pathetic.
IU’s receivers played poorly dropping easy balls and most notably, running their pattern a yard or two short of the first down marker. DaMarlo Belcher, who considered going to the NFL after last season, looked well off his game. A guy who led the Hoosiers receiving core last year, played like it was his first game ever–tentative, careless and unfocused. Maybe it was just an off day, or maybe he needs to go back to the drawing table.
It was all about the defense for the cream and crimson, who played well enough for a win. They forced two fumbles and intercepted Rob Bolden who started but did not finish the game for Penn State.
Joe Paterno, who coached his 700th career game, wasn’t surprised that Indiana’s defense played inspired.
“I just thought it was a good tough football game. The Indiana kids played well, they were well coached and the best things about us was that we hung in there. We’ve got a lot of work to do, I won’t disagree with that. But we hung in there and won the game. That’s what you’re supposed to do.”
The poor decision of the game goes to Larry Black Jr. who was whistled for a personal foul on a play that IU already had them stopped. He was going hard at Bolden who threw an incomplete pass because of pressure but because of the penalty, they continued to drive down the field.
Just before half, IU made a few questionable play calls. At their own 20 and under a minute to go, Wilson should have had Kiel take a knee or run the ball. Instead they opted for three passing plays that burned little clock and lucky for him, the Nittany Lions missed a field goal.
Much like last week, the Hoosiers scored late in the game as Dusty Kiel connected with tight-end Ted Bolser from 5-yards out with 3:51 to play. The defense again stopped Penn State which gave IU one last try but they couldn’t do it.
In a game where the defense shined, the offensive struggles stood out above the rest. It’s never good when your punter has more total yards than the offense 347 to 260…and he had to punt ten times. All those punts because IU failed to convert on third downs, finishing just 5-of 20. Penn State dominated the time of possession, on offense 37:27 to Indiana’s 22:33.
Indiana showed progress but it didn’t add up to a win.
Kiel finished the day 22-for-44 for 189 yards, one touchdown, one interception. He wasn’t overly impressive but did run the offense much smoother. It seemed from high above that he had a better hold of the playbook and was able to get to plays faster. His accuracy is definitely better and was able to scramble out of the pocket a couple times. IU coach Kevin Wilson still isn’t sold on either Kiel or Wright-Baker.
“They’re both battling, but the only reason he (Kiel) played instead of Ed, and we probably would have played them both, it would have been interesting to see how it would have went, but Ed was not able to go,” Wilson said postgame.
“The offense didn’t help the defense. The defense bailed the offense out a lot today. I think they were 3-for-5 in the scoring zone with three field goals. We forced two turnovers in the scoring zone. They had some yards, but our defense did a great job rallying.”
The good news is plenty of underclassmen are getting a bulk of the playing time and playing well. This is an up-and-coming program and Wilson is playing the best suited players. It’s tough to stick with a program that for so many years has talked about winning.
IU finally made a commitment to the program and it’s clearly tougher than many thought. Though they are just 1-5, stick with this program because I believe with time, they can be where most fans believe they can play–in the middle of the pack.
Things only get tougher as Indiana hosts 5-0 Illinois next week to Bloomington.
Click here to watch Coach Wilson’s postgame press conference and player interviews.