The good, the bad and the kicker

Two weeks have passed. Two wins have transpired. One pretty, one not-so-much. And ahead lies an opponent so close in distance to Bloomington you would be hard-pressed not to label it a "rival." Still, coach Hoeppner has had enough time to evaluate the talent of the 2005 IU football team. But why wait for what coach Hep has to say? \nI say, trust your local columnist. I'll plug in the holes. \nLast week, the triple option that ran on almost every play by Nicholls State developed into the kryptonite that heavily chinked the armor of the Hoosier defense. Three NSU running backs ran for more than 90 yards each during the game. Regardless, the defensive line and, more importantly, linebackers Kyle Killion, Josh Moore and John Pannozzo must show improvement in their ability to stop the option. With a depleted wide receiving corps, University of Kentucky quarterback David Hamilton and running back Rafael Little will carry most of the offensive load. After last week's game, be sure Kentucky will not hesitate to refine themselves at option for Saturday's game. \nOne of the Hoosiers' real problems is situated in the kicking game. Freshman place-kicker John Kleinsmith might be young, but his foot could make the difference between a .500 season and another disappointment for IU. And quite frankly, he stinks. \nI find it amazing that a Division I-A school, which prides itself on seven NCAA titles in men's soccer, is hard-pressed to find a place-kicker in football. I understand these are two different sports and, yes, maybe I've seen "necessary roughness" one too many times, but you're telling me IU can't find one mediocre soccer player who can kick a football 30 yards? Kleinsmith has been horrendous so far this season. Consider it a bit of foreshadowing, but when IU is in a close game against a conference foe, don't depend on Kleinsmith to drill a 35-yard field goal. In fact, I would have more confidence in Scott Norwood. \nOut with the bad. Out with the kicker. Now in with the good. \nThe biggest surprises this season have been the Hoosiers' wide receivers. James Hardy has emerged as a superstar in his replacement of former IU wideout Courtney Roby. Not since Roby's 2002 season has another player recorded back-to-back 100-yard games. Hardy managed to do it in the Hoosiers' first two games. With James Bailey, Jahkeen Gilmore and Marcus Thigpen, quarterback Blake Powers has more than enough reasons to spread the ball across the field this year. \nPowers' play is another reason football fans look forward to the future. Powers has thrown for more than 275 yards in both games for the Hoosiers and has completed 50.7 percent of his passes for seven touchdowns. He is just the "power" IU will need to fuel an offensive tank running on empty for the past few seasons. See -- I used the word "power" to describe Mr. Powers. Seriously, this is Pulitzer Prize-winning writing here, people.\nBut let's not kid ourselves, sports fans. So far this season, IU has faced Central Michigan and Nicholls State, neither of which possess in their individual pinkies the talent of a Michigan or Ohio State squad.\nThe quick change in gears might lead to a Hoosier season stall out. \nIndeed, the road ahead is tough and paved with obstacles. Nothing short of excellence will propel the Hoosiers beyond a decade dug in a ditch of desperation. \nSo sit down, strap in and come out. Support your fellow cream and crimson. Support your right to tailgate. Support your athletics program (even though you already do, financially). \nHell, support yours truly.\nI will be alongside coach Hep and the players as they take "The Walk" two hours before game time against Kentucky. \nI have talked the talk. Now it's time to walk "The Walk"